Pa. Game Commission asks public to report wild turkey sightings

PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — The Pennsylvania Game Commission is asking for the Pa. community to report any wild turkeys spotted through the end of August.

If you spot any wild turkeys through Aug. 31, make it count by reporting it to the Commission’s Wild Turkey Sighting Survey, which can be found by clicking here . You will be asked to fill out observer details, such as your phone number in case the Commission has questions, as well as sighting details.

You can also view current and past reporting data through the survey website as well. The information provided helps the Commission analyze wild turkey reproduction and track wild turkey population trends. Sighting locations are not posted or used for law enforcement, they are used solely for biological purposes.

“The turkey survey enhances our agency’s internal survey, which serves as a long-term index of turkey reproduction and is used in our turkey population model,” Game Commission Turkey Biologist Mary Jo Casalena said. “Participants should report all turkeys seen, whether gobblers, hens with broods, hens without broods, or turkeys of unknown sex and age.”

Many factors, including spring weather, habitat conditions, previous winter food abundance, predation and last fall’s harvest affect wild turkey productivity. Statewide reproductive success last summer (2023) was 2.9 poults per hen compared to 3.1 in 2022.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.