Pennsylvania’s turkey population was down a bit last year. Where does it stand in 2017?
Photo from Pixabay
How are turkey populations faring across Pennsylvania?
You can help answer that question.
We’re covering that and a whole bunch outdoors news here today.
Turkeys
For a second straight year, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is asking the public to report any turkeys they spy in August.
The “wild turkey sighting survey” is an attempt to analyze spring reproduction. Namely, did many birds survive to join the population?
“The turkey survey enhances our agency’s internal survey, which serves as a long-term index of turkey reproduction,” said Mary Jo Casalena, agency wild turkey biologist. “By reporting all turkeys seen during each sighting, whether it’s gobblers, hens with broods or hens without broods, the data help us determine total productivity and allow us to compare long-term reproductive success.”
Participants should record how many wild turkeys they see, along with the general location and date of the sighting. The survey asks for contact information, too, in case biologists have any questions.
Reports are filed in two ways.
Turkey spotters can go to the commission’s webpage here to file reports, as well as see results of last year’s survey.
Reports can also be filed on mobile devices. Search for “Pennsylvania Game Commission” in the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store.
The 2016 statewide turkey population was about 205,000, 6 percent below the previous five-year average of 218,000 birds.
Pennsylvania’s turkey population peaked at about 280,000 birds in the early 2000s. Since 2011, it’s fluctuated between 204,000 and 234,000, Casalena said.
Elk calling
Want to learn about the history and evolution of elk calling?
This movie’s for you.
Just released by Sitka is “The Linguists,” a 30-minute film. It features interviews and stories from elk-calling pioneers and hunting legends such as Larry D. Jones, Wayne Carlton, Rockie Jacobsen and Will Primos. The story is told by nine-time World Elk Calling Champion Corey Jacobsen.
The film has calling and bugling sequences. It also documents a father-son bowhunt, as Isaac Jacobsen — Corey’s son — tags his first archery bull elk.
The film can be seen by clicking here.
Waterfowl reporting
Remember a few months ago when we told you that the toll-free phone number for reporting banded ducks and geese was likely going away?
It’s official.
The number will still exist for one last season. But hunters who call it will not be able to give any information. Instead, they’ll be referred to an online reporting system.
It’s at www.reportband.gov.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey Patuxent Bird Banding Laboratory, online reporting is not only faster but also more accurate in terms of information collected.
No disease
Finally, some good news.
The two ear-tagged deer euthanized by the Pennsylvania Game Commission in Ridgway Township in Elk County tested negative for chronic wasting disease.
The animals are thought to be either escapees from a deer farm or animals intentionally set free.
The Game Commission is trying to figure out where they came from. Anyone with information is asked to contact its northcentral office at 570-398-4744 or 570-398-4745.
Hiker study
Do you hike in Pennsylvania? Do you share trails with equestrians and mountain bikers? And do you think those other user groups are pulling their weight when it comes to trail maintenance?
Those are just some of the questions being asked in a Penn State University survey of hikers across the state.
A group of graduate students in the recreation, park and tourism management department are conducting the research. They are interested in hikers’ use of public land and their perceptions of and experiences with other users.
Hikers can take the online survey here.
Deadline extended
The deadline for high school students to apply to be a part of Pennsylvania’s Y.E.S. program has been extended until Sept. 1.
So what is Y.E.S.?
That’s the Youth Education Summit, sponsored by the National Rifle Association.
Students learn about Pennsylvania history, how to participate in government, how to serve their communities and more. They do so through a number of activities, from debates to visits to the state Capital.
High school sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply, provided they have a grade point average of at least 3.0.
The event lasts three and a half days, from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1. Students have to get to Harrisburg on their own. But once there the program covers all costs associated with meals, lodging, program materials, entrance fees, chaperones, security, and an awards banquet.
Application details are available by contacting Kory Enck at 717-689-3200 or kenck@nrahq.org.
