Public encouraged to take part in summer turkey survey

The public is invited to participate in the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s annual summer turkey brood survey July 1-Aug. 31.

The survey provides useful estimates about annual production by wild turkey hens and how many poults, or young turkeys, survive the summer brood-rearing period. These records and observations inform management decisions regarding wild turkeys, their population size and habitat needs.

During July and August, survey participants are asked to record all turkeys they see. Visit OutdoorNebraska.gov and search for “turkey survey” for instructions and the survey link. The link can be bookmarked on a phone for easy use in the field.

“The survey results have been really important in helping us understand our turkey populations, and, because of that, we appreciate the people who take the time to complete the survey,” said Luke Meduna, Game and Parks’ big game program manager. “While we have seen declines in the turkey population across some of the state, brood sizes, hen, poult and tom ratios in recent years have remained consistent with historic rates.”

View the 2023 spring survey results at OutdoorNebraska.gov; search for “wildlife surveys.”