IDAHO, USA — People can trot out into nature and help record state turkey sightings. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) is starting a new way to record the number of turkeys in the state. The "Turkey Tracker" will help the agency see trend in the population and give a better idea to how many there are.
"The purpose of this annual survey is to monitor wild turkey reproduction and population dynamics throughout the state," said Jeff Knetter, Fish and Game Upland Game and Migratory Game Bird Coordinator. "Reports obtained will help managers monitor trends in turkey reproduction and populations, which will help us make management recommendations so we can sustain wild turkey populations in Idaho."
People can help the agency by getting on the website and reporting sightings, there is even an option to upload photographs.
July and August Brood Survey:
A brood survey provides information on productivity, which is the number of surviving offspring produced in a population. A brood consists of at least one adult hen with young (poult). Summer brood survival is a primary driver of population trends. This survey will help determine average brood sizes, percentage of hens with poults, and a ratio of the total number of offspring to the total number of hens.
Year-round distribution survey:
This provides an assessment of where birds are located, which helps wildlife managers track habitat use throughout the year and if turkey range is expanding or contracting.
"We're excited about this new project, and we really hope people throughout Idaho will be too," Knetter said. "It's a fun and simple way to make a big difference for the state's wild turkey flocks, and people can help wildlife managers better understand these unique and interesting birds."
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