Fall Turkey Season
Set to Open October 29
ANNAPOLIS— Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and
Heritage Service (WHS) reminds hunters that Maryland’s fall turkey season
will open Saturday, Oct 29 through Saturday, Nov 5. The fall season is
open in Garrett, Allegany, and Washington counties with a bag limit of 1
turkey.
“Fall turkey hunting has a rich tradition in western Maryland,” said
WHS Director Paul A. Peditto. “Whether hunters are hoping to take home a
Thanksgiving bird or simply want to spend time with friends and family,
the fall turkey season is a great opportunity for Maryland’s sportsmen and
women.”
Wild turkeys are abundant in the western counties and hunters should
have plenty of opportunity to harvest a turkey. Field surveys conducted by
DNR field staff suggest that wild turkey reproductive success was near
average this past summer. Mast surveys conducted in August and September
by DNR personnel show that acorn production in the western counties was
generally spotty and white oak mast production was particularly poor.
Typically, fall harvest varies greatly from year to year depending on
reproduction, weather, mast crops, and hunter participation. Reproductive
success is probably the most important; it influences the number of
turkeys in the field, which in turn affects hunter success and total fall
harvests. Last fall, following a record level of poult production, 207
turkeys were harvested during the one-week season.
Although florescent orange is not required for turkey hunters, hunters
should always take safety precautions. Wearing an orange hat while moving
and tying an orange ribbon around a nearby tree at calling locations are
highly recommended. Also, always positively identify your target and never
stalk or sneak up on turkey sounds; it may be another hunter.
Hunters should note that western Maryland provides excellent public
land opportunities for fall turkey hunters. The region hosts more than
150,000 acres of State Forests and Wildlife Management Areas, giving
public land hunters plenty of room to explore while pursuing this
magnificent game bird.
Interested hunters should consult DNRs website,
http://www.dnr.state.md.us, or
the Guide to
Hunting and Trapping in Maryland, 2005-2006 for more information on
public lands opportunities and fall turkey regulations.