Fall Turkey Season Set to Open October 28

ANNAPOLIS — Maryland’s fall turkey season will open Saturday, October 28 and close Saturday, November 4. As in the past, the season will only be open in Garrett, Allegany, and Washington counties with a bag limit of one turkey.

Wild turkeys are traditionally abundant in the western mountains, and this year should be no exception. Field surveys conducted by Department of Natural Resources (DNR) field staff suggest that wild turkey reproductive success in the western region was slightly above average this past summer. 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.

Although fluorescent orange is not required for turkey hunters, hunters should always take safety precautions. Hunters are encouraged to wear a fluorescent orange hat while moving as well as tie an orange ribbon around a nearby tree at calling locations. It is also important for hunters to positively identify their target and never stalk or sneak up on turkey sounds; it may be another hunter.

Hunters should be aware of three regulations changes affecting fall turkey hunting: 1) Motorized or electronic turkey decoys are now prohibited, 2) Handguns are now legal for fall turkey hunting, and 3) Fall turkey hunters using shotguns are restricted to shot sizes #4, #5, or #6.

Any turkey or deer harvested must be registered with DNR by calling 1-888-800-0121 or visiting www.gamecheck.dnr.state.md.us. New and improved field tags and butcher/taxidermy tags are located on pages 28 and 29 of the 2006-2007 Guide to Hunting & Trapping in Maryland. This season’s tags provide a superior writing surface material and a more tear-resistant hole. DNR made these changes in response to suggestions from the Maryland hunting public. Unused field tags and butcher/taxidermy tags from last season are still valid for tagging deer and turkey during the coming hunting seasons.

Consult DNR’s website, www.dnr.state.md.us, or the 2006-2007 Guide to Hunting & Trapping in Maryland for more information on tagging and checking requirements, fall turkey regulations, and public lands opportunities.