Springfield, IL – Wildlife officials are calling on Illinois residents to assist with a statewide effort to track wild turkey populations during the summer months.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is encouraging citizen scientists to participate in its annual wild turkey brood survey through August. The data collected will help biologists monitor turkey reproduction and population trends across the state.
According to IDNR, participants are asked to log sightings of adult female turkeys, males, and poults — young turkeys — along with the date and location of each observation. These reports provide crucial insight into reproductive success, poult survival, and overall turkey abundance in Illinois.
Volunteers can submit their sightings through IDNR’s online survey, which is accessible via internet browser or the Survey123 mobile app. Participants without internet access may request a set of postcards to report their findings by mail.
Recent years have shown promising trends. From 2019 to 2024, Illinois saw a rise in poults per hen from 1.62 to more than 3.0, and improved survival rates with poults per brood increasing from 3.69 to 4.23. The percentage of hens with broods also climbed from 53% to over 75%, while the male-to-female ratio remained steady around 0.46 to 0.48, reflecting stable male survival rates following spring hunting seasons.
Officials say these findings indicate a healthy and growing turkey population, but continued public participation is key to maintaining momentum.
For more information or to request materials, email DNR.Turkey@illinois.gov.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
