Be A Citizen Scientist: Report Wild Turkey Sightings In Indiana

In hopes of learning more about the population of wild turkeys across Indiana, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources is asking for the help of Hoosiers across the state.

From now through August 31st. the Indiana Department of Natural Resources will be accepting reports from Hoosiers who have spotted or observed wild turkey hens - with or without poults (A poult is the name of a wild turkey chick.)

Indiana DNR says it only takes a few moments to report a sighting and you do not need to log in to make a report. Engaging the community to report sightings allows the Indiana DNR to monitor reproduction of wild turkeys in the state and to calculate the ratio of poults to hens, something known as the Production Index.

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The goal is to receive at least 3,000 observation accounts across Indiana before August 31st. All of the information gathered from residents will be made available publicly in the Wild Turkey Brood Report, released annually by the Indiana DNR.

In a press release, Indiana DNR shared remarks about the program from DNR biologist, Andy Beyers.

“Statewide turkey populations appear to be stable in Indiana, and monitoring hens and poults gives DNR a better understanding of population trends across the state,” said DNR furbearer and turkey research biologist Andy Byers. “Observations reported by the public are an important part of helping DNR manage wild turkeys.”

If you have spotted a wild turkey hen - with or without poults - you can report your sightings by visiting the Indiana DNR website here.

[Source: Indiana DNR]