Youth hunters will kick-off Maryland’s spring turkey season with a Junior Turkey Hunt Day on Saturday, April 16 statewide and on Sunday, April 17 in select Sunday hunting counties such as Dorchester. The regular spring turkey season will run from April 18 through May 23 statewide.

“Wild turkey populations remain strong throughout most of Maryland, so we predict a nice spring turkey hunting season,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “We encourage hunters to get outside and introduce interested youth or other beginners to the sport.”

Junior Turkey Hunt Days allow licensed youth ages 16 and under to hunt wild turkeys when accompanied by an unarmed adult 21 and older, who holds a valid Maryland hunting license. Adults may not possess a bow, crossbow or firearm while accompanying a youth hunter during the hunt.

The daily bag limit for the spring season is one bearded turkey with a season bag limit of two bearded turkeys. Hunting hours are:

• April 16-17 (Junior Turkey Hunt): Half-hour before sunrise to sunset;
• April 18-May 9: Half-hour before sunrise to noon; and
• May 10-May 23: Half-hour before sunrise to sunset.

Complete season dates, regulations and check-in procedures are located here and in the 2015-2016 Maryland Guide to Hunting & Trapping.

Hunters with questions may contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources at 410-260-8540.