Wildlife Habitat_Content Page_Game Bird Brood Survey

Game Bird Brood Observations for DNR Staff and Cooperators

Wild turkey poults

 

Members of the public can contribute observations via the Game Bird Brood Survey, please go to the Game Bird Brood Survey page for more information.

The Game Bird Brood Survey is used by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and cooperating federal, state and county agency personnel to record game bird broods observed in daylight hours during August. Data collected from this survey plays an important role in developing a poults-to-hen observed index for game bird brood production. Game birds to be recorded are ruffed grouse, ring-necked pheasant, wild turkey, and gray partridge. Record the date of the observation, location, and species seen. Record all individuals observed as well as all broods. Brood size information will be used as an indicator of production and nest success. Observations are reported by smartphone, see below for further instructions.

Survey guidelines

  • Record all individuals observed as well as all broods observed in daylight hours.
  • Do not include broods seen on any specially-run brood transects.
  • Do not include repeat observations if you are confident the same brood is being seen.
  • Do not report released bird observations if this is suspected.

Survey instructions

Observations are collected using the Survey123 smartphone app. Currently on your smartphone? Use this direct link instead of steps 1-3 below to install the survey.

Step 1) Download and install Survey123 on your device. Go to Google Play (Android) or DNR App Catalog (iOS) to install.

  • Note: after installation, the app may open and ask you to log in. Close the app and go to step 2.

Step 2) Scan the QR code below with the phone's camera and click on the link that appears, or open Survey123 and use the QR code reader in the Search bar. This will load and open the Game Bird Brood Survey in Survey123. If prompted to log in, click 'Continue without signing in' to proceed.

QR code for game bird brood survey

Step 3) Once the survey is installed, go to the X at the top left of the screen, then select "Close survey and lose changes". The Survey123 app and Game Bird Brood Survey are now loaded onto your phone and ready for you to record your observations. Upon your next sighting, open Survey123 and Game Bird Brood Survey to record your sighting.

  • You can use your phone's GPS to record your sighting location or the map to pin your sightings.

** DO NOT use the app while driving! **

Additional Information