Turkey populations in Mississippi are not estimated by random guessing: MDWFP uses two different sources to determine how many birds there are in the state.
The first element are the annual brood surveys performed by volunteers from around the state. The second part of the equation are spring gobbler hunter surveys posted from the prior year.
“Each year from June to August, MDWFP conducts a survey to monitor wild turkey reproduction across the state,” state turkey biologist Adam Butler said. “The brood survey, as it is commonly known, enlists numerous observers who note all turkeys seen during the three-month survey period.
“The resulting information allows us to measure reproductive success and gives hunters an objective look at how turkeys are faring across the state.”
While the brood survey looks at the year ahead, the hunter survey looks at the year behind and estimates the number of 2-year-old birds observed by hunters during the prior spring season.
“The Spring Gobbler Hunter Survey was initiated nearly 10 years ago as a means of collecting long-term data on turkey activity and population numbers,” said Butler. “This survey is a quick and easy way for hunters to contribute to the conservation and management of turkeys in Mississippi.
“The success of the survey is largely due to voluntary participation by hunters who are interested in assisting with turkey conservation within the state. From this data set, we gain valuable information on statewide and regional trends in gobbling activity, hunter effort, harvest rates, age structure and sex ratios.”
Hunters interested in participating in the survey — and possibly winning a new shotgun given away in a random drawing from among all participants — should register before turkey season starts at the MDWFP Web site(www.mdwfp.com/wildlife-hunting/turkey-program/spring-gobbler-hunter-survey).
MDWFP will send you a data collection booklet that will make it easy for you to document your hunting experience.
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