First the bad news.
This summer’s annual survey documenting the success of wild turkey reproduction in Maryland shows that the number of young birds per hen in Mountain Maryland hit an all-time low since the survey began more than 30 years ago.
During July and August, 423 observers across the state recorded their sightings of turkeys and submitted the results to Bob Long, wild turkey and upland game bird project manager for the Wildlife and Heritage Service.
Long crunched the numbers and found that the tally of poults per hen in the three western counties — Garrett, Allegany, Washington — was 2.0.
“Only about one-half of adult hens were seen with a brood, indicating poor nesting success,” Long wrote in the annual report. The 15-year average in the western counties has been between 2.5 and 3.0 poults per hen.
Now the good news.
“Populations in the western region have been strong for many years due to consistent poult-to-hen ratios above 2.0,” Long concluded. “Although the lower reproductive success observed may result in slightly smaller flock sizes this year, it should not cause any major declines for the region.”
Statewide, the observers totaled 4,512 turkey sightings. The best reproduction success in 2025 took place in Southern Maryland and in the Upper Eastern Shore.
Weather, quality of habitat and predators all impact turkey reproduction, according to Long. “In 2025, heavy rainfall during the critical peak nesting period (late April to early June) in many parts of the state likely reduced nesting success. Some research suggests that wet weather may increase predation rates on nests, likely because moisture enhances predators’ ability to detect scent,” Long wrote.
The brood report helps biologists establish turkey hunting regulations. It appears to me that no changes will be needed in the near future. The fall turkey hunting season, which takes place only in the state’s three westernmost counties, is coming up November 1-9 when any turkey is legal. Participation in the autumn season has dwindled noticeably in recent times.
There is also a three-day, statewide turkey season in January that allows for the taking of any turkey, not just gobblers. The use of rifles is allowed during the autumn hunt, but not during the January hunt.
Sawyerspective appears biweekly. To order his book, “Native Queen, a celebration of the hunting and fishing life,” send Mike Sawyers a check for $15 to 16415 Lakewood Drive, Rawlings, MD 21557.