Winter Wild Turkey Flock Survey
Along with weather conditions during the spring and early summer nesting season, winter conditions (e.g., days below freezing, snow depth, etc.) can significantly impact wild turkey populations, particularly young birds (jakes and jennies). The Winter Wild Turkey Flock Survey is conducted from January through March and is used to monitor trends in relative abundance of turkeys statewide and within major regions of the state. This survey helps us assess the general health of the wild turkey population prior to the breeding season in the spring.
A pilot survey was conducted during winters 2006 through 2008, and the first formal, standardized winter survey will be conducted in winter 2009. Our goal is to collect observations from every county in the state. This is an opportunity for people interested in wildlife to partner with DEC to help monitor wild turkey populations.
If you would like to participate, a Winter Wild Turkey Flock Survey form will be available for download from this website in December. You can use this form to record the number of wild turkeys you observe from January through March. More detailed instructions can be found at the top of the data sheet. You can also view, print, or download a map of Wildlife Management Units to assist you in completing your survey (463 kb PDF).
Results from the winter 2009 survey can be viewed by clicking on the link to the left.
More about Winter Wild Turkey Flock Survey:
- 2009 Winter Flock Survey Results - A summary of results from the winter 2009 survey.
