Got Turkeys? NH Fish & Game Wants To Know!

Report your sightings of hen turkeys, with or without young, through Fish and Game’s web-based survey at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/surveys/turkeybrood.html. The survey continues through August 31, and provides data that helps the Department determine the distribution and abundance of wild turkeys throughout the state.

"Observations made in late July and August are especially important," said Fish and Game turkey biologist Ted Walski. "Those young who have survived into August are likely to become adults, so these sightings provide the best index to summer breeding productivity."

Last summer's survey yielded a total of 724 turkey broods reported from all parts of the state between May and August.According to Walski, weather conditions have generally been good this year for turkey breeding, nesting, and hatching. "The size of some turkeys will be quite large in August, perhaps half the size of the adult hen, because of earlier hatching during the second half of May.  Small size poults in August are a result of a second nesting, when the first clutch of eggs is lost."

Some helpful background for turkey observers: The term "brood" refers to a family group of young turkeys accompanied by a hen. New Hampshire hens generally begin laying eggs from mid-April to early May and complete their clutch of about 12 eggs in early to mid-May. Incubation lasts for 28 days, and most nests hatch from late May to mid-June. If incubating turkey eggs are destroyed or consumed by predators, hens often lay a replacement clutch of eggs that hatch late June through late August.

"Many thanks to all who have reported hens with young turkeys so far this year, and please keep reporting your sightings," said Walski. "These reports from volunteer observers are a big help in determining how successful turkey nesting was for the year."

The Department also reminds everyone to report sightings of any adult turkeys that have wart-like growths around the head/eyes which would be indicative of the Lymphoproliferative Disease Virus (LPDV).

Wildlife research and management in New Hampshire is funded in part by Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration, a user-pay, user-benefit program supported by your purchase of firearms, ammunition and archery equipment