DEC Holding Four-Year Study On Wild Turkey Populations

The population of turkeys in Western NY has declined in the last 5 to 10 years, and the state DEC wants to find out why. So, it's holding a four-year study that will estimate the survival rates of wild female turkeys, or hens. The NY DEC is asking landowners to help in the program that will help save the wild turkey. Regional Wildlife Manager Mike Wasilco says there are different ways folks can help.

Wasilco explained how the tagging process works.

Wasilco says they're hoping that the results of the study will confirm some of the suspicions they have for the population decline.

Since the DEC would like to get on private land to get an accurate reading, Wasilco says they need the help of landowners during this survey.

All of the work will be done by DEC personnel on both public and private lands from January through March, so they need lots of help in keeping track of the turkey flocks.

To contribute, visit the DEC Winter Flock Survey Form page.