A first-of-its-kind wild turkey research study is coming to Michigan.
Most of the prior knowledge the state collected on the wild turkey population has come from surveys that were sent out to residents each summer.
But officials say the surveys didn't provide the Michigan Department of Natural Resources with in-depth knowledge about the population. Now, the new study will help provide more detailed data on the population movement, abundance rates, all of which could help inform future management decisions by the DNR for the hunting season.
"This information is going to help inform, so that the agency understands how our birds are doing," Ryan Boyer, NWTF Midwest director of conservation operations, said. "What sort of things throughout the year are most impactful."
The study coming to Michigan is backed by a $150,000 investment from the Michigan state chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.
Boyer said the money provided from NWTF is made through fundraising efforts for each state chapter. The chapter then has the option to use the funds specific to the NWTF's mission.
"To help offset costs for things like the nets for trapping equipment, the purchase of transmitters," He said. "Once we trap these birds, the females we're going to affix GPS transmitters on these birds."
