Parts of Bedford are known for concentrations of wild turkeys. If your neighborhood is home to a brood, you may want to complete this state-wide survey and return it the Division of Wildlife and Fisheries by August 31.
Submitted by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
Sportsmen and women, birders, landowners, and other wildlife enthusiasts are encouraged to assist with the annual Wild Turkey Brood Survey.
Click here to learn more about wild turkeys, Massachusetts’ official wild game bird.
MassWildlife conducts a survey from June through August each year to evaluate turkey brood numbers. “The brood survey serves as a long-term index of reproduction,” explains Dave Scarpitti, Turkey Project Leader. “It helps us determine productivity and allows us to compare long-term reproductive success, while providing some estimation of fall harvest potential.”
Turkey nesting success can vary annually in response to weather conditions, predator populations, and habitat characteristics. Scarpitti also points out that citizen involvement in this survey is a cost-effective means of gathering useful data, and he encourages all interested people to participate.
Be sure to look carefully when counting turkey broods, the very small poults may be difficult to see in tall grass or brush. Multiple sightings of the same brood can also be noted.
MassWildlife is interested in turkey brood observations from all regions of the state, from rural and/or developed areas. The survey period runs from June 1 – August 31. Click here to download/print your copy of the Turkey Brood Survey Mail completed forms to Brood Survey, DFW Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581
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