Maryland’s Spring Turkey Hunts to Open

Youth hunters will kick-off Maryland’s spring turkey season with the Junior Turkey Hunt on April 11 statewide and on Sunday, April 12, in select counties. The regular spring turkey season will run from April 18 through May 23 statewide.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources encourages adults to take young hunters on a Junior Turkey Hunt. These events allow licensed youth ages 16 and under to hunt wild turkeys when accompanied by an unarmed adult, 21 and older, who holds a valid Maryland hunting license, or is exempt from the hunting license requirements. Adults may not possess a bow, crossbow or firearm while accompanying a youth hunter during the junior hunt.

The daily bag limit for spring season is one bearded turkey with a season bag limit of two bearded turkeys. Hunting hours are as listed:

• April 11 and 12 (Junior Turkey Hunt): Half-hour before sunrise to sunset;
• April 18-May 9: Half-hour before sunrise to noon; and
• May 10-May 23: Half-hour before sunrise to sunset.

Complete regulations, turkey check-in procedures, and information on Sunday and public land hunting opportunities are located at dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide or in the 2014-2015 Maryland Guide to Hunting & Trapping.

Keep up to date with DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service on Facebook and Twitter @MDDNRWildlife.

Hunters with questions may contact the Wildlife & Heritage Service at 410-260-8540.