Maryland Hunting Laws: Licenses, Seasons, and Regulations You Need to Know
June 5, 2026
Maryland packs an extraordinary variety of hunting opportunities into a relatively small state, from white-tailed and sika deer on the Eastern Shore to black bear in the Appalachian highlands and world-class waterfowl along the Chesapeake Bay. The state’s seasons run from early September through late March, giving hunters nearly year-round opportunities across multiple species and weapon types.
Before you head into the field, you need to understand the rules that govern every aspect of the hunt — from the licenses in your pocket to how you report your harvest afterward. Maryland’s regulations are managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and they carry real legal consequences for violations. This guide covers the core hunting laws in Maryland for the 2025–2026 season so you can hunt confidently, legally, and safely.
Pro Tip: Always verify the most current season dates and regulations directly with the Maryland DNR’s official hunting guide before heading out, as rules can change between seasons.
Hunting License and Permit Requirements in Maryland
Every hunter in Maryland must carry the correct license and any required stamps or permits for the species they pursue. Full season hunting licenses are valid from the day they are issued through the next July 31, and the hunting license year runs from August 1 through July 31 of the following year.
To hunt or purchase a hunting license, state law requires presentation of a Certificate of Competency in Firearms and Hunting Safety for all first-time hunters, or certification that you held a hunting license issued prior to July 1, 1977. You are also required to have a printed paper copy or electronic copy of your hunting license in your possession while hunting.
License Types and Fees
As of 2026, a Maryland resident hunting license costs $35 for adults ages 16–64, while seniors age 65 and older pay just $5. Non-residents pay $160 for a standard license, while non-resident seniors pay $65. Youth licenses are available for $10.50.
A resident is a person whose permanent home is in Maryland. Active-duty military members stationed in Maryland are considered residents. Resident veterans who are former prisoners of war or have a 100% service-connected disability may obtain the free DAV-POW Hunting License, which includes the bow stamp, muzzleloader stamp, and furbearer permit.
An Apprentice Hunting License is available for first-time hunters or junior hunters who are not ready for a regular hunting license, and it is available to both residents and nonresidents. The apprentice license allows you to hunt with a licensed mentor for up to two years. It costs $15 for residents and $40 for non-residents.
Resident junior hunters under 16 years of age are entitled to a one-time free annual hunting license, Archery Stamp, and Muzzleloader Stamp upon successful completion of a Hunter Education Course and submission of the appropriate application to any DNR Licensing and Registration Service Center.
Required Stamps and Special Permits
Beyond the base license, additional stamps and permits are required depending on your target species and weapon. An Archery Stamp costs $6 and a Muzzleloader Stamp costs $6 as additional purchases. A Sika Deer Stamp costs $10 for residents, and a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp costs $10.
| License / Stamp / Permit | Resident Cost | Non-Resident Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full Season Hunting License | $35 | $160 |
| Senior Hunting License (65+) | $5 | $65 |
| Youth License (under 16) | $10.50 | — |
| Apprentice License | $15 | $40 |
| Archery Stamp | $6 | $6 |
| Muzzleloader Stamp | $6 | $6 |
| Sika Deer Stamp | $10 | $25 |
| Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp | $10 | $10 |
| Migratory Game Bird Stamp | $9 | $9 |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $25 | $25 |
| Furbearer Permit | $25 | $25 |
A Migratory Game Bird Stamp costing $9 is required for migratory birds including waterfowl and dove, and a Federal Duck Stamp costing $25 is required for waterfowl hunters age 16 and older. HIP Certification is free and required for all migratory bird hunters.
Maryland also holds a lottery black bear hunt in western Maryland’s mountains covering Garrett and Allegany counties, with a second lottery covering Frederick and Washington counties. The lottery is free to enter. Any person trapping or attempting to trap furbearers must first obtain a certificate of trapper education from the Department, unless they held a Furbearer Permit during the 2006–07 trapping season.
You can purchase your license through the MD Outdoors online portal, by phone, or at any of the approximately 250 approved sport license agents statewide. If you’re curious how Maryland’s requirements compare to neighboring states, see our guides on hunting laws in Virginia and hunting laws in Ohio.
Season Dates, Bag Limits, and Possession Limits in Maryland
Maryland offers surprisingly diverse hunting opportunities for a mid-Atlantic state, with terrain ranging from the Chesapeake Bay tidal marshes in the east to the Appalachian Mountains of Garrett County in the west. Season structures reflect that diversity, with different dates, bag limits, and rules applying to each species and management zone.
White-Tailed Deer and Sika Deer
The archery season runs the longest, typically opening in mid-September and extending through late January. For the 2025–2026 season, archery hunters can pursue deer from September 12, 2025, through January 31, 2026, in most areas. This extended timeframe allows bowhunters to experience the full range of deer behavior, from early-season patterns through the rut and into winter movements.
The main firearms season opens on November 29, 2025, and runs through December 13, 2025. A second firearms season follows from December 20, 2025, through January 3, 2026. This split allows hunters multiple opportunities while providing deer populations with recovery periods between hunting pressure.
The second half of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer hunting season runs from December 20 through January 3, 2026. The first half of the split season was held in October. Hunters may use muzzleloading firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this time.
The antlered white-tailed deer bag limit is two total for all seasons combined, with a maximum of one per weapon season. A bonus opportunity allows a third antlered deer in Region B with a special stamp. Antlerless sika limits are unlimited. Antlerless white-tailed deer limits vary by county, with some areas allowing unlimited harvest. Maryland is known for liberal antlerless harvest policies to manage suburban deer populations.
A statewide Antler Point Restriction is in effect on some antlered white-tailed deer. Hunters may harvest one antlered white-tailed deer within the yearly bag limit that does not meet the requirement of having at least three points on one antler. Any additional antlered white-tailed deer taken within the yearly bag limit must have at least three points on one antler. All junior hunters age 16 and younger are not required to comply with the antler point restriction during any deer season.
Black Bear
Black bear hunting is limited to western Maryland under a carefully managed permit system. The black bear hunt lottery has been modified to add a second lottery chance for hunting only in Frederick and Washington counties. Hunters who entered but were not selected in the primary lottery can opt into the secondary lottery for those two counties. An additional 100 bear hunting permits will be issued for those counties. For the 2025–2026 season, lottery applications were accepted July 15 through August 31, with the primary hunt running November 1 through November 9, 2025.
Wild Turkey
Wild turkey populations continue to grow across the western piedmont and mountain counties, with Garrett and Allegany counties offering some of the best spring gobbler hunting in the state. Spring turkey season typically runs in April and May. A Turkey Permit costs $7.
Waterfowl
The Chesapeake Bay region is synonymous with waterfowl hunting — Maryland sits at the heart of the Atlantic Flyway and hosts world-famous goose and duck hunting on the Eastern Shore. The daily bag limit for ducks is six (with species restrictions applying). The regular duck season runs October 4–18, November 22–28, and December 16–January 31. A Black Duck Season runs November 22–28 and December 16–January 31.
For early migratory seasons, the Eastern Zone teal season runs September 1–15, 2025, and the Western Zone runs September 1–25, 2025. The daily bag limit for teal is six. The daily bag limit for woodcock is three, with a possession limit of nine. The daily bag limit for Sora and Virginia Rails is 25, with a possession limit of 75.
Small Game and Furbearers
Raccoon seasons vary by region: Charles and Dorchester counties run August 1 through July 31 (year-round), Eastern Shore counties run November 15 through February 28, and Western counties run November 1 through February 15. For additional context on how neighboring states handle similar species, see our overview of hunting laws in Tennessee and hunting laws in Arkansas.
Key Insight: Maryland’s 2025–2026 deer harvest totaled 71,649 deer across all seasons, according to Maryland DNR harvest data — a figure that reflects the state’s robust deer management program.
Weapons and Legal Hunting Methods in Maryland
Maryland regulates weapons carefully, and the rules differ by species, season, and county. Understanding which weapons are legal for each situation is one of the most important parts of staying compliant with hunting laws in Maryland.
Archery Equipment
During archery season, you must use a bow with a minimum draw weight of 30 pounds at the hunter’s draw length. Crossbows are legal for all licensed hunters during archery season in Maryland. Broadheads must have at least two sharp cutting edges with a minimum width of 7/8 inch. Mechanical broadheads are permitted as long as they meet these specifications when fully deployed.
Compound bows, recurve bows, longbows, and crossbows all fall under legal archery equipment. Your arrows must be clearly marked with your name and address or your DNR identification number. This marking requirement helps wildlife officers identify harvested deer and enforce bag limits effectively.
For state-by-state comparisons on archery rules, see our guides on bow hunting laws in Michigan, bow hunting laws in New York, and bow hunting laws in Arkansas.
Firearms
Rifle use for deer varies by county. Many central Maryland counties restrict hunters to shotguns and straight-walled cartridge rifles only. You should check the firearms restrictions map before planning your hunt. Region B — which covers most of the state including Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Queen Anne counties — includes an exception for bottleneck cartridge handguns in Frederick County.
Muzzleloaders
Hunters may only use long bows, recurve bows, or flintlock and sidelock percussion muzzleloading rifles or handguns during Primitive Deer Hunt Days. Muzzleloading revolvers are prohibited during Primitive Deer Hunt Days.
Waterfowl Ammunition
Steel shot or other approved non-toxic ammunition is required for waterfowl and coots. You may use lead shot for upland game birds and mammals, except in areas specifically designated as non-toxic zones. During the early Canada goose season, hunters are allowed to use shotguns capable of holding more than three shells. Shooting hours are extended to a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset.
Important Note: Rifle restrictions for deer hunting in Maryland are county-specific. Always consult the official DNR firearms map for your hunting location before the season opens to avoid unintentional violations.
Land Access and Hunting Zones in Maryland
Hunting regulations vary between private and public land. Maryland has a mix of state forests, wildlife management areas (WMAs), and federal lands, each with specific rules. Knowing which type of land you’re on — and what rules apply — is essential before you set up.
Private Land
On private land, hunters must obtain explicit permission from the landowner. Written permission is required in some counties to prevent trespassing disputes. Landowners can apply for Deer Management Permits (DMPs) to control deer populations outside standard seasons. Some properties qualify for the Managed Hunt Program, which allows controlled hunting to address ecological concerns.
Public Land and Wildlife Management Areas
Public land hunting is more restrictive, often requiring special permits or reservations, particularly in high-demand areas. Many WMAs have designated hunting zones and may impose additional rules, such as prohibiting Sunday hunting or restricting firearm use. Federal lands, including portions of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, have their own regulations, often requiring separate permits.
Public hunting areas like Eastern Neck NWR and Blackwater NWR attract thousands of hunters annually. To access public hunting lands, you must obtain a Free Public Hunting Permit where required. You can find the full list of WMAs and their specific rules on the Maryland DNR website.
Deer Management Zones
Maryland divides its territory into specific management regions for certain game species, particularly for deer. Understanding these regions is crucial for planning your outings. Region A covers Allegany County, Garrett County, and the western portion of Washington County. Region B covers Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Queen Anne counties, among others.
Sunday Hunting
Maryland has expanded Sunday hunting opportunities in recent years, but regulations vary significantly by county. Sunday deer hunting is permitted in many counties on specific dates, with some counties restricting hunting to private lands only while others allow hunting on both private lands and designated public areas. Some counties restrict Sunday hunting hours to a period from one-half hour before sunrise until 10:30 AM. Be sure to check the specific regulations for your hunting location, as these rules change frequently and vary by county.
If you hunt across state lines, our guides on hunting laws in Indiana and hunting laws in Minnesota provide useful comparisons on land access rules in other states.
Mandatory Harvest Reporting Requirements in Maryland
Maryland requires hunters to report certain harvests promptly. Failure to comply with tagging and check-in rules is a violation of state law, regardless of whether the harvest was otherwise legal.
Deer and Turkey Check-In
Maryland uses an electronic check-in system through the MD Outdoors portal or phone system. Deer and turkey must be checked within 24 hours of harvest. Deer can be checked in through your COMPASS account online, over the phone at 1-888-800-0121, or on the DNR smartphone app.
All harvested deer must be tagged before being moved. Hunters must keep a record of their confirmation numbers by using the Big Game Harvest Record provided with their license, creating their own record, or storing a record electronically on their mobile device. Proof of harvest must be furnished upon request.
Black Bear
Bear require immediate check-in at designated stations. This is a stricter requirement than for deer and turkey — you cannot delay or use the online system for bear harvests. Contact your local DNR office before your hunt to confirm the nearest check station location and hours.
Migratory Birds
All migratory bird hunters, including landowners who are license-exempt, must purchase a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp/Harvest Information Program Permit and possess the printed receipt while hunting. Hunters must have the printed validation showing proof of purchase of the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp and Harvest Information Program certification in their possession while hunting migratory game birds.
Pro Tip: Download the MD Outdoors app before your hunt so you can check in deer and turkey from the field without needing cell service for a phone call. The app stores your license digitally as well, satisfying the electronic copy requirement.
Safety Requirements and Hunter Responsibilities in Maryland
Maryland takes hunter safety seriously, and several requirements are built directly into the licensing and field regulations. Whether you’re a first-time hunter or a seasoned veteran, these responsibilities apply to you every time you go afield.
Hunter Education
All first-time hunters or any hunter who has not had a hunting license issued before July 1, 1977, must pass a hunter education course before getting a hunting license in Maryland. Use of an Apprentice Hunting License requires successful completion of a short, online hunter safety course prior to purchasing this license. The exception is nonresidents purchasing the 3-day waterfowl license for waterfowl-only activities.
Youth Hunters
Junior Deer Hunt Days are for hunters age 16 or younger only. Junior hunters must have a hunting license or be exempt from the license requirement. They must be accompanied in the field by a supervising adult. These special youth days give young hunters exclusive access to the field before the general season opens, reducing crowding and increasing safety for new hunters.
Field Responsibilities
Hunters must contact a Park Ranger or Natural Resources Police Officer before tracking a wounded deer off state park property and onto private property, or to be in the park after legal hours for any reason. You should not field dress deer near trails, parking lots, or any areas used by other park visitors.
Shooting hours for most species are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Falconry hunting is permitted one half-hour before sunrise to sunset, Monday through Saturday. No Sundays are open to hunt migratory birds via falconry.
For comparison on how other states handle hunter safety rules, see our guides on hunting laws in South Carolina and hunting laws in Montana.
Prohibited Practices and Penalties in Maryland
Maryland enforces its hunting laws through the Natural Resources Police, and violations can result in fines, license revocation, and even criminal charges. Understanding what is prohibited is just as important as knowing what is allowed.
Common Prohibited Practices
- Spotlighting: Using artificial lights to locate or hunt deer is illegal. During the fall 2025 season, the Maryland Natural Resources Police charged individuals for violations including spotlighting, hunting out of season, weapons charges, illegally baiting wildlife, and other crimes.
- Baiting: Placing bait to attract wildlife for hunting purposes is prohibited on public lands and in many situations on private land.
- Trespassing: Hunting on private land without landowner permission is a violation. Hunters must obtain explicit permission from the landowner, and written permission is required in some counties.
- Out-of-season hunting: Taking any game species outside of the legal open season is a criminal offense.
- Exceeding bag limits: Taking more than the legal daily or season limit for any species is prohibited.
- Prohibited weapons: Using a weapon type not authorized for a given season — such as using a rifle in a shotgun-only county — is a violation.
Penalties for Violations
Any person who violates Maryland’s deer hunting prohibitions is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $2,000 or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both. Any person convicted of such a violation shall have their hunting license revoked and shall be denied the privilege of hunting in the state for at least 2 and not more than 5 years.
In addition to fines and imprisonment, every spotlight, artificial light, battery, or device used to spot, locate, or hunt deer, and every firearm, bow and arrow, or device capable of killing a deer found in possession of the convicted person or used to commit the violation, shall be confiscated and disposed of by the Secretary.
Common Mistake: Many hunters assume that hunting on their own property eliminates all licensing requirements. In Maryland, you generally must have a valid hunting license — and deer stamps and permits — to hunt deer even on your own property. There are limited exceptions such as certain crop damage permits, but standard hunting still requires licensing.
Wildlife Management Area Rules
Prohibited activities at managed areas like Fair Hill NRMA include the cutting of trees, branches, shrubs, or other vegetation, as well as target shooting and hunting in restricted zones. All state and federal hunting laws, as well as park regulations, are strictly enforced. Violations on public land can carry additional administrative penalties beyond the standard criminal penalties.
Understanding prohibited practices across state lines can help you stay compliant wherever you hunt. See our related guides on coyote hunting laws in Pennsylvania, coyote hunting laws in Virginia, and hunting laws in Kansas for additional reference. Hunters pursuing specific species in the region may also find our guides on bow hunting laws in Tennessee, bow hunting laws in North Carolina, and bow hunting laws in South Carolina useful for planning multi-state trips.
Maryland’s hunting regulations are updated annually by the DNR. For the most current information and any regulation updates, visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website or contact your local DNR office. The official Maryland Hunting Seasons and Rules page at eRegulations also publishes the annual hunting and trapping guide in full. Always confirm season dates, bag limits, and zone-specific rules before you go afield — regulations can and do change between seasons.