Keep calm and gobble on… report wild turkey sightings at Idaho Fish and Game’s tracker, don’t just wing it.
IDAHO, USA — Wild turkey enthusiasts are flocking to help Idaho Fish and Game track the state’s feathered residents through a program that’s proving anything but a turkey.
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s Turkey Tracker program has been winging it into its second year with remarkable success. After launching last summer, the citizen science initiative ruffled up more than 1,400 turkey sightings statewide by year’s end.
“The purpose of this annual survey is to monitor wild turkey reproduction and population dynamics throughout the state, and the response to this inaugural citizen science effort was exceptional,” said Jeff Knetter, Fish and Game Upland Game and Migratory Game Bird Coordinator.
Now, as July and August approach, the program is entering its most critical period. These summer months are when hens are busy with their broods, making turkey tracking more important than a Thanksgiving centerpiece.
The Turkey Tracker relies entirely on public participation, turning everyday Idahoans into volunteer ornithologists. Wildlife officials are asking residents to channel their inner detective and document wild turkey sightings through the department’s website, particularly during the peak breeding observation period.
“We are asking people to spot and record wild turkeys on Fish and Game’s website — especially during July and August when hens are with young ones,” officials said, describing the program as essentially “Pokémon Go meets birding.”
The tracking system could not be more user-friendly. Participants need to report the number of birds they spotted and identify the county where the sighting occurred. Photo submissions are welcome but not required, though capturing a snapshot of Idaho’s wild turkeys is sure to be a feather in any wildlife photographer’s cap.
For tech-savvy turkey trackers, a Survey123 app is available for download, making it easier than ever to report sightings on the go.
“Reports obtained will help managers monitor trends in wild turkey reproduction and populations, which will help us make management recommendations so we can sustain wild turkey populations in Idaho,” Knetter explained.
The program represents a significant step forward in wildlife management, transforming ordinary citizens into valuable data collectors. Rather than relying solely on professional surveys, Fish and Game is tapping into the collective eyes and ears of Idaho residents who spend time outdoors.
As Idaho’s wild turkey populations continue to establish themselves across the state, programs like Turkey Tracker ensure that wildlife management decisions are based on solid, community-gathered data rather than just winging it.