The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, better known as the FWC, is asking for the community’s assistance in spotting and reporting wild turkey sightings.
By participating in their annual Wild Turkey Summer Survey, biologists at the FWC can learn more about nesting success, brood survival, and distribution/abundance of this important species.
Participate in the Summer Brood Survey and report wild turkey sightings each year from June 1 – August 31.
Wild turkeys are abundant in Florida and are found throughout the state. In Polk County, the Osceola species of turkey is prevalent and native to our area.
Nesting success can vary each year based on several factors including weather conditions, predation, and habitat characteristics/quality. Fluctuations in nesting success and brood survival strongly influence wild turkey populations. When reproduction in a given year kick is good, populations tend to increase in subsequent years.
Florida’s annual summer wild turkey survey is part of a larger regional study designed to provide more insight into the distribution and abundance of wild turkeys. The information, combined with harvest data, lets FWC biologists scientifically manage the wild turkey population—ensuring we have a thriving population now and in the future.
To report the sighting of a wild turkey through August 31, please visit:
https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/1c366cbb1dda4187b245d706b5887849