ANNAPOLIS — Maryland hunters harvested 5,094 wild turkeys during the 2026 spring season, according to data released by the Department of Natural Resources. The total marked a 5% increase from the 4,851 birds taken in 2025 but remained below the record harvest of 5,356 recorded in 2023.
Favorable weather conditions contributed to productive hunting across much of the state, DNR officials said. While turkey populations fluctuate by region and year, hunters continued to find quality opportunities statewide, including in Southern Maryland counties.
Charles County recorded the second-highest county harvest with 452 turkeys, up slightly from 445 in 2025. St. Mary’s County hunters took 293 birds, an increase from 282 the previous year. Calvert County reported 100 turkeys, nearly identical to the 101 harvested in 2025. These figures reflect steady local interest and participation in the spring season, which targets bearded turkeys.
Garrett County led the state with 542 turkeys harvested. Worcester County followed with 430. Allegany and Washington counties each exceeded 300 birds.
Youth hunters participated in the Junior Turkey Hunt held April 11-12 and accounted for 441 of the statewide total, or 8%. Sunday hunting, allowed in certain counties, represented 14% of the overall harvest.
“The favorable weather helped contribute to another productive spring season for Maryland turkey hunters,” said Karina Stonesifer, director of the DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service. “While populations can fluctuate across regions and from year to year, turkey hunters continue to enjoy quality hunting opportunities across Maryland.”
The spring harvest data provides wildlife managers with information to monitor populations and adjust regulations as needed. Southern Maryland counties have maintained consistent participation, supporting both recreational hunting and the department’s broader wildlife management goals.
Hunting licenses for the 2026-27 season become available July 1 through the Maryland DNR website. The major fall hunting seasons open Sept. 1 with mourning dove season, followed by archery deer season beginning Sept. 11.
County-by-county harvest figures for the past five seasons show varied trends. Charles County has remained among the stronger performers in Southern Maryland, while St. Mary’s County recorded its second-highest total in the five-year span this spring. Calvert County harvests have stayed relatively stable near 100 birds annually.
Statewide, the 2026 total reflects continued interest in spring turkey hunting as a popular outdoor activity. Hunters and wildlife enthusiasts in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties can track local trends through DNR reports and use the data when planning future seasons.
