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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

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[...]

I am very fortunate to have been born into a family of avid outdoorsmen. Although I have few memories of my grandfather (his nickname was “Pop Daddy”), as he died when I was 6 years old, my father told me that he had a reputation for being a knowledgeable, self-taught naturalist and avid hunter and fisherman. Folks used to say, "If Pop Daddy isn’t catching them, there is no reason to go." I have wonderful[...]

Turkey Hunting In 2013, a record Spring Gobbler harvest of 3,334 birds was taken and the 2014 harvest yielded only 19 birds less than the record. The 10-year average for Spring Gobbler Season is just under 3,000 birds. Western Maryland counties are the most productive, but counties in Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore all hold healthy stocks of wild birds. Of the five distinct subspecies in North America, only the Eastern wild turkey resides[...]

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[...]

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[...]