Jeff Murray

jmurray@stargazette.com | @SGJeffMurray

If you like spotting wildlife, the state Department of Environmental Conservation could use your help this month.

DEC is encouraging citizens to help out with the annual summer wild turkey survey. Since 1996, DEC has conducted the count to estimate the number of wild turkey poults per hen statewide. The index will allow wildlife managers to gauge reproductive success and predict fall harvest potential.

During the month of August, survey participants record the sex and age composition of all flocks of wild turkeys observed during normal travel. If you would like to participate, you can download a Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey form from the DEC website.

You can also obtain survey cards by contacting your regional DEC office, by calling 518-402-8886, or by e-mailing wildlife@dec.ny.gov (and type "Turkey Survey" in the subject line).

It beats counting sheep.