Greetings, fellow turkey fans! With spring officially here, it’s time to dust off your hunting gear and get ready for some thrilling Maryland turkey action!
Mark Your Calendars:
The official Junior Turkey Hunt Day kicks off the season on April 13th, followed by the regular spring turkey season running from April 18th to May 23rd So, whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a young buck eager to learn the ropes, there’s plenty of time to bag your bird
Where to Go:
Maryland boasts a diverse landscape, offering a variety of habitats for our feathered friends. From the Eastern Shore’s abundant public lands to the mountainous terrain of Western Maryland, there’s a perfect spot for every hunter.
Eastern Region:
- Pocomoke State Forest: This sprawling 17,676-acre haven is a paradise for turkey hunters, with its mix of pine woods and hardwood forests.
- Idylwild Wildlife Management Area: This 3,800-acre gem in southeastern Caroline County offers easy access and diverse landscapes for a successful hunt.
- Millington Wildlife Management Area: Protecting endangered species while providing recreational opportunities, this 4,000-acre area is home to a thriving turkey population.
Southern Region:
- Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management Area: This 4,460-acre tract in Charles County boasts diverse habitats, including mature forests and wetlands, making it a prime turkey hunting ground.
- Cedarpoint Wildlife Management Area: Situated on a peninsula between Nanjemoy Creek and the Potomac River, this 1,926-acre site offers a mix of forested and open areas for a challenging hunt.
Central Region:
- McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area: This 2,000-acre area in Montgomery County provides a mix of woodlands, fields, and wetlands, perfect for spotting those elusive turkeys.
- Patuxent River State Park Hunting Areas: Spanning over 5,000 acres in Howard and Montgomery Counties, these areas offer diverse hunting opportunities amidst natural beauty.
Western Maryland:
- Savage River State Forest: This 50,000-acre behemoth is a haven for turkey hunters, with its vast forests and mountainous terrain.
- Green Ridge State Forest: Covering 47,560 acres, this expansive forest is a prime location for encountering flocks of turkeys.
- Dan’s Mountain Wildlife Management Area: This 9,783-acre gem in Allegany County is a favorite among hunters for its secluded beauty and abundant turkey population.
Plan Your Adventure:
Maryland has a ton of attractions and events to go along with your turkey hunting trip now that spring has arrived. Visit the VisitMaryland website to find exciting activities, picturesque routes, and hidden treasures to add to your trip’s memory.
Remember:
- Licenses: Don’t forget to secure your hunting license before embarking on your adventure. Check the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website for details.
- Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the current turkey hunting regulations, including bag limits and permitted hunting methods.
- Safety First: Always prioritize safety by wearing blaze orange clothing and handling your firearms responsibly.
Get Ready to Gobble Up the Fun:
So, grab your gear, head to your favorite hunting spot, and get ready to experience the thrill of the spring turkey season in Maryland! Remember, safety and ethical hunting practices are paramount. With a bit of planning and preparation, you’re sure to have a memorable and successful hunt.
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This comprehensive guide provides valuable information and tips for planning your spring turkey hunting adventure in Maryland. With its diverse landscapes, abundant turkey populations, and exciting attractions, Maryland offers an unforgettable experience for hunters of all levels. So, get ready to gobble up the excitement and create lasting memories!
Turkey Hunting Devices and Regulations
- Three shells at a time can only be stored in shotgun magazines and chambers. When loading a shotgun with more than three rounds, a single, non-removable filler must be placed into the loading end.
- During the Junior Turkey Hunting Days, Spring Season and Winter Season, hunters may only use shotguns (loaded with #4 shot or smaller), crossbows, air guns that shoot arrows or bolts or vertical bows.
- In the Fall Season, turkey hunters may only use air guns (that shoot arrows, bolts or bullets), crossbows, handguns, shotguns (loaded with #4 shot or smaller or a solid, single projectile), rifles or vertical bows.
General Turkey Hunting Rules
- A hunter must carry a personal photo ID, such as a driver’s license, or a secondary form of positive identification when they go hunting.
- Written permission is required to hunt on private land.
- A hunting license is required in order to hunt wild turkeys (with some exceptions) See Hunting Licenses, Stamps and Permits (Hunting Licenses) for specifics on costs, exclusions, purchases, requirements, and types related to the armed forces.
- There are tagging and checking requirements for all turkeys harvested. For instructions, see Deer and Turkey Tagging and Checking (Deer .
- It is forbidden to hunt turkeys using bait or over any baited area. Feeding or luring deer or other wildlife may be considered baiting if turkeys are being hunted. Laws state that after the bait is removed, a region is left baited for ten days. Supplements that once contained minerals and salt are now not used as turkey bait.
- It is forbidden to use electronic or motorized turkey decoys or to record or electronically amplify calls.
- Daylight fluorescent color clothing is not required for hunting turkeys. However, turkey hunters are advised to wear it as a precaution. Successful turkey hunters are also advised to wrap the bird in an orange ribbon before bringing it out of the woods. See Hunting Safety Tips (Hunting Regulations) for information on how to have a courteous and safe turkey shooting experience.
Great Start Maryland Turkey
FAQ
What states turkey season opens first?
When should I start turkey hunting?
Where is the best turkey hunting in Maryland?
When can you hunt turkeys in Maryland?
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Spring Turkey Season and Bag Limits 2024
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Dates
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Area
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Bag Limit
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April 18–May 23 (includes Sundays in certain counties, see chart)
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Statewide
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1 bearded turkey per day, 2 bearded turkeys per season
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When is wild turkey season in Maryland?
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces that the statewide spring wild turkey season will kick off April 13 with Junior Turkey Hunt Day. All hunters can hunt during the regular spring turkey season, which begins April 18 and continues through May 23. “Wild turkeys remain abundant throughout most of Maryland,”
When is junior turkey hunt day in Maryland?
Photo by Leonardo Pecora, submitted to the 2021 Maryland DNR Photo Contest. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces that the statewide spring wild turkey season will kick off April 13 with Junior Turkey Hunt Day. All hunters can hunt during the regular spring turkey season, which begins April 18 and continues through May 23.
When is the turkey hunting season?
For the first part of the regular hunting season, April 18 through May 9, hunting is allowed from one half-hour before sunrise until noon. Throughout the rest of the season, May 10 through May 23, and during the Junior Turkey Hunt, April 15-16, hunting hours are one half-hour before sunrise until sunset.
When can you hunt a Turkey?
For the first part of the regular hunting season, April 18 through May 9, hunting is allowed from one half-hour before sunrise until noon. Throughout the rest of the season, May 10 through May 23, and during the Junior Turkey Hunt, hunting hours are one half-hour before sunrise until sunset.