The state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is asking people in Northern New York to participate in a survey for wild turkeys to help state biologists better understand the bird.

“Citizen science efforts like the Summer Turkey Sighting Survey provide our wildlife managers with invaluable data and give people the opportunity to help DEC monitor New York’s wildlife resources,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “I encourage everyone to take the time to record their observations of turkeys while exploring the forests and fields in their communities or while driving through our state’s beautiful landscapes this summer.”

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, calling (518) 402-8883, or by e-mailing wildlife@dec.ny.gov (type “Turkey Survey” in the subject line). Participants can also submit observations on-line. Visit the link above and click “Summer Wild Turkey Sighting On-line Report.”

Since 1996, DEC has conducted the Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey to estimate the number of wild turkey poults (young turkey born this 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 helps DEC to gauge reproductive success and predict fall harvest potential.

Additional info: Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/48732.html, Citizen Science Initiatives: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/1155.html and DEC Regional Office Contact Information: http://www.dec.ny.gov/about/50230.html.