Sorry Sheep, We're Counting Turkeys This Summer

S.C. Department of Natural Resources needs you to count turkeys through Aug. 29.

Annually, since 1982, DNR conducts a Summer Turkey Survey to estimate reproduction and recruitment of wild turkeys in South Carolina. The survey involves agency wildlife biologists, technicians, and conservation officers, as well as many volunteers from other natural resource agencies and the general public.

Summer surveys are designed to monitor annual nesting success of hens and survival of their young, which has the greatest influence on wild turkey population dynamics. The information allows biologists to calculate many factors essential for sound turkey management including: average brood size, percentage of hens with and without young, gobbler to hen ratio, and overall numbers of turkeys seen. Combined with harvest data, this allows DNR to make scientific recommendations to the S.C. General Assembly in order to manage the wild turkey population now and in the future.

If you have questions about the survey or would like to be placed on the permanent list of cooperators, contact the survey coordinator, 803-734-8738.