ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the opening of the winter turkey season, which runs statewide from Jan. 23-25 for hunters who did not harvest a turkey during the 2019 fall season.

Hunting hours are from one half-hour before sunrise to one half-hour after sunset. The bag limit is one turkey of either sex.

“Wild turkey populations are at an all-time high in much of Maryland,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “The winter season provides a fantastic opportunity to get outdoors after other popular hunting seasons are winding down.”

During the winter turkey season, Maryland hunters may only use shotguns loaded with No. 4 shot or smaller, crossbows, vertical bows, or airguns that shoot arrows or bolts.

Hunters are reminded that it is illegal to hunt turkeys with the aid of bait. Hunters are required to check in their harvest via phone at 888-800-0121, online or via the department’s mobile app.
The Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping provides information about winter turkey hunting, including season open dates and regulations.

All hunters, including those who may hunt without a license, must complete the tagging and checking procedure for each turkey taken. In order to check in their turkey, hunters must have a DNRid number that is available through the COMPASS portal at compass.dnr.maryland.gov/ or any Department of Natural Resources Licensing and Registration Service Center or a Department of Natural Resources Sport License Agent.