June 4th, 2026 Local News
Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is encouraging residents across the state to help monitor Missouri's wild turkey population this summer by participating in the annual Wild Turkey Brood Survey.
The survey has been conducted every year since 1959 and serves as an important tool for wildlife biologists to measure the success of the annual wild turkey hatch. Throughout June, July, and August, observations of wild turkeys made by MDC staff, volunteers, and members of the public are recorded and analyzed at the county, regional, and statewide levels.
According to MDC Turkey Biologist Nick Oakley, one of the key measurements used in the survey is the poult-to-hen ratio, which represents the average number of poults, or young turkeys, observed per hen.
"We calculate the poult-to-hen ratio from the turkey sightings submitted during the Wild Turkey Brood Survey," Oakley said. "This poult-to-hen ratio can provide insight into the quality of the hatch that year, and we can look at trends in turkey production to predict how turkey abundance might change in the near future."
The data collected through the survey helps MDC track long-term population trends and make informed wildlife management decisions.
Anyone who spots wild turkeys during the summer months can contribute observations to the survey. Individuals who register as official brood survey cooperators receive additional benefits, including reminder emails before the survey begins and a summary report after the survey concludes. Cooperators may also request copies of their submitted observations.
MDC officials say public participation plays a valuable role in gathering information from across Missouri and helps provide a clearer picture of the state's wild turkey population.
More information about the Wild Turkey Brood Survey and registration details are available through the Missouri Department of Conservation.