Turkey Hunting in Maryland

Sure enough, I've known a few of my turkey hunting buds to visit Maryland due to its proximity to the neighboring states of Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Maryland has some birds. Still, our Turkey Hunting Nation grade falls right there at a C, and just satisfactory at that. If anything, we might nudge it up to a C-plus.

And let's just remind everybody right now of Maryland's stellar waterfowl tradition. 

Yes, Maryland’s turkey population (33,000 birds by recent estimates) is stable, but still low compared to surrounding states.

The downside: Public land is at a premium here, with the state agency holding title to but 111,000 acres spread throughout 47 Wildlife Management Areas.

There are several state forests, however, scattered across the state, and ranging in size from 1,800 to 66,000 acres. 

And cost for the visiting, out-of-town turkey hunter is pretty reasonable, comparatively speaking. Turkey hunting pressure is low compared to surrounding states. 

It's a place that's hard to figure out for a turkey hunter. If you know somebody who has birds, that's usually the ticket (true most anywhere, eh).

So where should you look?

The highest concentrations can be found on the east and west sides of the state, including the northern region near the Pennsylvania state line; populations in the central part of the state are said to be “stable,” while the southern third of Maryland is seeing varied, but overall increased production.

The use of a "Maryland Big Game Harvest Record"​ is required of all Maryland deer and turkey hunters.  It is issued with the hunting license. 

– M.D. Johnson and Steve Hickoff

Fun Fact: Maryland offered a short 3-day winter turkey season this past January. 

Maryland Turkey Hunting Regulations

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