ANNAPOLIS, Md., June 2, 2025 — Maryland hunters harvested 4,851 wild turkeys during the 2025 spring regular and junior turkey seasons, a 2% decrease from the 4,959 birds taken in 2024, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Despite the slight decline, the 2025 total remains well above the 10-year average of 4,350, reflecting stable turkey populations and favorable hunting conditions.
“Maryland’s spring turkey hunters benefited from favorable weather and healthy turkey populations again this year,” said Karina Stonesifer, DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service Director. “Harvest numbers remained high in most areas, demonstrating the resiliency of this great game bird.”
Garrett County led the state with 506 turkeys harvested, followed by Charles County with 445 and Washington County with 406. Four counties—Cecil, St. Mary’s, Talbot, and Wicomico—set new harvest records. Cecil reported 112 turkeys, St. Mary’s 282, Talbot 119, and Wicomico 254, surpassing their previous highs. Adult gobblers accounted for 81% of the total harvest, consistent with recent trends.
The Junior Turkey Hunt on April 12-13 kicked off the season, with youth hunters harvesting 338 turkeys, or 7% of the total. Sunday hunting contributed 514 birds, representing 11% of the statewide harvest. DNR surveys indicate average to above-average turkey reproduction in three of the last four summers, supporting stable or growing populations in many regions.
Harvest totals varied across Maryland’s 23 counties. Worcester County reported 400 turkeys, down from 442 in 2024, while Dorchester County saw an increase to 226 from 211. Allegany County harvested 314 turkeys, a decrease from 345, and Frederick County dropped to 281 from 322. Meanwhile, Queen Anne’s County harvested 186 turkeys, slightly down from 191, and Kent County matched its 2023 high of 184.
The DNR attributes the robust 2025 harvest to favorable weather and consistent turkey reproduction. Spring conditions, including mild temperatures and low precipitation, facilitated hunting success. The agency’s population surveys, conducted annually, have documented healthy turkey numbers, particularly in Western Maryland and the Eastern Shore, where habitat conditions remain optimal.
Maryland’s turkey hunting season aligns with broader wildlife management goals, balancing harvest opportunities with population sustainability. The DNR regulates hunting through licensing, bag limits, and season dates to ensure long-term turkey abundance. Hunters can obtain or renew licenses via the DNR website, which also provides resources on regulations and safety.
The spring turkey season, running from mid-April to mid-May, is one of several hunting opportunities in Maryland. The fall hunting calendar begins September 1 with mourning dove season, followed by deer archery season on September 5. The fall turkey season, a shorter window, runs from November 1-9 in select counties. These seasons support Maryland’s outdoor recreation economy while maintaining ecological balance.
Historical data shows fluctuations in turkey harvests, with 2023 marking a peak at 5,356 birds. The 2021 total of 3,910 was the lowest in the past five years, while 2022 and 2024 saw harvests of 4,208 and 4,959, respectively. The 2025 figure of 4,851 positions this year as one of the stronger seasons in the past decade, reinforcing the resilience of Maryland’s wild turkey populations.
Hunters interested in upcoming seasons can access DNR’s online portal for licensing and regulations. The agency encourages safe hunting practices and adherence to bag limits to preserve turkey populations for future generations.
Harvests by county are below:
County 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Allegany 266 282 483 345 314 Anne Arundel 64 85 136 106 118 Baltimore 53 82 101 89 71 Calvert 58 72 99 107 101 Caroline 149 168 174 151 162 Carroll 104 94 132 125 118 Cecil 80 67 95 86 112 Charles 353 334 445 472 445 Dorchester 197 170 180 211 226 Frederick 281 343 391 322 281 Garrett 374 436 579 546 506 Harford 104 91 128 105 98 Howard 35 51 61 40 43 Kent 151 160 184 130 184 Montgomery 154 164 206 150 121 Prince George’s 99 115 164 135 129 Queen Anne’s 120 144 170 191 186 Somerset 180 176 199 202 175 St. Mary’s 187 204 253 226 282 Talbot 80 84 96 95 119 Washington 345 400 515 445 406 Wicomico 181 193 215 238 254 Worcester 295 293 350 442 400 Total 3,910 4,208 5,356 4,959 4,851
