DNREC needs your help tracking wild turkeys

DELAWARE – Have you seen any wild turkeys in your area?

In the first state, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control needs your help tracking them.

In the late 1800s people hunted turkeys to local extinction, so state officials say this is an effort to build back their population to a healthy number. With DNREC’s annual volunteer survey, it helps them to gather data on annual turkey productivity,  tracking the health of their population.

DNREC says they’re looking at all turkeys, male and female, but most importantly poults per hen for a collective study. “We were looking to standardize these surveys that’s why we ask folks to stick with the form that’s provided on the website because it asks all of the relevant information that we need to have the data survey points count toward the larger analysis,” said Gary Macy, with DNREC’s Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife.

DNREC recommends not making duplicate sightings. The survey is available now until August 31st. Click here to participate.