Maryland

Sub-species: Eastern

Tags: Over the counter 

Application Period: n/a

Electronic or Print at Home Fulfillment: YES

Hunter Education Required: Yes

Bag Limit: 2 bearded turkeys (1 per day)

2026 Spring Season Dates: April 18- May 23

Special Youth Hunt: April 11 statewide and April 13 on select properties 

Special Disabled Hunt: No

Decoys Allowed: Yes

Tagging Instructions: Before moving a turkey from the place of kill, hunters must complete a field tag and attach it to the animal or check the animal in electronically and receive a confirmation number.  If a field tag is used, the hunter must check the turkey in electronically (or by calling 888-800-0121) within 24 hours.

Noteworthy Restrictions: Legal hunting hours from April 18- May 9 are from half an hour before sunrise to noon, for the remainder of season legal hunting hours are half an hour before sunrise to sunset. Sunday hunting is only allowed in certain counties and public areas.  A hunter must carry personal photo identification at all times while hunting.  Written permission is required to hunt private land.  Shotguns cannot hold more than 3 shells.  It is illegal to have a loaded firearm in or leaning against a vehicle.  Shot sizes are restricted to #4 shot or smaller.  The cutting of trees, branches, shrubs, or other vegetation is prohibited (including for shooting lanes). Hunters are permitted to have a non-hunting guest accompany them. This person does not need a permit or reservation but must remain with the hunter and unarmed at all times. (C&D Canal Lands require a non-hunting permit, available online).

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

410-260-8367

Purchase License Online

Licenses Needed to Hunt Turkeys