State needs volunteers to count gobblers
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has put out a call for volunteers to count wild turkeys during the month of August.
Participants are asked to record the sex and approximate age of all flocks observed during normal travel. (Be alert: Turkeys can run as fast as 12 mph.) To take part, download an application form at dec.ny.gov. Survey cards can be obtained by calling 518-402-8886 or e-mailing [email protected] with “Turkey Survey” in the subject line, or observations can be submitted online.
The DEC has conducted the survey since 1996 to estimate the number of wild turkey poults per hen statewide. Weather, predation and habitat conditions during the breeding and brood-rearing seasons can all impact nest success, hen survival and poult survival.
