New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is encouraging New Yorkers to participate in surveys for the popular game birds, wild turkeys.

“Science efforts that the public can assist in provide our wildlife managers with invaluable data and give people the opportunity to partner with DEC to help monitor New York’s wildlife resources,” DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said. “I encourage residents to take the time to record your observations of turkeys or pheasants while exploring the forests and fields around your home or driving through the state’s beautiful landscapes this summer.”

Since 1996, 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 DEC to gauge reproductive success and predict fall harvest potential.

During August, survey participants record the sex and age composition of all flocks of wild turkeys observed during normal travel. Those interested in participating can download a Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey form along with instructions and the data sheet directly at http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/48732.html. Survey cards can also be obtained by contacting a regional DEC office, at (518) 402-8886, or fwwildlf@gw.dec.state.ny.us, typing “Turkey Survey” in the subject line.