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Photo by Joe Lacefield
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources encourages anyone who observes wild turkeys in Kentucky during July or August to enter some basic information about their sightings into an online survey portal. Data collected through this survey enable the department to better understand turkey trends over time.
The online survey portal for reporting sightings may easily be found by searching using the key words “turkey survey” at fw.ky.gov. A printable form of the survey may also be downloaded, printed and filled out, then scanned or photographed with a smartphone and emailed to info.center@ky.gov.
“This simple survey provides important data to help us better understand what is happening with the population over time,” Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Wild Turkey Program Coordinator Zak Danks said. “More observations also give us increased data points and enhance our survey coverage statewide.”
The turkey program compiles data from these observations from interested citizens and staff into a statewide index of hatch and survival of young turkeys, or “poults.” This index helps department biologists to assess reproductive success, which is important to the sustainability of the wild turkey population.
In recent years, many hunters across the southeastern U.S. have reported seeing fewer turkeys. State fish and wildlife agencies are currently conducting research to shed more light on the status of turkey populations, and whether decreased observations reflect natural population fluctuation, or if it may indicate a downward trend in wild turkey numbers. In addition to scientific research, observation data from staff and the public through this survey are vital for long-term conservation.
“Citizen science can help conservation efforts in many ways,” Danks said. “Our summer wild turkey survey is a great example, and we welcome everyone’s contributions.”
Photo by Rachel Cummings
A group of Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Conservation Officer recruits graduated June 30 from basic training at the state Department of Criminal Justice Training in Richmond.
Aaron Amshoff, Tayler Davis, James “Dylan” Fields, Stone Harris, Derrick Moore, Jimmy Rice, Christian Roberts and Mitchell Weekley were part of Class 528 and received 800 hours of basic law enforcement training in firearms, defensive tactics, search and seizure and arrest over 20 weeks.
Davis received the Firearms Proficiency (Top Shot) Award and was recognized as Special Projects Officer and for physical fitness excellence. Roberts received the Outstanding Performance for Physical Fitness award and was recognized as the Honor Code representative as well as for physical fitness excellence. Moore, Rice and Weekley were squad leaders in Class 528 and recognized for physical fitness excellence. Amshoff was recognized as the Adjutant Officer and for physical fitness excellence. Fields and Harris were recognized for physical fitness excellence.
A replay of the graduation ceremony is available through DOCJT's Facebook page.
The recruits now return to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s Academy for additional training. A graduation ceremony is scheduled Aug. 26.
 The new Kentucky Hunting and Trapping Guide is now available through the department's website.
The cover features artwork by Kentucky Afield artist Rick Hill and celebrates the 25th anniversary of Kentucky's successful elk restoration project.
Printed copies of this regulations summary are expected to arrive next month.
View and download the guide at fw.ky.gov.
 In the "Staff Spotlight" this week is Wildlife Diversity Program Coordinator Zack Couch.
Fun fact about Zack: Fun fact about Zack: When he’s not at work or church, Zack's usually at a football game or volleyball game with one of his children. Any other spare time is spent hunting or fishing as a family.
“Staff Spotlight” introduces you to the variety of our employees and the breadth of their expertise, as well as the diversity of jobs, programs and initiatives of the department.
To learn more about current employment opportunities with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, please visit fw.ky.gov/careers.
 Staff from the Fisheries and Engineering Divisions of Kentucky Fish and Wildlife teamed up to provide enhanced fishing opportunities at Green River Lake. A new accessible fishing pier was constructed at Green River State Park in Taylor County with fish-attracting structures on the lake bottom a short distance from the pier.
Thanks to partners Friends of Green River Lake and the Kentucky Department of Parks for providing funding. The pier features 960 square feet of surface area and is easily accessible via a concrete pathway. |
