St. Lawrence County residents are encouraged to report wild turkey sightings during August as part of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) annual Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey.

The survey, conducted since 1996, helps DEC biologists track wild turkey productivity by measuring the ratio of poults, or young of the year, to adult hens. The information is used to evaluate reproductive success and predict future turkey populations and hunting opportunities across the state.

According to the DEC, turkey reproductive success in New York has generally remained higher than in many southeastern and Midwestern states, although lower than levels seen in the early 2000s.

In 2024, statewide reproductive success reached its highest estimated level in more than 15 years, which the agency attributes in part to favorable spring weather.

Residents who see a flock of wild turkeys during August are asked to record the number of adult females, adult males and poults before submitting the observation through the DEC's online reporting system.

Participants should report each flock only once and only when they are confident they observed the entire group, as partial counts can affect survey results.

The DEC also recommends using binoculars to improve the accuracy of observations.