Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) invites residents to keep a tally of all sightings of hen turkeys and poults (young-of-the-year) from June 1 through August 31 as part of the Wildlife Division’s Annual Wild Turkey Brood Survey. Results from this survey allow DEEP biologists to determine turkey productivity and reproductive success by estimating the average number of turkey poults per hen statewide, assess annual fluctuations in the turkey population, gauge annual reproductive success, and evaluate recruitment of new birds into the fall population.

Connecticut’s wild turkey population has been stable in the past several years, but at a lower level than the peak population that occurred in the mid-2000s. Despite some declines, the state’s population remains healthy and productive.

Hens are distinguished from toms by size, plumage, and head characteristics. Hens are usually smaller than toms (weighing in at about 8 to 10 pounds; whereas toms will exceed 15 pounds). Hens have feathering to the top of their head that generally is blue/gray in color, while toms have larger heads with prominent red, white, and blue coloration. A hen’s feathers appear light brown in color in contrast to the tom’s black and iridescent feathering.

To participate, volunteers should use a Wild Turkey Observation Form provided on the Wildlife Division’s website to record all of the hens and poults observed during normal travel. Each observation is categorized by the total number of hens observed, total poults, and a total number of hens with poults. Observations of male (tom) turkeys are not requested for this survey. Each participant is asked to submit a tally of results to the Wildlife Division shortly after the end of the survey period (June 1-August 31).

The Wild Turkey Observation Form (PDF) can be downloaded from
www.ct.gov/deep/WildlifeCitizenScience; instructions are on the data sheet. New this year, observers also have the option to report turkey brood sightings on iNaturalist (in place of the observation form) at https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/ct-deep-wild-turkey-brood-survey. Any questions should be directed to Wild Turkey Program Biologist, Michael Gregonis at Michael.gregonis@ct.gov.

“This is an excellent way to partner with DEEP to monitor the state's wild turkey population,” said Michael Gregonis, Turkey Program Biologist for the DEEP Wildlife Division. “Citizen involvement in this survey is a cost-effective means of gathering useful data. Participants should look carefully when counting turkey broods as the tiny camouflaged poults may be difficult to spot in grasses and leaves. If you are unable to obtain an accurate count of the poults, please do not report the sighting on your data form.”

Data obtained during the 2018 brood survey indicate wild turkeys had fair productivity in Connecticut. On average, 2.8 poults per adult hen were observed. Turkey nesting success can vary annually in response to weather conditions, predator populations, and habitat characteristics.

For more information on wild turkeys, view this fact sheet.

Photo: Credit – George Zeller

Suggested Caption: The DEEP Wildlife Division is asking residents to keep a tally of all sightings of hen turkeys and poults (young-of-the-year) from June 1 through August 31 as part of the Wildlife Division’s Annual Wild Turkey Brood Survey. Final results are then submitted to the Division to help with monitoring Connecticut’s wild turkey population.