Syracuse.com - Seen a wild turkey lately? Contact the DEC and make a contribution to its statewide survey

[HuntingNY-News]

During the month of August, survey participants are asked to record the sex and age composition of all flocks of wild turkeys observed during normal travel.

The following is a DEC press release:

Since 1996, the state Department of Environmental Conservation 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 the DEC to gauge reproductive success and predict fall harvest potential.

"Citizen science efforts such as these provide our wildlife managers with invaluable data and give people the opportunity to partner with DEC to help monitor state wildlife resources," DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said.

During the month of August, survey participants are asked to record the sex and age composition of all flocks of wild turkeys observed during normal travel.

Individuals interested in participating can download a Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey form from the DEC website.

Detailed instructions can be found with the data sheet. Survey cards can also be obtained by contacting your regional DEC office, by calling (518) 402-8886, or by e-mailing [email protected] (please type "Turkey Survey" in the subject line).

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog