April thunder from the treetops in the predawn hours doesn’t always signal approaching rain, especially when there are turkey hunters in the woods. That distant, rolling warble as early morning light begins to show just might be a big spring gobbler in the skyline distance, signaling his presence. While this dominant sound-off may alert potential mating hens and other male birds to an invitation or challenge once out of the treetops, it is also a welcomed signal to turkey hunters. Spring gobbler time in Maryland and Virginia is among the most popular hunting seasons in the region. Coupling the excitement and challenge of harvesting a wary, alert gobbler with springtime in the woods, fields and bottom lands of the Commonwealth and “Freestate”, is a hard combination to match. Some see the annual rite of gobbler season as a closing chapter to the season-year hunting opportunities while others see it as a “spring opener” to the upcoming fishing season. With the excitement which spring gobbler season provides, it remains a special time and exciting challenge for all who enjoy hunting.

     Virginia’ 2002 spring gobbler season opens at one half hour before sunrise on Saturday, April 13 and continues through May 18. Hunting hours are one half hour before dawn until 12 noon, Monday through Saturday. The daily bag limit is one bearded bird per day. A total of three bearded birds can be harvested during the 2001-2002 license year in the Commonwealth. If no wild turkeys were harvested during the 2001-02 fall season, then your spring gobbler season limit in Virginia is three bearded birds. Otherwise, you must subtract the one or two birds harvested during the fall from the total three you could take, during the spring season. For additional information on Virginia’s 2002 spring gobbler season call the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) at 804-367-1000 or visit the DGIF website at; www.dgif.state.va.us

     The 2002 Maryland Spring gobbler season opens on April 18 and continues through May 16. Hunting hours during Maryland’s 2002 Spring gobbler season are one half hour before sunrise to 12 noon, Monday through Saturday. The daily bag limit is one bearded bird per day and two bearded birds per season, if no wild turkeys were harvested during the Maryland Fall, 2001 season. In Maryland, April 13, 2002 is a special one day spring gobbler hunt for youth. This opportunity provides for unarmed, licensed adults 21 years or older, to accompany and mentor the next generation of turkey hunters, who are 16 years or younger. Additional information on these Maryland 2002 spring gobbler season opportunities can be obtained by calling the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife & Heritage Division at 877-620-8367 or 410-260-8540. Another source of information is the DNR website at www.dnr.state.md.us

     Anglers on the Lower Potomac River are in for a “rockin’ good time, later this month. From April 20 through May 15, anglers fishing Potomac River Fisheries Commission waters can keep one striped bass at 28 inches or longer, per person per day. This first 2002 PRFC striper season is only open in waters downstream of the Route 301 Bridge between Charles County Maryland and King George County, Virginia. Then, from May 16 right through December 31, 2002, anglers can keep two rockfish per person per day at 18-28 inches in length. One of these fish in possession can exceed 28 inches. This second PRFC striper season opportunity is open throughout the entire river, from downstream of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge to Smith Point, Virginia. Call the PRFC at 800-266-3904 for additional information. 

© 2002 Steve & Chelly Scala All Rights Reserved