Since the beginning of the year, the DEC has been asking interested parties to partake in the Winter Wild Turkey Flock Survey. It is an easy way to help the DEC monitor turkey flocks throughout the state during the winter. All you'll need is a pen, survey form, and possibly a pair of binoculars.

The survey is used to monitor trends in relative abundance of turkeys statewide and within major regions of the state. This survey helps us assess the general health of the wild turkey population prior to the breeding season in the spring. The survey continues until the end of March. Forms can be found at: www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/wintertkysurvey.pdf

The goal of the survey is to collect observations from every county in the state. This is an opportunity for people interested in wildlife to partner with DEC to help monitor wild turkey populations. So even though we're half way into the survey period, participation will still be beneficial.

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