Just as New Jersey's fall seasons are restricted to only certain areas of the state, the fall season in the Old Line State is conducted in only the state's three westernmost counties: Allegany, Garrett and Washington.

Despite that restriction, however, Maryland hunters fared reasonably well last fall, according to Beyer.

"We've been staying in the approximate range of 200 birds, plus or minus, for our fall seasons," he said.

"During the 2004 season, among the three counties, Maryland hunters felled 205 birds. And during the 2005 season, the total was 137, ending up with last year when 207 birds were taken."

This fall, however, the population should be good for fall hunting, Beyer said.

"We've had reports of hens with five to six poults. But that's still average, perhaps a bit better than average. One must be mindful, though, that the information (for the fall season) is anecdotal, since much of it is based on telephone calls from hunters reporting what they've seen," he said.

"Nevertheless, the count is encouraging. I'd estimate last spring's hatch somewhere between fair and good. It wasn't great, but it was still pretty good," Beyer said.

Maryland hunters are not required to purchase a fall turkey permit. "All one needs is a valid hunting license," Beyer said. "But hunters new to the game must also understand that if they take a bird, reporting that bird is mandatory."

Additionally, as of 2005, electronic game reporting procedures were implemented in Maryland. According to the Maryland Game Program's Annual Report, it's unknown whether that made a difference in the reported numbers.

If you're seeking a new place to try for a fall turkey, or if you're new to the fall season, four excellent Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in Maryland offer exceptional opportunities. Each area is certainly worth a try.

For starters, Billmeyer-Belle Grove WMA is located in eastern Allegany County and has some of the top-rated turkey hunting in the state. Belle Grove is comprised of 1,066 acres. That's small compared to some WMAs with thousands of acres, but this area has the necessary food supplies like mast crops to entice turkeys to remain in the area.

Also important, however, is what biologist say are the two factors that determine hunter success. One is hunter participation, which can account for sometimes a nearly 60 percent difference in harvest rates.

The other equally important factor, however, is poult production. And according to reports, the Belle Grove region has a "high" success rate of hatches and poults per hen.

Consider Dan's Mountain WMA, located in western Allegany County. This WMA would seem custom-made for turkey as well as turkey hunters, but it is no small parcel. Comprised of 9,510 acres, Dan's Mountain is primarily hardwoods, with good mast crop production and equally good poult production. The NWTF mentions this WMA in one of its previous reports focused on Maryland and rated it as tops for fall turkey gunners.

Another good pick is Mt. Nebo WMA, located in southwestern Garrett County. This WMA contains 1,860 acres of excellent turkey habitat. Hunters will find an abundance of hardwoods that, in turn, offer good mast crop production.

Admittedly, I've never had the opportunity to hunt this region, but fellow hunters with whom I rub elbows tell me this WMA is custom-made for the avid turkey hunter and supports an excellent population of birds.

Finally, Indian Springs WMA, along the southern border of Washington County is comprised of some 6,400 acres of prime turkey hardwoods, fields and wetlands.

Mast crops in this area have been reported as being between good to excellent. There are plenty of areas for turkeys to scavenge through for morsels like worms and grasshoppers, considered tasty hors d'oeuvres by discriminating turkeys worldwide.