Maryland hunting regulations

Maryland Hunting Regulations

Maryland has good hunting for whitetails, turkey, black bear, upland birds, waterfowl and a number of predators and other game species. We have compiled the Maryland hunting regulations info for season dates, license fees and bag limits.

Maryland Hunting License Fees

Resident:

  • Hunting Age 16-64 – $24.50
  • Junior Hunting – $10.50
  • Senior Hunting – $5
  • Maryland migratory bird – $9
  • Archery Stamp – $6
  • Muzzleloader stamp – $6
  • Bonus antlered deer stamp – $10

Non-resident:

  • Hunting age 16-64 – $130
  • Senior Hunting (65+) – $65
  • Junior Hunting – $32.50
  • 3-day waterfowl and small game – $45
  • Maryland migratory bird – $9
  • Archery Stamp – $25
  • Muzzleloader stamp – $25
  • Bonus antlered deer stamp – $25

Maryland Hunting Season Dates

Whitetail Deer:

The deer seasons run anywhere from September through January with a few extended seasons. There are several different seasons for each weapon type. You can view the full season calendar here – http://dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide/Documents/Hunting_Seasons_Calendar.pdf.

Turkey:

  • Winter Season – 1/18-1/20
  • Fall Season – 10/28-11/4
  • Spring Season – 4/18-5/23

Waterfowl:

  • Canada goose – 9/1-/15 early resident eastern zone, 9/1-9/25 early resident western zone, migratory Atlantic 11/8-11/24 and 12/15-2/3, late resident 11/18-11/24 and 12/15-3/10
  • Light geese – 10/2-11/24, 12/11-2/3
  • Teal – 9/16-9/30
  • Ducks – 10/14-10/21, 11/11-11/24, 12/12-1/27
  • Sea ducks – 11/4-1/12
  • Rails – 9/1-11/9
  • Woodcock – 10/27-11/24 and 1/12-1/27

Black Bear:

  • 10/23-10/26

Small Game and Upland:

  • Squirrel – 9/2-2/28
  • Rabbit – 11/4-2/28
  • Quail eastern region – 11/4-2/15
  • Quail western region – 11/4-1/15
  • Quail DNR lands – 11/4-12/15
  • Pheasant – 11/4-12/31
  • Ruffed grouse – 10/7-1/31

The Maryland hunting regulations focus heavily on deer seasons. The state has over 200k whitetail deer and residents can harvest multiple in many regions. You can also take multiple bucks in some areas.The coastal habitat makes for some interesting hunting and the state puts out some solid size bucks in most years.

You can also chase sea ducks up and down the coast and combine trips with fishing when appropriate. The winter turkey season is unique and extends opportunities to chase birds. Wildlife Management Areas make for good public access in some areas but private land access is always a bonus in this state. State parks and state forest areas also open access for hunters. Overall, Maryland has good access and some long seasons. Coyotes are available year-round too.

 

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