Historic Turkey Season Breaks MD And 9 County Records

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Turkey hunters harvested a record-high number of turkeys this spring. This year's total of 4,303 turkeys was 128 more than the previous record set in 2017. Hunters took home 8% more turkeys this spring than in the 2019 season, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reports.

Hunters in Anne Arundel County bagged 81 turkeys, which was the third-lowest total in the state and one less than its 2013 record. Prince George's County, on the other hand, broke its previous record, registering 109 turkeys. Eight other counties also broke their records this spring season, which lasted from April 18 to May 23.

Charles, Garrett, Frederick and Washington Counties saw hunters claim more than 300 turkeys. Together those four counties accounted for 36 percent of this year's nabs. Washington County led the way with 439 turkey claims.

“This year’s harvest suggests that many hunters took advantage of abundant turkey populations in much of the state,” DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said in a news release.

Almost a quarter of this year's pool were juvenile turkeys. This was the highest rate since 2012's spring season. The DNR said this suggests that turkey populations are rising across the state.

A 2019 DNR report suggests that turkey populations rose by 11% in Central Maryland throughout the 2010s. Southern Maryland also saw a notable 7% increase. The report claims that turkey populations are not decreasing anywhere in the state. It estimates that the state's current turkey population hovers around 40,000.

Turkey hunting contributes about $5 million to Maryland's economy each year, according to the DNR.