Maryland’s Fall Turkey Season

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 you need to make the most out of your fall hunt in Maryland:

Only 9 Days in the 2018 Fall Turkey Season

Fall turkey hunting is only permitted in Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties October 27th – November 4^th. Sunday hunting is allowed on designated public lands open to Sunday hunting:

• Billmeyer-Belle Grove Wildlife Management Area
• Cunningham Swamp Wildlife Management Area
• Dan’s Mountain Wildlife Management Area
• Garrett State Forest
• Green Ridge State Forest
• Indian Springs Wildlife Management Area
• McCoole Fishery Management Area
• Mount Nebo Wildlife Management Area
• Potomac State Forest
• Prather’s Neck Wildlife Management Area
• Savage River State Forest
• Sideling Hill Wildlife Management Area
• Warrior Mountain Wildlife Management Area

The combined bag limit for the 2018 Fall and 2019 Winter Seasons is one (1) turkey of either sex. (this means hunters can take one turkey in the fall season OR one turkey in the winter season, but not one in both seasons)

• Fall Turkey Season daily shooting hours are one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset.
• Fall 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.
• It is illegal to hunt turkeys with the aid of bait or to place bait for turkeys during any turkey season. However, during the fall season, it is not considered to be hunting with the aid of bait if a hunter and any turkey that a hunter shoots at are at least 150 yards from any bait legally placed for other species (e.g. corn placed to attract deer).
• Be aware: Fall turkey hunters are encouraged to wear daylight fluorescent color clothing especially when other hunting seasons are open at the same time.

The best areas to hunt in each of the three western counties where fall turkey season takes place are:

Garrett County:
Savage River State Forest (SF)
Potomac-Garrett SF

Allegany County:
Green Ridge SF
Dan's Mountain Wildlife Management Area (WMA)
Warrior Mountain WMA

Washington County:
Indian Springs WMA
Prather's Neck WMA

Photo by Lori R. Bramble via DNR

Before You Go

A hunting license is required to hunt wild turkeys in Maryland (with exceptions). See Hunting Licenses and Who May Hunt Without a License.

The use of a Maryland Big Game Harvest Record​ is required of all Maryland deer and turkey hunters.  It is issued with the hunting license. Those who may hunt deer and turkeys without a license must obtain a Big Game Harvest Record, at no charge, from DNR Licensing and Registration Offices, a Maryland Sport License agent, or online at http://gamecheck.dnr.state.md.us/.

There are other turkey hunting seasons in Maryland. Click here to view Turkey Hunting Seasons & Bag Limits for hunting dates, bag limits, hours, and areas.

Turkeys taken in Maryland must be checked in with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Click here for Deer & Turkey Tagging and Checking Requirements.

Management:

Wild turkeys are managed as Forest Game species in Maryland. To learn more about Wild Turkey management, click here.

If you are interested in managing for Wild Turkey habitat, please click here.​

Images courtesy of Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Lori R. Bramble