Maryland’s diverse landscapes offer hunters a wealth of opportunities throughout the year. From white-tailed deer in lush forests to waterfowl in coastal wetlands, the state provides varied terrain for pursuing game. The Maryland hunting season calendar for 2024-2025 outlines specific dates for different species, ensuring sustainable wildlife management and fair chase practices.

Hunters can engage in pursuits ranging from archery deer seasons starting in early fall to spring turkey hunts. The state designates different regions and zones, each with its own set of regulations and bag limits. This approach helps maintain healthy wildlife populations while providing ample hunting opportunities across Maryland’s various ecosystems.

Prospective hunters must obtain the appropriate licenses, permits, and stamps before participating in any hunting activities. Maryland offers options for both residents and non-residents, with special considerations for youth and senior hunters. By adhering to these guidelines, sportsmen and women contribute to conservation efforts while enjoying Maryland’s rich hunting traditions.

Maryland Hunting Overview

Maryland offers diverse hunting opportunities across its varied landscapes. The state’s Department of Natural Resources manages hunting seasons and regulations for a wide range of game species.

Hunters in Maryland must obtain the appropriate licenses, permits, and stamps before participating in any hunting activities. These can be purchased online or from authorized vendors throughout the state.

The Maryland hunting season typically runs from early September through late May, with specific dates varying by species and hunting method. Popular game animals include white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, and various waterfowl.

Maryland is divided into hunting regions, each with its own set of rules and season dates. Hunters should familiarize themselves with these regional differences to ensure compliance with local regulations.

Safety is a top priority for Maryland hunters. The state requires completion of a hunter education course for first-time hunters born on or after July 1, 1977.

Public hunting lands are available across the state, including wildlife management areas, state forests, and some federal properties. Many private landowners also allow hunting with permission.

Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources regularly updates hunting regulations and provides resources to help hunters stay informed about changes and opportunities in the state’s hunting program.

Maryland Hunting Licenses and Permits

Maryland requires hunters to obtain proper licenses and permits before engaging in hunting activities. These documents ensure legal compliance and support wildlife conservation efforts across the state.

Obtaining a Maryland Hunting License

Maryland offers various hunting licenses for residents and non-residents. Resident licenses are available for $24.50, while non-resident licenses cost $130.00. Hunters can purchase licenses online, by phone, or at authorized retailers.

First-time hunters must complete a hunter safety course before purchasing a license. The state provides both in-person and hybrid training options to accommodate different learning preferences.

An apprentice hunting license is available for new hunters who haven’t completed the safety course. This option allows them to hunt under the supervision of a licensed adult hunter.

Required Stamps and Permits

In addition to a basic hunting license, Maryland hunters may need specific stamps or permits depending on their target game. The Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp is required for hunting waterfowl and costs $9.00.

Hunters pursuing waterfowl must also possess a Federal Duck Stamp, priced at $25.00. These stamps help fund wetland conservation efforts.

For big game hunting, additional permits may be necessary. Deer and turkey hunters often require separate tags or permits, which vary in cost and availability based on the specific hunting season and region.

Special Licenses for Youth and Seniors

Maryland offers discounted licenses for young and senior hunters. The Junior Hunting License, available for hunters under 16, costs $10.50 for residents and $65.00 for non-residents.

Youth hunters must have written permission from a parent or guardian. The state also organizes special Junior Hunt Days, providing young hunters with exclusive hunting opportunities.

Seniors aged 65 and older can purchase a reduced-fee hunting license. This senior license grants the same privileges as a regular hunting license at a lower cost, encouraging continued participation in the sport.

Regulations and Bag Limits

Maryland’s hunting regulations and bag limits are designed to manage wildlife populations sustainably while providing opportunities for hunters. These rules vary by species, season, and region.

Understanding Bag Limits

Bag limits in Maryland restrict the number of animals a hunter can harvest. Daily bag limits cap the number of animals taken in a single day. Possession limits set the maximum number of animals a hunter can have at any time.

For deer hunting, bag limits differ by region and weapon type. In Region B, hunters can take up to two antlered white-tailed deer per season. A third antlered deer may be taken as a bonus under specific conditions.

Waterfowl hunters must adhere to federal and state regulations. They no longer need the physical Federal Duck Stamp while hunting, but must carry proof of purchase.

Special Regulations for Certain Game Species

Maryland has unique rules for specific game species. For black bears, a limited number of hunting permits are issued annually through a lottery system. Hunters must report their harvest within 24 hours.

Wild turkey hunting has separate spring and fall seasons with different bag limits. In spring, hunters can take one bearded turkey per day, with a season limit of two.

Furbearer trapping seasons and regulations vary by species. Trappers must check their traps daily and possess the appropriate licenses and permits.

Primitive weapon hunts, such as the February deer hunt, have special regulations. These hunts often have reduced bag limits and specific weapon requirements.

Deer Hunting Seasons in Maryland

Maryland offers diverse deer hunting opportunities across different regions and seasons. Hunters can pursue white-tailed and sika deer using various weapons throughout the year.

White-Tailed and Sika Deer Seasons

White-tailed deer are found throughout Maryland, while sika deer are primarily hunted in the eastern part of the state. The 2024-2025 hunting season allows hunters to harvest both species.

Bag limits vary by region and weapon type. In general, hunters can take two antlered deer per season, with a third bonus antlered deer permitted in Region B under specific conditions.

For antlerless deer, regulations have been updated. Hunters can now harvest two antlerless deer in a single weapon season in Region A.

Archery, Muzzleloader, and Firearm Seasons

Maryland’s deer hunting calendar includes separate seasons for archery, muzzleloader, and firearm hunting.

Archery season typically runs from early September through late January, with specific dates varying by region. In 2024-2025, archery hunters have additional opportunities in Region A from January 10-12.

Muzzleloader season occurs in two parts:

• Early season: October 17-19, 2024
• Late season: December 21, 2024 – January 4, 2025

Firearm season dates differ between regions:

• Region A: November 30 – December 14, 2024
• Region B: November 30 – December 14, 2024, with an additional hunt from January 10-12, 2025

Region A and Region B Specific Seasons

Maryland divides its deer hunting areas into Region A and Region B, each with distinct regulations and seasons.

Region A includes Allegany, Garrett, and western Washington counties. This region has more restrictive bag limits due to lower deer populations.

Region B encompasses the rest of the state, including central, southern, and eastern Maryland. It offers more liberal bag limits and additional hunting opportunities.

Primitive Deer Hunt Days are scheduled for February 1, 3, and 4, 2025, providing unique late-season opportunities for hunters using specific weapons.

Junior Hunt Days and Antlerless Deer Opportunities

Maryland encourages youth participation in hunting through dedicated Junior Hunt Days. These special days allow young hunters to pursue deer under adult supervision.

Junior Hunt Days typically occur in November, before the regular firearm season. Exact dates for the 2024-2025 season will be announced by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Antlerless deer hunting opportunities have expanded. Hunters can now take multiple antlerless deer in a single weapon season, depending on the region and specific regulations.

The state also offers managed hunts and special permits in urban and suburban areas to help control deer populations and reduce human-deer conflicts.

Waterfowl and Migratory Game Bird Hunting

Maryland offers diverse opportunities for waterfowl and migratory game bird hunting. Hunters must obtain the required stamps and follow specific regulations for each species.

Ducks, Geese, and Swan Seasons

Duck, goose, and swan hunting are popular in Maryland. The state is divided into hunting zones, including an offshore waterfowl hunting zone. Seasons typically run from September through January, with specific dates varying by species and zone.

Hunters must possess a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp and a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp. Bag limits are set annually based on population data.

Canada geese are a common target, with separate seasons for resident and migratory populations. The Eastern Shore is renowned for its waterfowl hunting opportunities.

Mourning Dove and Other Migratory Species

Mourning dove hunting opens the fall season, usually starting in early September. The 2024-2025 season begins on September 2, with a daily bag limit of 8 birds in both zones.

Maryland also offers hunting for other migratory game birds like rails and woodcock. Season dates and bag limits are set annually by the Department of Natural Resources.

Falconry enthusiasts have extended seasons for some species. For the 2024-2025 season, mourning dove falconry runs from January 11 to January 30, while rail falconry extends from November 22 to January 3.

Small Game and Furbearer Hunting

Maryland offers diverse hunting opportunities for small game and furbearers. Regulations govern seasons, bag limits, and methods for pursuing these species across the state.

Small Game Seasons and Species

Eastern cottontail rabbits, gray squirrels, and pheasants are popular small game species in Maryland. The general small game season typically runs from fall through winter. Specific dates vary by species and location.

Quail hunting is permitted in most counties, but closed in Garrett and Allegany. Ruffed grouse can also be hunted in select areas. Sunday hunting is allowed for many small game species during their open seasons, with some restrictions.

Bag limits are set to maintain healthy wildlife populations. Hunters should consult current regulations for daily and possession limits on each species. Special youth hunts and mentored hunting programs aim to introduce new hunters to small game pursuits.

Trapping and Furbearer Regulations

Maryland’s furbearer species include coyotes, foxes, otters, and other mammals valued for their pelts. Trapping seasons generally run from late fall through early spring. Specific dates and methods vary by species and region.

Trappers must follow strict regulations on trap types, checking intervals, and tagging requirements. Some furbearers like coyotes may be hunted year-round with no bag limit to help control populations.

Furbearer management balances conservation with sustainable use of the resource. Biologists monitor populations to set appropriate seasons and harvest quotas. Trappers play a role in wildlife management by providing data on catch rates and species distribution.

Special Hunting Seasons

Maryland offers several unique hunting opportunities throughout the year. These seasons cater to specific groups and species, providing hunters with diverse experiences.

Youth and Military Hunting Days

Junior hunters and military members enjoy exclusive hunting days in Maryland. These special days allow youth and service members to hunt before the regular seasons open.

Youth hunt days typically occur in November for deer and turkey. Junior hunters aged 16 and under can participate when accompanied by a licensed adult. Military members, including veterans, have designated days to hunt waterfowl in February.

These opportunities aim to introduce young people to hunting and honor military service. Participants must follow all standard regulations and bag limits for the species they pursue.

Early Resident Canada Goose Season

Maryland hosts an early Canada goose season in September. This season targets resident geese that cause crop damage and overgraze habitats.

Dates usually span the first two weeks of September. Hunters can take up to 8 geese per day. The season occurs statewide, except in the western zone.

Special regulations apply during this hunt. Hunters must use non-toxic shot and may not use electronic calls. Shotguns must be plugged to hold no more than three shells.

September Teal Season

Blue-winged and green-winged teal are the focus of a brief September season. This hunt typically runs for about two weeks in mid-September.

The daily bag limit is usually 6 teal in aggregate. Hunters must possess a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp and a Federal Duck Stamp.

Special shooting hours apply, generally from sunrise to sunset. Hunters should consult current regulations for specific dates and any changes to bag limits or shooting hours.

Hunting Methods and Equipment

Maryland allows various hunting methods and equipment. Regulations specify approved weapons and techniques for different game species and seasons.

Firearm and Archery Equipment Guidelines

Shotguns and archery equipment are primary hunting tools in Maryland. Shotguns must be 10 gauge or smaller, with a maximum capacity of three shells. Rifled slugs are permitted for deer hunting in some areas.

Archery hunters can use longbows, recurve bows, and compound bows. Crossbows are also legal during archery seasons. Arrows must have broadheads at least 7/8 inches wide. Mechanical broadheads are allowed if they open upon impact.

Hunters must wear fluorescent orange or pink during firearm seasons. This requirement applies to archery hunters in areas open for firearm deer hunting.

Primitive Hunting and Falconry

Muzzleloaders are allowed during designated primitive weapon seasons. These include flintlock, percussion cap, and in-line muzzleloaders. Scopes are permitted on muzzleloaders.

Falconry is a regulated hunting method in Maryland. Licensed falconers can use trained raptors to take game birds and small game animals. Falconry seasons often align with general hunting seasons for the target species.

Primitive hunters must follow specific ammunition requirements. Only single projectiles are allowed for deer hunting with muzzleloaders.

Wildlife Management and Conservation

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources plays a crucial role in managing wildlife populations and habitats across the state. Their efforts focus on maintaining healthy ecosystems while balancing the needs of wildlife and humans.

Conservation initiatives include habitat restoration, species monitoring, and research programs. These projects aim to protect endangered species and preserve biodiversity throughout Maryland’s diverse landscapes.

Wildlife management strategies involve setting hunting regulations and bag limits to control population sizes. This approach helps prevent overpopulation of certain species, which can lead to habitat damage and increased human-wildlife conflicts.

The department also conducts regular surveys to assess wildlife populations. This data informs decision-making processes for future conservation efforts and hunting season regulations.

Education programs teach hunters about responsible practices and wildlife conservation. These initiatives foster a sense of stewardship among outdoor enthusiasts, encouraging them to actively participate in preservation efforts.

Habitat management is another key focus. The department works to maintain and improve wildlife habitats on public lands, ensuring animals have suitable areas for feeding, breeding, and shelter.

Collaborative efforts with landowners and conservation organizations extend wildlife management beyond public lands. These partnerships help create a network of protected areas and wildlife corridors throughout the state.