The state Department of Environmental Conservation announced Mon., Jul. 24, it is seeking New York residents willing to help count wild turkeys this summer. The DEC has conducted the Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey since 1996, to estimate the number of young wild turkeys born per hen statewide during the past year. The index helps the DEC to gauge reproductive success and predict fall harvest potential. During the month of August, survey participants record the sex and age composition of all flocks of wild turkeys observed during normal travel. “I encourage everyone to take the time to record their observations of turkeys while exploring the forests and fields in their communities or while driving through our state’s beautiful landscapes this summer,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said in a statement. The Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey form, along with instructions and the data sheet, can be downloaded directly from the DEC website at DEC [dot] NY [dot] gov.. Survey cards can also be obtained by contacting a regional DEC office, calling (518) 402-8883, or by emailing wildlife@dec.ny.gov. Participants are also able to submit observations on-line.