Here’s what we’re covering in this exclusive Maryland hunting season guide:
- License costs and stamp requirements (residents vs. non-residents)
- Every season date and bag limit, broken down by region
- Where to actually hunt: public lands, guided options, and private access
Time to get you set up for Maryland hunting success.
Quick Overview: Season Dates, Maryland Hunting Licenses, and Regulations
Maryland keeps it straightforward: base hunting license plus stamps for specific activities. First-time hunters need approved education from Maryland DNR and IHEA-USA, though the apprentice license lets beginners hunt under supervision while learning.
Maryland Hunting License Costs
| License Type | Description | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Full Season | Required for hunters age 16-64 | $35.00 | $160.00 |
| Junior License | For hunters under age 16 | $15.00 | $80.00 |
| Senior License | For residents age 65+ | $5.00 | $65.00 |
| Apprentice License | One-time license; requires supervision | $15.00 | $40.00 |
Beyond your base license, Maryland requires specific stamps for different hunting activities. These stamps directly fund conservation and habitat work across the state.
| Stamp Type | Purpose | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery Stamp | Required for archery/crossbow hunting | $6.00 | $25.00 |
| Muzzleloader Stamp | Required for muzzleloader season | $6.00 | $25.00 |
| Sika Deer Stamp | Required to hunt sika deer | $10.00 | $25.00 |
| Bonus Antlered Stamp | Allows harvest of second antlered deer | $10.00 | $25.00 |
| MD Migratory Game Bird Stamp | Required for all migratory bird hunting | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Federal Duck Stamp | Required for waterfowl hunters 16+ | ~$29.00 | ~$29.00 |
Maryland splits deer hunting into management regions that affect your bag limits and season dates. Region A covers Allegany County, Garrett County, and western Washington County. Region B includes everywhere else.
| Species | Season Type | Start Date | End Date | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEER SEASONS – REGION A | ||||
| White-tailed Deer | Archery (Region A) | Sep 5, 2026 | Nov 19, 2026 | 2 antlered total all seasons |
| White-tailed Deer | Archery (Region A, Part 2) | Dec 14, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | 2 antlered total all seasons |
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader (Region A) | Oct 16, 2026 | Oct 18, 2026 | 2 antlered total all seasons |
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader (Region A, Part 2) | Dec 27, 2026 | Jan 3, 2027 | 2 antlered total all seasons |
| White-tailed Deer | Firearms (Region A) | Dec 6, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | 2 antlered total all seasons |
| White-tailed Deer | Junior Hunt (Region A) | Nov 21, 2026 | Nov 21, 2026 | 1 deer |
| DEER SEASONS – REGION B | ||||
| White-tailed Deer | Archery (Region B) | Sep 5, 2026 | Nov 28, 2026 | 2 antlered + bonus stamp option |
| White-tailed Deer | Archery (Region B, Part 2) | Dec 15, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | 2 antlered + bonus stamp option |
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader (Region B) | Oct 16, 2026 | Oct 25, 2026 | 2 antlered + bonus stamp option |
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader (Region B, Part 2) | Dec 20, 2026 | Jan 3, 2027 | 2 antlered + bonus stamp option |
| White-tailed Deer | Firearms (Region B, Split 1) | Nov 29, 2026 | Dec 13, 2026 | 2 antlered + bonus stamp option |
| White-tailed Deer | Firearms (Region B, Split 2) | Jan 9, 2027 | Jan 11, 2027 | 2 antlered + bonus stamp option |
| White-tailed Deer | Junior Hunt (Region B) | Nov 21, 2026 | Nov 21, 2026 | 1 deer |
| SIKA DEER SEASONS | ||||
| Sika Deer | Archery | Sep 5, 2026 | Jan 31, 2027 | 1 antlered per day, 2/season |
| Sika Deer | Muzzleloader | Oct 16, 2026 | Oct 25, 2026 | 1 antlered per day, 2/season |
| Sika Deer | Firearms | October 15, 2026 | January 24, 2027 | 1 antlered per day, 2/season |
| BLACK BEAR SEASONS | ||||
| Black Bear (Zone 1: AL, FR, GA, WA) | Bear Hunt (Permit) | Nov 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | 1 per permit |
| Black Bear (Zone 2: FR, WA only) | Bear Hunt (Permit) | Jan 22, 2027 | Jan 24, 2027 | 1 per permit |
| WILD TURKEY SEASONS | ||||
| Wild Turkey | Junior Hunt | Apr 10, 2027 | Apr 11, 2027 | 1 bearded/day |
| Wild Turkey | Regular Season (morning only) | Apr 16, 2027 | May 7, 2027 | 1 bearded/day, 2/season |
| Wild Turkey | Regular Season (all day) | May 8, 2027 | May 21, 2027 | 1 bearded/day, 2/season |
| Wild Turkey (AL, GA, WA only) | Fall Season | Nov 1, 2026 | Nov 9, 2026 | 1 either sex |
| Wild Turkey | Winter Season (Statewide) | Jan 22, 2027 | Jan 24, 2027 | 1 either sex |
| WATERFOWL SEASONS | ||||
| Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal | Early Season | Sep 18, 2026 | Sep 27, 2026 | 6/day |
| Ducks, Coots, Mergansers (Eastern) | Split 1 | Oct 1, 2026 | Nov 28, 2026 | 6 ducks/day, 15 coots/day |
| Ducks, Coots, Mergansers (Eastern) | Split 2 | Dec 15, 2026 | 31-Jan-27 | 6 ducks/day, 15 coots/day |
| Ducks, Coots, Mergansers (Western) | Regular Season | Dec 1, 2026 | 31-Jan-27 | 6 ducks/day, 15 coots/day |
| Canada Goose (Eastern) | Early Season | Sep 1, 2026 | 15-Sep-26 | 15/day |
| Canada Goose (Western) | Early Season | Sep 1, 2026 | 25-Sep-26 | 15/day |
| Canada Goose (Eastern) | Regular Season | Dec 1, 2026 | Feb 15, 2027 | 3/day |
| Canada Goose (Western) | Regular Season | Dec 1, 2026 | 15-Feb-27 | 2/day |
| SMALL GAME SEASONS | ||||
| Gray Squirrel, Fox Squirrel | Regular Season | Sep 2, 2026 | February 28, 2027 | 6/day |
| Eastern Cottontail Rabbit | Regular Season | Nov 2, 2026 | 28-Feb-27 | 4/day |
| Mourning Dove | Split 1 (noon-sunset) | Sep 1, 2026 | October 18, 2026 | 15/day, 45 possession |
| Mourning Dove | Split 2 | Oct 25, 2026 | November 28, 2026 | 15/day, 45 possession |
| Mourning Dove | Split 3 | Dec 20, 2026 | January 9, 2027 | 15/day, 45 possession |
Maryland White-Tailed Deer Hunting
White-tailed deer hunting is Maryland’s bread and butter. The state offers some seriously good opportunities from mountain forests to farm country valleys. Maryland splits the state into two regions with different bag limits and season structures, all designed to keep deer populations healthy while giving hunters maximum opportunities.
Maryland White-Tailed Deer Hunting Seasons
Region A (Western Maryland) covers Allegany County, Garrett County, and western Washington County. Archery season gives you the most time in the woods: September 5 through November 19, 2026, then picks back up December 14, 2026 through January 31, 2027.
Muzzleloader hunters get two shots at it: October 16-18, 2026, then December 27, 2026 through January 3, 2027. Firearms season hits right during peak rut, December 6-13, 2026. Region A hunters max out at 2 antlered deer total across all seasons.
Region B includes everything else in Maryland. Archery runs September 5 through November 28, 2026, then December 15, 2026 through January 31, 2027. Muzzleloader season covers October 16-25, 2026, then December 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027. Firearms season splits: November 29 through December 13, 2026, and January 9-11, 2027. Region B hunters can take 2 antlered deer plus buy a bonus stamp for another buck.
Both regions get Junior Hunt day on November 21, 2026, for hunters aged 10-15 with adult supervision.
Maryland White-Tailed Deer Hunting Regulations
Maryland keeps specific rules to maintain deer populations and hunting safety. Check the complete DNR guidelines for all the details.
- Antler Point Rule: You can harvest one antlered deer that doesn’t meet the three-point minimum; any additional antlered deer need at least three points on one antler
- Sunday Hunting: Allowed on specific public lands in Allegany, Cecil, Garrett, St. Mary’s, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester counties on designated dates
- Crossbow Use: Legal throughout archery season for all hunters
- Check-In: All deer must be checked through Maryland DNR’s game check system within 24 hours
Maryland Sika Deer Hunting
Here’s something special: Maryland has the world’s only huntable free-roaming sika deer population. These Asian natives are actually closer to elk than whitetails, and they’ll give you a completely different hunting experience with their distinctive bugling and tricky behavior.
Maryland Sika Deer Hunting Seasons
Sika seasons run longer than whitetail seasons. Archery goes September 5, 2026 straight through January 31, 2027 without a break. Muzzleloader runs October 16-25, 2026. Firearms season covers October 15, 2026 through January 24, 2027.
You can take 1 antlered sika per day, 2 for the season. The sika stamp costs $10 for residents, $25 for non-residents, on top of your base license and method stamps.
Maryland Sika Deer Hunting Regulations
- Sika Stamp Required: Must buy the sika stamp ($10 resident/$25 non-resident) plus your base license and method stamps
- Daily Limit: Max 1 antlered sika per day, no matter what weapon you’re using
- Season Limit: Max 2 antlered sikas for the entire season
- Where to Hunt: Mainly Eastern Shore marshlands and wetlands where sika populations live
- Check-In: All sika deer must be checked through Maryland DNR’s system
Maryland Black Bear Hunting
Maryland’s got breeding black bears in the four western counties (Garrett, Allegany, Washington, and Frederick). Limited opportunities, but exciting hunting in some seriously rugged country.
Maryland Black Bear Hunting Seasons
Maryland runs a permit lottery system for bear hunting. You need to apply for permits through the lottery well ahead of time. Zone 1 includes Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties, season runs November 1-9, 2026. Zone 2 covers just Frederick and Washington counties during January 22-24, 2027.
Each permit gets you 1 bear. With such short seasons, you better be ready and positioned right when it opens.
Maryland Black Bear Hunting Regulations
- Permit Required: Lottery system only—apply early through Maryland DNR
- What’s Not Allowed: No attractants, baits, electronic calls, or hounds
- Short Seasons: Less than a week for each zone, so timing is everything
- Location Limits: Only designated bear zones in western Maryland
Maryland Wild Turkey Hunting
Maryland turkey hunting is solid, with multiple seasons throughout the year. Fall, winter, and spring seasons, plus Junior Hunt days in April give you plenty of chances at Maryland’s healthy turkey flocks.
Maryland Wild Turkey Hunting Seasons
Spring Season starts with Junior Hunt days April 10-11, 2027, for hunters aged 10-15 with adult supervision. Regular spring season begins April 16, 2027, but you can only hunt mornings (½ hour before sunrise to noon) through May 7, 2027. Starting May 8, 2027, you can hunt all day through May 21, 2027. Spring allows 1 bearded turkey per day, 2 for the season.
Fall Season runs November 1-9, 2026, but only in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties. Either-sex season, 1 turkey limit.
Winter Season gives you a quick statewide shot January 22-24, 2027, 1 turkey either sex.
Maryland Wild Turkey Hunting Regulations
- Spring Rule: Only bearded turkeys during spring season to protect breeding hens
- Fall Geography: Fall season only in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties
- Changing Hours: Spring season splits between morning-only (through May 7) and all-day hunting (May 8-21)
- Either Sex Seasons: Fall and winter allow harvest of either sex
Maryland Waterfowl Hunting
Maryland sits right on the Atlantic Flyway, and the Chesapeake Bay’s reputation isn’t hype. This is some of the best duck and goose hunting in America. For complete Maryland waterfowl rules, make sure you understand both Maryland and Federal stamp requirements.
Maryland Waterfowl Hunting Seasons
Early Teal Season kicks things off September 18-27, 2026, targeting blue-winged and green-winged teal with a 6-bird daily limit.
Duck, Coot, and Merganser Seasons depend on your zone. Eastern Zone splits: October 1 through November 28, 2026, then December 15, 2026 through January 31, 2027. Western Zone runs straight December 1, 2026 through January 31, 2027. Daily limits: 6 ducks, 15 coots.
Canada Goose Seasons split by zone too. Eastern Zone early season: September 1-15, 2026 (15 birds daily). Western Zone early season: September 1-25, 2026 (15 birds daily). Regular seasons start December 1, 2026. Eastern Zone gets 3 birds daily through February 15, 2027. Western Zone gets 2 birds daily through February 15, 2027.
Maryland Waterfowl Hunting Regulations
- Two Stamps Required: All waterfowl hunters 16+ need Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp ($15) and Federal Duck Stamp (~$29)
- Know Your Zone: Eastern and Western zones have different dates and limits
- Steel Shot Only: Non-toxic shot required for all waterfowl
- Shotgun Plug: Must hold no more than 3 shells total
Maryland Minor Game Species Hunting
Maryland’s habitat diversity supports great small game populations that provide accessible hunting for everyone. Squirrels in the hardwoods, rabbits along farm edges—these species offer solid hunting throughout fall and winter.
Maryland Small Game Hunting Information
Gray and Fox Squirrels give you Maryland’s longest small game season: September 2, 2026 through February 28, 2027, 6-squirrel daily limit. Maryland’s hardwood forests support excellent squirrel numbers that respond well to calling and patience.
Eastern Cottontail Rabbits offer classic small game action November 2, 2026 through February 28, 2027, 4-rabbit daily limit. Look for agricultural areas with brushy edges.
Ring-necked Pheasants can be hunted November 2, 2026 through February 28, 2027, 2-bird daily limit, cock birds only.
Maryland Upland Bird Hunting Information
Bobwhite Quail season runs November 2, 2026 through January 15, 2027, 6-bird daily limit. Maryland’s quail populations benefit from habitat management programs.
Ruffed Grouse provide challenging mountain hunting October 5 through December 31, 2026, 2-bird daily limit. Western Maryland’s mature hardwoods support the main grouse populations.
Mourning Doves offer fast action across three split seasons: 15-bird daily limit, 45-bird possession limit.
Maryland Migratory Bird Hunting Information
American Woodcock seasons split: October 1-24, 2026, and January 31 through March 7, 2027, 3-bird daily limit.
Wilson’s Snipe season runs September 1 through November 20, 2026, 8-bird daily limit.
Rails (Sora and Virginia) offer specialized hunting September 1 through November 9, 2026, 25-bird aggregate daily limit.
Where to Hunt in Maryland
Maryland’s hunting landscape runs from Appalachian Mountains in the west to Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean in the east. Maryland offers fantastic hunting terrain variety—forests, mountains, marshes, coastal plains. What you hunt and when determines where you’ll be.
Best Maryland Public Lands for Hunting
Maryland’s public hunting lands cover diverse terrain across the state’s ecosystems. Multiple Wildlife Management Areas allow Sunday hunting, giving weekend hunters more options.
- Green Ridge State Forest: At 47,560 acres, this is Maryland’s largest contiguous public land block, offering excellent deer and bear hunting in Allegany County
- Savage River State Forest: More than 50,000 acres make this the largest state forest parcel, providing premier hunting for deer, bear, and turkey in Western Maryland’s rugged country
- Fishing Bay Wildlife Management Area: About 29,000 acres make this the state’s largest WMA, offering one of the best public opportunities for sika deer
- Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge: Unless refuge regulations say otherwise, Blackwater follows Maryland hunting rules, but requires a refuge hunting permit plus Maryland licenses
Maryland Guided Hunts
Maryland’s professional outfitters give you access to prime locations plus expertise that seriously improves your success rates. Deer hunts book up fast because availability gets tight, especially for trophy sika deer and premium waterfowl spots.
B & J Guide Service has been hosting Eastern Shore hunters for over 40 years with a rock-solid reputation. They’ve taken archery bucks scoring 168 ⅞ and 168 ⅛ Boone & Crockett, showing Maryland’s trophy potential.
Nanticoke Outfitters runs guided hunts in Eastern Shore salt marshes for sika deer, puddle ducks, sea ducks, divers, whitetail, and turkey. Ruin Gun Club delivers nearly 100% success rates for Atlantic Flyway waterfowl.
Private Land Hunting in Maryland
Private land hunting in Maryland gets you exclusive access to prime areas without public land pressure and competition. Many hunters lease private land for entire seasons, learning specific properties while building relationships with landowners who appreciate responsible hunters.
Leasing private land means less hunting pressure, ability to improve habitat and food plots, flexible schedules, and typically higher success rates. Buying hunting land is the ultimate move for serious hunters—permanent access and complete management control.
Hunting Locator is the most trusted source for quality hunting leases and land purchases throughout Maryland. Our platform connects hunters with verified landowners offering legitimate opportunities, from small weekend parcels to large tracts perfect for hunting clubs.
FAQ
What licenses do I need to hunt deer in Maryland?
You need a base Maryland hunting license plus an archery stamp ($6 resident/$25 non-resident) for bow hunting, muzzleloader stamp ($6 resident/$25 non-resident) for muzzleloader season, or no extra stamp for firearms. Region B hunters can buy a bonus antlered stamp ($10 resident/$25 non-resident) for an additional buck. Sika deer hunters also need a sika stamp ($10 resident/$25 non-resident).
Can non-residents hunt in Maryland without hunter education?
Non-residents buying the 3-day waterfowl license for waterfowl only don’t need hunter education. All other non-residents must show hunter education completion or previous hunting license from before July 1, 1977. The apprentice license lets you hunt under supervision while completing education.
What’s the difference between Maryland’s deer hunting regions?
Region A includes Allegany County, Garrett County, and western Washington County, with a 2-antlered deer limit total. Region B covers all other Maryland counties, allowing 2 antlered deer plus the option to buy a bonus stamp for a third buck. Region B also has longer seasons and more hunting days.
When’s the best time to hunt sika deer in Maryland?
Sika deer are most active in cooler weather and can be hunted September 5, 2026 through January 31, 2027 with archery gear. The rut typically happens in October, making it excellent for calling. Firearms season runs October 15, 2026 through January 24, 2027, giving you extensive fall and winter opportunities.
Do I need special stamps for waterfowl hunting in Maryland?
Yes, all waterfowl hunters need the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp ($15) and hunters 16+ also need the Federal Duck Stamp (~$29). These are required beyond your base license and fund waterfowl conservation programs.
The Final Shot
Maryland’s 2026-2027 seasons offer incredible diversity for hunters wanting everything from world-class sika deer to legendary Chesapeake Bay waterfowl. With proper licensing, understanding regional rules, and access to quality hunting spots, Maryland delivers experiences that create lifelong memories and keep you coming back.
Whether this is your first Maryland hunt or you’re returning to the Old Line State, this guide gives you the foundation for successful adventures. Always verify current regulations with Maryland DNR before heading out, and consider securing private land access through reputable platforms like Hunting Locator for the ultimate Maryland hunting experience.
