FRANKFORT — Kentucky’s wild turkeys are on the move this summer, foraging, traveling and raising their newly hatched poults. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources urges the public to watch for turkeys and report sightings to help biologists better understand and manage populations.

“Monitoring our turkey flock for its long-term conservation depends on teamwork,” said Zak Danks, Wild Turkey Program coordinator for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. “Fish and Wildlife staff cannot be everywhere all at once. That is where hunters and wildlife enthusiasts across the state can really help, reporting turkey sightings to our survey.”

Kentuckians can report sightings between July 1 and Aug. 31 by visiting the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Summer Turkey Brood Survey webpage (fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Pages/TurkeyBroodSurvey.aspx). They may also enter the keywords “turkey survey” at fw.ky.gov  to access the online reporting portal, download the mobile survey app or print a form to mail or email to the department.

The department uses these citizen reports to track population trends over time.

“An easy-to-use mobile phone app and website make participating in the survey easy,” Danks said. “I have compiled thousands of turkey observations reported by interested citizens and staff into a statewide index that provides a glimpse into the summer’s reproductive success, which is important to the sustainability of the wild turkey population.”

Across the Southeast, hunters have reported fewer turkey sightings in recent years. State fish and wildlife agencies are conducting scientific research to shed more light on the status of turkey populations.

Turkey observation data gained through the public survey are used in conjunction with research findings, making this citizen-science data set vital for long-term conservation.

For questions about the annual turkey brood survey or hunting regulations, call 800-858-1549 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (excluding state holidays), or email info.center@ky.gov.