Understanding Maryland's Turkey Population Maryland boasts a robust turkey population, making it a prime destination for hunters eager to pursue these magnificent birds. With a diverse landscape that includes forests, farmlands and wetlands, the state offers ideal habitats for turkeys to thrive. The Eastern wild turkey, the most common subspecies found in Maryland, can be spotted across various regions of the state, from the wooded areas of Western Maryland to the agricultural fields of the[...]

As spring unfolds in Maryland, late-season turkey hunting presents its own set of challenges and opportunities for improving your technique. While the early season may be marked by the excitement of gobblers responding eagerly to calls and decoys, late-season hunting requires a different approach. Here’s a guide to finding success in the late season, focusing on patience and tactics that don't rely on calling or decoys. Finding Them During the late season, turkeys often change[...]

Maryland’s Turkey Hotspots One of the premier turkey hunting destinations in Maryland is Savage River State Forest. Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains of Western Maryland, Savage River State Forest boasts vast expanses of woodland, providing ample habitat for wild turkeys. The forest's rugged terrain offers challenging conditions, making it a favorite among experienced hunters seeking a true wilderness experience. With its abundance of oak and hickory trees, the forest provides plentiful food sources for turkeys[...]

Must Know: The season runs from April 18 - May 23, and Youth Days are April 16 statewide and April 17 in select counties. The bag limit is one bearded turkey per day and two bearded turkeys per season. Written permission is required when hunting on private property unless the owner or lessee is in the hunting party. The state provides thousands of acres of public land located in all counties that can be used[...]

There are over 30 State Parks, State Forests and Wildlife Management Areas in Maryland that offer access to hunters with mobility impairments. Following is information on some of the public lands with accessible hunting areas. Information on additional sites can be found here on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website. Cunningham Swamp WMA features a newly constructed 170-foot wheelchair-accessible boardwalk leading to a covered hunting structure that overlooks a wetland built near a beaver[...]

Maryland’s fall turkey season is right around the corner, which means it’s the perfect time to stock up for the holidays with a fresh harvest. Make your plans now! The fall turkey season is short (October 27th through November 4th) and is only in Western Maryland. However, what a fantastic time to head out to Western Maryland for some great hunting and to experience the beauty of the region's landscapes and fall foliage. Here’s everything[...]

1) Duck and Goose Hunting on the Eastern Shore There’s a reason the state dog is the Chesapeake Bay retriever. Located right in the middle of the Atlantic Flyway, Maryland is steeped in duck and goose hunting tradition, and the Eastern Shore is home to some of the best waterfowl hunting anywhere. 2) Surf Fishing at Assateague Island National Seashore The barrier island of the Maryland coast is home to amazing surf fishing, so pitch[...]

Turkeys usually conjure images of colorful leaves and crisp fall days, but with the arrival of spring comes the start of turkey hunting in Maryland. Spring turkey season begins April 18, 2018 and lasts through May 23rd, with a special youth turkey season scheduled the weekend of April 14-15. Found across Maryland, Eastern wild turkey populations are near an all-time high – now numbering around 40,000 – thanks, in part, to an intensive trap and[...]

Though I’ve been hunting all of my adult life, I consider myself far from an expert, by any means, when it comes to turkey hunting. One is always learning-- whether you mean to or not. Seldom do I return from a hunt without adding to my repertoire, to be drawn upon on a future hunt. I reside in the mountains of Western Maryland, specifically Garrett County. The terrain is diverse with rolling mountains, streams, farm[...]