Forest Game

Forest game species that can be hunted are wild turkey, ruffed grouse, eastern fox squirrel and red and gray squirrels.  These species occupy forested habitats across Maryland, from early successional forest land to mature forest land.

Hunting Hours
Spring Bearded Turkey Season: One half hour before sunrise to noon.  All other forest game species: One half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset.

Wild Turkey Hunting
DNR encourages all turkey hunters to follow the National Wild Turkey Federation's Turkey Hunter's Code of Conduct.  The Code of Conduct states that a responsible turkey hunter should:

Not let peer pressure or the excitement of the hunt cloud his/her judgment.

Learn and practice safe hunting techniques.

Hunt the wild turkey fairly.

Know the capabilities and limitations of his/her hunting devices and use them safely.

Obey and support all wildlife laws and report all violations.

Respect the land and landowner and always obtain permission before hunting.

Avoid knowingly interfering with another hunter and respect the right of others to lawfully share the outdoors.

Value the hunting experience and appreciate the beauty of the wild turkey.

Positively identify his/her target as a legal bird and insist on a good shot.

Share responsible turkey hunting with others and work for turkey conservation.

Fluorescent orange is not required for hunting turkeys.  However, turkey hunters are encouraged to wear it as a precaution while turkey hunting.  Successful turkey hunters are also encouraged to put an orange ribbon on the turkey when carrying it out of the woods.  The colors black, red, white, and blue should be avoided on turkey hunting clothing.  These colors are predominant in the male turkey's plumage and can cause a hunter to be mistaken for game.  The use of decoys and blinds is legal for turkey hunting.  Hunters may wish to make their presence known to other hunters by placing an orange band in a tree adjacent to their blind site.  It is illegal to bait for spring and fall turkey hunting, or use recorded or electronically amplified calls.  An area is considered by law to be baited for 10 days after removal of the bait.  Dogs and organized drives may not be used for hunting bearded turkeys in the spring.

Turkey Tagging and Checking Requirements
A field tag must be completed and attached to the turkey before removing it from the place of kill.  Those entitled to hunt without a license must obtain or make field tags of their own and check the bird.  A tag must bear the hunter's name, hunting license number (if applicable), date and county where taken.  All harvested turkeys must be checked at a checking station in the county where they are killed, or an adjacent county, within 24 hours.