Division of Fish & Wildlife

2011 Wild Turkey Survey

Be a part of one of Delaware's greatest wildlife success stories - the restoration of the wild turkey!

The Division of Fish & Wildlife is looking for volunteers to assist with its second annual productivity survey on the location and number of wild turkeys in Delaware. This data will help biologists track the health, distribution and reproductive success of the state’s wild turkeys with the goal of ensuring a sustainable harvest of this treasured game species.

A Look Back...
 
Beginning in early 1984, with support from the National Wild Turkey Federation, Division of Fish & Wildlife biologists released 34 wild-trapped turkeys from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Vermont into Sussex and Kent counties. Reintroductions continued through the 1990s, and once the population had established a foothold in Delaware, a hunting season was started. Today, the division estimates Delaware has a healthy statewide population of some 4,000 birds.

Moving Forward...
 
To help ensure the continued success of wild turkeys in Delaware, the Division of Fish & Wildlife needs information on their distribution and annual reproductive success. One simple and cost-effective method is to have volunteers record and report sightings of turkeys during their day-to-day activities.

The 2011 survey period will begin Friday, July 1 and continue through Wednesday, Aug. 31. Upon sighting turkeys, participants are asked to record the date, county and number of adult hens, gobblers and poults (young of the year) they observe.

Participants are asked to submit their results to the Division by Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011. This ongoing survey will provide an annual index of turkey productivity that will help biologists track the health of Delaware's turkey population and ensure the sustainable harvest of this treasured game species.

To Participate...
 
For any turkey sightings, participants are asked to record the date, county, and number of adult hens, gobblers, and poults (young of the year) they observe. Participants are asked to submit their results by September 10, sending them to Matt DiBona, Division of Fish & Wildlife, 6180 Hay Point Landing Road, Smyrna, DE 19977.

For more information, please email Matt DiBona or call 302-735-3600.