Maryland Hunting Seasons 2023-2024 [Updated List!]

Maryland hunters know it’s time to start thinking about the 2023-2024 hunting season when the leaves start to turn and the air becomes crisp. Hunting season in Maryland is a great way to get outdoors, have some fun, and enjoy nature. In this article, we will discuss the rules and regulations of Maryland hunting season, the different types of game available, and the best places to hunt. So, let’s get started!

Maryland Hunting Season

While other states may have a wider variety of wildlife, Maryland hunters may still have good success with a select few species. The rich diversity of the northeastern region of Maryland ensures high species diversity and population densities.

While Maryland’s biodiversity may be lacking, the state’s game animals make up for it with a plethora of options.

Maryland Hunting Season
Maryland Hunting Season

For your convenience, we have compiled a full listing of upcoming hunting schedules.

Coyote Season

Maryland Coyote SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season Start DateNote
Coyote
Firearms, Archery, & Airgun Hunting
Tuesday, August 01, 2023Monday, July 31, 2023There is no limit
Coyote
Firearms, Archery, & Airgun Hunting
Thursday, August 01, 2024Wednesday, July 31, 2024There is no limit
Coyote and Long- Tailed Weasel Trapping OnlyTuesday, November 01, 2022Wednesday, February 01, 2023In the region of the State WEST of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay
Coyote and Long- Tailed Weasel Trapping OnlyTuesday, November 15, 2022Wednesday, February 15, 2023In the region of the State EAST of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay
Coyote and Long- Tailed Weasel Trapping OnlyFriday, November 01, 2024Thursday, February 01, 2024In the region of the State WEST of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay
Coyote and Long- Tailed Weasel Trapping OnlyFriday, November 15, 2024Thursday, February 15, 2024In the region of the State EAST of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay

Bobcat Season

Maryland Bobcat SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End DateNote
Bobcat CLOSED SEASONCLOSED SEASONAll counties

Bear Season

Maryland Bear SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End DateNote
Black Bear (Permit Required)Monday, October 23, 2023Friday, October 27, 2023Allegany, Frederick, Garrett & Washington counties only. A bag and possession limit of 1 per day with no more than 1 per permitted bear hunting team

Fox Season

Maryland Fox SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End DateNote
Fox (Red and Gray) Trapping, Firearms, Archery, & Airgun Hunting
Tuesday, November 01, 2022Wednesday, February 01, 2023Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore,
Calvert, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, St. Mary's, and Washington counties. There is no Limit
Fox (Red and Gray) Trapping, Firearms, Archery, & Airgun Hunting
Wednesday, November 15, 2023Wednesday, February 15, 2023Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne's, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester counties.There is no Limit
Fox (Red and Gray) Trapping, Firearms, Archery, & Airgun Hunting
Tuesday, August 01, 2023Monday, July 31, 2023Charles and Dorchester counties.There is no Limit
Fox (Red and Gray) Trapping, Firearms, Archery, & Airgun Hunting
Wednesday, November 01, 2023Thursday, February 01, 2024Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore,
Calvert, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, St. Mary's, and Washington counties. There is no Limit
Fox (Red and Gray) Trapping, Firearms, Archery, & Airgun Hunting
Friday, November 15, 2024Thursday, February 15, 2024Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne's, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester counties.There is no Limit`
Fox (Red and Gray) Trapping, Firearms, Archery, & Airgun Hunting
Thursday, August 01, 2024Wednesday, July 31, 2024Charles and Dorchester counties.There is no Limit

Muskrat and Mink Season

Maryland Muskrat and Mink SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End DateNote
Muskrat and Mink Trapping Only (Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard and Washington counties)Tuesday, November 15, 2022Wednesday, February 15, 2023There is no Limit
Muskrat and Mink Trapping Only (Baltimore, Cecil, Harford, Kent,
Queen Anne's, Somerset and Worcester counties)
Thursday, December 15, 2022Wednesday, March 15, 2023There is no Limit
Muskrat and Mink Trapping Only (Anne Arundel, Calvert, Caroline, Charles, Dorchester, Montgomery,
Prince George's, St. Mary's, Talbot and Wicomico counties)
Sunday, January 01, 2023Wednesday, March 15, 2023There is no Limit
Muskrat and Mink Trapping Only (Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard and Washington counties)Wednesday, November 15, 2023Thursday, February 15, 2024There is no Limit
Muskrat and Mink Trapping Only (Baltimore, Cecil, Harford, Kent,
Queen Anne's, Somerset and Worcester counties)
Friday, December 15, 2023Friday, March 15, 2024There is no Limit
Muskrat and Mink Trapping Only (Anne Arundel, Calvert, Caroline, Charles, Dorchester, Montgomery,
Prince George's, St. Mary's, Talbot and Wicomico counties)
Tuesday, January 02, 2024Friday, March 15, 2024There is no Limit

Otter Season

Maryland Otter SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End DateNote
Otter Trapping Only (In Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery and Washington counties)Thursday, December 15, 2022Wednesday, March 15, 2023A bag limit of 2 per day and possession limit of 2 per season
Otter Trapping Only (All counties except Garrett and Allegany counties)Thursday, December 15, 2022Wednesday, March 15, 2023A bag limit of 10 per day and possession limit of 10 per season
Otter Trapping Only (Garrett and Allegany counties)Thursday, December 01, 2022Wednesday, March 15, 2023A bag limit of 1 per day and possession limit of 1 per season
Otter Trapping Only (In Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery and Washington counties)Friday, December 15, 2023Friday, March 15, 2024A bag limit of 2 per day and possession limit of 2 per season
Otter Trapping Only (All counties except Garrett and Allegany counties)Friday, December 15, 2023Friday, March 15, 2024A bag limit of 10 per day and possession limit of 10 per season
Otter Trapping Only (Garrett and Allegany counties)Friday, December 01, 2023Friday, March 15, 2024A bag limit of 1 per day and possession limit of 1 per season

Raccoon and Opossum Season

Maryland Raccoon and Opossum SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End DateNote
Raccoon and Opossum Firearms, Archery, Airgun & Dog HuntingSaturday, October 15, 2022Wednesday, March 15, 2023There is no Limit
Raccoon and Opossum Firearms, Archery, Airgun & Dog HuntingSaturday, October 14, 2023Friday, March 15, 2024There is no Limit
Raccoon and Opossum Trapping (In the region of the State WEST of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay)Tuesday, November 01, 2022Wednesday, March 15, 2023There is no Limit
Raccoon and Opossum Trapping (In the region of the State WEST of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay)Wednesday, November 01, 2023Friday, March 15, 2024There is no Limit
Raccoon and Opossum Trapping (In the region of the State EAST of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay)Tuesday, November 15, 2022Wednesday, March 15, 2023There is no Limit
Raccoon and Opossum Trapping (In the region of the State EAST of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay)Wednesday, November 15, 2023Friday, March 15, 2024There is no Limit

Rabbit Season

Rabbit SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End DateNote
Cottontail RabbitSaturday, November 05, 2022Tuesday, February 28, 2023Statewide. There is a bag limit of 4 daily and possession limit of 8
Cottontail RabbitSunday, November 05, 2023Wednesday, February 28, 2024Statewide. There is a bag limit of 4 daily and possession limit of 8
Eastern Cottontail Rabbit
(falconry)
Tuesday, November 01, 2022Friday, March 31, 2023There is a bag limit of 4 daily and possession limit of 8
Eastern Cottontail Rabbit
(falconry)
Wednesday, November 01, 2023Sunday, March 31, 2024There is a bag limit of 4 daily and possession limit of 8

Skunk Season

Maryland Skunk SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End DateNote
Skunk TrappingTuesday, November 01, 2022Wednesday, March 15, 2023All counties and there is no limit
Skunk TrappingWednesday, November 01, 2023Friday, March 15, 2024All counties and there is no limit
Skunk
Firearms, Archery, & Airgun Hunting
Tuesday, November 01, 2022Wednesday, March 15, 2023All counties and there is no limit
Skunk
Firearms, Archery, & Airgun Hunting
Wednesday, November 01, 2023Friday, March 15, 2024All counties and there is no limit

Grouse Season

Maryland Grouse SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End DateNote
Ruffed GrouseSaturday, October 07, 2023Sunday, December 31, 2023All counties. A bag limit of 2 per day and possession limit of 4
Ruffed grouse (falconry)Saturday, October 01, 2022Friday, March 31, 2023A bag limit of 2 per day and possession limit of 4
Ruffed grouse (falconry)Sunday, October 01, 2023Sunday, March 31, 2024A bag limit of 2 per day and possession limit of 4

Pheasant

Maryland Pheasant SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End DateNote
PheasantSaturday, November 05, 2022Tuesday, February 28, 2023Statewide. A bag limit of 2 per day and possession limit of 4, either sex
PheasantSaturday, November 04, 2023Wednesday, February 28, 2024Statewide. A bag limit of 2 per day and possession limit of 4, either sex
Pheasant
(falconry)
Tuesday, November 01, 2022Friday, March 31, 2023Statewide. A bag limit of 2 per day and possession limit of 4, either sex
Pheasant
(falconry)
Wednesday, November 01, 2023Sunday, March 31, 2024Statewide. A bag limit of 2 per day and possession limit of 4, either sex

Quail Season

Maryland Quail SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season End DateNote
QuailSaturday, November 05, 2022Wednesday-February 15, 2023There is a bag limit of 6 daily
QuailSaturday, November 04, 2023Monday, January 15, 2024There is a bag limit of 6 daily and possession limit of 12
Quail
(falconry)
Tuesday, November 01, 2022Friday, March 31, 2023There is a bag limit of 4 daily and possession limit of 8
Quail
(falconry)
Wednesday, November 01, 2023Sunday, March 31, 2024There is a bag limit of 4 daily and possession limit of 8

Squirrel Season

Maryland Squirrel SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season Start DateNote
Squirrel - Gray & Eastern FoxSaturday, September 03, 2022Tuesday, February 28, 2023All counties. A bag limit of 6 per day. A possession limit of 12.
Squirrel - Gray & Eastern FoxSaturday, September 02, 2023Wednesday, February 28, 2024All counties. A bag limit of 6 per day. A possession limit of 12.
Squirrel - Red or PineySaturday, September 03, 2022Tuesday, February 28, 2023There is no limit
Squirrel - Red or PineySaturday, September 02, 2023Wednesday, February 28, 2024There is no limit
Squirrel – Gray, Eastern Fox, Red or Piney (falconry)Thursday, September 01, 2022Friday, March 31, 2023All counties. A bag limit of 6 per day and no limit for Red or Piney. A possession limit of 12.
Squirrel – Gray, Eastern Fox, Red or Piney (falconry)Friday, September 01, 2023Sunday, March 31, 2024All counties. A bag limit of 6 per day and no limit for Red or Piney. A possession limit of 12.

Dove Season

Dove SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season Start DateZones & Bag Limit
Mourning Dove (Part 1)Thursday-September 1, 2022Saturday-October 15, 2022There is a 15-bag daily limit statewide.
Mourning Dove (Part 2)Saturday-October 22, 2022Friday-November 25, 2022There is a 15-bag daily limit statewide.
Mourning Dove (Part 3)Thursday-December 15, 2022Saturday-January 7, 2023There is a 15-bag daily limit statewide.

Duck Season

Duck SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season Start DateNote
Early-TealFriday-September 16, 2022Friday-September 30, 2022There is a daily bag restriction of six.
Western Zone (Part 1)Saturday-October 1, 2022Saturday-October 15, 2022Normal duck season.
More information may be found in the rules.
Eastern Zone (Part 2)Saturday-October 15, 2022Saturday-October 22, 2022Normal duck season.
More information may be found in the rules.
Eastern Zone (Part 2)Saturday-November 12, 2022Friday-November 25, 2022Normal duck season.
More information may be found in the rules.
Western Zone (Part 2)Saturday-November 19, 2022Friday-November 25, 2022Normal duck season.
More information may be found in the rules.
Eastern Zone (Part 3)Thursday-December 15, 2022Tuesday-January 31, 2023Normal duck season.
More information may be found in the rules.
Western Zone (Part 3)Thursday-December 15, 2022Tuesday-January 31, 2023Normal duck season.
More information may be found in the rules.

Goose Season

Goose SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season Start DateNote
Early Western ResidentThursday-September 1, 2022Saturday-September 24, 2022Canada goose.
Early Eastern ResidentThursday-September 1, 2022Thursday-September 15, 2022Canada goose.
Light Goose (Part 1)Saturday-October 1, 2022Friday-November 25, 2022There is a daily bag restriction of 25.
Late Resident (Part 1)Saturday-November 19, 2022Friday-November 25, 2022Canada goose.
Conservation (Order 1)Monday-November 28, 2022Saturday-December 10, 2022There is no limit for Light goose
Late Resident (Part 2)Monday-December 12, 2022Tuesday-March 7, 2023Canada goose.
Light Goose (Part 2)Monday-December 12, 2022Tuesday-January 31, 2023There is a daily bag restriction of 25.
Migratory Atlantic (Population 1)Saturday-December 17, 2022Monday-January 2, 2023Canada goose.
Migratory Atlantic (Population 2)Friday-January 13, 2023Tuesday-January 31, 2023Canada goose.
Conservation (Order 2)Wednesday-February 1, 2023Friday-February 3, 2023There is no limit for Light goose
Light Goose (Part 3)Saturday-February 4, 2023Saturday-February 4, 2023There is a daily bag restriction of 25.
Conservation (Order 3)Monday-February 6, 2023Saturday-April 15, 2023There is no limit for Light goose

Maryland Turkey Season

Turkey SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season Start DateNote
Fall SeasonSaturday-October 29, 2022Sunday-November 6, 2022Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties only.
Winter SeasonThursday-January 19, 2023Saturday-January 21, 2023Statewide.
Spring Youth SeasonSaturday-April 15, 2023Sunday-April 16, 2023Statewide except select counties.
Spring SeasonTuesday-April 18, 2023Tuesday-May 23, 2023Statewide.

Dear Season

Deer SeasonHunting Season Start DateHunting Season Start DateZones & Bag Limit
Antlerless Archery (Region B)Friday-September 9, 2022Wednesday-October 19, 2022
Antlered Archery (Part 1)Friday-September 9, 2022Wednesday-October 19, 2022Statewide.
Antlerless Archery (Region A)Friday-September 9, 2022Wednesday-October 19, 2022DNR public lands and all other lands
Antlerless Muzzleloader (Region A)Thursday-October 20, 2022Saturday-October 22, 2022
Antlerless Muzzleloader (Region B)Thursday-October 20, 2022Saturday-October 22, 2022
Antlered Muzzleloader (Part 1)Thursday-October 20, 2022Saturday-October 22, 2022Statewide.
Antlered Archery (Part 2)Sunday-October 23, 2022Friday-November 25, 2022Statewide.
Antlerless Archery (Region B)Sunday-October 23, 2022Friday-November 25, 2022
Antlerless Archery (Region A Part 2)Sunday-October 23, 2022Friday-November 25, 2022
Antlerless Muzzleloader (Region B Part 2)Monday-October 24, 2022Saturday-October 29, 2022
Antlerless Firearm (Region B)Saturday-November 26, 2022Saturday-December 10, 2022
Antlered Firearm (Part 1)Saturday-November 26, 2022Saturday-December 10, 2022Statewide.
Antlerless Firearm (Region A)Friday-December 9, 2022Saturday-December 10, 2022All other lands.
Antlerless Firearm (Region A)Saturday-December 10, 2022Saturday-December 10, 2022DNR public lands.
Antlered Archery (Part 3)Monday-December 12, 2022Friday-December 16, 2022Statewide.
Antlerless Archery (Region B)Monday-December 12, 2022Friday-December 16, 2022
Antlerless Archery (Region A)Monday-December 12, 2022Friday-December 16, 2022
Antlerless Muzzleloader (Region B)Saturday-December 17, 2022Saturday-December 31, 2022
Antlered Muzzleloader (Part 2)Saturday-December 17, 2022Saturday-December 31, 2022Statewide.
Antlerless Muzzleloader (Region A)Thursday-December 29, 2022Saturday-December 31, 2022All other lands.
Antlerless Muzzleloader (Region A)Saturday-December 31, 2022Saturday-December 31, 2022DNR public lands.
Antlered Archery (Part 4)Sunday-January 1, 2023Thursday-January 5, 2023Statewide.
Antlerless Archery (Region A 4)Sunday-January 1, 2023Tuesday-January 31, 2023
Antlerless Archery (Region B Part 4)Sunday-January 1, 2023Thursday-January 5, 2023
Antlered Firearm (Part 2)Friday-January 6, 2023Sunday-January 8, 2023Region B.
Antlered Archery (Part 5)Friday-January 6, 2023Sunday-January 8, 2023Region A only.
Antlerless Firearm (Region B)Friday-January 6, 2023Sunday-January 8, 2023
Antlerless Archery (Region B)Monday-January 9, 2023Tuesday-January 31, 2023
Antlered Archery (Part 6)Monday-January 9, 2023Tuesday-January 31, 2023Statewide.

If you’re looking for complete information on the latest Maryland deer hunting season, our article has got you covered! From the season dates to the permitted weapons and everything in between, we’ve got all the details you need to make the most of this exciting season.

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 hunting trip.

Wildlife-protected areas.

The Wildlife & Heritage Service manages Maryland’s 64 WMAs. Combined, these lands come to around 128,000 acres. Nineteen of Maryland’s twenty-three counties have WMAs. Game hunting is allowed in WMAs.

State-owned and operated parks

Some of Maryland’s state parks even encourage it. Roughly four thousand acres of hunting territory may be found here. Each state park has game, season, and take regulations.

Maryland hunting season calendar PDF Download

Hunting Regulations

  • Hunters must carry a government-issued photo ID (such a driver’s license) at all times.
  • Each hunter must always carry a valid paper or electronic hunting license.
  • Underage hunting is illegal.
  • First day of Deer Firearms Season, hunters may only shoot deer and coyotes.
  • Illegal to beam a vehicle’s artificial light on a dwelling, building, field, livestock, orchard, wild animals, or forest.
  • In Baltimore City, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties, anybody may beam an artificial light from a moving vehicle until 9 p.m.
  • Artificial light prohibits hunting.
  • During the proper hunting season, you may sneak up on coyotes, foxes, opossums, and raccoons on foot with a dog and a flashlight.
  • Without permission, it’s illegal to hunt, shoot, or trap animals within 150 yards of any human-occupied institution or camp.
  • Archery is authorized in Allegany, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Montgomery, St. Mary’s, and Washington counties, but not Anne Arundel.
  • Archers must use a tree stand within 50 to 100 yards of a Harford habitation or camp.
  • In Montgomery and Washington counties, archers must be on a raised platform within 50 or 100 yards of a habitation or camping.
  • A protected region prohibits shooting at animals.
  • Hunting within 300 yards of a public or private school is forbidden. This limitation only applies during class or while others are present. This buffer zone excludes institutions and colleges.
  • Taking a legal trap’s catch is unlawful.

License Fees

Maryland License Fees
Maryland License Fees

Contacts for MD Hunting Season

Address

Wildlife & Heritage Service Headquarters

580 Taylor Ave.,

Annapolis, MD 21401

Phone Number

1-877-620-8DNR (8367) (From Maryland)

410-260-8DNR (8367) (From Outside State)

FAQ on Maryland Hunting Seasons

How much is Maryland hunting license?

Residence and age determine Maryland 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+. See the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website for the latest pricing. Extra permissions may be needed. See sources for details.

Where can I hunt Duck in Maryland?

Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic coast are prime hunting grounds. Although majority of the Chesapeake’s coastline is privately owned, hunters do have access to a few great wilderness management areas.

Both Fishing Bay and Taylors Island WMAs allow public waterfowl hunting. See Sea Duck Zones for duck hunting locations at sea. Generally, stay 800 yards from the shore.

What animals can be legally hunted in Maryland?

Several animals may be lawfully hunted in Maryland under DNR regulations. Deer, turkey, ducks, geese, coyotes, raccoons, foxes, and small game species are common. Antlerless deer hunting seasons manage female deer populations in particular places. All counties need formal permission from private property owners to hunt. Follow hunting rules, including wearing neon orange or pink apparel for safety. The Maryland DNR’s website or phone number is best for up-to-date information.

Who can hunt without a license in Maryland?

Hunting licenses are not required for certain Maryland 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 Maryland do not require a license if they have official leave orders. Consult the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for further exclusions based on laws or regulations. Even without a license, hunters must follow other rules. Keep up with governmental standards for correct information.

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