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.

For your convenience, we have compiled a full listing of upcoming hunting schedules.
Coyote Season
Maryland Coyote Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season Start Date | Note |
---|---|---|---|
Coyote Firearms, Archery, & Airgun Hunting | Tuesday, August 01, 2023 | Monday, July 31, 2023 | There is no limit |
Coyote Firearms, Archery, & Airgun Hunting | Thursday, August 01, 2024 | Wednesday, July 31, 2024 | There is no limit |
Coyote and Long- Tailed Weasel Trapping Only | Tuesday, November 01, 2022 | Wednesday, February 01, 2023 | In the region of the State WEST of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay |
Coyote and Long- Tailed Weasel Trapping Only | Tuesday, November 15, 2022 | Wednesday, February 15, 2023 | In the region of the State EAST of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay |
Coyote and Long- Tailed Weasel Trapping Only | Friday, November 01, 2024 | Thursday, February 01, 2024 | In the region of the State WEST of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay |
Coyote and Long- Tailed Weasel Trapping Only | Friday, November 15, 2024 | Thursday, February 15, 2024 | In the region of the State EAST of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay |
Bobcat Season
Maryland Bobcat Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Note |
---|---|---|---|
Bobcat | CLOSED SEASON | CLOSED SEASON | All counties |
Bear Season
Maryland Bear Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Note |
---|---|---|---|
Black Bear (Permit Required) | Monday, October 23, 2023 | Friday, October 27, 2023 | Allegany, 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 Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Note |
---|---|---|---|
Fox (Red and Gray) Trapping, Firearms, Archery, & Airgun Hunting | Tuesday, November 01, 2022 | Wednesday, February 01, 2023 | Allegany, 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, 2023 | Wednesday, February 15, 2023 | Caroline, 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, 2023 | Monday, July 31, 2023 | Charles and Dorchester counties.There is no Limit |
Fox (Red and Gray) Trapping, Firearms, Archery, & Airgun Hunting | Wednesday, November 01, 2023 | Thursday, February 01, 2024 | Allegany, 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, 2024 | Thursday, February 15, 2024 | Caroline, 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, 2024 | Wednesday, July 31, 2024 | Charles and Dorchester counties.There is no Limit |
Muskrat and Mink Season
Maryland Muskrat and Mink Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Note |
---|---|---|---|
Muskrat and Mink Trapping Only (Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard and Washington counties) | Tuesday, November 15, 2022 | Wednesday, February 15, 2023 | There is no Limit |
Muskrat and Mink Trapping Only (Baltimore, Cecil, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne's, Somerset and Worcester counties) | Thursday, December 15, 2022 | Wednesday, March 15, 2023 | There 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, 2023 | Wednesday, March 15, 2023 | There is no Limit |
Muskrat and Mink Trapping Only (Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard and Washington counties) | Wednesday, November 15, 2023 | Thursday, February 15, 2024 | There is no Limit |
Muskrat and Mink Trapping Only (Baltimore, Cecil, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne's, Somerset and Worcester counties) | Friday, December 15, 2023 | Friday, March 15, 2024 | There 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, 2024 | Friday, March 15, 2024 | There is no Limit |
Otter Season
Maryland Otter Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Note |
---|---|---|---|
Otter Trapping Only (In Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery and Washington counties) | Thursday, December 15, 2022 | Wednesday, March 15, 2023 | A 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, 2022 | Wednesday, March 15, 2023 | A bag limit of 10 per day and possession limit of 10 per season |
Otter Trapping Only (Garrett and Allegany counties) | Thursday, December 01, 2022 | Wednesday, March 15, 2023 | A 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, 2023 | Friday, March 15, 2024 | A 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, 2023 | Friday, March 15, 2024 | A bag limit of 10 per day and possession limit of 10 per season |
Otter Trapping Only (Garrett and Allegany counties) | Friday, December 01, 2023 | Friday, March 15, 2024 | A bag limit of 1 per day and possession limit of 1 per season |
Raccoon and Opossum Season
Maryland Raccoon and Opossum Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Note |
---|---|---|---|
Raccoon and Opossum Firearms, Archery, Airgun & Dog Hunting | Saturday, October 15, 2022 | Wednesday, March 15, 2023 | There is no Limit |
Raccoon and Opossum Firearms, Archery, Airgun & Dog Hunting | Saturday, October 14, 2023 | Friday, March 15, 2024 | There 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, 2022 | Wednesday, March 15, 2023 | There 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, 2023 | Friday, March 15, 2024 | There 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, 2022 | Wednesday, March 15, 2023 | There 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, 2023 | Friday, March 15, 2024 | There is no Limit |
Rabbit Season
Rabbit Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Note |
---|---|---|---|
Cottontail Rabbit | Saturday, November 05, 2022 | Tuesday, February 28, 2023 | Statewide. There is a bag limit of 4 daily and possession limit of 8 |
Cottontail Rabbit | Sunday, November 05, 2023 | Wednesday, February 28, 2024 | Statewide. There is a bag limit of 4 daily and possession limit of 8 |
Eastern Cottontail Rabbit (falconry) | Tuesday, November 01, 2022 | Friday, March 31, 2023 | There is a bag limit of 4 daily and possession limit of 8 |
Eastern Cottontail Rabbit (falconry) | Wednesday, November 01, 2023 | Sunday, March 31, 2024 | There is a bag limit of 4 daily and possession limit of 8 |
Skunk Season
Maryland Skunk Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Note |
---|---|---|---|
Skunk Trapping | Tuesday, November 01, 2022 | Wednesday, March 15, 2023 | All counties and there is no limit |
Skunk Trapping | Wednesday, November 01, 2023 | Friday, March 15, 2024 | All counties and there is no limit |
Skunk Firearms, Archery, & Airgun Hunting | Tuesday, November 01, 2022 | Wednesday, March 15, 2023 | All counties and there is no limit |
Skunk Firearms, Archery, & Airgun Hunting | Wednesday, November 01, 2023 | Friday, March 15, 2024 | All counties and there is no limit |
Grouse Season
Maryland Grouse Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Note |
---|---|---|---|
Ruffed Grouse | Saturday, October 07, 2023 | Sunday, December 31, 2023 | All counties. A bag limit of 2 per day and possession limit of 4 |
Ruffed grouse (falconry) | Saturday, October 01, 2022 | Friday, March 31, 2023 | A bag limit of 2 per day and possession limit of 4 |
Ruffed grouse (falconry) | Sunday, October 01, 2023 | Sunday, March 31, 2024 | A bag limit of 2 per day and possession limit of 4 |
Pheasant
Maryland Pheasant Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Note |
---|---|---|---|
Pheasant | Saturday, November 05, 2022 | Tuesday, February 28, 2023 | Statewide. A bag limit of 2 per day and possession limit of 4, either sex |
Pheasant | Saturday, November 04, 2023 | Wednesday, February 28, 2024 | Statewide. A bag limit of 2 per day and possession limit of 4, either sex |
Pheasant (falconry) | Tuesday, November 01, 2022 | Friday, March 31, 2023 | Statewide. A bag limit of 2 per day and possession limit of 4, either sex |
Pheasant (falconry) | Wednesday, November 01, 2023 | Sunday, March 31, 2024 | Statewide. A bag limit of 2 per day and possession limit of 4, either sex |
Quail Season
Maryland Quail Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date | Note |
---|---|---|---|
Quail | Saturday, November 05, 2022 | Wednesday-February 15, 2023 | There is a bag limit of 6 daily |
Quail | Saturday, November 04, 2023 | Monday, January 15, 2024 | There is a bag limit of 6 daily and possession limit of 12 |
Quail (falconry) | Tuesday, November 01, 2022 | Friday, March 31, 2023 | There is a bag limit of 4 daily and possession limit of 8 |
Quail (falconry) | Wednesday, November 01, 2023 | Sunday, March 31, 2024 | There is a bag limit of 4 daily and possession limit of 8 |
Squirrel Season
Maryland Squirrel Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season Start Date | Note |
---|---|---|---|
Squirrel - Gray & Eastern Fox | Saturday, September 03, 2022 | Tuesday, February 28, 2023 | All counties. A bag limit of 6 per day. A possession limit of 12. |
Squirrel - Gray & Eastern Fox | Saturday, September 02, 2023 | Wednesday, February 28, 2024 | All counties. A bag limit of 6 per day. A possession limit of 12. |
Squirrel - Red or Piney | Saturday, September 03, 2022 | Tuesday, February 28, 2023 | There is no limit |
Squirrel - Red or Piney | Saturday, September 02, 2023 | Wednesday, February 28, 2024 | There is no limit |
Squirrel – Gray, Eastern Fox, Red or Piney (falconry) | Thursday, September 01, 2022 | Friday, March 31, 2023 | All 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, 2023 | Sunday, March 31, 2024 | All counties. A bag limit of 6 per day and no limit for Red or Piney. A possession limit of 12. |
Dove Season
Dove Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season Start Date | Zones & Bag Limit |
---|---|---|---|
Mourning Dove (Part 1) | Thursday-September 1, 2022 | Saturday-October 15, 2022 | There is a 15-bag daily limit statewide. |
Mourning Dove (Part 2) | Saturday-October 22, 2022 | Friday-November 25, 2022 | There is a 15-bag daily limit statewide. |
Mourning Dove (Part 3) | Thursday-December 15, 2022 | Saturday-January 7, 2023 | There is a 15-bag daily limit statewide. |
Duck Season
Duck Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season Start Date | Note |
---|---|---|---|
Early-Teal | Friday-September 16, 2022 | Friday-September 30, 2022 | There is a daily bag restriction of six. |
Western Zone (Part 1) | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Saturday-October 15, 2022 | Normal duck season. More information may be found in the rules. |
Eastern Zone (Part 2) | Saturday-October 15, 2022 | Saturday-October 22, 2022 | Normal duck season. More information may be found in the rules. |
Eastern Zone (Part 2) | Saturday-November 12, 2022 | Friday-November 25, 2022 | Normal duck season. More information may be found in the rules. |
Western Zone (Part 2) | Saturday-November 19, 2022 | Friday-November 25, 2022 | Normal duck season. More information may be found in the rules. |
Eastern Zone (Part 3) | Thursday-December 15, 2022 | Tuesday-January 31, 2023 | Normal duck season. More information may be found in the rules. |
Western Zone (Part 3) | Thursday-December 15, 2022 | Tuesday-January 31, 2023 | Normal duck season. More information may be found in the rules. |
Goose Season
Goose Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season Start Date | Note |
---|---|---|---|
Early Western Resident | Thursday-September 1, 2022 | Saturday-September 24, 2022 | Canada goose. |
Early Eastern Resident | Thursday-September 1, 2022 | Thursday-September 15, 2022 | Canada goose. |
Light Goose (Part 1) | Saturday-October 1, 2022 | Friday-November 25, 2022 | There is a daily bag restriction of 25. |
Late Resident (Part 1) | Saturday-November 19, 2022 | Friday-November 25, 2022 | Canada goose. |
Conservation (Order 1) | Monday-November 28, 2022 | Saturday-December 10, 2022 | There is no limit for Light goose |
Late Resident (Part 2) | Monday-December 12, 2022 | Tuesday-March 7, 2023 | Canada goose. |
Light Goose (Part 2) | Monday-December 12, 2022 | Tuesday-January 31, 2023 | There is a daily bag restriction of 25. |
Migratory Atlantic (Population 1) | Saturday-December 17, 2022 | Monday-January 2, 2023 | Canada goose. |
Migratory Atlantic (Population 2) | Friday-January 13, 2023 | Tuesday-January 31, 2023 | Canada goose. |
Conservation (Order 2) | Wednesday-February 1, 2023 | Friday-February 3, 2023 | There is no limit for Light goose |
Light Goose (Part 3) | Saturday-February 4, 2023 | Saturday-February 4, 2023 | There is a daily bag restriction of 25. |
Conservation (Order 3) | Monday-February 6, 2023 | Saturday-April 15, 2023 | There is no limit for Light goose |
Maryland Turkey Season
Turkey Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season Start Date | Note |
---|---|---|---|
Fall Season | Saturday-October 29, 2022 | Sunday-November 6, 2022 | Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties only. |
Winter Season | Thursday-January 19, 2023 | Saturday-January 21, 2023 | Statewide. |
Spring Youth Season | Saturday-April 15, 2023 | Sunday-April 16, 2023 | Statewide except select counties. |
Spring Season | Tuesday-April 18, 2023 | Tuesday-May 23, 2023 | Statewide. |
Dear Season
Deer Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season Start Date | Zones & Bag Limit |
---|---|---|---|
Antlerless Archery (Region B) | Friday-September 9, 2022 | Wednesday-October 19, 2022 | |
Antlered Archery (Part 1) | Friday-September 9, 2022 | Wednesday-October 19, 2022 | Statewide. |
Antlerless Archery (Region A) | Friday-September 9, 2022 | Wednesday-October 19, 2022 | DNR public lands and all other lands |
Antlerless Muzzleloader (Region A) | Thursday-October 20, 2022 | Saturday-October 22, 2022 | |
Antlerless Muzzleloader (Region B) | Thursday-October 20, 2022 | Saturday-October 22, 2022 | |
Antlered Muzzleloader (Part 1) | Thursday-October 20, 2022 | Saturday-October 22, 2022 | Statewide. |
Antlered Archery (Part 2) | Sunday-October 23, 2022 | Friday-November 25, 2022 | Statewide. |
Antlerless Archery (Region B) | Sunday-October 23, 2022 | Friday-November 25, 2022 | |
Antlerless Archery (Region A Part 2) | Sunday-October 23, 2022 | Friday-November 25, 2022 | |
Antlerless Muzzleloader (Region B Part 2) | Monday-October 24, 2022 | Saturday-October 29, 2022 | |
Antlerless Firearm (Region B) | Saturday-November 26, 2022 | Saturday-December 10, 2022 | |
Antlered Firearm (Part 1) | Saturday-November 26, 2022 | Saturday-December 10, 2022 | Statewide. |
Antlerless Firearm (Region A) | Friday-December 9, 2022 | Saturday-December 10, 2022 | All other lands. |
Antlerless Firearm (Region A) | Saturday-December 10, 2022 | Saturday-December 10, 2022 | DNR public lands. |
Antlered Archery (Part 3) | Monday-December 12, 2022 | Friday-December 16, 2022 | Statewide. |
Antlerless Archery (Region B) | Monday-December 12, 2022 | Friday-December 16, 2022 | |
Antlerless Archery (Region A) | Monday-December 12, 2022 | Friday-December 16, 2022 | |
Antlerless Muzzleloader (Region B) | Saturday-December 17, 2022 | Saturday-December 31, 2022 | |
Antlered Muzzleloader (Part 2) | Saturday-December 17, 2022 | Saturday-December 31, 2022 | Statewide. |
Antlerless Muzzleloader (Region A) | Thursday-December 29, 2022 | Saturday-December 31, 2022 | All other lands. |
Antlerless Muzzleloader (Region A) | Saturday-December 31, 2022 | Saturday-December 31, 2022 | DNR public lands. |
Antlered Archery (Part 4) | Sunday-January 1, 2023 | Thursday-January 5, 2023 | Statewide. |
Antlerless Archery (Region A 4) | Sunday-January 1, 2023 | Tuesday-January 31, 2023 | |
Antlerless Archery (Region B Part 4) | Sunday-January 1, 2023 | Thursday-January 5, 2023 | |
Antlered Firearm (Part 2) | Friday-January 6, 2023 | Sunday-January 8, 2023 | Region B. |
Antlered Archery (Part 5) | Friday-January 6, 2023 | Sunday-January 8, 2023 | Region A only. |
Antlerless Firearm (Region B) | Friday-January 6, 2023 | Sunday-January 8, 2023 | |
Antlerless Archery (Region B) | Monday-January 9, 2023 | Tuesday-January 31, 2023 | |
Antlered Archery (Part 6) | Monday-January 9, 2023 | Tuesday-January 31, 2023 | Statewide. |
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

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.