Maryland’s fall turkey season opens Saturday, October 27 and runs through Saturday, November 3. As in the past, the season will only be open in Garrett, Allegany, and Washington counties with a bag limit of 1 turkey.

Wild turkeys are traditionally abundant in the western mountains and this year should be no exception. Field surveys conducted by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) suggest that turkey populations in the western region remain strong.

“The number of young turkeys produced per adult hen was about average this summer,” stated Bob Long, DNR Wild Turkey Biologist. “However, a higher than average number of turkeys were counted on the survey overall so this season should be a productive one,” Long added.

Although not required for turkey hunters, DNR recommends turkey hunters wear fluorescent orange while moving and tie an orange ribbon or other marker around a nearby tree when calling turkeys.

Paul Peditto, Director of the Wildlife & Heritage Service added, “Always positively identify your target and never stalk or sneak up on turkey sounds - it may be another hunter.”

Successful Maryland turkey hunters must register their turkey by calling 1-888-800-0121 or online at www.gamecheck.dnr.state.md.us. Hunters must immediately attach a completed Field Tag on the turkey’s leg and record the harvest on their Maryland Big Game Harvest Record portion of their hunting license before moving the turkey from place of harvest. Both forms must be completed in ink. Hunters will receive a confirmation number to be recorded on the Big Game Harvest Record.Complete bag limits, season dates, deer and turkey registration procedures and other hunting information can be found online at www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide.

 The Hunting & Trapping In Maryland 2007-2008 Guide, issued with each hunting license, also contains detailed information about all Maryland’s hunting seasons.