Eastern Wild Turkey Research

The Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) produces an annual report called Full Fans & Sharp Spurs. The goal of the publication is to provide turkey hunters and others with biological and sociological data used by WFF to help monitor and manage the state's turkey resource. Much of the information reported is compiled from the Avid Turkey Hunter Survey.

Avid Turkey Hunter Survey

WFF is asking turkey hunters who hunt for at least 10 days during turkey season to participate in the Avid Turkey Hunter Survey. All survey participants will receive a copy of the state’s annual turkey report, Full Fans & Sharp Spurs. One of the survey participants will be selected to receive a new shotgun donated by the Alabama Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. To be eligible for the shotgun selection, survey participants must provide their season hunting information by May 10, 2020.

To participate in the Avid Turkey Hunter Survey, email your request along with your name and Conservation ID number to Brandon Earl or contact WFF at 334-242-3469. WFF staff will provide hunters with information about how to complete the survey.

Upland Game Bird Program Coordinator

Upland Game Bird Program Coordinator

Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries

64 North Union Street, Suite 584

Montgomery, AL 36104

(334) 242-3469

Turkey Research
WFF staff is involved in ongoing region-wide research and statewide data collection to monitor the status and productivity of our turkey populations. In addition, WFF biologists are available to assist landowners in developing and maintaining good turkey habitat on their property. 

The Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries and Auburn University are currently testing standardized, scientific methods to measure wild turkey productivity.  WFF biologists and AU researchers are exploring the feasibility and efficiency of using game cameras to measure poult survival. This project, with funding assistance from the Alabama Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, began in 2006 in the Conecuh National Forest and has expanded to regional applications in Alabama. The value of this standardized method is currently under evaluation for practicality of use and has shown some promise in some applications.