Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is asking for help in monitoring the turkey population in the state. The INDR is calling on volunteers to assist with wild turkey brood surveys this summer. The surveys will help biologists monitor turkey population trends and reproductive success in Illinois.

Young turkeys, also known as poults, are hatching during the summer. By counting the poults along with adult females, biologists can track reproductive success and the survival rates of young turkeys. Additionally, counting male turkeys aids in estimating the total wild turkey population, determining male-to-female ratios, and assessing adult survival rates.

Volunteers are encouraged to report sightings of young turkeys, adult females, and adult males, including the county and date of each observation, throughout June, July, and August.

The most efficient way to submit turkey sightings is through IDNR’s electronic wild turkey survey, accessible via personal computers and mobile devices using any internet browser or the Survey123 app. For those unable to use the electronic survey, IDNR offers the option to receive and return observations via postcards.

For more information or to request postcards, interested participants can email DNR.Turkey@illinois.gov.