Maryland Duck Hunting Laws: Season Dates, Bag Limits, and Regulations You Need to Know
June 8, 2026
Maryland is one of the premier duck hunting destinations on the East Coast, sitting squarely along the Atlantic Flyway and offering access to the legendary Chesapeake Bay, the Susquehanna Flats, and thousands of acres of wetland habitat. From body booting on the Susquehanna Flats and hunting canvasbacks offshore on the Potomac River to pursuing wood ducks in flooded timberlands and sea ducks on the vast Chesapeake Bay, the state delivers a variety of experiences that few states can match.
But before you load up the decoys and call in your retriever, you need to understand the rules. Maryland duck hunting laws are a blend of state and federal regulations, and getting them wrong can cost you your license — or worse. This guide walks you through everything you need to know for the 2025–2026 season, from season dates and bag limits to legal equipment and penalties.
Pro Tip: Always verify season dates and bag limits directly with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources before heading out, as regulations can change from year to year.
Duck Hunting Season Dates in Maryland
Maryland’s duck season for 2025–2026 is divided by hunting zone, with different opening and closing dates depending on where you plan to hunt. There is no open season for gallinuke ducks, harlequin ducks, moorhens, or swans, so make sure you can positively identify your target before pulling the trigger.
Based on the Maryland DNR’s 2025–2026 proposed season document, the zone dates break down as follows:
| Zone | Season Splits |
|---|---|
| Eastern Duck Zone | Oct. 11–18, 2025 | Nov. 15–28, 2025 | Dec. 16, 2025–Jan. 31, 2026 |
| Western Duck Zone | Oct. 4–18, 2025 | Nov. 22–28, 2025 | Dec. 16, 2025–Jan. 31, 2026 |
Migratory game birds may not be hunted on Sundays. This is a firm statewide rule that applies to all duck hunters regardless of zone or property type. Additionally, a hunter must carry personal photo identification (such as a driver’s license) or a secondary form of identification while hunting, and written permission is required to hunt on private land.
Maryland also has a September Teal Season that runs ahead of the regular duck season. The September Teal Season is open in select counties, with a daily bag limit of six teal. The bag limit may include blue-winged and green-winged teal. Check the Maryland DNR’s migratory bird page for the specific counties included each year.
Key Insight: Maryland’s duck season is structured within a federal framework. The federal framework allows a 60-day season to be held between the Saturday nearest September 24 and January 31. Maryland uses this window to set its zone-specific splits.
Duck Hunting License and Stamp Requirements in Maryland
Hunting ducks in Maryland requires multiple documents, and you need all of them on your person while in the field. Missing even one can result in a citation. Here is what you need:
- Maryland Hunting License — A Regular Hunting License, Junior Hunting License, any Senior Hunting License, or a Nonresident (full term or short term) Hunting License is required to hunt migratory game birds in Maryland.
- Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp — This stamp is required for all migratory game bird hunters, including persons not required to have a hunting license and holders of senior hunting licenses. Hunters must possess the printed receipt showing proof of purchase while hunting migratory game birds.
- Federal Duck Stamp — A Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp is required of all hunters 16 years of age or older to hunt brant, coots, ducks, and geese. The traditional stamp costs $25 at post offices and National Wildlife Refuges, while the E-Stamp costs $29 through the MD Outdoors portal or a sport license agent.
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. There is one notable exception: compliance with the Hunter Education and Safety Requirement does not apply to those who are hunting only waterfowl with a Nonresident 3-day Waterfowl and Small Game License.
Regarding the Federal Duck Stamp specifically, waterfowl hunters are no longer required to have the physical Federal Duck Stamp in their possession while hunting. Hunters who purchase an E-Stamp through duckstamp.com can add the stamp to their mobile wallet via Apple Pay or Google Pay and must keep it on their person while hunting waterfowl.
You can purchase licenses and stamps through the MD Outdoors app, online, or at a service center. Licenses and stamps may also be purchased through the licensing system online or via the app, at a licensing agent, or by calling the department’s Licensing and Registration Service at 866-344-8889.
Important Note: 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. Exemption from the hunting license does not exempt you from the stamp requirement.
Daily Bag Limits and Possession Limits in Maryland
Maryland’s duck bag limits follow a species-specific structure within an overall daily cap. Knowing the breakdown before you head out is essential, because exceeding any individual species limit — even if you are under the overall six-duck cap — is a violation.
The daily bag limit of ducks (including mergansers) is 6. Within that six-duck limit, the following species-specific restrictions apply for the 2025–2026 season, as published in the Maryland DNR’s season document:
| Species | Daily Limit |
|---|---|
| Overall ducks (including mergansers) | 6 |
| Mallards | 4 (no more than 2 hen mallards) |
| Wood ducks | 3 |
| Scaup | 2 |
| Pintails | 3 |
| Redheads | 2 |
| Canvasbacks | 2 |
| Black ducks | 2 |
| Fulvous tree duck | 1 |
| Mottled duck | 1 |
| Sea ducks (eiders, long-tailed ducks, scoters) | 4 (no more than 3 long-tailed ducks, 3 scoters, or 3 eiders) |
All other species of ducks, except harlequin duck, may be taken up to the 6-duck limit. In the Special Sea Duck Zone, the daily bag limit for sea ducks is 4. Hunters may only harvest up to 4 sea ducks: no more than 3 long-tailed ducks, 3 eiders (only 1 hen), or 3 scoters.
The possession limit is typically three times the daily bag limit. This means you may not have more than 18 ducks in your possession at any one time. Always retrieve every bird you harvest — federal regulations require it. No person shall kill or cripple any migratory game bird without making a reasonable effort to retrieve the bird and retain it in actual custody.
If you enjoy hunting with a well-trained retriever, a good duck dog is one of the most effective tools you can bring to a Maryland marsh. Learn more about selecting and training the right breed in this guide to duck hunting dogs.
Legal Hunting Methods and Equipment in Maryland
Maryland law is specific about what you can and cannot use in the field. Violating equipment rules — especially the nontoxic shot requirement — is one of the most common citations issued to duck hunters.
Firearms and Archery
It is unlawful to possess an air gun, rifle, or pistol at any time while hunting brant, coots, ducks, and geese. Only shotguns and some archery equipment may be used to hunt migratory game birds. It is unlawful to hunt with an automatic firearm capable of firing a series of shots with one continuous pull of the trigger. Standard pump-action and semi-automatic shotguns limited to three shells are the most common legal options. Vertical bows may be used to hunt migratory game birds.
Nontoxic Shot Requirements
It is illegal to take brant, coots, ducks, geese, rails, and snipe with lead shot and to possess lead shot while hunting them. This restriction includes muzzleloading shotguns and taking captive-raised mallards on licensed Regulated Shooting Areas. Nontoxic shot as determined by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must be used when hunting these species.
Nontoxic shot larger than No. T (.20 inches in diameter) may not be used to hunt brant, coots, ducks, geese, rails, and snipe. Hunters may not use or possess shotgun pumpkin balls, sabots, or slugs while hunting these species. Steel, bismuth, tungsten, and other approved nontoxic alternatives are all legal choices.
Common Mistake: Some hunters assume that older muzzleloading shotguns are exempt from the nontoxic shot rule. They are not. This restriction includes muzzleloading shotguns, so plan your loads accordingly.
Prohibited Methods and Devices
- The use or aid of recorded or electrically amplified bird calls or sounds is prohibited. In Maryland, it is unlawful to hunt or attempt to hunt waterfowl while in possession of any electronic device through which bird calls are conveyed or amplified.
- It is unlawful to hunt waterfowl with the use or aid of live birds as decoys.
- It is unlawful to sell taxidermy-mounted migratory game birds for use as decoys.
- Hunting from a motorized boat under power is prohibited. Boats under power may only be used to retrieve dead or crippled birds, with the exception of the Special Sea Duck Zone.
- It is against the law to construct or cause to be constructed permanent hunting blinds or tree stands, and to leave waterfowl decoys set overnight on lands owned or controlled by the Department of Natural Resources, except with written permission from the department.
- It is illegal to use common reed (Phragmites) in any manner for the construction of hunting blinds on lands owned or controlled by the Department of Natural Resources.
Zones and Split Seasons in Maryland
Maryland divides its duck hunting territory into two primary zones — the Eastern Duck Zone and the Western Duck Zone — each with its own season splits. Understanding which zone you are hunting in before opening day is critical.
The Western Duck Hunting Zone encompasses Allegany, Carroll, Garrett, Frederick, and Washington counties, as well as those portions of Baltimore, Howard, Prince George’s, and Montgomery counties west of a defined boundary following I-83, I-695, I-95, and I-495 to the Virginia shore of the Potomac River.
The Eastern Duck Zone includes Anne Arundel, Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, St. Mary’s, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester counties, as well as portions of Carroll, Prince George’s, and Charles counties east of specified routes.
Beyond the two main zones, Maryland also maintains a Special Sea Duck Zone for offshore hunting. Offshore Waterfowl Hunting Rules and Regulations, including information on offshore duck blinds, sea duck hunting, and designated offshore waterfowl hunting zones, are available on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website. If you plan to hunt sea ducks from an offshore blind, you will also need a Stationary Blind and Blind Site License. A Stationary Blind and Blind Site License allows a person to have an offshore waterfowl blind or blind site in Maryland public waters. This open licensing process is available only by lottery and online appointments.
For a visual reference of all zones, you can view the designated goose and duck hunting zones on the Maryland Waterfowl Zone Map available through the DNR website. Hunters in neighboring states may also want to review regulations in comparable Atlantic Flyway states — see guides on hunting laws in Virginia and hunting laws in Ohio for comparison.
Special and Youth Duck Hunting Seasons in Maryland
Maryland sets aside dedicated hunt days for youth hunters, military veterans, and active-duty service members. These special days give new and eligible hunters access to the field outside of the regular season framework.
Those 16 years of age or younger and military veterans (as defined in Section 101 of title 38, United States Code) of any age, and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training), may hunt ducks, geese, and coots on both public and private land on these two special days.
For the 2025–2026 season, the Youth, Veteran, and Military Waterfowl Hunt Days were scheduled for November 1, 2025, and February 7, 2026. During these special days, the daily bag limit of ducks (including mergansers) is 6, with the limit consisting of no more than 4 sea ducks, 4 mallards (no more than 2 hen mallards), 3 wood ducks, 2 scaup, 3 pintails, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 2 black ducks, 1 fulvous tree duck, and 1 mottled duck.
Canada goose limits on special hunt days vary by zone. One Canada goose may be taken when hunting within the Atlantic Population Canada Goose Hunting Zone, and five Canada geese may be taken when hunting within the Atlantic Flyway Resident Population Canada Goose Hunting Zone.
Pro Tip: Youth hunters participating in special hunt days still need the appropriate licenses and stamps unless they qualify for a specific exemption. Review the full requirements with the Maryland DNR before the hunt day to avoid any issues in the field.
Maryland also allows an Extended Falconry Season for migratory game birds. In addition to the regular open seasons, the Extended Falconry Season for ducks runs from February 2, 2026, through March 7, 2026, and the same window applies to brant. The bag limit for each species during falconry is three per day, with a possession limit of nine. Hunting with birds of prey is permitted one half hour before sunrise to sunset, Monday through Saturday. A valid hunting license, migratory game bird stamps, and a Falconry Permit are required.
Where You Can Hunt Ducks in Maryland
Maryland offers a mix of public and private hunting opportunities, each with its own access rules and restrictions. Knowing where you are legally allowed to set up is just as important as knowing the bag limits.
Public Lands and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)
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.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge on the Eastern Shore is one of the most productive waterfowl areas in the region and draws hunters from across the Mid-Atlantic. Always check the specific rules for the WMA or refuge you plan to visit, as they can differ significantly from general state regulations.
Private Land
Written permission is required to hunt on private land. Trespassing is taken seriously by Maryland’s Natural Resources Police and can result in both hunting violations and criminal charges. Always secure written permission before hunting any privately owned property, and carry that documentation with you in the field.
Offshore Blinds
A Stationary Blind and Blind Site License is required to hunt from an offshore waterfowl blind or blind site in Maryland public waters. For complete information on Maryland offshore waterfowl hunting, including details for riparian landowners, visit the Maryland DNR’s offshore hunting page or call 410-260-8538.
Regulated Shooting Areas (RSAs)
Novice hunters may find a Regulated Shooting Area (RSA) more suitable for their first time duck hunting in Maryland. An RSA is a tract of land, including any waters, on which the licensee may release and shoot captive-raised pheasant, bobwhite quail, chukar partridge, Hungarian partridge, and mallard ducks. Great for first-time bird hunters, RSAs offer a chance to hone skills before heading out on a more difficult hunt.
For hunters who also pursue waterfowl in neighboring states, it helps to understand how regulations compare. Check out our guides on hunting laws in South Carolina, hunting laws in Tennessee, and hunting laws in Minnesota for regional context.
Duck Hunting Penalties in Maryland
Maryland takes hunting violations seriously. Enforcement is handled by the Natural Resources Police (NRP), and penalties can range from fines to license revocation and even jail time depending on the severity of the offense.
Maryland enforces strict penalties for hunting violations. The Department of Natural Resources oversees enforcement through its Natural Resources Police, who issue citations, revoke licenses, and seize equipment when necessary.
Common violations include hunting without a license, exceeding bag limits, using prohibited firearms or ammunition, and trespassing. Fines range from $250 to $1,500 for minor infractions, while severe offenses can exceed $5,000 and lead to jail time.
Under Maryland state statute, any person who violates provisions related to hunting from aircraft is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction is subject to a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment for not more than 6 months or both, with costs imposed in the discretion of the court.
Beyond fines, hunters convicted of serious violations can lose their hunting privileges entirely. License revocation means you cannot legally hunt in Maryland — and in some cases, across multiple states through interstate compacts. Equipment used in the commission of a violation, including firearms, decoys, and boats, can be seized and forfeited.
Important Note: Federal duck hunting violations carry their own separate penalties under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). Federal fines can reach $15,000 per violation, and intentional violations can result in felony charges. State and federal penalties can both apply to the same incident.
To stay on the right side of the law, always carry all required licenses and stamps, know your species identification before you shoot, keep a running count of your bag, and never hunt on Sundays. If you are unsure about a regulation, contact the Maryland DNR directly before heading out.
Hunters who also pursue other species or hunt in other states should familiarize themselves with those states’ laws as well. Our guides on hunting laws in Arkansas, hunting laws in Indiana, hunting laws in Kansas, and hunting laws in Montana cover the key regulations for each state. For state-specific archery and predator hunting laws, see our resources on bow hunting laws in North Carolina, bow hunting laws in New York, and coyote hunting laws in Virginia.
Maryland’s duck hunting heritage is unmatched in the Mid-Atlantic, and the regulations that govern it exist to keep that heritage alive for future generations. Stay informed, hunt ethically, and always check the Maryland DNR’s official publications for the most current season information before each hunt.