Maryland Hunting Seasons Information and Regulations
*All information listed below is disclosed based on research we have conducted. We do our best to ensure that all information is up to date and accurate. However, rules and regulations are changing every day. Please make sure to verify your state-specific regulations prior to your hunt.
Maryland is a great state for hunting, with plenty of different game to pursue. The state offers a variety of attractions for hunters, including public and private land options, as well as a wide range of terrain to explore.
Some of the most popular game animals to hunt in Maryland include deer, turkey, quail, and waterfowl. The state also offers opportunities to hunt for small game, such as rabbits and squirrels. Hunters can find a number of different hunting clubs and lodges throughout Maryland that offer access to private land and facilities.
The Appalachian Mountains provide a beautiful backdrop for hunting in Maryland. There are a number of different game animals that can be found in this region, including white-tailed deer, black bear, elk, and wild turkey. The Atlantic Ocean also offers a number of different hunting opportunities, with waterfowl being the most popular game to pursue.
Overall, Maryland is a great state for hunting and offers a variety of different options for those looking to pursue different game. With a variety of different attractions and a wide range of terrain, the state offers something for everyone.
Maryland Deer Seasons
| White-tailed Deer, Antlered, Archery | Sep. 9 – Oct. 19, Oct. 23 – Nov. 25, Dec. 12 – Dec. 16, Jan. 1 – Jan. 5, Jan. 9 – Jan. 31 |
| White-tailed Deer, Antlered, Firearms | Nov. 26 – Dec. 10, Jan. 6 – Jan. 8 |
| White-tailed Deer, Antlered, Muzzleloader | Oct. 20 – Oct. 22, Dec. 17 – Dec. 31 |
| Sika Deer, Archery | Sep. 9 – Oct. 19, Oct. 23 – Nov. 25, Dec. 12 – Dec. 16, Jan. 1 – Jan. 5, Jan. 9 – Jan. 31 |
| Sika Deer, Firearms | Nov. 26 – Dec. 10, Jan. 6 – Jan. 8 |
| Sika Deer, Muzzleloader | Oct. 20 – Oct. 22, Dec. 17 – Dec. 31 |
| Junior Deer Hunt Days | Nov. 12 – Nov. 13 |
| Primitive Deer Hunt Days | Feb. 1 – Feb. 3 |
*Maryland has a number of zones with their own dates and regulations. Be sure to check the official Maryland Department of Natural Resources web page.
Maryland Turkey Seasons
| Wild Turkey, Winter Season | Jan. 19 – Jan. 21 |
| Wild Turkey, Fall Season | Oct. 29 – Nov. 6 |
| Wild Turkey, Spring Season | Apr. 18 – May 23 |
| Wild Turkey, Spring Season, Junior Hunt Days | Apr. 15 – Apr. 16 |
*Maryland has a number of zones with their own dates and regulations. Be sure to check the official Maryland Department of Natural Resources web page.
Its important to remember not to use recorded or electrically enhanced calls when hunting turkey in Maryland!
Maryland Gamebird Seasons
| Canada Goose, Early Resident Season, Eastern Hunt Zone | Sep. 1 – Sep. 15 |
| Canada Goose, Early Resident Season, Western Hunt Zone | Sep. 1 – Sep. 24 |
| Canada Goose, Migratory Atlantic Population | Dec. 17 – Jan. 2, Jan. 13 – Jan. 31 |
| Canada Goose, Late Resident Season | Nov. 19 – Nov. 25, Dec. 12 – Mar. 7 |
| Light Geese | Oct. 10 – Nov. 25, Dec. 12 – Jan. 1, Feb. 2 |
| Light Goose Conservation Order Season | Nov. 28 – Dec. 10, Feb. 1 – Feb. 3, Feb. 6 – Apr. 15 |
| Brant | Nov. 16 – Nov. 25, Dec. 15 – Jan. 31 |
| Teal, September Season | Sep. 16 – Sep. 30 |
| Ducks, Eastern Zone | Oct. 15 – Oct. 22, Nov. 12 – Nov. 25, Dec. 15 -Jan. 31 |
| Ducks, Western Zone | Oct. 1 – Oct. 15, Nov. 19 – Nov. 25, Dec. 15 – Jan. 31 |
| Waterfowl- Youth, Veteran & Military Hunt Days | Nov. 5, Feb. 4 |
| Mourning Doves | Sep. 1 – Oct. 15, Oct. 22 – Nov. 25, Dec. 15 – Jan. 7 |
| Rails | Sep. 1 – Nov. 21 |
| Woodcock | Oct. 19 – Nov. 25, Jan. 9 – Jan. 21 |
| Common Snipe | Sep. 29 – Jan. 31 |
| Quail | Nov. 5 – Jan. 15 |
| Pheasant | Nov. 5 – Feb. 28 |
| Ruffed Grouse | Oct. 1 – Dec. 31 |
*Maryland has a number of zones with their own dates and regulations. Be sure to check the official Maryland Department of Natural Resources web page.
Maryland Black Bear Seasons
| Black Bear | Oct. 24 – Oct. 29 |
*Maryland has a number of zones with their own dates and regulations. Be sure to check the official Maryland Department of Natural Resources web page.
Maryland Small Game Seasons
| Squirrel | Sep. 3 – Feb. 28 |
| Rabbit | Nov. 5 – Feb. 28 |
| Crow | Aug. 15 – Mar. |
*Maryland has a number of zones with their own dates and regulations. Be sure to check the official Maryland Department of Natural Resources web page.
Maryland Crossbow Regulations
Maryland does allow crossbow hunting but only for specific animals. There is also a bow stamp that needs to be purchased and they need to be used during the firearm season.
- Crossbows can only be used when hunting deer or bear.
- Minimum draw weight of 75 pounds.
- Must have a functional safety.
- Arrow tips or broadheads must be at least 7/8”
- Crossbows are allowed for deer hunting during the firearm and muzzleloader season.
- Must purchase a bow stamp to hunt.
Maine Hunting License
Maryland hunting licenses are easy to acquire and provide the ability to hunt most species, with the exception of deer during the archery season and muzzleloader season, migratory game birds, furbearers and black bears. There are additional stamps necessary for these animals. Residents can get their first hunting license for $10 and nonresidents can get their license for $20.
If you want to check out the next state on our list, click here to see Massachusetts.
Or, you can check out the last state on our list, Maryland.
