DEC asks for public's help with wild turkey survey

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is asking the public to watch wild turkeys and report any sightings they have in an online form. The Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey is a way for the DEC to track wild turkey population, reproduction, and habitat changes.

Documenting wild turkey sightings in August allows the DEC to estimate the population's productivity and compare the prior year's statistics. New Yorkers can help by documenting the date, location, age, and sex of the turkeys through the online form. The DEC will post a summary of the collected data on the Fall Harvest and Productivity Dashboard.

Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said the survey is a way for the public to participate in wildlife science. "Anyone with internet access can participate simply by reporting their observations while exploring the outdoors," Mahar said.