The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is asking hunters, landowners, outdoor enthusiasts, and other residents to help monitor the state’s wild turkey population by participating in the Illinois Wild Turkey Survey.
The survey encourages participants to report sightings of wild turkeys, including the number of adult hens, poults, adult gobblers, and birds of unknown age or sex. Officials say the information helps biologists track annual reproduction, poult survival, and overall population trends across Illinois.
IDNR says summer observations provide one of the few statewide measures of wild turkey reproduction outside the spring hunting season. Even a single observation can provide valuable data when combined with spring harvest information, hunting success, permit numbers, weather conditions, and habitat assessments.
The survey remains open through August, with July and August being the most important months for collecting standardized data used in annual reproduction analyses.
The department has transitioned from its former postcard survey to an online reporting system available through the Hunt Illinois website, where participants can also find information about turkey hunting seasons, wildlife management, and other resources.