Minnesota DNR Wants You To Report Turkeys & Pheasants

The Minnesota DNR is seeking the public's help in reporting observations of two game birds that are popular with Central Minnesota hunters. The observations will be used in the 2025 brood survey to determine limits for the upcoming hunting seasons.

Observe & Report Turkey and Pheasants

You might be spending all day reporting your observations of wild turkeys and pheasants, but the Minnesota DNR is looking for your help. According to a short press release from the Department of Natural Resources:

"People can report any pheasants and turkeys they see in the wild now through Sunday, Aug. 31. Information from the reports will help the DNR monitor pheasant and turkey population trends, evaluate conservation efforts, and make decisions about harvest regulations.

Using a mobile device or desktop computer, people can enter information on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/wildlife/sightings/brood-survey.html)"

Population Trends

One of the reasons the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources cited for the need for observations from the public is that they are trying to determine what the two populations are like across the state.

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Last year, the population of pheasants was reported to be stable compared to 2023. The wild turkey population, according to the MN DNR estimate, is about 70,000 birds. Wild turkeys were reintroduced to Minnesota back in the early 70s, in far Southeastern Minnesota.

Popular Game Birds

The latest data from the Minnesota DNR shows that both pheasant and turkey hunting are growing here in the land of 10,000 lakes. The spring 2024 turkey season showed a 22% increase in harvest numbers between 2023 and 2024, a good sign for those patiently calling in the morning hours.

Pheasant data wasn't as current, but the 2022 numbers showed nearly 80,000 pheasant stamps were sold.