By Blake Jackson
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is encouraging residents to report wild turkey sightings this summer as part of its long-running Wild Turkey Brood Survey.
The information collected helps wildlife biologists evaluate turkey reproduction and monitor population trends across the state.
The survey has been conducted every year since 1959 and focuses on observations made during June, July, and August. Sightings reported by MDC staff, volunteers, and members of the public are recorded by county and later analyzed at regional and statewide levels.
“We calculate the poult-to-hen ratio – the average number of poults observed per hen observed – from the turkey sightings submitted during the Wild Turkey Brood Survey,” said MDC Turkey Biologist Nick Oakley.
“This poult-to-hen ratio can provide insight into the quality of the hatch that year, and we can look at trends in turkey production to predict how turkey abundance might change in the near future.”
Anyone who spots wild turkeys can submit observations, but those who register as official survey cooperators receive additional benefits.
Registered participants are sent reminders before the survey begins and receive a summary of the results once the season concludes. They may also request a copy of the observations they submitted.
Individuals interested in participating or learning more about the survey can visit the MDC website at https://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/turkey/wild-turkey-brood-survey.
Photo Credit: istock-peopleImages
Categories: Missouri, Livestock, Poultry