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Wild Turkey

Scientific Name: Meleagris gallopavo

2024 Summer Turkey Sighting Sur​vey

The Annual Pennsylvania Wild Turkey Sighting Su​rvey runs July 1 Aug. 31. 

Participation is important for turkey population management. Survey data allow the agency to determine total wild turkey productivity and compare long-term reproductive success within Pennsylvania and across states, as this is a standard methodology used across the country. Data also are used in the turkey population model to track population trends.


Hunting

Setting of Seasons

Spring Turkey Hunting

Turkey Hunting Safety


Reference

The 2018-2027 Wild Turkey Management Plan (PDF) focuses on developing population models for each wildlife management unit (WMU). The models will predict turkey population responses to changes in harvest regulations and help identify optimal harvest regulations to maximize both turkey populations and hunter opportunities. Increasing habitat and assessing turkey diseases and hunter participation are also priorities. Implementation schedule for turkey management plan for Pennsylvania, 2018-2027 (PDF)


Disease

West Nile Virus Likely Does Not Impact Wild Turkey Poults (PDF)
Wild Turkeys are Showing Blood Antibodies to Survive West Nile Virus Infection (PDF)
West Nile & Wild Turkey (#WildSciPA video 1:53)
New Turkey Disease, LPDV


Research

Hen Research Study 2022-2025

Turkey Hen Harvest and Survival Rate Study (2010-2014) Summary (PDF)
2014 Fall Turkey Hunter Survey Report (PDF)
2012-13 Wild Turkey Productivity and Harvest Trends Report (PDF)
2012-13 Wild Turkey Trap and Transfer Report (PDF)
2012-13 Wild Turkey Research/Management Report (PDF)
2012 Turkey Hunter Survey Report (PDF)
2020 Turkey Hunter Survey Results (PDF)
Hen Research Study (PDF)
Mortality Causes & Seasons of Mortality of Transmittered PA Hens

Gobbler Study

From 2006 to 2009, the Game Commission was involved in a multi-state research study to investigate spring gobbler harvest rates in Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio. This study involved leg-banding 900 male turkeys each winter (300 per state) and determining the percentage harvested each year during the spring gobbler season (via hunters reporting harvests of leg-banded males).

Annual Survival and Spring Harvest Rates (PDF)
Bring in your game bag could mean $100 (PDF)
NWTF 2009 Harvest Rate Study (PPT)
Turkey gobbler study will help guide management decisions


Wild Turkey Sighting Survey

View 2023 survey results (PDF)​
View 2022 survey results (PDF)
View 2020 survey results (PDF)
View 2019 survey results (PDF)
View 2018 survey results (PDF)
View 2017 survey results (PDF)
View 2016 survey results (PDF)



 Accordion



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Frequently Asked Questions

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