Let’s delve into Maryland’s hunting calendar, explore the array of game species, and uncover the top outdoor destinations. Ready to embark on this journey?
Important Resources
Maryland Hunting Season
Here’s a well-structured, unique table format with proper headings while maintaining all the original information:
🦌 Big Game Seasons
White-tailed Deer
| Category | Season Dates | Bag Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antlered (Statewide) | 2 total (max 1/weapon) | Bonus: 3rd deer in Region B w/stamp | |
| • Archery | Sept 5-Oct 15, Oct 19-Nov 28, Dec 15-19, Jan 4-8, Jan 12-31 | ||
| • Muzzleloader | Oct 16-18, Dec 20-Jan 3 | ||
| • Firearms | Nov 29-Dec 13, Jan 9-11 | ||
| Antlerless – Region A | Up to 2 | Western Maryland | |
| • Archery | Sept 5-Jan 31 | ||
| • Muzzleloader | Oct 16-18, Dec 27-Jan 3 | ||
| • Firearms | Dec 6-13 | ||
| Antlerless – Region B | Up to 15 (unlimited suburbs) | Eastern Maryland | |
| • Archery | Sept 5-Jan 31 | ||
| • Muzzleloader | Oct 16-25, Dec 20-Jan 3 | ||
| • Firearms | Nov 29-Dec 13, Jan 9-11 |
Sika Deer
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Seasons | Same as white-tailed deer |
| Bag Limit | 3 (max 1 antlered) |
| Requirement | Sika Deer Stamp |
| Zones | Eastern Shore counties |
🐻 Black Bear
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Season | October 2025 (dates TBD) |
| Counties | Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, Washington |
| Permit | Lottery (July 15-Aug 31) |
| Fee | $15 non-refundable |
| Drawing | Sept 3, 2025 |
| Bag Limit | 1 per hunter/team |
🦃 Turkey Seasons
Spring 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | Apr 18-May 23 |
| Bag Limit | 1 daily, 2 season |
| Hours | Apr 18-May 9: Sunrise-noon May 10-23: Sunrise-sunset |
| Methods | Shotgun (#4 or smaller), bow, crossbow, air gun |
Fall 2025 & Winter 2026
| Season | Dates | Counties/Location | Bag Limit (combined) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Nov 1-9, 2025 | Allegany/Garrett/Washington | 1 |
| Winter | Jan 22-24, 2026 | Statewide |
Youth Days 2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | Apr 11-12 |
| Age | ≤16 years |
| Supervision | Armed adult 21+ |
| Bag Limit | 1 bearded turkey daily |
🦊 Furbearers
| Species | Season Dates | Methods | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fox (Red/Gray) | Varies by county (Aug 1-Jul 31 year-round in Charles/Dorchester) | No limit | |
| Raccoon/Opossum | Oct 15-Mar 15 | Firearms, archery, air gun, dogs | No limit |
| Coyote | Year-round | Firearms, archery, air gun | No limit |
| Beaver (Trapping) | Dec 15-Mar 15 (Dec 1-Mar 15 in Allegany/Garrett) | Trapping only | No limit |
🐦 Upland Birds
| Species | Season Dates | Restrictions | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruffed Grouse | Oct 4-Dec 31 | Statewide | 2 daily, 4 possession |
| Pheasant | Nov 1-Feb 28 | Statewide | 2 daily, 4 possession |
| Quail | Nov 1-Jan 15 | Closed in Allegany/Garrett & DNR lands east of Susquehanna | 6 daily, 12 possession |
🐿️ Small Game
| Species | Season Dates | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Squirrel | Sept 6-Feb 28 | 6 daily, 12 possession |
| Rabbit | Nov 1-Feb 28 | 4 daily, 8 possession |
| Crow | Aug 15-Mar 15 (Wed-Sat only) | No limit |
🦆 Waterfowl (Selected Seasons)
Ducks
| Zone | Regular Season Dates | Black Duck Dates | Daily Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern | Oct 11-18, Nov 15-28, Dec 16-Jan 31 | Nov 15-28, Dec 16-Jan 31 | 6 (max 2 black ducks) |
| Western | Oct 4-18, Nov 22-28, Dec 16-Jan 31 | Nov 22-28, Dec 16-Jan 31 | Same as Eastern |
Geese
| Type | Season Dates | Daily Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Early Resident (Eastern) | Sept 1-15, 2025 | 8 |
| Early Resident (Western) | Sept 1-25, 2025 | 8 |
| Atlantic Population | Dec 19-Jan 3, Jan 14-31 | 1 |
| Light Geese | Oct 1-Nov 28, Dec 15-Jan 31, Feb 7 | 25 (no possession limit) |
Hunting Location
Though Maryland is home to a relatively small amount of public hunting area, it is spread out evenly throughout the state. It’s easy to go on a private outdoor trip.
Wildlife-protected areas.
The Wildlife & Heritage Service manages Maryland’s 64 WMAs. Combined, these lands come to around 128,000 acres. Nineteen of twenty-three counties have WMAs.
State-owned and operated parks
Some of state parks even encourage it. Roughly four thousand acres of territory may be found here. Each state park has its own games, season, and regulations.
MD hunting Calendar PDF Download
License Fees
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Contacts
Address
Wildlife & Heritage Service Headquarters
580 Taylor Ave.,
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone Number
1-877-620-8DNR (8367) (Within the State)
410-260-8DNR (8367) (From Outside State)
FAQ
How much is Maryland hunting license?
Residence and age determine hunting license prices. Nonresidents fees are $130.00 for 16–64, $65.00 for 65+, and $32.50 for under-16 with written authorization. Residents pay $24.50 for ages 16–64, $10.50 for under-16s with permission, and $5.00 for 65+.
Where can I hunt Duck in Maryland?
Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic coast are prime hunting grounds. Although majority of the Chesapeake’s coastline is privately owned, pursuers do have access to a few great wilderness management areas.
Both Fishing Bay and Taylors Island WMAs allow public waterfowl. See Sea Duck Zones for duck locations at sea. Generally, stay 800 yards from the shore.
What animals can be legally hunted in Maryland?
Deer, turkey, ducks, geese, coyotes, raccoons, foxes, and small game species are common. Antlerless deer seasons manage female deer populations in particular places.
Who can hunt without a license in Maryland?
Hunting licenses are not required for certain residents. This covers locals and nonresidents who hunt on their property and nonresidents who own contiguous farmland in Virginia and Maryland but live in Virginia. Active-duty military members stationed in the state do not require a license if they have official leave orders.
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