Hunters killed a record number of wild turkeys during Maryland's spring gobbler season, according to the state Department of Natural Resources.

The 1,726 birds checked in represents a 30-percent increase over the record 1993 season.

Earlier concerns about the severe winter possibly having an adverse effect on wild turkeys proved to be unfounded, and DNR game managers said the population was very healthy going into the spring season.

The statewide population of wild turkeys is estimated to be between 15,000 and 18,000, and trap and transplant efforts by DNR have established turkey populations in all counties.

Wetlands agreement

Earlier this month, Mexico and the United States signed an agreement that made Mexico a full partner in the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. The plan is an agreement to reverse the loss of wetlands in North America and to stem the decline in populations of waterfowl and other migratory birds.

Mexico's key wetland areas will benefit from grants of $1.2 million from the North American Wetlands Conservation Fund, $1.4 million from U.S.-based private and governmental bodies and $1.1 million from Mexican groups.

SPRING TURKEY TOTALS

F:

County ....... 1994 .. 1993 .. 1992 .. 1991 .. 1990

Allegany ...... 394 ... 312 ... 236 ... 274 ... 310

Calvert ....... 128 .... 99 .... 86 .... 68 .... 66

Caroline ....... 15 .... 44 .... -- .... -- .... --

Dorchester ..... 47 .... 19 .... 13 .... 20 .... --

Frederick ..... 110 ... 102 ... 118 .... 89 ... 100

Garrett ....... 559 ... 378 ... 396 ... 379 ... 356

Howard .......... 1 ..... 1 ..... 2 ..... 0 .... --

Kent ........... 11 ..... 2 ..... 3 ..... 3 .... --

Montgomery ..... 48 .... 47 .... 30 .... 39 .... 49

Queen Anne's ... 31 .... 29 .... 27 .... 18 .... --

Somerset ....... 17 ..... 8 ..... 9 .... 14 .... --

Washington .... 283 ... 236 ... 256 ... 216 ... 228

Wicomico ....... 11 .... 13 .... -- .... -- .... --

Worcester ...... 71 .... 36 .... 33 .... 25 .... 12

Note: 1994 figures are preliminary.