Statewide Spring Turkey Season Set to Open

Youth Hunters Get First Opportunity This Weekend

Photo by Maureen Koncen

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the statewide spring turkey season will kick off Saturday, April 13 with Junior Turkey Hunt Day. All hunters can try to bag a bird during the regular statewide spring turkey season, April 18-May 23.

For the first part of the regular hunting season, April 18-May 9, hunting is allowed from one half-hour before sunrise until noon. Throughout the rest of the season, May 10-23, hunting hours are one half-hour before sunrise until sunset.

“Wild turkeys remain abundant throughout most of Maryland so we expect another successful spring season,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “Enjoyable spring weather and a long season make turkey hunting the perfect opportunity to take new hunters afield.”

Junior Hunt Days allow licensed youths 16 years old and under to hunt if they are accompanied by an unarmed adult, age 21 and older, who holds a valid Maryland hunting license. The Junior Turkey Hunt is April 13 statewide; youth hunting is allowed April 14 in select counties. Hunting hours for the Junior Turkey Hunt are one half-hour before sunrise to sunset. 

The daily bag limit for the spring season is one bearded turkey, with a season bag limit of two bearded turkeys. Hunting is permitted on Sundays in certain counties. Complete regulations, including Sunday hunting dates and check-in procedures can be found online.