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The survey will allow F&G to see turkey population trends over the years.
IDAHO – Idaho Fish and Game launches new project — Follower of Turkey — to learn more about the state’s turkey population. The agency asks people to spot and record wild turkeys on the Fish and Game website , especially during July and August when hens are with young.
The annual turkey survey will rely solely on people reporting turkey sightings, including how many birds were seen and in what county they were seen. Reporters also have the option to download photos of the birds, but are not required to report sightings of the photos. Turkey trackers can also download an app to report sightings.
“The purpose of this annual survey is to monitor wild turkey reproduction and population dynamics across the state,” said Jeff Knetter, Fish and Game Upland Game and Migratory Game Bird Coordinator. “The reports obtained will help managers monitor breeding trends and turkey populations, which will help us make management recommendations so we can preserve the wild turkey. population in Idaho.”
Prior to this, Fish and Game did not have a formal population survey for wild turkeys. This survey provides two important types of information:
- July and August brood survey
A brood survey provides information about productivity, which is the number of live offspring produced in a population. A brood consists of at least one adult hen with a brood (poult). Summer brood survival is a major driver of population trends. This survey will help determine the average brood size, the percentage of hens with poults, and a ratio of the total number of offspring to the total number of hens. - Year-round distribution survey
It provides an assessment of where birds are found, helping wildlife managers track habitat use throughout the year and whether turkey ranges are expanding or contracting.
“We’re very excited about this new project, and we really hope people across Idaho are, too,” Knetter said. “This is a fun and simple way to make a big difference for the state’s wild turkeys, and people can help wildlife managers better understand these unique and interesting birds.”
