Wild Turkey Summer Survey
Report Wild Turkey Sightings!
Participate in the Summer Brood Survey and report wild turkey sightings each year from June 1 – August 31.
These observations help FWC biologists learn more about annual nesting success, brood survival, distribution, and abundance of wild turkeys in Florida.
The FWC conducts this summer wild turkey survey every year. Listed below are summaries of survey results by year.
Photo courtesy of Glenn Whittington
How old is that poult?
Use this chart to estimate the age of poults you're reporting via the wild turkey summer survey.
Why the Survey is Important
Wild turkeys are abundant in Florida and are found throughout the state.
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 is good, populations tend to increase in subsequent years. By reporting wild turkey sightings, you're helping provide a way to gauge wild turkey nesting success, brood survival, and population dynamics at statewide and regional levels.
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.
Photo courtesy of Glenn Whittington
About Nesting and Brood Rearing
- In Florida, wild turkeys begin breeding in late February and early March.
- Egg laying usually begins in mid-to late March, though nesting dates can range from early March to June.
- Hens create a nest by scratching a shallow depression in the soil where she lays an average of 9 to 12 eggs.
- It takes approximately 12-13 days to lay the full clutch of eggs and another 26-28 days of continuous incubation for them to hatch. Hens do all the incubating and brood rearing.
- Newly hatched wild turkeys, called poults, are highly mobile and can feed themselves soon after hatching.
- Poults are flightless until they are about 2 weeks old and roost on the ground under the hen’s wings and tail during that time. Between 2 to 4 weeks of age, they begin to fly into low branches or small trees to roost.
- Poults eat primarily insects during the summer. They need higher levels of protein for rapid growth and flight feather development.
- Learn more about wild turkeys and wild turkey management.