The Game Commission is asking the publics help in finding wild turkey flocks

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​The Pennsylvania Game Commission is once again asking the public to help them find will turkey flocks for their ongoing research. 

While no turkeys will be fitted with transmitters this winter, their research project that were tracking turkeys to get an in-depth look into their survival, productivity and movement came to an end, males will continue to be banded in the winter to monitor harvest rates, says the PGC. 
They go on to explain that finding birds to trap is key to accomplishing the work and that’s where the public’s help comes in. And the PGC learned that many Pennsylvanians have a history of helping in this way.

Reina Tyl, the Game Commission’s wild turkey biologist, said participation in Winter Turkey Sighting Survey has been extremely useful for locating trappable flocks over the past four winters. 

“The public has been so helpful. Some landowners who reported flocks on their property have also helped with monitoring flock activity and have participated in trapping,” Tyl said. “We look forward to continuing this collaboration this winter.” 

Volunteers for the Wild Turkey Sighting Survey are asked to provide the date of the sighting, the location and the type of land (public, private or unknown) where birds are seen. Sightings may be reported online through https://pgcforms.pa.gov/TurkeySightingSurvey or by calling 1-833-742-9453 from now through March 15. And with snow on the ground, turkeys should be easier to spot. 

Game Commission crews will access sites for the potential to trap turkeys. Just like the last six winters, the Game Commission will put leg bands on male turkeys statewide. Turkeys will not be moved, they’ll simply be leg-banded and released on site. Trapping turkeys during winter is part of the PGC’s ongoing population monitoring of this majestic bird. 

If hunters doing any late season snow goose, squirrel, rabbit, pheasant or coyote hunting, and come across a dead turkey, they are asked to report it and if a banded turkey the band number online or the above phone number. 

SPRING TROUT STOCKING

For avid trout anglers, and weather permitting, the Pennsylvania Fish Commission will start their first local trout stocking Feb. 17. Anglers should check the commission’s website for locations if you’re interested in helping the stocking program. 
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