DEC seeks public’s help in wild turkey survey

The Department of Environmental Conservation is asking New Yorkers to help in surveying wild turkey populations. Read the news release below for more information:

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today encouraged New Yorkers to participate in a survey for wild turkeys.

“Citizen science efforts like the Summer Turkey Sighting Survey provide DEC’s wildlife managers with invaluable data while giving New Yorkers the opportunity to partner with us and help monitor New York’s wildlife resources,” Commissioner Seggos said. “I encourage residents to take the time to record any observations of turkeys while exploring the forests and fields around their homes or driving through the state’s beautiful landscapes this summer.”

Since 1996, DEC has conducted the Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey to track wild turkey populations and 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. In addition, survey cards can be obtained by contacting a regional DEC office, calling (518) 402-8883, or e-mailing [email protected] (type “Turkey Survey” in the subject line). Participants can also submit observations on-line. Visit the DEC website link above and click “Summer Wild Turkey Sighting On-line Report.”

Additional information is available on the DEC website:

· Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/48732.html

· Citizen Science Initiatives: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/1155.html

· DEC Regional Office Contact Information: http://www.dec.ny.gov/about/50230.html