Accomack, Northampton Turkey Harvests Rise Sharply During Strong 2026 Spring Season

Virginia turkey hunters harvested 24,105 birds during the 2026 spring turkey season, a 17% increase over 2025, according to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR). Favorable weather conditions throughout much of the season helped boost hunter success across the Commonwealth, including on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.

Accomack County led the Eastern Shore and ranked among Virginia’s stronger turkey-producing localities with 360 birds harvested this spring. That was an increase of 42 birds, or 13%, from the county’s 2025 harvest of 318 birds. The 2026 total also exceeded Accomack’s three-year average of 321 birds by 12%.

Northampton County hunters harvested 98 turkeys during the season, up 14% from 86 birds in 2025. The county’s 2026 harvest also stood 14% above its three-year average of 86 birds.

Combined, Accomack and Northampton counties produced 458 harvested turkeys in 2026, compared to 404 in 2025, representing an increase of more than 13% across the Eastern Shore.

Statewide, DWR officials credited ideal hunting conditions for much of the increase. Few rainy or cold days occurred during the season, allowing turkeys to remain active and hunters to spend more time in the field. Nearly one-quarter of the entire statewide harvest occurred during opening weekend.

“Hunters enjoyed another very productive year in the spring turkey woods, taking advantage of the favorable weather conditions, especially during weekends throughout the season,” said DWR Executive Director Ryan Brown.

Adult gobblers accounted for more than 90% of the statewide harvest, while juvenile birds known as jakes made up about 9%. Most birds were harvested during morning hours, and private lands accounted for more than 92% of the total harvest.

DWR reported that 68% of Virginia’s spring turkey harvest occurred east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where the Eastern Shore is located. While turkey numbers remain strong in many areas, wildlife officials said habitat improvements that enhance nesting and brood success will be important to maintaining healthy turkey populations in the future.