The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is asking Missouri turkey hunters to save and submit feathers from birds they harvest this fall for a research project that will improve the department's ability to estimate turkey abundance across Missouri.
Hunters who successfully harvest a turkey during either the archery deer and turkey season or fall firearms turkey season can voluntarily submit feathers from their turkey at no cost.
Interested hunters are asked to retain a wing and three to five feathers from the breast after telechecking their turkey. They will then be mailed a feather submission packet, including a postage-paid return envelope to submit feathers at no cost.
To receive a feather submission packet, hunters must register to participate at mdc.mo.gov/turkeyfeathers.
For more information on turkey hunting in Missouri, visit MDC at huntfish.mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/turkey.