CONCORD — New Hampshire Fish and Game is asking the public’s help in reporting wild turkey brood sightings this spring and summer.
It’s easy to participate and the survey is now open. If you observe groups of turkeys with poults (juvenile birds) between June 1 and August 31, report your sightings by visiting https://shorturl.at/tpIp0.
This summer marks the 14th year of Fish and Game’s annual brood survey, according to NH Fish and Game Turkey Project Leader Allison Keating.
“This survey results in reports from all over the state and adds to the important information biologists gather to monitor the distribution, abundance, and productivity of wild turkeys. Data collected through this survey is also part of a national effort to monitor turkey populations across the country.”
In 2023, Summer Brood Survey participants reported seeing 1,665 broods with an average of 2.6 poults per hen. These findings represent an increase in the number of broods, but also a decrease in productivity when compared with 2022 when 1,094 broods produced an average of 3.2 poults per hen. The highest average on record was 4.4 poults per hen, which was reported in 2011 during the first year of the survey.
A large sample of turkey brood observations collected throughout the summer provides valuable insight regarding the size of the “graduating class” of turkeys that will go on to become adults.
To learn more about the Turkey Brood Survey, visit https://shorturl.at/FIkpY.