Hunting Seasons & Licensing · MD
Maryland Hunting Seasons & Licensing
2025–2026 SeasonMaryland offers productive white-tailed deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, and small game hunting across diverse terrain — from the Appalachian ridges in western Maryland to the Chesapeake Bay tidewater region. The state manages an overabundant deer population with liberal bag limits and extended seasons. The Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries make Maryland a premier destination for waterfowl hunting. Sika deer, a non-native species, are huntable on the lower Eastern Shore — a unique opportunity found almost nowhere else in the U.S.
Dates shown are for the 2025–2026 season based on the most recent published regulations. Always verify current dates with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources before hunting.
Season Dates by Game Type
Big Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | Sep 6 – Jan 31, 2026 | Liberal — multiple bonus tags available | Bow and arrow, crossbow |
| White-tailed Deer | Firearms | Nov 29 – Dec 13, 2025 | Multiple deer — zone-specific limits | Shotgun, muzzleloader, handgun |
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader | Oct 25 – Nov 1, 2025 (early) / Dec 20 – Jan 3, 2026 (late) | Included in season total | Muzzleloader only |
| Sika Deer | General | Same as white-tailed deer seasons | Included in deer bag limits | Same as deer |
White-tailed Deer (Archery): Maryland actively encourages deer harvest
White-tailed Deer (Firearms): Shotgun-only in most of the state. Rifles allowed in western counties only.
Sika Deer (General): Lower Eastern Shore — Dorchester, Wicomico, and Worcester counties. Unique to Maryland.
Turkey
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Turkey | Spring | Apr 14 – May 17, 2026 | 2 bearded turkeys | Shotgun, bow |
| Wild Turkey | Fall | Oct through Nov (select counties) | 1 turkey either sex | Shotgun, bow |
Upland Game Birds
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ring-necked Pheasant | General | Nov 1 – Jan 31, 2026 | 2 daily | Shotgun |
| Ruffed Grouse | General | Oct 11 – Jan 31, 2026 | 2 daily | Shotgun |
| Mourning Dove | General | Sep 1 – Oct 11 & Nov 24 – Nov 29 & Dec 20 – Jan 10, 2026 | 15 daily | Shotgun |
Ring-necked Pheasant (General): Stocked birds on select public lands
Ruffed Grouse (General): Western Maryland mountains
Waterfowl
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks | General | Varies by zone — Oct through Jan | 6 daily (species-specific limits) | Shotgun (non-toxic shot required) |
Ducks (General): Federal duck stamp + HIP required. Atlantic Flyway. Chesapeake Bay is legendary waterfowl habitat.
Small Game
| Species | Season | Dates | Bag Limit | Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cottontail Rabbit | General | Nov 1 – Feb 28, 2026 | 4 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
| Gray Squirrel | General | Sep 6 – Feb 28, 2026 | 5 daily | Rifle, shotgun, handgun |
Licensing
| License Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting License | $24.50 | — |
| Non-Resident Hunting License | $130 | — |
| Deer Stamp | $10 | Required for deer hunting |
| Non-Resident Deer Stamp | $40 | — |
| Turkey Stamp | $5 | — |
| Managed Hunt Permit | $3–$10 | For managed lands |
| Youth (under 16) | Free | — |
| Senior (65+) | $5 (consolidated license) | — |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $25 | Required for waterfowl |
Tags, Draws & Lotteries
Most Maryland hunting licenses are available over the counter. No drawing system is required for standard deer or turkey. Managed hunts on select Wildlife Management Areas require a lottery application. Bonus antlerless deer tags are available — the state encourages additional doe harvest. There is no preference point system.
Harvest Reporting
Maryland requires mandatory harvest reporting (Harvest Report System) for all deer, turkey, and sika deer. Reporting must be completed within 24 hours through the MD DNR website, app, or by phone. CWD surveillance is active — mandatory testing in designated areas in western Maryland.
Maryland Wildlife Resources
- Maryland Department of Natural Resources — Hunting Home →
- Current Hunting Regulations →
- Hunter Education →
- Violation Hotline: Catch-A-Poacher: 1-800-635-6124
- USFWS Waterfowl Frameworks →
Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. Season dates, bag limits, license fees, and regulations shown here are based on the most recently published data from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and may not reflect last-minute changes, emergency closures, or special regulations. Always verify current regulations directly with your state wildlife agency before hunting. FirearmSelect does not provide legal advice and is not responsible for actions taken based on this information.