Hunting News

Third consecutive harvest record set for spring turkeys

Third consecutive harvest record set for spring turkeys

By Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Hunters reported harvesting 4,175 wild turkeys during the 2017 regular spring and junior hunt turkey seasons. The harvest was 8 percent higher than 2016 (3,874), marking the third consecutive record harvest in the state.
The 2017 harvest also well above the 10-year average of 3,303.

“The high harvest can be attributed to a combination of factors, including growing turkey populations and expanded Sunday hunting opportunities,” according to Paul Peditto, Wildlife and Heritage Service director.

Garrett County reported the highest harvest with 429 turkeys, followed by Washington County with 426. Rounding out the top five counties were Frederick (332), Charles (320) and Dorchester (303). Wild turkey populations are at all-time highs in some areas, with record harvests reported in eight counties this year.

Hunters in 10 counties were able to hunt on Sundays this year, resulting in a harvest of 337 turkeys.

Youth hunters kicked-off the spring turkey season with the Junior Turkey Hunt April 15, statewide, and April 16, in select counties, reporting 230 wild turkeys harvested. Maryland’s turkey season ended May 23.

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