The state’s Department of Environmental Conservation is encouraging New Yorkers to participate in a survey for wild turkeys throughout the month of August.

Citizen-science efforts provide wildlife managers with invaluable data and give the public the opportunity to partner with the DEC to help monitor New York’s wildlife resources. Participants can record observations of turkeys while exploring the forests and fields around their homes or while driving through the state’s landscapes this summer.

Since 1996, the DEC has conducted the Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey to estimate the number of wild turkey poults (young of the year) per hen statewide. Weather, predation, and habitat conditions during the breeding and brood-rearing seasons can all significantly impact nest success, hen survival, and poult survival. This index allows us to gauge reproductive success and predict fall harvest potential.

During the month of August, survey participants record the sex and age composition of all flocks of wild turkeys observed during normal travel. Those who would like to participate can download a Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey form from the DEC website: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/48732.html.

Detailed instructions may be found with the data sheet. Survey cards may also be obtained by contacting the regional DEC office at 402-8886, or by e-mailing [email protected] (type “Turkey Survey” in the subject line). Observations may also be submitted online at http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/48732.html.