Alabama Wants Your Help Tracking Wild Turkeys

Alabama wildlife officials are asking the public to help track wild turkeys across the state as residents are invited to participate in the annual Wild Turkey Brood Survey for the first time.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources uses the survey to collect information about nesting success, brood survival and the distribution of wild turkeys. The survey is open through Aug. 31, and observations can be submitted from rural and developed areas across Alabama.

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"This is really the first chance that the public has had to participate," Norm Haley, a forestry, wildlife and natural resources agent, told Alabama Extension. "Their information is valued and very important."

Officials are looking for reports of hens with and without poults, as well as male turkeys, including jakes and gobblers. Participants are encouraged to report all turkey sightings, even when the bird's age or sex is unknown.

Haley told Alabama Extension that accurate identification will help improve the survey's results.

"With a little bit of research to make sure that you can accurately identify turkeys, we can be excited about the data," Haley said. "The collected data is only as good as what is put in."

Reports can be submitted through a mobile app, online or by mail using a printable survey form.