From the New York Department of Environmental Conservation

-- New York's Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey, held annually during the month of August, estimates the average number of wild turkey poults (young of the year) per hen statewide and among major geographic regions of the state.

The  index allows biologists to gauge reproductive success in a given year and to predict fall harvest potential. Weather, predation and habitat conditions during the breeding and brood rearing seasons can all significantly impact nest success, hen survival and poult survival.

During the month of August, DEC staff and volunteers record the sex and age composition of all flocks of wild turkeys observed during normal travel. Residents who would like to participate can download a Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey form (296 KB pdf) at  http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/sumturksurv.pdf  to record observations. Detailed instructions can be found with the data sheet.

Completed surveys should be returned by mail to Turkey Survey, NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4754

For those interested in reading the  Summer Turkey Sighting Survey Results from 2009, they can be seen at http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/58547.html.