Maryland’s hunting regulations ensure responsible and sustainable wildlife management while providing opportunities for hunters. The state’s Department of Natural Resources oversees these rules, which cover various aspects of hunting from seasons and bag limits to legal hunting devices.

Hunters in Maryland must use approved firearms, including certain calibers of rifles, shotguns, handguns, muzzleloaders, and air guns during designated seasons. For deer hunting, air guns must be at least .40 caliber and generate 400 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. The state also permits archery equipment like bows and crossbows during specific seasons.

Maryland offers diverse hunting experiences on both public and private lands. Wildlife Management Areas provide accessible hunting grounds, while private property requires landowner permission. Hunters must complete a mandatory education course before obtaining a license, emphasizing safety and ethical practices. These regulations aim to balance conservation efforts with recreational hunting opportunities across the state.

Maryland Hunting Licensing Requirements

Maryland requires hunters to obtain proper licensing before participating in any hunting activities. Licenses vary based on residency status, game species, and hunting methods.

General License Information

Maryland offers hunting licenses for residents and non-residents. Licenses are available online, by phone, or at authorized retailers. Hunters must carry their license while hunting and present it upon request by a law enforcement officer.

Licenses are valid for one year, from July 1 to June 30. Fees vary depending on the type of license and the hunter’s age and residency status. Some discounts are available for youth, seniors, and military personnel.

Hunters born on or after July 1, 1977, must complete a hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license.

Specific Hunting License Types

Maryland offers several types of hunting licenses:

• Full Season Hunting License: Allows hunting of all game species during open seasons
• Junior Hunting License: For hunters under 16 years old
• Senior Hunting License: For residents 65 and older
• Nonresident Hunting License: For out-of-state hunters
• Apprentice Hunting License: For first-time adult hunters without hunter education

Specialty licenses and stamps are required for certain game species:

• Archery Stamp: Required for bow hunting
• Muzzleloader Stamp: Required for muzzleloader hunting
• Migratory Game Bird Stamp: Required for waterfowl hunting
• Furbearer Permit: Required for trapping furbearers

Hunter Education and Safety

Maryland mandates hunter education for most new hunters. The course covers:

• Firearm safety
• Hunting ethics and laws
• Wildlife conservation
• Survival skills

Courses are available online or in-person. In-person courses include hands-on training with firearms. Upon completion, hunters receive a certificate valid in all states.

Experienced hunters born before July 1, 1977, can obtain a license without hunter education. However, taking the course is strongly recommended for all hunters to ensure safety and ethical practices.

Firearm Regulations for Hunting

Maryland’s hunting firearm regulations establish guidelines for approved weapons, season dates, and safety practices. These rules aim to ensure responsible and ethical hunting while promoting wildlife conservation.

Approved Firearms and Equipment

Hunters in Maryland may use various firearms for deer hunting during designated seasons. Rifles and handguns that employ straight-walled cartridges are now permitted in all counties. Muzzleloading firearms, including sidelock percussion muzzleloaders, are allowed during the muzzleloader season. These must use black powder or approved substitutes.

For deer hunting, air guns are legal only during the firearms season. They must be .40 caliber or larger and generate at least 400 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. Shotguns and certain handguns are also permitted, subject to specific caliber and ammunition requirements.

Projectiles for hunting include bullets, arrows, and bolts. Hunters must ensure their chosen firearm and ammunition comply with state regulations for the targeted game species.

Firearms Season Dates

Maryland’s firearms season for deer typically runs for two weeks, starting in late November. In 2024, the season opens on November 28 and continues through December 12. This period allows hunters to pursue both white-tailed and sika deer using approved firearms.

The state also offers separate muzzleloader seasons, usually held in October and December. These seasons provide opportunities for hunters using traditional or in-line muzzleloaders.

Junior hunt days may occur before the regular seasons, giving young hunters a chance to participate under supervised conditions. Exact dates can vary by region and year, so hunters should consult the current Maryland Hunting Seasons Calendar for precise information.

Firearm Safety and Usage

Hunter safety is paramount in Maryland’s firearm regulations. All hunters must complete a certified hunter education course before obtaining a hunting license. This training covers firearm handling, safety procedures, and ethical hunting practices.

When in the field, hunters must carry personal photo identification and a valid hunting license. Firearms should be unloaded and cased while being transported to and from hunting areas.

Hunters are required to wear fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink clothing during firearms seasons to increase visibility. This includes a cap and outer garment with at least 250 square inches of solid, daylight-visible color.

It’s crucial to be aware of surroundings, identify targets clearly, and maintain a safe zone of fire. Hunters should never shoot across roads or near buildings. Proper firearm maintenance and familiarity with one’s weapon are essential for safe and responsible hunting.

Deer Hunting in Maryland

Maryland offers diverse deer hunting opportunities with distinct seasons and regulations for white-tailed and sika deer. Hunters must adhere to specific bag limits and antler restrictions that vary by region and season.

Deer Seasons Overview

Maryland’s deer hunting seasons are structured to provide ample opportunities for hunters. The archery season typically runs from early September through late January. Muzzleloader season occurs in October and December.

The firearms season, a popular choice among hunters, takes place in late November and early December. A two-day primitive deer hunt is held in early February. Junior hunters have special youth hunt days in November.

Each season has its own bag limits and regulations. Hunters must check the current year’s regulations for exact dates and any changes to season structures.

White-Tailed Deer Regulations

White-tailed deer are the primary game species for Maryland hunters. Antlered white-tailed deer have specific harvest restrictions. In most areas, hunters can take one antlered deer per weapon season.

Antlerless bag limits vary by region. Region A, which includes western Maryland, has more restrictive antlerless harvest limits compared to the rest of the state. An antler point restriction is in place for some regions, requiring bucks to have at least three points on one antler.

Hunters must acquire the appropriate licenses and permits before hunting. They are required to report their harvest within 24 hours using the state’s automated system.

Sika Deer Regulations

Sika deer hunting is limited to specific areas on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. These non-native deer have distinct regulations from white-tailed deer. The sika deer archery season runs concurrently with the white-tailed deer archery season.

Firearms and muzzleloader seasons for sika deer align with those for white-tailed deer in the region. Bag limits for sika deer are separate from white-tailed deer limits. Hunters can typically harvest one antlered and one antlerless sika deer per year.

Special regulations apply in certain wildlife management areas. Hunters should consult the current Maryland Hunting Guide for detailed information on sika deer hunting zones and any special restrictions.

Bag Limits and Seasons

Maryland’s deer hunting regulations establish specific bag limits and seasons for different regions and hunting methods. These rules aim to manage deer populations effectively while providing hunting opportunities.

Region A vs. Region B

Maryland divides its deer hunting areas into Region A and Region B. Region A includes Allegany, Garrett, and western Washington counties. Region B covers the rest of the state.

Bag limits differ between these regions. Region A generally has more restrictive limits due to its smaller deer population. Region B allows hunters to take more deer, including a potential bonus antlered deer.

Archery, Muzzleloader, and Firearms Bag Limits

Each hunting method has its own bag limits and seasons.

Archery season typically runs from early September to late January. In Region B, archers can take up to two antlered deer and an unlimited number of antlerless deer.

Muzzleloader season occurs in October and December-January. Hunters can take one antlered and one antlerless deer in most areas.

Firearms season is split between November and January. Bag limits vary by region but generally allow for one antlered and multiple antlerless deer.

Special Managed Hunts

Maryland offers special managed hunts to control deer populations in specific areas. These hunts often have increased bag limits and may occur outside regular seasons.

Junior Deer Hunt Days provide youth hunters additional opportunities. In 2023, this hunt was open on November 12 in most counties.

Some state parks and other properties hold managed hunts with unique regulations. These hunts help reduce deer numbers in areas with overabundant populations.

Hunters must check local regulations for exact dates and limits, as they may change annually. Special permits or applications are often required for managed hunts.

Hunting on Public Lands

Maryland offers diverse public hunting opportunities on state-managed lands. Hunters must familiarize themselves with specific regulations and obtain necessary permits before accessing these areas.

Access and Permissions

Public hunting lands in Maryland require proper documentation for entry. Hunters need a valid Maryland hunting license and may need additional permits depending on the location and game species. Some areas use a reservation system or lottery for access during peak seasons.

Free Public Hunting Permit Programs are available for certain properties. Hunters should contact the Myrtle Grove Wildlife Office for southern region properties or the Gwynnbrook Wildlife Office for central and eastern region properties to inquire about permit availability.

It’s crucial to check individual property regulations, as they may have unique rules or restricted areas.

Wildlife Management Areas

Maryland’s Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) provide prime hunting grounds for various game species. Fishing Bay WMA, spanning 30,387 acres, is a notable example. It offers opportunities for waterfowl, deer, and small game hunting.

WMAs may have specific hunting seasons, bag limits, and weapon restrictions. Some areas require special permits or participate in furbearer trapping programs through a bid process.

Hunters should consult the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website or contact local offices for up-to-date information on each WMA’s regulations and available game species.

Sunday Hunting Specifics

Sunday hunting rules vary across Maryland’s public lands. In Dorchester County, Sunday hunting is permitted during the Spring Turkey Season on public lands.

Other counties may have different regulations regarding Sunday hunting. Hunters must verify the specific rules for each location and season they plan to hunt.

Some public areas may prohibit Sunday hunting entirely, while others allow it with restrictions. It’s essential to review the most current regulations, as Sunday hunting policies can change from year to year.

Archery Hunting Regulations

Maryland has specific regulations governing archery hunting for deer. These rules cover equipment standards, hunting seasons, and special primitive hunt days.

Archery Equipment Standards

Hunters must use bows with a minimum draw weight of 30 pounds. Recurve bows, longbows, and compound bows are permitted. Arrows must have broadheads at least 7/8 inches wide. Crossbows are allowed during certain seasons.

Mechanical broadheads are legal if they open upon impact and have a minimum cutting diameter of 7/8 inches. Fixed-blade broadheads must also meet this width requirement.

Archery Hunting Seasons

The archery season for deer in Maryland typically runs from early September through late January. Specific dates vary by region and deer management unit.

Hunters must possess a valid hunting license and archery stamp. Bag limits differ between antlered and antlerless deer.

Some areas have additional restrictions or extended seasons. Urban archery zones may have longer seasons to help control deer populations.

Primitive Deer Hunt Days

Maryland offers special primitive deer hunt days in select areas. These hunts allow only traditional archery equipment like recurve bows and longbows.

Primitive hunt days usually occur in early September before the regular archery season. They provide opportunities for hunters to use traditional gear.

Participants must use wooden arrows with fixed-blade broadheads. No compound bows or modern archery accessories are permitted during these special hunts.

Hunting Gear and Safety

Proper gear and safety practices are essential for a successful and responsible deer hunting experience in Maryland. Hunters must adhere to specific clothing requirements and follow established shooting hours and etiquette.

Clothing Requirements

Maryland law requires hunters to wear fluorescent color clothing during certain seasons. Archery hunters must wear fluorescent orange or pink during firearms seasons. This includes a solid fluorescent orange or pink cap or hat, or a minimum of 250 square inches of solid fluorescent orange or pink material on the head, chest, and back combined.

During firearms season, hunters must wear a daylight fluorescent orange or pink cap or hat. They must also wear a solid fluorescent orange or pink outer garment covering the torso. This can be a vest, jacket, coat, or shirt.

Property owners, their spouses, and children hunting on their own property must also comply with these requirements.

Shooting Hours and Etiquette

Legal shooting hours in Maryland are from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Hunters should always be certain of their target and what lies beyond it before taking a shot.

It’s crucial to maintain a safe zone of fire. This means being aware of other hunters, buildings, and roads in the area. Hunters should never shoot across property lines or roads.

When tracking wounded deer, hunters must obtain permission before entering private property. It’s also important to field dress harvested deer promptly and dispose of remains properly.

Hunters should always carry a flashlight, map, and compass or GPS device. These tools can help prevent getting lost and ensure a safe return from the field.

Additional Species Regulations

Maryland has specific regulations for hunting various species beyond deer. These cover important rules and seasons for waterfowl, small game, turkey, and black bear.

Waterfowl and Small Game

Waterfowl hunting in Maryland requires a federal migratory bird hunting stamp and a Maryland migratory game bird stamp. Seasons vary by species and region. For ducks, the limit is typically 6 per day.

Small game includes squirrels, rabbits, and game birds like quail and pheasant. Squirrel season runs from September to February with a daily bag limit of 6. Rabbit season is from November to February, allowing 4 per day.

Hunters must use non-toxic shot for waterfowl and on some public lands. Shooting hours are generally from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.

Turkey and Black Bear

Spring turkey season occurs in April and May, with a bag limit of one bearded turkey per day and two per season. Fall turkey hunting is permitted in certain western counties.

Black bear hunting is strictly regulated. It’s only allowed in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties during a short October season. Hunters must apply for a limited number of permits through a lottery system.

For both turkey and bear, hunters must check harvested animals at designated stations. Baiting is prohibited for turkey hunting but allowed for bear under specific guidelines.

Wildlife Conservation and Diseases

Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources implements various strategies to protect wildlife while managing diseases that affect game populations. These efforts aim to balance ecosystem health with sustainable hunting practices.

Wildlife Preservation Efforts

Maryland prioritizes habitat conservation and species management to maintain healthy wildlife populations. The state establishes protected areas and implements reforestation projects to preserve critical habitats. Hunting regulations play a crucial role in conservation by setting bag limits and seasons to prevent overharvesting.

Hunters contribute to preservation efforts through license fees and excise taxes on equipment. These funds support wildlife research, habitat restoration, and public education programs. Maryland also encourages hunters to report wildlife sightings and participate in surveys to help monitor population trends.

The state focuses on protecting endangered species like the Delmarva fox squirrel and the bog turtle. Conservation initiatives include captive breeding programs and habitat restoration projects.

Chronic Wasting Disease Management

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) poses a significant threat to Maryland’s deer population. This fatal neurological disease affects cervids, including white-tailed deer and elk. The state implements strict monitoring and management protocols to control its spread.

Maryland conducts routine testing of harvested deer in high-risk areas. Hunters are required to bring deer harvested in specific zones to designated check stations for sampling. The state prohibits the transportation of certain deer parts from CWD-positive areas to reduce disease transmission.

To combat CWD, Maryland:

• Restricts deer feeding and baiting in affected regions
• Encourages increased harvesting in CWD management areas
• Provides guidelines for proper carcass disposal
• Conducts public education campaigns on disease recognition and prevention

These measures help maintain a healthy deer population while allowing continued hunting opportunities.