Public asked to report wild turkey, grouse seen in Ohio

Columbus — The Ohio DNR (ODNR) Division of Wildlife encourages the public to report sightings of wild turkeys and ruffed grouse this summer as part of its annual population surveys. Anyone can submit observations on the Wildlife Reporting System webpage at wildohio.gov or on the HuntFish OH mobile app.

Wildlife biologists use public reports of wild turkeys and ruffed grouse observed in July and August to estimate population statuses and reproductive success. During the summer months, most young turkeys and grouse can be distinguished from adults by size. Biologists have tracked summer observations of wild turkeys since 1962 and of grouse since 1999.

Observers of wild turkeys are asked to report the number of gobblers, hens, and young turkeys (poults) seen. Information collected about ruffed grouse includes the number of adults and young viewed. Community scientists are asked to record the date and county where the observation occurred and include as many details as possible with each report.

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Similar surveys are conducted by other states throughout the wild turkey’s range. Information submitted to Ohio’s surveys helps predict future population changes, estimate brood success, and guide management decisions.

Wild turkey brood surveys in 2025 showed slightly below average results, with 2.7 poults per hen compared to the long-term average of 2.8. Wild turkey brood surveys in 2021 (3.1 poults per hen), 2022 (3.0), 2023 (2.8), and 2024 (2.9) showed strong nest productivity that benefited Ohio’s turkey population. The long-term average increased in 2024 because of recent turkey nest success.

Because of habitat availability, Ohio’s turkey populations are typically strongest in the eastern and southern counties. Turkey brood success is largely influenced by weather conditions, habitat, and predators. Ongoing research will help biologists better understand those factors.

Ruffed grouse are medium-sized game birds that are chicken-like in appearance. Ruffed grouse inhabit Ohio’s heavily forested regions. Grouse occur in the greatest numbers in young, regenerating forests, especially those less than 20 years old. Habitat loss has driven grouse population declines since the 1980s. In addition, susceptibility to West Nile Virus has likely caused further population declines since the early 2000s.

All of the hunting for ruffed grouse this fall will be on select areas of southern Ohio through a controlled lottery system.