Every Bird Counts: Help Shape the Future of South Carolina's Quail and Wild Turkeys
- 12 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Ever spot a brood of quail chicks at the edge of a field or a hen turkey shepherding a line of tiny poults across a logging road? Congratulations—you've just collected valuable wildlife data.
Each summer, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) asks hunters, landowners, farmers, and outdoor enthusiasts to participate in the Summer Wild Turkey & Quail Brood Survey. It's one of the simplest ways you can help improve wildlife management across the state, and it only takes a few moments when you're already out enjoying the outdoors.
Why Your Sightings Matter
Wildlife biologists can't be everywhere. That's where you come in.
The birds you see during July and August help biologists measure nesting success and the survival of poults and quail chicks. That information plays a major role in guiding habitat management, conservation efforts, and future hunting opportunities.
Here's the best part: every observation matters.
See a hen with eight poults? Great!
See a covey with no chicks? That's just as important.
Even seeing adult birds without young provides critical information that helps paint an accurate picture of how populations are doing across South Carolina.
It's Easier Than Ever
SCDNR is making it even simpler to participate by transitioning from paper surveys to a mobile-friendly online reporting system.
When you spot quail or wild turkeys between July 1 and August 31, simply:
Count the birds.
Note whether you see adults, poults, or chicks.
Record the county and date.
Submit your observations online by September 15.
It takes just a couple of minutes, but your observations become part of a statewide conservation effort.
You Don't Have to Be a Biologist
You don't need special training. If you spend time outdoors—whether you're checking trail cameras, mowing fields, fishing ponds, scouting for deer, riding back roads, or simply working around your property—you may see birds that can contribute valuable information.
The more people who participate, the better the data, and the better decisions wildlife managers can make for the future of South Carolina's quail and wild turkey populations.
So keep your eyes open this summer. The next brood you see could help shape conservation efforts for years to come.
Save this link in your phone or on your computer and use it to log sightings:
It takes less than 30 seconds to help these bird populations grow.
Comments