Maryland hunting seasons offer enthusiasts a chance to connect with nature, pursue game, and contribute to wildlife management. The state provides a diverse range of hunting opportunities, from white-tailed deer and waterfowl to wild turkey and small game. These Maryland hunting seasons are meticulously regulated by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to ensure sustainability and conservation while allowing hunters to enjoy their passion responsibly. Understanding the specific season dates, regulations, and licensing requirements for each season is essential for anyone looking to participate in the hunting tradition in Maryland.
When does hunting season begin?
Maryland has a winter and autumn deer season that runs from early September through early February. By setting hunting seasons, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) manages the deer population. There are two deer management areas in the state: an eastern B area and a western A area.
There are a few specific zones in Zone B, close to the cities, with varying antlerless deer bag limitations and weapons prohibitions. Although there are significant changes, the deer seasons and open dates in the two regions are largely comparable. Each area has various bag restrictions, for example.
We’ll go through Maryland hunting seasons, needs for licenses and stamps, and regulations in the sections below.
| Season | Start Date | End Date |
| Bear Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties only. | Oct 23, 2023 | Oct 28, 2023 |
| Coyote Coyotes may be hunted year-round in all counties, day and night. No Limit | Jan 1, 2023 | Dec 31, 2023 |
| Deer – Antlered Archery Part 1 Statewide. | Sep 8, 2023 | Oct 18, 2023 |
| Deer – Antlerless Archery Region A – 1 | Sep 8, 2023 | Oct 18, 2023 |
| Deer – Antlerless Archery Region B – 1 | Sep 8, 2023 | Oct 18, 2023 |
| Sika Deer – Archery – 1 An annual Sika Deer Stamp is required to hunt sika deer during any of the deer hunting seasons. | Sep 8, 2023 | Oct 18, 2023 |
| Deer – Antlered Muzzleloader Part 1 Statewide. | Oct 19, 2023 | Oct 21, 2023 |
| Deer – Antlerless Muzzleloader Region A – 1 DNR public lands and all other lands | Oct 19, 2023 | Oct 21, 2023 |
| Deer – Antlerless Muzzleloader Region B – 1 | Oct 19, 2023 | Oct 21, 2023 |
| Sika Deer – Muzzleloader – Antlered or Antlerless – 1 An annual Sika Deer Stamp is required to hunt sika deer during any of the deer hunting seasons. | Oct 19, 2023 | Oct 21, 2023 |
| Deer – Antlered Archery Part 2 Statewide. | Oct 22, 2023 | Nov 24, 2023 |
| Deer – Antlerless Archery Region A – 2 | Oct 22, 2023 | Nov 24, 2023 |
| Deer – Antlerless Archery Region B – 2 | Oct 22, 2023 | Nov 24, 2023 |
| Sika Deer – Archery – 2 An annual Sika Deer Stamp is required to hunt sika deer during any of the deer hunting seasons. | Oct 22, 2023 | Nov 24, 2023 |
| Deer – Antlerless Muzzleloader Region B – 2 | Oct 23, 2023 | Oct 28, 2023 |
| Sika Deer – Muzzleloader – Antlerless Only Region B Only An annual Sika Deer Stamp is required to hunt sika deer during any of the deer hunting seasons. | Oct 23, 2023 | Oct 28, 2023 |
| Deer – Antlered Firearm Part 1 Statewide. | Nov 25, 2023 | Dec 9, 2023 |
| Deer – Antlerless Firearm Region B – 1 | Nov 25, 2023 | Dec 9, 2023 |
| Sika Deer – Firearm – 1 An annual Sika Deer Stamp is required to hunt sika deer during any of the deer hunting seasons. | Nov 25, 2023 | Dec 9, 2023 |
| Deer – Antlerless Firearm Region A – 1 DNR and all other lands | Dec 2, 2023 | Dec 2, 2023 |
| Deer – Antlerless Firearm Region A – 3 All other lands. | Dec 8, 2023 | Dec 9, 2023 |
| Deer – Antlerless Firearm Region A – 2 DNR public lands. | Dec 9, 2023 | Dec 9, 2023 |
| Deer – Antlered Archery Part 3 Statewide. | Dec 11, 2023 | Dec 15, 2023 |
| Deer – Antlerless Archery Region A – 3 | Dec 11, 2023 | Dec 15, 2023 |
| Deer – Antlerless Archery Region B – 3 | Dec 11, 2023 | Dec 15, 2023 |
| Sika Deer – Archery – 3 An annual Sika Deer Stamp is required to hunt sika deer during any of the deer hunting seasons. | Dec 11, 2023 | Dec 15, 2023 |
| Deer – Antlered Muzzleloader Part 2 Statewide. | Dec 16, 2023 | Dec 30, 2023 |
| Deer – Antlerless Muzzleloader Region B – 3 | Dec 16, 2023 | Dec 30, 2023 |
| Sika Deer – Muzzleloader – Antlered or Antlerless – 2 An annual Sika Deer Stamp is required to hunt sika deer during any of the deer hunting seasons. | Dec 16, 2023 | Dec 30, 2023 |
| Deer – Antlerless Muzzleloader Region A – 3 All other lands. | Dec 28, 2023 | Dec 30, 2023 |
| Deer – Antlerless Muzzleloader Region A – 2 DNR public lands. | Dec 30, 2023 | Dec 30, 2023 |
| Deer – Antlered Archery Part 4 Statewide. | Dec 31, 2023 | Jan 4, 2024 |
| Deer – Antlerless Archery Region A – 4 | Dec 31, 2023 | Jan 31, 2024 |
| Sika Deer – Archery – 4 An annual Sika Deer Stamp is required to hunt sika deer during any of the deer hunting seasons. | Dec 31, 2023 | Jan 4, 2024 |
| Deer – Antlerless Archery Region B – 4 | Jan 1, 2024 | Jan 4, 2024 |
| Deer – Antlered Archery Part 6 Region A. | Jan 5, 2024 | Jan 7, 2024 |
| Deer – Antlered Firearm Part 2 Region B. | Jan 5, 2024 | Jan 7, 2024 |
| Deer – Antlerless Firearm Region B – 2 | Jan 5, 2024 | Jan 7, 2024 |
| Sika Deer – Firearm – 2 An annual Sika Deer Stamp is required to hunt sika deer during any of the deer hunting seasons. | Jan 5, 2024 | Jan 7, 2024 |
| Deer – Antlered Archery Part 5 Statewide. | Jan 8, 2024 | Jan 31, 2024 |
| Deer – Antlerless Archery Region B – 5 | Jan 8, 2024 | Jan 31, 2024 |
| Sika Deer – Archery – 5 An annual Sika Deer Stamp is required to hunt sika deer during any of the deer hunting seasons. | Jan 8, 2024 | Jan 31, 2024 |
| Mourning Dove – 1 Statewide daily bag limit of 15. | Sep 1, 2023 | Oct 14, 2023 |
| Mourning Dove – 2 Statewide daily bag limit of 15. | Oct 20, 2023 | Nov 24, 2023 |
| Mourning Dove – 3 Statewide daily bag limit of 15. | Dec 16, 2023 | Jan 10, 2024 |
| Duck – Early Teal Daily bag limit of 6. | Sep 16, 2023 | Sep 30, 2023 |
| Duck – Western Zone – 1 Regular duck season. See regulations for more details. | Sep 30, 2023 | Oct 14, 2023 |
| Duck – Eastern Zone – 1 Regular duck season. See regulations for more details. | Oct 14, 2023 | Oct 21, 2023 |
| Duck – Eastern Zone – 2 Regular duck season & Black Duck Season. See regulations for more details. | Nov 11, 2023 | Nov 24, 2023 |
| Duck – Western Zone – 2 Regular duck and black duck season. See regulations for more details. | Nov 18, 2023 | Nov 24, 2023 |
| Duck – Eastern Zone – 3 Regular duck and black duck season. See regulations for more details. | Dec 15, 2023 | Jan 31, 2024 |
| Duck – Western Zone Part 3 Regular duck and black duck season. See regulations for more details. | Dec 15, 2023 | Jan 31, 2024 |
| Fox – Red & Gray – 1 Charles and Dorchester counties. No limit. | Aug 1, 2023 | Jul 31, 2024 |
| Fox – Red & Gray – 3 Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s, and Washington counties. No limit. | Nov 1, 2023 | Feb 1, 2024 |
| Fox – Red & Gray – 2 Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen, Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester counties. No limit. | Nov 15, 2023 | Feb 15, 2024 |
| Goose – Eastern Zone – Resident (Early) Canada goose. | Sep 1, 2023 | Sep 15, 2023 |
| Goose – Western Zone – Resident (Early) Canada goose. | Sep 1, 2023 | Sep 25, 2023 |
| Goose – Light Goose – 1 Daily bag limit of 25. | Oct 1, 2023 | Nov 24, 2023 |
| Goose – Resident (Late) 1 Canada goose. | Nov 18, 2023 | Nov 24, 2023 |
| Goose – Migratory Atlantic Population – 1 Canada goose. | Nov 21, 2023 | Nov 24, 2023 |
| Goose – Conservation Order – 1 Light goose no limit. | Nov 27, 2023 | Dec 9, 2023 |
| Goose – Resident (Late) 2 Canada goose. | Dec 11, 2023 | Mar 5, 2024 |
| Goose – Light Goose – 2 Daily bag limit of 25. | Dec 11, 2023 | Jan 31, 2024 |
| Goose – Migratory Atlantic Population – 2 Canada goose. | Dec 15, 2023 | Jan 31, 2024 |
| Goose – Conservation Order – 2 Light goose no limit. | Feb 1, 2024 | Feb 2, 2024 |
| Goose – Light Goose – 3 Daily bag limit of 25. | Feb 3, 2024 | Feb 3, 2024 |
| Goose – Conservation Order – 3 Light goose no limit. | Feb 5, 2024 | Apr 15, 2024 |
| Ruffed Grouse Statewide. | Oct 7, 2023 | Dec 31, 2023 |
| Pheasant Statewide. | Nov 4, 2023 | Feb 29, 2024 |
| Quail Daily bag limit of 6. Private lands east of the Susquehanna River and all lands west of the Susquehanna River, excluding Garrett and Allegany Counties | Nov 4, 2023 | Feb 15, 2024 |
| Cottontail Rabbit Statewide. | Nov 4, 2023 | Feb 29, 2024 |
| Turkey – Fall Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties only. | Oct 28, 2023 | Nov 5, 2023 |
| Turkey – Winter Statewide. | Jan 18, 2024 | Jan 20, 2024 |
| Turkey – Spring Youth Statewide; Sunday 04/13 – Only select counties. | Apr 13, 2024 | Apr 14, 2024 |
| Turkey – Spring Statewide. | Apr 18, 2024 | May 23, 2024 |
Hunting rules in Maryland
- A government-issued picture ID, such as a driver’s license, must always be on hand for hunters.
- Every hunter is required to always have a current paper or digital license on them.
- Hunting by minors is prohibited.
- Only deer and coyotes may be shot on the opening day of the deer firearms season.
- It is forbidden to shine a car’s artificial light into a house, structure, field, herd of animals, orchard, woodland, or other area.
- Until nine o’clock at night, anybody may shine an artificial light from a moving vehicle in Baltimore City, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties.
- Hunting is prohibited by artificial light.
- You may sneak up on coyotes, foxes, opossums, and raccoons on foot with a dog and a flashlight during the appropriate hunting season.
- Animals may not be hunted, shot, or trapped without authorization within 150 yards of any camp or institution that is inhabited by people.
- Aside from Anne Arundel, the following counties permit archery: Allegany, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Montgomery, St. Mary’s, and Washington counties.
- Within 50 to 100 yards of a Harford dwelling or camp, archers must utilize a tree stand.
- Archers must be on an elevated platform within 50 or 100 yards of residence or camping in Montgomery and Washington counties.
- In a protected area, shooting at animals is not allowed.
- It is illegal to hunt within 300 yards of a public or private school. This restriction only applies in class or in the presence of other people. Institutions and colleges are not included in this buffer zone.
- It is prohibited to take a legitimate trap’s catch.
Regulations for Specific Maryland Hunting Seasons
The permitted tools and hunting techniques differ depending on the kind of deer season. Each is summarized below, along with any particular guidelines and necessary weapons:
Archery Weapon Season
Crossbows are one type of archery equipment that may be utilized throughout the archery season.
Pull weight requirements for vertical bows should be 30 pounds or more, with a full draw. All crossbows must have a safety and a draw weight of at least 75 pounds.
Broadheads with metal tips must have been honed for arrows and bolts. They must have a 7/8″ minimum width. No explosive or poison-tipped arrows are permitted. In addition, it goes without saying that guns are forbidden during the archery season.
Hunters in Region A are allowed to carry handguns for protection, especially from bears. The handgun cannot be fitted with an electronic aiming mechanism or a telescopic sight, and it cannot be used to hunt deer. Its barrel length must be less than six inches.
Muzzleloader Weapon Season
This is the time of year when muzzleloading shotguns, rifles, and pistols are legal to use. These guns must be loaded via the gun’s end in order for them to be considered muzzleloaders.
Muzzleloaders with percussion caps, inline ignition, and flintlocks are permitted. Shotguns and rifles must be. Use a minimum of 40 caliber and 60 grains of black powder (or a comparable powder). firearms must be handguns. A six-inch barrel, a minimum caliber of 40, and at least 40 grains of black powder. Only single bullets made of copper, lead alloy, or lead (alloy) that are soft-nosed or expandable may be utilized.
Smokeless powder muzzleloaders are permitted and must also have the aforementioned minimum powder loading. Modern cartridge-using firearms are prohibited.
Firearm Weapon Season
During the hunting season, modern weapons including air guns, pistols, and rifles are permitted. Firearms that shoot straight-walled cartridges may be used in all counties, whereas those that fire bottle-neck cartridges may only be used in certain counties.
A firearm is only allowed to hold eight cartridges total, and it cannot fire automatically. Rifles must be able to fire ammunition with a minimum muzzle energy of 1,200-foot pounds. Shotguns must shoot a solid projectile and be at least 28 gauge or larger. In Dorchester County, there is an exception, though. You may use #1 buckshot there.
The barrel of a handgun must be at least six inches long. At least 700 foot-pounds of muzzle energy must be present in the ammo. One. 40-caliber bullets fired from an air gun must have a muzzle energy of at least 400 foot-pounds and be compressed air or gas. They can also utilize an arrow that is at least 18 inches long. A minimum speed of 300 feet per second is also required.
The bolt must have metal points with a minimum width of 7/8′′ and a pointed broadhead. This time of year, muzzleloading weapons and archery are also permitted.
Junior Hunt Day
Only junior hunters, who must be 16 years old or younger, may hunt during this season. You may use any of the permitted tools listed for the archery, muzzleloader, and firearm seasons. Junior hunters must accompany an adult with a valid Maryland hunting license who is at least 21 years old.
Primitive Deer Hunt Days
Only “primitive” weapons are permitted to be used in this season. Typically, only muzzleloaders and archery equipment fit under this category. The use of crossbows, compound bows, and bows with draw locks or release aids is prohibited. Muzzleloading revolvers are prohibited; muzzleloading rifles and handguns must use flintlock or side lock percussion ignition.
Also prohibited are telescopes and other electronic aiming tools.
Both an archery stamp and a muzzleloader stamp are required for hunting during this season if you want to use a bow.
Key Regulations
Everyone should keep several regulations in mind while deer hunting in Maryland. Some of the more prominent ones are included in the list below.
Licenses for hunting must be carried at all times, along with picture identification and either a printed paper copy or an electronic version.
It’s against the law to cast artificial light into a space where animals could be while using a hunting tool. Without the owner’s consent, it is forbidden to hunt or shoot within 150 yards of any camp or occupied structure. In other nations, this distance is shortened for archery equipment. When schools are open or inhabited, this area is 300 yards surrounding them.
When hunting on private property, hunters must acquire the owner’s written consent. Hunters and anybody accompanying them must wear bright orange or pink. If there is no open firearms season during the archery season, this criterion does not apply.
Except in some counties on some Sundays, hunters are permitted to hunt from a half-hour before sunrise until a half-hour after the “official” sunset.
It is not permitted to use calls or noises that have been electrically recorded or amplified. Deer hunting cannot be assisted by dogs. Tracking dogs can be used to locate dead or injured deer, but they must always be under the handler’s supervision. Deer cannot be shot when swimming or submerged in water.
Except on state-owned or regulated property, using bait to draw deer is permitted. A deer must be fairly sought for and used if it is purposefully injured or killed. A public road cannot be used for shooting from, on, or over it.
CWD in Maryland
The deer family (Cervidae) is affected by the infectious illness Chronic Wasting illness (CWD), which damages the neurological system. It has been discovered in mule deer, elk, moose, and white-tailed deer in the US and Canada.
It is brought on by a viral spongiform encephalopathy that grows inconspicuously on cervids’ brains and finally kills them. This epidemic, which was initially noted close in West Virginia in 2005, is thought to have originated in the area and spread to Maryland in November of 2010. 133 sick deer have been discovered in the region as of 2022.
Despite the fact that CWD has not been linked to human illness, handling deer carcasses should be done with caution.
Lastly, you should never consume meat from an animal that has CWD.
In order to stop the unintended spread of CWD in Maryland or other states, the MDNR has enacted a number of restrictions. Washington counties and Allegany counties have been designated as a CWD management region. Except for very specific portions of the animal that have already been handled, whole deer corpses or particular deer components cannot be moved outside the CWD control region.
Likewise, it is prohibited to import deer carcasses or parts from places outside the state where CWD has been found if they don’t match the aforementioned requirements.
Tagging and Transporting
A deer field tag must be filled out in ink at the scene of the kill and then attached to the deer after it has been taken down. The deer can be field-dressed and relocated after it has been tagged. The Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping contains the field tags. As an alternative, the hunter can create a tag that includes their name, DNR ID number, harvest county, and harvest date.
Hunters must register their deer with the MDNR no later than 24 hours after harvesting one. Three methods exist for doing this:
- by using the Compass portal’s (compass.dnr.maryland.gov) online resource
- by dialing the 888-800-0121 Maryland Big Game Registration phone number.
- by using the MDNR’s official mobile app, AccessDNR.
The hunter will supply a confirmation number when registration is finished to confirm that the deer has been registered. Both the deer tag and the Big Game Harvest Record, which are included with the license, should include this number. The tag must stay on the deer until it is prepared for eating by the hunter, destroyed by a processing facility, or given to a taxidermist.
Hunting License Requirements
Every hunter must acquire a license, according to the MDNR. Other specific permits may occasionally be required as well. There are a few exceptions, though, for landowners who are hunting on their own property.
A Resident Regular License is required for Maryland residents between the ages of 16 and 64. A Resident Junior License is required for hunters under the age of 16, while a Resident Senior License is required for those 65 and above.
A Maryland Nonresident license is required for visitors who want to hunt in Maryland but do not live there. Similar age ranges apply to resident and nonresident licenses. A Nonresident License is required for visitors between the ages of 16 and 64. Nonresident Junior Licenses for hunting must be purchased by hunters under the age of 16. A Nonresident Senior License is required for hunters age 65 and above.
All licenses are good for one year from the date of purchase to the following July 31st, with the actual validity period running from August 1 through the same day the following year. Every hunter should have a physical or digital copy of their license with them at all times.
Permits and Stamps
In some circumstances, additional stamps are needed in addition to the license. These are frequently connected to each season. Anyone seeking to hunt during the archery season must obtain an archery stamp. Hunters who wish to hunt during the muzzleloader season must acquire a Muzzleloader Stamp.
One additional antlered white-tailed deer may be taken during one of the Maryland hunting seasons with the purchase of a Bonus Antlered Deer stamp, which is offered for sale. Each of these stamps is offered in resident and nonresident variants.
Hunting Permits are required for hunting on some public lands. These licenses are free to get but need an application.
Maryland Hunter Safety Course
To buy a license in Maryland, a person must satisfactorily complete a hunting safety course, according to state law.
Several situations constitute an exception to this rule:
1. Hunters who can provide evidence that their license was granted prior to July 1, 1977.
2. A statement stating that the hunter was excluded from acquiring a license because of previous hunting activity that occurred before July 1, 1977.
The course is available in a traditional classroom setting. You can enroll in an online course for anyone aged 13 and up that includes a required one-day hunter education field day session.
Resident hunters under 16 are entitled to a free license, an archery stamp, and a muzzleloader stamp after completing the hunter education course.
An Apprentice Hunting License is available for first-time hunters who have not finished the training. Anyone who has never bought a license before is eligible to acquire this one, one-time-use license. An online hunter safety course and the necessary deer hunting stamps must both be purchased by hunters who obtain an apprentice license.
Additionally, they must always be under the supervision of a Maryland citizen who is at least 18 years old and possesses a current license. While hunting, both hunters must stick together so that the mentor can quickly take over the hunting tool if necessary.
Where are the public hunting areas in Maryland?
Even though there aren’t many public hunting areas in Maryland, those that do exist are dispersed fairly around the state. Going on a personal hunting expedition is simple.
Wildlife-protected areas.
The 64 WMAs in Maryland are managed by the Wildlife & Heritage Service. These properties total about 128,000 acres. Twenty-three of the counties in Maryland have WMAs. In WMAs, hunting for game is permitted.
State-owned and operated parks
Even some state parks in Maryland promote it. Here you may find a hunting area of around 4,000 acres. There are rules for each state park’s game, season, and take.
| Location | Acres | Zip | Game |
| Penobscot | 703 | 04969 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Duck, Exotics |
| Cumberland | 3,098 | 04074 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Dove, Duck, Predator, Exotics |
| Penobscot | 1,025 | 04473 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Dove, Duck, Predator, Exotics |
| Oxford | 5,841 | 04010 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Dove, Duck, Predator, Exotics |
| York | 5,617 | 04056 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Duck, Exotics |
| Cumberland | 4,013 | 04085 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Duck, Exotics |
| York | 3,280 | 03909 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Exotics |
| Cumberland | 1,251 | 04071 | Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Predator, Exotics |
| York | 1,176 | 04049 | Whitetail Deer, Duck, Exotics |
| York | 1,758 | 04043 | Whitetail Deer, Duck, Exotics |
Best Public Hunting Land in Maryland:
61,000 acres, or 4.9% of the state’s total land area, are all open for hunting in this state. According to this proportion, there are just 0.1 acres accessible for each hunter in this state. However, both local and out-of-state hunters continue to go to this state’s hunting grounds throughout various hunting seasons to pursue a variety of large and small wildlife. To avoid having their hunting activities disrupted by large throngs of people, hunters that visit this area choose to hunt on private hunting areas rather than public hunting fields.
Maryland Hunting:
Maryland is a small state in comparison to other states, but this shouldn’t deter hunters from visiting there. This little state offers excellent chances for hunters to pursue a variety of large and small wildlife on public hunting properties.The hunting laws in this state are highly rigorous, despite the fact that there are a lot of hunting seasons available. For instance, Sunday hunting is prohibited in this state unless it is a red fox pursuit during a designated season or a commercial hunt.
Maryland Hunting Season:
Every year, hunters go to Maryland to shoot deer, turkey, and other small game, such as ring-necked pheasants (male only), cottontail rabbits, groundhogs, and bobwhite quail. Public Land Permit A (April 13–19), Public Land Permit B (April 20–26), Public Land Permit C (April 27–May 3), and Public Land Permit D (May 4–11) are the four permits that make up the deer shooting season. Additionally, the shooting season for grey squirrels is from September 15 to February 2, cottontail rabbits are from November 19 to February 28, groundhogs are from July 1 to June 30, and ring-necked pheasants are from November 19 to January 5.
These are the Maryland hunting seasons during which hunters may pursue their preferred prey. Additionally, the seasons for crossbow and archery run from September 1 to January 31, muzzleloader from October 5 to 13, shotgun from November 9 to January 26, handgun from January 5 to 12, special antlerless season from October 15, 19, 20, 22, 26, 27, 29, and Dec 8 to 15, and youth and disability hunting on November 3 of each year. Additionally, this state separates the hunting seasons for turkeys on private and public lands. Turkey hunting is permitted all year long on private property, however, it is only permitted on certain occasions with a permit on public hunting grounds.
All Deer Season Types in Maryland
There are three different deer seasons in Maryland: archery, muzzleloader, and firearm. The second weekend in November is a junior hunt weekend that is exclusive to young deer hunters.
The seasons vary according to the type of deer as well. The archery season for white-tailed deer begins the second weekend in September and continues until various times in early February.
The muzzleloader season begins on the third Thursday of October for three days and continues through the end of the year on the third Saturday of December. The Saturday following Thanksgiving marks the start of the firearms season, which lasts through the second Saturday of December.
The first three days of February are also prime time for the Primitive Hunting Season.
Some places forbid hunting on Sundays, whereas some places are open all day on Sundays while others are only open until 10:30 a.m.
The dates are somewhat different if you intend to shoot white-tailed deer or sika deer (a deer with at least one antler visible above the hairline), but they are comparable to these.
What guns and equipment can I use during hunting season?
Rifle Regulations
- The guns being discussed here employ cartridges and are loaded from the barrel’s breech.
- The ammunition used in rifles used for deer shooting must have a muzzle energy of at least 1,200 foot-pounds. For information on ballistics, consult ammo manuals.
- Subject to local and county restrictions, bottleneck cartridge rifles may only be used to shoot deer during the Firearms Season and Junior Deer Shoot Days in select counties and areas (see map).
- All counties and localities in Maryland may permit the use of straight-walled cartridge rifles for deer hunting during the Firearms Season and Junior Deer Hunt Days provided that local and county rules are followed.
Shotgun Regulations
- The shotguns being discussed here employ shells and are loaded from the barrel’s breech.
- Deer hunting shotguns must be 28 gauge or bigger.
- With the exception of Dorchester County, shotgun ammo used for deer hunting must fire a single, solid bullet.
- In accordance with state and municipal laws, shotguns may be used to shoot deer during the firearms season and junior deer hunt days in all counties and localities in Maryland.
Handgun Regulations
- The handguns mentioned below employ cartridges and are loaded from the breech of the barrel or the back of the cylinder.
- The barrel length of a handgun used for deer shooting must be six inches or longer, and the ammunition it fires must have a muzzle energy of at least 700 foot-pounds. For information on ballistics, consult ammo manuals.
- Subject to local and county restrictions, bottleneck cartridge pistols may only be used to shoot deer during the Firearms Season and Junior Deer Shoot Days in select counties and localities (see map).
- In accordance with municipal and county laws, straight-walled cartridge pistols may be used to shoot deer throughout the firearms season and junior deer hunt days in all counties and locales in Maryland.
Air Gun Regulations
- Any firearm that fires a projectile using non-ignited compressed air or another gas is referred to as an air gun. Bullets, arrows, and bolts are examples of projectiles.
- During the deer firearms season only, some air guns may be used to hunt deer in all counties.
- For an air pistol to be acceptable for deer shooting, it must:
- Shoot one bullet or ball of at least.40 caliber and with a muzzle energy of at least 400 foot-pounds in a single discharge; or
- With a sharpened broadhead with metal points and a minimum width of 7/8 inch, fire an arrow or bolt with a minimum length of 18″ and a minimum release speed of 300 feet per second.
- It is forbidden to employ arrows or bolts with explosive or poisonous tips.
- It is prohibited to have a loaded air pistol inside, on top of, or next to a moving vehicle.
- An air gun with the projectile removed is considered to be unloaded.
What are the limits for Maryland counties?
Bag Limits and Antler Point Restrictions
In Maryland, a white-tailed deer is considered to have antlers if it has two or more points on one antler or if one antlered deer is three inches or longer. Statewide, there are no different bag limits for antlerless white-tailed deer.
Only one antlerless white-tailed deer can be taken from each of the four seasons’ worth of hunting. If a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp is bought, a third antlered white-tailed deer may be taken in Region B.
Additionally, there is a three-point minimum length requirement on each antler for white-tailed deer across the state. Out of the entire yearly bag limit, only one antlerless deer may be taken if it does not comply with this bag limits.
The bag limits for white-tailed do vary between Regions A and B. Only one antlerless deer may be taken from each of the three hunting seasons—archery, muzzleloader, and firearms—in Region A. During the days of the primitive deer hunt, a third antlerless deer may be taken.
15 White-tailed may be taken during the archery season in Region B, and any number may be taken during the Suburban Deer management zone, which covers the counties of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s. During muzzleloader and firearms seasons, a total of 10 antlerless deer may be taken.
Bag limitations for sika deer are different from those for white-tailed deer. At least one antler of a sika deer may be seen above the hairline. Three deer may be taken during the Archery, Muzzleloader, and Firearm seasons, with no more than one antlered deer per season.
Fines and Commonly Broken Laws
In Maryland, breaking wildlife regulations may result in penalties, the loss of hunting licenses, and perhaps even jail time.
According to Maryland law, trespassing on privately owned property that is posted is illegal and punished. Sadly, it is a frequent infraction for deer hunters. The first violation carries a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail and/or a maximum fine of $500.
Large fines may also be imposed if deer are harvested without the required permits. A Pennsylvanian guy was busted in 2021 for illegally hunting on private property, having a loaded gun on an ATV, firing a rifle without utilizing straight-walled ammunition, and getting a hunting license using fraudulent information. His firearm has been taken away, and he might face fines of up to $1,500.
Another hunter from Maryland was using a unique agricultural damage permit. He did, however, take more deer than the permit permitted. He was accused of many hunting offenses, including going deer hunting without an archery permit, failing to notify the MDNR that the deer had been harvested, and not tagging the deer before transporting them. In addition, he might be fined up to $1,500.
There are no court costs or attorneys’ fees included in these fines. These costs will be tacked on top of the fines if the cases go to court.
Even unintentionally breaking Maryland’s wildlife rules can have significant repercussions. Make careful you read and comprehend the rules prior to each season. To prevent fines and other penalties, take the time to study all the regulations.
FAQs
1. What kinds of animals are huntable in Maryland?
In Maryland, you may go deer, bear, turkey, coyote, fox, quail, duck, geese, and dove hunting.
2. How much is a Maryland hunting license?
Maryland hunting license costs are based on residency and age. Non-resident rates are $130.00 for those aged 16 to 64, $65.00 for those aged 65 and more, and $32.50 for those under 16 with documented permission. Ages 16 to 64 pay $24.50, under-16s pay $10.50 with permission, and those 65 and over pay $5.00 as resident fees. On the website of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), you may view the most recent prices. Added authorizations could be required. Details can be found in the sources.
3. When can you go hunting in Maryland?
Deer without antlers may be taken on the same day as long as they don’t exceed the set limit. With the exception of a few weeks’ worth of weekends in some counties, the daily deer shooting hours range from an hour before sunrise to an hour after sunset (see Sunday hunt charts and Saturday deer).
4. Where in Maryland can I go duck hunting?
The Chesapeake Bay in Maryland and the Atlantic coast are excellent hunting grounds. Hunters have access to a few fantastic wilderness management areas, despite the fact that the majority of the Chesapeake’s shoreline is privately owned.
The public may go waterfowl hunting on the WMAs of Taylors Island and Fishing Bay. For details on where to hunt ducks at sea, see Sea Duck Zones. Keep away from the beach by 800 yards in general.
5. What kinds of animals are permissible to hunt in Maryland?
According to DNR laws, hunting is permitted for a number of species in Maryland. Small game animals including deer, turkey, ducks, geese, coyotes, raccoons, and foxes are widespread. Female deer numbers are controlled in some areas through antlerless deer shooting seasons. Private landowners must formally provide permission for hunting in all counties. Observe the hunting regulations, which include donning bright pink or orange clothing for safety. For the most recent information, the Maryland DNR’s website or phone number are the best options.
6. Who in Maryland is allowed to hunt without a license?
Some Maryland citizens are exempt from needing hunting permits. This applies to Virginians and non-residents who hunt on their property as well as non-residents who own adjacent farms in Maryland and Virginia but dwell in Virginia. If they have valid leave orders, active-duty military personnel stationed in Maryland are exempt from the licensing requirement. If there are any other limitations based on laws or regulations, check with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Hunting regulations must still be followed even without a license. Follow federal guidelines to ensure accurate information.