You can help with Kentucky's turkey survey this summer

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources encourages anyone who observes wild turkeys in Kentucky during July or August to enter some basic information about their sightings into an online survey portal. 

Data collected through this survey help the department to better understand turkey population trends over time. Officials say they can only cover a limited amount of the state on their own, and they depend on volunteers to expand their ability to monitor the flock.

Kentucky turkey hunters have reported near-record statewide harvests each of the past two spring hunting seasons, but hunters across the southeastern U.S. have reported seeing fewer turkeys in recent years. State fish and wildlife agencies are conducting scientific research to shed more light on the status of turkey populations around the country.

To report sightings, visit fw.ky.gov to access the online survey portal. A printable form of the survey may also be downloaded, printed and filled out, then scanned or photographed with a smartphone and emailed to info.center@ky.gov.