From the Maryland Department of Natural Resources - Hunters Report Record Spring Turkey Season Harvest

Hunters reported harvesting a total of 3,344 wild turkeys during the 2013 spring turkey season, surpassing the previous record harvest of 3,136 set in 2005.

This year’s harvest was 7 percent above the 2012 harvest of 3,132, and well above the 10-year average of 2,925. These results indicate that Maryland’s turkey population remains healthy and hunters are enjoying some of the best spring turkey hunting in many years.

High turkey populations coupled with good weather likely contributed to the record-setting harvest. Turkey numbers have been on the rise in some areas due to several years of above-average reproduction. In particular, large increases in counties such as Harford, Anne Arundel, Montgomery and Frederick, helped to boost the total harvest. In addition, pleasant weather throughout the State during most of the season most likely increased hunter participation and helped them locate and call in cooperative gobblers.

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Women on Target Rifle Clinic Turns out a Fun Maryland Crowd

Up in Maryland, Jennifer Dukes spends her days as a mom, a wife and an NRA Certified Instructor. After a little coaxing, Jenny agreed to share some of her instructing experience from a Women on Target program last weekend.

Marriotsville, Maryland - Early morning on April 13, women began filing in to the classroom at Monumental Rifle and Pistol Club. They were there to learn how to shoot. Many of the ladies arrived with little to no experience; this would be their first real exposure to the shooting sports.

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"Crown Jewel" of Collectors’ gun shows promised 1,000 tables of antiques and memorabilia

Timonium, Maryland - The weekends can sneak up on you fast.

As last weekend approached, for example, I ran down to the National Firearms Museum to check on Philip Schreier. Phil is one of two Senior Curators at the museum. He tends to have his finger on the pulse of the firearm nation. But Phil was no where to be found. He was gone. Gone to the Baltimore Gun Show.

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Walked away from Eastern Sports, grew up as country as a chicken coop

One of the biggest attractions at this year’s NRA Great American Hunting and Outdoor Show, held in Frederick, Maryland from January 25-27, was Michael Waddell, host of the Outdoor Channel’s hit show, Bone Collector.

Visitors had the opportunity to meet Waddell, take pictures, get an autograph, and purchase everything from hats to shirts to posters bearing the Bone Collector name.

Waddell is a hunting superstar of the first order, a genuine A-lister in the hunting television world. He's also about as down to earth as they come.

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Patrons offered firsthand look at trophy displays during NRA hunting show

Frederick, Maryland - Last weekend's NRA Great American Hunting & Outdoor Show had everything the activty hunter could need: outfitters, gear vendors, meat processors and taxidermists.

The taxidermists on hand had some of the flashiest booths at the show. Their area adorned with a wide array of masterfully preserved animals – waiting to pounce, following their prey or hiding in the brush – to showcase their skills. One best looking booths belonged to eighteen year taxidermy tradesman Doug Myers.

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A family-owned deli for over one hundred years comes to the NRA hunting show

Frederick, Maryland - Six generations of Holsingers have operated the Holsinger's Meat Market in Northern Maryland for over one hundred years. This weekend generations five and six, Richie and Bob respectively, showed up to the NRA Great American Hunting & Outdoor Show at the Frederick Fairgrounds with some tasty snacks.

At their shop, the Holsingers have the regular line of fresh beef, pork, and poultry products, but they also provide store-made Smokehouse Specialties including: Beef Jerky, Beef Snack Sticks, Smoked Bolognas, City Cured Hams, Hickory Smoked Bacon, Smoked Country Sausage, Polish Sausage, and Holsinger’s Famous Hotdogs.

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Brothers accidentally start John Deere Dealership in Maryland

There are almost two hundred vendors at this year's Great American Hunting & Outdoor Show in Frederick. Fitting given the thousands of visitors. Some come for the guides, some come for the gear and some come for the experience. There's a favorite to be had for everyone.

One of those favorites (at least for me) is the Gladhill Brothers John Deere dealership. Since we already talked to them last year, here's another look at this great Maryland company.

Frederick, Maryland - 2012 marks the 175th anniversary of John Deere — a true American institution. Equally impressive is Gladhill Brothers’ 75 Anniversary as a John Deere dealer — a Damascus, Maryland institution. At the NRA’s 3rd Annual Great American Hunting & Outdoor Show last weekend, I sat down with Tessie Gladhill to hear this Maryland success story.

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Bone Collector and gear bring crowds for NRA Great American Hunting & Outdoor Show

Frederick, Maryland - The NRA Great American Hunting & Outdoor Show is well into its second day. Halls swell with would be patrons and customers — perhaps a result of the Eastern Sports and Hunting show cancellation — as the vendors settle in. With only one day left, there’s still plenty time to check out the more than 150 exhibitors here at the Frederick Fairgrounds.

Doors stay open until 7 p.m. tonight. So pack up the wife and kids and head on down. There's literally something here for the whole family. Check out the album below for to see for yourself.

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From hobbyist to vendor at the NRA Great American Hunting & Outdoor Show, Gobbler Getter gets it done

Frederick, Maryland - Now in its fourth year, the NRA Great American Hunting & Outdoor Show has a lot of familiar vendors who are veterans of the show. But the expo is always growing. Year after year we see plenty of new faces — like Rick from Gobbler Getter Turkey Calls.

Based out of Enola, Pennsylvania, Rick Harro started selling turkey calls about seven and a half years ago. As a lifelong hunter, and an avid woodworker, Rick found a way to combine his two passions ... making calls for as long as he can remember.

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