Each August, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency biologists conducts a brood survey, in which hens are observed with their poults. The brood survey helps forecast the direction the turkey flock is taking.

In 2006, the survey found an average of 6.0 poults per brood and an overall ratio of 2.57 poults per hen. Some 44.3% of hens observed were without poults.

Those numbers are generally better than the outcome of the 2005 brood survey, but poorer than the 26-year averages of the brood survey, which has been conducted each year since 1981.

In 2005, the survey found 4.97 poults per brood, a ratio of 2.61 poults per hen and 49.9% of hens without poults.

The 26-year averages are 6.4 poults per brood, a ratio of 4.3 poults per hen and 26.5 percent of hens without poults.

Brood Survey findings for past 10 years:

YEAR	% HENS WITHOUT POULTS	POULTS PER HEN RATIO	POULTS PER BROOD
2006	44.3%	2.57	6.0
2005	49.9%	2.61	4.97
2004	34.7%	2.99	6.51
2003	39.4%	2.41	6.04
2002	26.4%	3.8	5.8
2001	23.1%	4.0	6.1
2000	22.7%	3.8	5.8
1999	25.5%	3.8	6.4
1998	21.6%	4.3	6.2
1997	39.5%	2.8	5.7