Michigan’s 2025 Turkey Brood Survey: How You Can Help

You may or may not have noticed, but Michigan is teeming with wild turkeys. These birds are everywhere. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Division is once again asking residents to report wild turkey sightings as part of their annual Wild Turkey Brood Survey, which runs from July 1 to August 31, 2025.

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It's simple. You see a turkey, you report it. It's oddly fun, and it's for science.

All you need to do is keep an eye out for hens with baby turkeys (that's a 'brood'). See a group waddling across your lawn? Spot them pecking through a cornfield or strolling past the Meijer parking lot? Whip out your phone or log onto your computer and complete a seven-question survey.

Why Michigan Needs Your Turkey Sightings

You will need a valid email to submit your sightings, which helps the DNR track how many people are joining the Great Michigan Turkey Watch party. They're especially focused on whether there are enough poults (baby turkeys) to replace aging birds.

Thanks to conservation efforts, Michigan turkeys have made a serious comeback in the state, now showing up in all 83 counties, including urban and suburban neighborhoods from Grand Rapids to Lansing.

Of course, this population explosion isn't all feathers and sunshine. If you've ever hit a turkey while driving, it's comparable to hitting a bowling ball at 55 mph…not pleasant for anyone involved…and usually results in a dead turkey and an insurance claim.

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So, be a hero. Be a turkey spotter. And tell a friend—because nothing says 'wild Michigan summer' like casually tracking poultry for science. Find the survey at Michigan.gov or click here.