Public is encouraged to take part in Neb. turkey surveys

LINCOLN — The public is invited to participate in the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission’s annual summer turkey brood survey July 1-Aug. 31.

The survey provides useful estimates about annual production by wild turkey hens and how many poults, or young turkeys, survive the summer brood-rearing period. These records and observations inform management decisions regarding wild turkeys, their population size and habitat needs.

During July and August, survey participants are asked to record all turkeys they see. Visit OutdoorNebraska. gov and search for “turkey brood survey” for instructions and the survey link. The link can be bookmarked on a phone for easy use in the field.

“Brood surveys enrich our understanding of the wild turkey’s population dynamics across the state, particularly regarding reproduction,” said Carlie Gizel, Game and Parks’ wild turkey program manager. “These results, in turn, can help us estimate the population trajectory and what to expect in future hunting seasons.”

She said the brood survey is purely incidental and not meant to take any extra time from normal activities in which one might see wild turkeys, such as farming or driving.