Photo by Rod Cochran.

In contrast to the past couple of springtimes, wild-turkey numbers in our region are on the upswing. Average to above-average reproduction last year should equate into good numbers of juvenile birds in the woods. These jakes, coupled with the presence of mature 2-year-old birds and older, should mean a gratifying and challenging spring turkey season.

Here's what to expect this year in the tri-state area.

MARYLAND
According to Bob Long, Maryland's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) biologist, wild turkey reproduction rates last spring were about average. Wild turkey sightings during the summer period, however, were above average. This indicates a high survival rate of birds from last year's hatch, meaning good numbers of jakes for the spring hunt.

This is good news, especially when compared to the downward cycle experienced the prior two springs.

Last spring's turkey take was 18 percent lower than the 2006 spring harvest. State hunters reported taking 2,455 turkeys during 2007, down from the 3,008 birds harvested the year before.

According to the DNR, annual surveys indicate that across Maryland, reproductive success was below average during the summers of 2005 and 2006. The lack of 1- and 2-year-old gobblers was also evident in the age-structure of the harvest. During the last two springs, an unusually high percentage of gobblers taken were adults.

So hunters can expect to find good numbers of jakes in the woods this spring. The numbers of 2-year-old birds -- the most vocal of the bunch -- will be down somewhat, which might make the woods a bit quieter.

As is typical, last season's Maryland spring hunt was most productive during the season's first week, when 37 percent of the harvest occurred.

Private land accounted for most of the take, but public lands provided a significant contribution at 18 percent.

The western counties again provided the highest bag totals. Garrett County led the state with a harvest of 303 gobblers and jakes. Washington followed with 269. Another 259 birds were bagged in Allegany County.

Eastern Maryland counties were also well represented in the top six, as 209 birds were bagged in Charles County, which was fourth in the state.

Charles County was followed by Dorchester with 205, and Worchester with 196. This continues a trend in which eastern counties have produced noteworthy harvest totals, representing the excellent sport found there.

Central Maryland hunters need not leave this populated part of the state for spring turkey-hunting opportunities. Frederick County, for example, produced a kill of 115. In Montgomery County, 50 birds were taken last spring. Anne Arundel's tally was 47. Even Baltimore County experienced a take of 27 birds.