In August, community scientists from around New York state reported nearly 1,800 observations of hen turkeys and poults to help DEC estimate productivity of turkeys (e.g., the number of poults per hen). Productivity this past summer was the highest documented since 2013 and the third highest since the survey began in 2005. The good productivity was likely the result of a dry, warm nesting season. The late June rains don’t appear to have negatively impacted turkey (and other ground nesting gamebird) productivity. To explore trends in harvest and summer surveys in your area, visit the new Fall Turkey Harvest and Productivity Dashboard: experience.arcgis.com/experience/eeab1af0785b46a3905d9a7318186ba4/page/Page/?views=Summer-Poult-Survey
With good productivity, fall turkey hunters can expect improved opportunity this October and November compared to last year.
