Maryland’s goose hunting season offers waterfowl enthusiasts multiple opportunities to pursue Canada geese across different zones and time periods throughout the fall and winter. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or planning your first goose hunt, understanding the season structure and regulations will help you make the most of your time in the field.
The Maryland migratory Canada goose hunting season opens December 19, 2025, with two separate hunting segments running through early February 2026, and the daily bag limit is set at two geese per day in the Atlantic Population Canada Goose Hunting Zone. Before you head out, you’ll need to secure the proper licenses and stamps, familiarize yourself with zone boundaries, and understand the specific regulations that apply to your hunting area.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about goose hunting season in Maryland. You’ll learn the exact dates for each hunting segment, what permits you must have in your possession, and where the best hunting zones are located throughout the state.
Goose Hunting Season Dates in Maryland
Maryland offers multiple goose hunting opportunities throughout the season. The early resident Canada goose season begins September 1, with different dates for each zone.
Early Resident Canada Goose Season:
- Eastern zone: September 1-15
- Western zone: September 1-25
During early season, you can use shotguns that hold more than three shells. Shooting hours extend from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
The Atlantic population Canada goose season opens later in winter. This season runs in two segments to give you more hunting days. The first segment runs December 19 through January 3, 2026, and the second segment runs January 14 through the end of January.
Late Season Zones:
You’ll find additional hunting opportunities in the late southern Maryland resident goose zone and late western Maryland resident Canada goose zone. These zones have their own specific boundaries and dates that differ from the Atlantic population season.
For all migratory goose seasons, you need to purchase a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp and Harvest Information Program Permit. If you’re 16 or older, you also need a Federal Duck Stamp. These requirements apply even if you own the land you’re hunting on and are normally license-exempt.
The possession limit for Canada geese is three times the daily bag limit. Make sure you check the current regulations for your specific hunting zone before heading out.
Goose Hunting Regulations and Bag Limits in Maryland
Maryland offers several distinct goose hunting seasons throughout the year. Each season has specific regulations you need to follow for legal and successful hunts.
The Early Resident Canada Goose Season runs from September 1-15 in the Eastern Zone and September 1-25 in the Western Zone. During this migratory game bird hunting season, you can harvest eight geese per day with a possession limit of 24. This is the only season where you can use shotguns holding more than three shells.
The Atlantic Population Migratory Canada Goose Season operates in two segments: December 19 through January 3 and January 14-31. Your daily bag limit drops to just one goose with a possession limit of three. This bag can include Canada geese, cackling geese, and white-fronted geese.
Youth, Veteran and Military Waterfowl Hunting Days occur on November 1 and February 7. Eligible hunters can take one Canada goose in the Atlantic Population Zone or five Canada geese in the Late Resident Goose Hunt Zone.
Key Shooting Hours:
- Early Resident Season: One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset
- Atlantic Population Season: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset
- Youth/Veteran/Military Days: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset
You must possess a Maryland hunting license, Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp, and Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (if 16 or older). Shotguns must be plugged to hold no more than three shells except during the September resident goose seasons.
Required Licenses and Permits for Goose Hunting in Maryland
You need several licenses and permits before hunting geese in Maryland. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources requires a valid hunting license as your foundation.
Basic License Requirements:
- Resident hunters (ages 16-64): $35.00
- Nonresident hunters (ages 16-64): $160.00
- Senior hunters (65+): $5.00 (resident) or $65.00 (nonresident)
- Junior hunters (under 16): $15.00 (resident) or $80.00 (nonresident)
You must also purchase a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp for $15.00. This stamp is mandatory for all migratory game bird hunters, including those with senior licenses. The Maryland DNR issues a receipt as proof of purchase, which you must carry while hunting.
Federal Requirements:
All waterfowl hunters need a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (duck stamp). This costs $29.00 from license agents or $27.00 from U.S. Post Offices. Hunters under 16 are exempt from this requirement.
Additional Documentation:
When you buy your Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp, you automatically receive a Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit. You must have this permit with you in the field.
First-time hunters need to complete hunter education courses before purchasing licenses. Maryland residents on official military leave orders can hunt without buying a license, but they still need both migratory bird stamps.
You can purchase all required licenses and permits through the MD Outdoors website, by phone at 855-855-3906, or at DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service locations statewide.
Best Locations and Zones for Goose Hunting in Maryland
Maryland divides goose hunting into specific zones based on goose populations. The Atlantic Population Canada Goose Hunting Zone includes Wicomico and Worcester counties on the lower Eastern Shore. This zone targets Atlantic population Canada geese with split seasons.
The Eastern Shore holds your best chances for hunting migratory Canada geese. Three counties stand out as top destinations:
- Talbot County – Prime waterfowl habitat with easy access
- Dorchester County – Home to extensive marshlands
- Kent County – Offers multiple hunting opportunities
You can hunt on Maryland public land at several wildlife refuges. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Dorchester County attracts large flocks of Canada geese during migration. Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge in Kent County provides another quality public hunting option.
The Western Shore also supports resident Canada geese year-round. These birds offer hunting opportunities in areas closer to Baltimore and Washington. You’ll find them in agricultural fields and water bodies throughout the region.
Your hunting zone determines your season dates and bag limits. The state sets different regulations for resident goose zones versus migratory zones. Check which zone you plan to hunt before your trip.
Public land requires additional permits beyond your basic license. You need a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp to hunt geese anywhere in the state. Some wildlife management areas need special permits that you can get through lottery systems.
