Michigan residents, are you ready to talk (or spot) turkey? The Michigan Department of Natural Resources needs your help to tally wild turkeys this summer.
From July 1 through Aug. 31, the DNR will run its annual wild turkey brood survey – a community science effort for people statewide to report sightings of wild turkeys and turkey broods (hens with their young). By taking just a few minutes to report any turkeys you see, you’ll be contributing valuable data to track the health of the state’s turkey population.
Wild turkey numbers in Michigan rebounded from near extinction in the early 20th century to now being found in every county across the state.
“This bird’s comeback is something to celebrate, and now we need the public’s help to keep tabs on our turkeys going forward,” said Adam Bump, the DNR’s upland game bird specialist.
The DNR’s goal with the turkey brood survey, according to Bump, is to get a clear picture of how turkeys are doing across Michigan.
“Each report from the public, whether it’s a single turkey or a big flock, is like a piece of the puzzle that helps us understand turkey reproduction and survival,” Bump said. “We have a great hunting and wildlife-watching community here in Michigan, and we’re excited to see everyone pitch in and share their turkey sightings.”
Now in its third year, Michigan’s wild turkey brood survey is part of a multistate initiative to monitor turkey populations. The survey follows a standardized protocol used by many other states, supported by the National Wild Turkey Federation. By participating, Michigan joins a larger conservation effort to identify regional trends in turkey populations and address potential declines seen in other parts of the country.
“In Michigan, our turkey population is currently stable, but we know that in many states, turkeys have been declining,” Bump said. “This survey is an important way for us to detect any changes here at home and make sure our turkeys remain a success story. It’s also a chance for the public to be directly involved in wildlife science.
“When you report a turkey brood, you’re contributing to conservation – it really does make a difference.”
She specifically praised the value of public input, saying, “Michigan is a big state, and our team can’t be everywhere. Reports from residents all over help fill in gaps we’d never capture otherwise. It’s a true community science effort, and we’re grateful for each and every person who takes the time to send in a turkey sighting.”
This midsummer period is when turkey broods are most visible. Turkeys nest in late spring; by July, many hens are out and about with their newly hatched poults following along. Through July and August, people may notice hen turkeys crossing roads or foraging in fields with a line of little ones in tow.
“You might spot turkeys while hiking, driving, or even in your yard – whenever it happens, just remember the details and take a moment to report it online,” said Ott-Conn.
The more people who participate, the better coverage there is across Michigan’s landscape.
Since the turkey brood survey began in 2023, Michiganders have submitted more than 11,500 reports, tallying over 25,000 hens, 65,000 poults and 11,000 males.
“We were thrilled with the response,” said Bump. “It shows how much people care about our wildlife. We’re hoping to see that enthusiasm continue and even grow this year. If you missed the survey before, now’s your chance. If you reported turkeys last year, we’d love to have you back telling us what you’re seeing in 2025.”
Learn more and submit an observation on the turkey brood survey page. A link to the survey page is available at Michigan.gov/Turkey.
“Together, let’s see how many turkey families we can find this summer,” Bump said. “Your sightings will help guide turkey conservation for years to come.”
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