ANNAPOLIS — Now through Aug. 31 the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is asking citizens to keep an eye out for wild turkeys and report what they see through an online reporting form.

Since 1993 DNR has conducted a summer survey of wild turkeys to estimate reproductive success and gauge other important information to help explain regional population changes. 

If you see a wild turkey, the report asks for the date, county, and if more than one is spotted the number of hens, poults (young of the year) and/or adult gobblers. If you aren’t sure about their sex, you can record them as "unidentified,” however avoid reporting duplicate sightings.

In the four county Lower Shore area last year, 614 survey participants reported 7,887 hens, poults and gobblers with another 43 unidentified by sex for an average of 2.6 poults per hen which is the 15-year average.

To begin reporting, LOG INTO THIS FORM TO REPORT WILD TURKEY SIGHTINGS. Forms may also be printed and returned by U.S. Mail or email and it is accessible here at printable survey form.

A guide to help determine sex and age can be found online at https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Documents/summer-turkey.pdf.