The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the dates for the state’s much-anticipated spring wild turkey hunting season, signaling a promising period for hunters eager to venture into the wilderness. The season begins with Junior Turkey Hunt Day on April 13, exclusively for young hunters, before opening to all hunters from April 18 through May 23.
According to Karina Stonesifer, Director of the Wildlife and Heritage Service, “Wild turkeys remain abundant throughout most of Maryland.” She highlighted the joy and excitement of turkey hunting in spring, offering hunters the chance to enjoy the great outdoors and the possibility of bagging a mature gobbler.
This year’s season comes with optimistic forecasts for hunters aiming to encounter adult gobblers, despite expectations of encountering fewer jakes (one-year-old turkeys). The optimism is based on the results of the DNR’s Summer Wild Turkey Observation Survey, which recorded average or above-average reproductive success in most Maryland regions during the 2021 and 2022 nesting seasons. However, the survey noted that reproduction rates were below average last summer.
The Junior Turkey Hunt, set for April 13 and extending to April 14 in certain counties, is an opportunity for licensed youth hunters aged 16 and under. These young enthusiasts must be accompanied by an unarmed adult aged 21 or older, who must possess a valid Maryland hunting license. This initiative aims to foster the tradition of hunting and wildlife conservation among the younger generation.
For the initial phase of the regular hunting season, from April 18 to May 9, hunting hours are restricted to the morning hours, ending at noon. The season extends its hours from May 10 to May 23, allowing hunting from half an hour before sunrise until sunset, offering hunters more flexibility. The same extended hours apply to the Junior Turkey Hunt.
Hunters are allowed a daily bag limit of one bearded turkey, with a total limit of two for the season. The DNR also outlines specific regulations for Sunday hunting, which is permitted in select counties, underscoring the department’s effort to accommodate various hunting preferences and schedules.
Safety remains a paramount concern for the DNR, which advises hunters to exercise caution with decoys, maintain visibility, and avoid using decoys for stalking birds. These guidelines aim to ensure a safe hunting experience for everyone involved.
For more information on hunting regulations, safety tips, and Sunday hunting dates, hunters and interested parties are encouraged to visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ official website.