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JANUARY WILD TURKEY SURVEY BEGINS LANSING--The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking citizens to report all sightings of wild turkeys during January to help monitor our state's wild turkey population. Survey information is used to determine the distribution of wild turkeys and to assist with wild turkey management. "The request for public reports of turkeys is another effort to monitor the expanding wild turkey population," said Al Stewart, DNR Upland Game Bird Specialist. "Local biologists will follow up on new sightings to expand their knowledge of bird distribution in their management unit." The DNR uses a variety of methods to monitor turkey populations, including mail surveys, turkey observation surveys by employees and hunter check station surveys. Therefore, the cooperation received from hunters and citizens through observation reports provides enormous support to the management of wild turkeys. Restoration of the wild turkey in Michigan is a wildlife success story of major importance. At the turn of the 20th century, Michigan had no wild turkeys; today they can be found in nearly every corner of the state. Currently, there are more than 140,000 wild turkeys in Michigan, and the population continues to expand. To report wild turkey sightings, contact any DNR office or complete the observation form on the DNR Web site at www.michigandnr.com. Click on "Wildlife Resources," then "Wildlife Observations," then "Wild Turkey." Source: MDNR |