A Guide to the Maryland Hunting Season 2026

Even if you don't plan to hunt Sika deer, we want to help you hunt whatever you want to pursue this year — and tag out.

So, what do you need to know to plan your Maryland hunting season? We've compiled an overview of season dates, hunting license information, bag limits, and more. We'll also help you scout the best hunt areas and target the right times for a successful hunt.

Updated March 31, 2026

When Can I Hunt in Maryland?

Use the chart below to plan your Maryland hunts this year! Note that the season information we provide here is the latest available from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. We'll update this guide with new season information as it becomes available.

We also recommend confirming season dates, bag limits, and additional details with the state's official resources to keep up with any information that may change throughout the year. 

Note the differences in dates for white-tail and Sika deer as you plan your hunt — many dates overlap, but not all. Also, Sunday hunt days typically apply to specific counties only.

Junior Deer Hunt Days: November 16 (Statewide) and November 17 (certain counties)

Antlered White-tail:

• Archery: September 5 – October 15, 2025, October 19 – November 28, 2025, December 15 – 19, 2025, January 4 – 8, 2026, and January 2 – 31, 2026
• Region A Only: January 9 – 11, 2026
• Muzzleloader: October 16 – 18, 2025 and December 20, 2025 – January 3, 2026
• Firearms: November 29 – December 13, 2025 and January 9 – 11, 2026
• Primitive Hunt Days: February 2 – 4, 2026  

Antlerless White-tail:

• Archery: September 5 – October 15, 2025, October 19 – November 28, 2025, December 15 – 19, 2025, January 4 – 31, 2026
• Muzzleloader (All Lands): October 16 – 18, 2025 and December 27, 2025 – January 3, 2026
• Firearms (All Lands): December 6 – 13, 2025
• Primitive Hunt Days: February 2 – 4, 2026  

Antlerless White-Tail (Region B):

• Archery: September 5 – October 15, 2025, October 19 – November 28, 2025, December 15 – 19, 2025, January 4 – 8, 2026, and January 12 – 31, 2026
• Muzzleloader: October 16 – 18, 2025, October 20 – 25, 2025, and December 20, 2025 – January 3, 2026
• Firearms: November 29 – December 13, 2025 and January 9 – 11, 2026
• Primitive Hunt Days: February 2 – 4, 2026  

Sika Deer Season:

• Archery: September 5 – October 15, 2025, October 19 – November 28, 2025, December 15 – 19, 2025, January 4 – 8, 2026, and January 12 – 31, 2026
• Muzzleloader (Antlered or Antlerless): October 16 – 18, 2025, and December 20 – January 3, 2026
• Muzzleloader (Antlerless Only): October 20 – 25, 2025
• Firearms: November 29 – December 13, 2025 and January 9 – 11, 2026

Plan your sika deer hunt with the best insights and strategies! | ### Turkey

Spring 2026

• Junior Turkey Hunts: April 11, 2026 (Statewide) and Sunday, April 12, 2026 (specific counties)
• General: April 18 – May 23, 2026

Fall: November 1 – 9, 2026

Winter: January 22 – 24, 2026 | | ### Elk

• Black Hills Archery: September 1 – 30, 2025
• Landowner Black Hills Archery: September 1 – 30, 2025
• Custer State Park Firearms: October 1 – 31, 2025 

Check the SDGFP website for elk hunting application dates and all other season dates. | ### Small Game

• Cottontail Rabbit: November 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
• Squirrel (Gray, Red, Eastern): September 6, 2025 – February 28, 2026
• Quail: November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026 (some private lands only)
• Ruffed Grouse: October 4 – December 31, 2025
• Pheasant: November 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026 |

| ### Migratory Birds

These are the proposed dates for the 2025-2026 migratory bird season, including Maryland duck hunting season. We'll update this section when the Maryland DNR confirms the dates.

• Special Early Resident Canada Geese:
• Eastern Zone: September 1 – 15, 2025
• Western Zone: September 1 – 25, 2025
• September Teal: September 18– 27, 2025
• Duck, Coot, Merganser:
• Eastern Zone: October 11 – 18, November 15 – 28, and December 16, 2025 – January 31, 2026
• Western Zone: October 3 – 18, November 22 – 28, and December 16, 2025 – January 31, 2026
• Black Duck:
• Eastern Zone: November 15 – 28, 2025 and December 16, 2025 – December 31, 2026
• Western Zone: November 22 – 28, 2025 and December 16, 2025 – January 31, 2026
• Atlantic Population Geese: December 19, 2025- January 3, 2026 and January 14 – 31, 2026
• AF Resident Population Canada Geese: November 22 – 28, 2025 and December 15, 2025 – March 7, 2026
• Atlantic Brant: December 29, 2025 – January 31, 2026
• Light Geese: October 1 – November 28, 2025, December 15, 2025 – January 31, 2026, and February 6, 2026
• Light Goose Conservation Order: December 1 – 13, 2025, February 2 – 6, 2026, and February 9 – April 15, 2026
• Mourning Dove: September 1 – October 18, October 25 – November 28, 2025, and December 20 – January 9, 2026
• Rail:
• King & Clapper: September 1 – November 20, 2025
• Sora & Virginia: September 1 – November 20, 2025
• Snipe: September 27, 2025 – January 29, 2026
• Woodcock: October 26 – November 28, 2025 and January 12 – 28, 2026

Youth, Veteran, and Military Waterfowl Hunt: November 1, 2025 and February 7, 2026 | ### Coyote

Open year-round. |

For more information about these species and others, check the state's hunting and trapping information.

Sika deer

What are the Bag Limits for Hunting in Maryland?

How many Sika deer, turkeys, or ducks can you bring home this year? To comply with the laws for the Maryland hunting seasons, make sure you know the bag limits for every animal on your list to hunt.   

Antlerless White-tail Season (Region A): Up to 2 during a weapon season (no more than 2 all seasons combined)

Antlerless White-tail Season (Region B): 15 (archery), 10 (muzzleloader), 10 (firearms)

Sika Season: 3 deer, no more than 1 antlered | Turkey | 1 bearded per day (Spring Junior Hunt)

1 bearded per day, 2 bearded per season (Spring General)

1 either sex (combined Fall and Winter) | | Bear | 1 per hunter or hunting team | September Teal | September Teal: 6 per day (3x daily in possession) | | Cottontail Rabbit | 4 per day (8 in possession) | Duck and Merganser | 6 per day (3x daily in possession) | | Squirrel | 6 per day (12 in possession) | Coot | 15 per day | | Quail | 6 per day (12 in possession) | Brant | 1 per day | | Ruffed Grouse | 2 per day (4 in possession) | Light Geese | 25 per day (no possession limit) | | Pheasant | 2 per day either-sex (4 in possession) | Light Geese Conservation Order | No limits | | Canada Geese | 8 per day in both zones, 3x daily in possession (Early Resident)

1 per day (Atlantic Population)

5 per day (AF Resident Population) | Dove | 15 per day | | Snipe | 8 per day | Rail | 10 per day | | Woodcock | 3 per day | Coyote | No limit |

What Do I Need to Know About Hunting Regulations in Maryland?

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.

With a safety certification, you can purchase licenses online through the state's Compass system. Maryland offers a range of licenses, including resident, non-resident, junior, senior lifetime, and apprentice. You may also need a stamp depending on the weapon you hunt with and what you hunt.

Why Do Hunters Hunt in Maryland?

The opportunity to hunt the rare Sika deer, along with world-class white-tail hunting, is a big draw for hunters. However, residents and out-of-state hunters enjoy the wide variety of game mammals and birds to keep them busy throughout the year.

Of course, let's not forget that the Old Line State is also part of the Atlantic Flyway, making it one of the best places (if not "the" best state) for hunting Canada Geese.

Where Should I Hunt?

Maryland is small but mighty, offering a fantastic range of hunting terrains and habitats. Depending on what and when you hunt, you'll trek through forests, mountains, marshes, or coastal plains in search of your prey.  

For any species and season, HuntWise helps you scout land to find the best locations — public or private — for your hunt. Our hunting app delivers multiple map layers (including LiDAR) and public/private boundary lines to help you visualize various hunt areas.

Using HuntWise helps you be prepared for any hunt and any season.

What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?

Whether you're excited about the Maryland deer seasons or you're planning your annual turkey hunt with your friends or family this season, you need the right gear! Successful hunts require the right clothing (especially when thinking ahead to late-season gear and hunts), good binoculars, and a sharp hunting knife.

Get More Out of the Maryland Hunting Season with HuntWise

We hope this guide helps you plan your Maryland hunting season this year. Just remember to also check official state resources for the most up-to-date information.

Then, make sure you have the HuntWise hunting app! With 3-D maps, layers, and forecasting features, you have an advantage over the terrain and other hunters while increasing your chances of tagging out.

Plus, Pro and Elite subscribers enjoy access to more tools in the app, including up to 15 days of animal activity and weather forecasting.

Content most recently reviewed and updated for the latest season dates March 31, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have answers to some of the top questions about the Maryland hunting seasons.

Q: What animals can you hunt in Maryland?

A: Maryland allows hunting of a wide range of game, including white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, small game (like squirrels and rabbits), upland birds, and various waterfowl species (ducks and geese). Seasons and regulations vary by species.

Q: Can you hunt deer on your own property without a license in Maryland?

A: No. In Maryland, you generally must have a valid hunting license (and deer stamps/permits) to hunt deer—even on your own property. There are limited exceptions (such as certain crop damage permits), but standard hunting still requires licensing.

Q: Are there big bucks in Maryland?

A: Yes. Maryland is known for producing large white-tailed deer, especially in agricultural regions and areas with strong deer management. Counties on the Eastern Shore and parts of central Maryland are particularly noted for trophy bucks.

Q: Can you bait deer on public land in MD?

A: No. Baiting deer on public land in Maryland is illegal. In fact, baiting deer is generally prohibited statewide, with only very limited exceptions under specific conditions.