Since 2010, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife has used an annual, volunteer-based survey to record observations of wild turkeys across the state during the months of July and August.

The survey generates an index of annual turkey productivity and recruitment (the ratio of young birds to adult females). The survey also helps track the health and distribution of the turkey population and evaluate potential regional differences in reproductive success within Delaware.

For more information, please contact Turkey, Quail and Upland Game Biologist Jenna Brown at Jenna.Brown@delaware.gov or 302-735-8670.

Join the Survey

Using the online survey, participants record the date and number of gobblers (adult male), hens (adult female) and poults (young of the year) seen during each observation

Observer Instructions

Use the online Turkey Productivity Survey between July 1 and Aug. 31 to record the date, exact location and number of adult hens, gobblers and poults (young of the year) you observe.

Avoid duplicate sightings. If you see a brood in the same place several days in a row, only record them once.

Identifying Wild Turkeys

The information below is derived from a Guide to Identifying Wild Turkeys for Summer Turkey Survey from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The different groupings of wild turkeys are identified by size, body color, head coloration, beard length and behavior.

Gobblers

The body of an adult male (gobbler) appears black. In sunlight, there is a noticeable metallic iridescence.

The head is brightly colored but variable, with red, white and blue.

Gobblers have a beard of protruding six inches or more from their chest.

During summer, gobblers do not typically display with tail fan open.

They often travel alone or in bachelor groups with other gobblers in summer.

Hens

A body of an adult female (hen) is brown and tan. It is duller than a gobbler’s.

The head is gray or pale blue, sometimes with light pink evident.

Hens typically are beardless, but some have a thin beard.

They are smaller than gobblers, but usually larger than poults.

Several hens (with or without young) will often travel together in summer.

Poults

Young wild turkeys (poults) can vary in size from baseball-sized to almost full grown. Size difference is the best way to identify poults.

They will almost always be seen with one or more adult hens.

The sex of a poult is not discernable. They have no visible beard.

Older poults can be similar in size to adult hens, especially in late summer.

Related Topics:  conservation, fish and wildlife, outdoors and recreation, survey, turkey, turkey hunting, volunteer, wild turkey, wildlife