Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is seeking volunteer citizen scientists to assist with wild turkey brood surveys. This initiative aims to help biologists monitor turkey population trends and reproductive success.

Summertime marks the hatching period for young turkeys. By counting these young birds along with adult females, biologists can assess trends in reproductive success and the survival rate of young turkeys. Additionally, biologists count male turkeys to estimate total wild turkey abundance, male-to-female ratios, and adult survival rates.

Participants are requested to report sightings of young turkeys, adult females, and adult males during the months of June, July, and August. Observations should include details such as the county and date of each sighting.

The preferred method for submitting turkey sightings is through IDNR's electronic wild turkey survey online. The survey is accessible via personal computers and mobile devices through any internet browser or the Survey123 app. For those unable to use the electronic survey, postcards can be mailed upon request by emailing DNR.Turkey@illinois.gov.