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Species · Iowa · BBS 2026 Release · 1966–2025

Wild Turkey Population Trend in Iowa

All statesGame birds

Wild Turkey in Iowa has surged: up 18× on the route-weighted index since 1979.

18×Since 1979TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
32Routes In StateSurvey routesHow many standard-protocol BBS routes contributed counts. More routes means a steadier, better-sampled index; very thin coverage is suppressed.Full methodology →
45YearsYears surveyedNumber of years with at least one standard-protocol run in this geography. A longer record makes the trend more reliable.Full methodology →

Notable Wild Turkey Trends in IowaNotable signalsLong-arc shifts the engine flags automatically — sustained declines or increases large enough to stand out from year-to-year noise.Full methodology →

No notable trend signals for Wild Turkey in Iowa. See the full index history below.

Wild Turkey Population Forecast in Iowa

If the recent trend holds, Wild Turkey in Iowa is projected to rise about 38% by 2030 — from 0.97 in 2025 to a central estimate of 1.3 (95% range 0.42–2.2). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±256.3%, with 20% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+38%Change by 2030TrendPercent change in the route-weighted abundance index between a smoothed baseline window and the most recent one. It tracks direction, not absolute population.Full methodology →
1.3Projected 2030 indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →
0.42–2.295% range95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
±256.3%Backtest errorBacktest errorTypical error when we hold out the most recent years, forecast them, and compare to what actually happened. Lower means a more trustworthy projection.Full methodology →
If the recent trend holds, Wild Turkey in Iowa is projected to rise about 38% by 2030 — from 0.97 in 2025 to a central estimate of 1.3 (95% range 0.42–2.2). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±256.3%, with 20% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.19742030
Projection of the recent trend (dashed) with 80/95% bands — a projection, not a prediction. Habitat, climate, and land use are not modeled.
YearProjected indexProjected indexThe central forecast of the abundance index if the recent trend continues. A projection of the current trajectory, not a prediction.Full methodology →95% low95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →95% high95% rangeThe 95% uncertainty band around the projection at the forecast horizon. The true value should land inside it most of the time.Full methodology →
20261.20.322.2
20271.30.342.2
20281.30.372.2
20291.30.392.2
20301.30.422.2

Wild Turkey Survey Routes in Iowa

Routes recording Wild Turkey in Iowa.
Recent countThe raw number of individuals recorded on this route in its most recent survey year. A single-route tally, not a trend.Full methodology →
Exline1220251985
Red Rock820252001
Bedford720181992
Prairieburg520001993
Lafayette520252003
Maquoketa420221988
Washta420141985
Bryant320222003
Hudson320061987
West Liberty220242006
Neola220142005
Wales220182007
Zearing219891989
Clare220191990
Pierson220251994
Titonka219911991
Rock Valley220192017
Mt Hamill120251974
Melrose120221986
Burchinal120252023
Cedar Valley119951995
Brooklyn120252005
Williamsburg120061990
Panther120242010
Washington120111992

Wild Turkey Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarizonaarkansascaliforniacoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-08-14.