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HUNTING SEASON IN MARYLAND 2025–26: Deer Hunting, Big Game and Small Game, Licenses, and Regulations Guide Plan your 2025–26 MD hunt with our state‑by‑state guide—season

HUNTING SEASON IN MARYLAND 2025–26: Deer Hunting, Big Game and Small Game, Licenses, and Regulations Guide Plan your 2025–26 MD hunt with our state‑by‑state guide—season dates, bag limits, licenses, bow & rifle rules, and key game species from whitetail deer to wild turkey to ducks. Whether you’re drawing a compound bow in western oak ridges for a trophy buck, setting a rifle on the Eastern Shore for migrating geese, or tracking coyote year‑round on private land, Maryland’s mountains, piedmont, and tidal marshes deliver premier big game and small game opportunities under clear regulations. What Is There to Hunt in Maryland? Maryland’s varied landscapes support: Big Game: Whitetail deer, wild turkey, black bear (draw hunts), moose (rare permit), invasive feral hogs (no closed season) Small Game & Upland Birds: Cottontail rabbit, gray squirrel, bobwhite quail, ruffed grouse Waterfowl & Migratory Birds: Ducks (mallard, teal, wood duck), Canada geese, coots, rails, mourning dove Furbearers & Predators: Coyote, raccoon, fox, nutria From western hardwoods to Chesapeake marshes, Maryland hunters pursue healthy populations of state animals year‑round. What Animals Can You Hunt Year‑Round in Maryland? On private lands with explicit landowner permission—and applicable license—you may take unprotected or nuisance species such as coyote, raccoon, nutria, and feral hogs without closed seasons or daily limits. Public‑land Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) enforce posted season and method restrictions. Maryland Big Game Hunting Seasons 2025–26 Whitetail Deer Archery: Sept 20 – Jan 31, 2026 Youth Firearms: Nov 8–9, 2025 Firearms: Nov 29 – Dec 13, 2025 Muzzleloader: Dec 19 – Dec 21, 2025 Antlerless Only: Jan 2 – Jan 16, 2026 Two‐buck daily bag limit applies during archery; one trophy buck during firearms. Seasons vary by county—check local regulations. Wild Turkey (Spring) Spring Youth Hunt: Apr 4–5, 2026 Spring General: Apr 6 – May 24, 2026 Fall Archery: Sept 12 – Sept 20, 2025 (select counties) Spring turkey licenses include shotgun and bow options; youth hunts promote early-season mentoring. Black Bear Draw Hunts Only: Sept 1 – Oct 31, 2025 Bear tags allocate by computerized draw; harvested bears require mandatory carcass tagging and reporting. Maryland Small Game & Waterfowl Seasons 2025–26 Small Game & Upland Birds Rabbit & Squirrel: Oct 1 – Feb 28, 2026 Ruffed Grouse & Woodcock: Oct 15 – Jan 1, 2026 Bobwhite Quail: Nov 1 – Jan 31, 2026 (WMAs only) Shotguns loaded with non‑toxic shot are required; quail and grouse thrive in forest openings and brushy edges. Waterfowl & Migratory Birds Ducks & Geese: Nov 15 – Jan 31, 2026 (zones split) Youth Waterfowl Day: Oct 18–19, 2025 Rails & Coots: Sept 1 – Nov 9, 2025 Mourning Dove: Sept 1 – Nov 20, 2025 Shooting Hours: Sunrise – sunset; Federal Duck Stamp, HIP, and state waterfowl permit required Chesapeake Bay marshes and flooded impoundments host peak migrations; daily duck bag limit is 6, with species sub‑limits. Bag Limits by Species Whitetail Deer: 2/day (archery); 1 trophy buck (firearms) Wild Turkey: 2 total (spring); 1 fall archery Black Bear: 1 per draw permit Ducks: 6/day; 2 hen mallards, 2 teal sub‑limits Geese: 5/day Rails & Coots: 15 & 25 per day Rabbit & Squirrel: 8/day each Coyote & Feral Hogs: No limits on private lands Bag limits safeguard big game and small game for future seasons. License & Tags Information for Maryland Hunters (2025–26) All hunters must carry a valid Maryland DNR license and appropriate tags: Resident Hunting License: $24; Nonresident: $94 Deer Tags: $18 each; Antlerless Tag: $10 Turkey Permit: $7 (spring); fall archery by draw Waterfowl Permit: $8; Federal Duck Stamp & HIP required Bear Permit: $35 (draw) Licenses fund wildlife management and habitat restoration. Applications for controlled hunts open midsummer. Hunting Methods: Bow, Rifle, Muzzleloader Maryland authorizes: Archery: Compound and recurve bows, crossbows (archery seasons) Firearms: Center‑fire rifles, shotguns (slugs & buckshot) during firearms seasons Muzzleloaders: Permitted in designated December window Dogs & Bait: Allowed for raccoon, waterfowl (retrievers) under WMA rules Ensure compliance with weapon and caliber restrictions for each season. Regulations & Resources Maryland DNR regulations cover: Shooting Hours: Sunrise – sunset (waterfowl sunrise rule) Zone Maps & Boundaries: WMAs and county zones online Harvest Reporting: Mandatory for deer, turkey, bear within 48 hrs Special Areas: Game refuge zones, controlled dog hunts, and CWD monitoring areas Before you head out, always verify season dates, bag limits, and license requirements on the official Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website to stay compliant and ensure a legal, ethical hunt. This guide was created based on information from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR): https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Documents/Maryland-Hunting-Seasons-Calendar-2024-2025.pdf With defined seasons, clear bag limits, and streamlined license structures, Maryland delivers outstanding hunts for whitetail deer, turkey, ducks, and more. Prepare your bow or rifle, secure proper tags, and experience the Old Line State’s rich wildlife heritage on your 2025–26 hunt.

Post: 18 July 14:43

Hunting Seasons in Maryland, USA: Leases, Seasons, Open and Close Dates, Licenses, Rules for Hunting General Hunting Rules and Season Dates in Maryland Hunting in Maryl

Hunting Seasons in Maryland, USA: Leases, Seasons, Open and Close Dates, Licenses, Rules for Hunting General Hunting Rules and Season Dates in Maryland Hunting in Maryland is managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to maintain wildlife populations and ensure safety. The main hunting seasons are divided into fall, winter, and spring , with specific dates varying by species and region. Season dates change slightly each year based on animal behavior, migration patterns, and environmental factors. For example, white-tailed deer hunting usually runs from early October through January, depending on the county. Maryland’s location between northern and southern states influences its hunting calendar. Compared to neighboring West Virginia, turkey season opens later here, which affects cross-border hunting plans. In recent years, there have been adjustments to waterfowl hunting seasons due to population changes, as well as new youth hunting opportunities introduced to encourage participation among younger hunters. Hunting Seasonality of Hunting in Maryland Maryland has several key hunting seasons: Fall: White-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, and small game such as pheasant and rabbit. Winter: Continued deer hunting and the start of waterfowl hunting. Spring: Focus shifts to wild turkeys — the most popular season for many hunters. Each season offers unique opportunities. Big game hunting requires more skill and preparation than small game. For instance, deer hunting is split into archery, firearms, and late bait seasons. The best times to hunt align with peak animal activity. Deer are most active during early morning and evening hours in November and December. Spring brings increased turkey movement, especially early in the day when males respond to calls. Maryland also hosts hunting-related events like “Youth Turkey Hunt” and “Waterfowl Weekend,” which promote responsible hunting and provide learning opportunities. Restrictions and Bans on Hunting in Maryland Maryland enforces rules that limit the sex and age of animals that can be hunted. For example, taking does (female deer) is restricted in certain counties to help sustain populations. There are also antler restrictions for bucks. Some species are fully protected and cannot be hunted, including lynx, bald eagles, and certain owl species. Violating these protections leads to heavy fines and penalties. There are time-based restrictions tied to breeding seasons. For example, turkey hunting is banned during nesting periods in late April and early May. Most hunting is prohibited during summer months (June–August), except for limited educational hunts under supervision. How to Obtain a Hunting License in Maryland To legally hunt in Maryland, you must obtain a valid license. Residents and non-residents can apply through the DNR. Required documents include photo ID and proof of completion of a Hunter Education Course. License types include: Annual resident license (~$25) Non-resident license (~$100) One-day or species-specific permits (~$5–$15) Joining local clubs like the Maryland Bowhunters Association or National Wild Turkey Federation provides access to private lands, training, and better hunting opportunities. Private land hunting is allowed with written permission from the landowner, which must be kept on file with DNR. Penalties and Liability for Breaking Hunting Rules in Maryland Violating hunting laws in Maryland carries serious consequences. Fines vary depending on the offense: Hunting without a license: $500–$1,000. Killing a protected species: up to $2,500 and confiscation of equipment. Repeat violations may result in loss of hunting rights for up to five years Illegal firearm use or poaching can lead to criminal charges. Always follow current regulations published by the DNR to avoid legal issues. Tips for Choosing Time, Location, Gear, and Tactics Based on Seasons Success in Maryland hunting depends heavily on timing, location, and proper gear. For deer, hunt during dawn or dusk in November–December. Use blinds, decoys, and scent control. Turkey season peaks in spring — focus on early mornings using calls and camouflage. Choose terrain wisely: central forests suit deer, while coastal areas are ideal for waterfowl. Use appropriate clothing and tools per season. In fall, wear layered camo; in winter, add thermal protection; in spring, prioritize waterproof gear and insect repellent. Tactics vary: Spring: Call-based hunting for turkeys Fall: Stands and trail tracking for deer Winter: Spot-and-stalk methods in open areas Understanding seasonal behaviors and having the right setup increases your success rate.

Post: 28 August 07:34

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