Maryland Hunting Laws (2025–2026): What Every Hunter Needs to Know
Maryland is a great state for hunting. It has mountains in the west, marshlands on the Eastern Shore, and the famous Chesapeake Bay in between. But before you head out, you need to know the rules.
This guide covers Maryland’s hunting laws for the 2025–2026 season. You’ll learn about licenses, season dates, safety rules, and what happens if you break the law.
What Is Hunting Law in Maryland?
Maryland hunting law is a set of rules that controls when, where, and how you can hunt. These laws protect wildlife so future generations can enjoy hunting too.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages hunting in the state. Their Natural Resources Police (NRP) enforce the rules.
Basic License Requirements
Who Needs a License?
Almost everyone who hunts in Maryland needs a valid hunting license. This includes both residents and non-residents. You also need to pass a Hunter Education course before getting your first license.
Junior hunters under 16 need a Junior Hunting License. They also need written permission from a parent or guardian.
License Fees (2023 Update)
Maryland raised its hunting license fees in 2023. It was the first increase since 2002. Here are the current fees:
Resident hunters:
- Regular license (ages 16–64): $35
- Junior license (under 16): $10.50
- Senior license (age 65+): $5
Non-resident hunters:
- Regular license: $160
There are also extra stamps required for special hunting activities. A Bow Stamp costs $6 for residents and $25 for non-residents. A Muzzleloader Stamp is also $6 for residents and $25 for non-residents. Waterfowl hunters need a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp ($9) and a Federal Duck Stamp ($25).
Where to Buy a License
You can buy a license online through the MD Outdoors portal at compass.dnr.maryland.gov. You can also buy one by phone or through retail agents. Licenses are valid from the day you buy them through the following July 31st.
Apprentice License
First-time hunters can get an Apprentice Hunting License. This allows you to hunt while you learn. You must complete a short online safety course first. You also must hunt with a licensed Maryland adult mentor who is at least 18 years old. You can only use this license one time as an adult.
Deer Hunting Seasons
Deer Management Regions
Maryland divides the state into two deer hunting regions. Region A covers the westernmost counties (Allegany and Garrett). Region B covers the rest of the state.
2025–2026 Deer Season Dates
Archery Season (Region B):
- Sept. 5 – Oct. 15
- Oct. 19 – Nov. 28
- Dec. 15 – Dec. 19
- Jan. 4 – Jan. 8
- Jan. 12 – Jan. 31
Muzzleloader Season:
- Oct. 16 – Oct. 18
- Dec. 20 – Jan. 3, 2026
Firearms Season:
- Nov. 29 – Dec. 13
- Jan. 9 – Jan. 11, 2026 (Region B)
Bag Limits for Deer
In most counties, you can take up to three antlered deer per year. Antlerless deer limits are more flexible and can go up to ten per season in some areas. Sika deer, found mostly on the Eastern Shore, have separate limits. You can typically take one antlered sika and several antlerless per season.
Checking In Your Deer
All harvested deer must be tagged before you move them. You must check in your deer within 24 hours after tagging. You can check in through your COMPASS account online, by phone at 1-888-800-0121, or through the DNR smartphone app.
Other Game Species
Turkey
Spring turkey season runs from mid-April through May. A fall turkey season is also available in some areas. A separate turkey stamp or permit is required.
Waterfowl
Maryland offers excellent waterfowl hunting on the Chesapeake Bay and its wetlands. Regular duck seasons run in segments from October through January. Teal season runs September 18–27, 2025. Canada goose seasons begin September 1, 2025.
You need both a state migratory game bird stamp and a federal duck stamp to hunt waterfowl. Hunters under 16 are exempt from the federal duck stamp requirement.
Black Bear
Black bear hunting requires a special lottery permit. The 2025 black bear season runs October 20–25 in Western Maryland. The lottery application fee is $15. Applications are not guaranteed — only selected applicants may hunt.
Small Game
Maryland has seasons for rabbits, squirrels, ruffed grouse, and upland birds. Green Ridge State Forest and Patuxent Research Refuge are popular spots for small game hunting.
Furbearers
Fox, raccoon, and other furbearer seasons run through the cooler months. Most furbearer seasons run from October or November through February or March depending on the species and county.
Safety Rules Every Hunter Must Follow
Safety Zones
You cannot shoot within 150 yards of any building or camp occupied by people. This is called a “safety zone.” You need the owner’s or occupant’s written permission to hunt within this zone.
Archery hunters have smaller safety zones in some counties. In many counties, the archery safety zone is 50 yards instead of 150 yards.
You cannot shoot any firearm within 300 yards of a public or private school during school hours or during school activities.
Shooting Hours
Legal hunting time starts one half hour before sunrise. It ends one half hour after sunset. You cannot hunt most species at night. Raccoon and opossum are exceptions and may be hunted at night.
Fluorescent Orange or Pink Clothing
Most hunters must wear a daylight fluorescent orange or pink outer garment or hat. This helps other hunters see you in the field. Waterfowl hunters are generally exempt when hunting from a blind.
No Shooting from Vehicles
It is illegal to shoot at wildlife from a car or any other vehicle. You also cannot have a loaded firearm inside a vehicle.
Tree Stands on Public Land
On state-owned land, you cannot use permanent tree stands or blinds. Only temporary stands are allowed. You must remove them at the end of each hunting day.
Sunday Hunting
Sunday hunting rules in Maryland vary by county. Some counties allow Sunday deer hunting on specific dates. Others restrict it to private land only. Some counties limit Sunday hunting hours to before 10:30 a.m.
Maryland has been expanding Sunday hunting opportunities in recent years. Always check the specific rules for your hunting county before heading out on a Sunday.
Private Land and Trespassing
Written Permission Required
You must have written permission from the landowner to hunt on private property. This applies in all Maryland counties. Verbal permission alone is not enough.
Trespassing Is a Crime
Trespassing on private land while hunting is a serious offense. If a landowner has posted their property, entering without permission is illegal. Hunters are personally responsible for knowing property boundaries.
Penalties and Consequences
Maryland takes hunting violations seriously. The Natural Resources Police issue citations, revoke licenses, and seize equipment when needed.
Fines
Minor violations can result in fines ranging from $250 to $1,500. More serious offenses can lead to fines over $5,000. Poaching and illegal commercialization of wildlife carry the harshest penalties.
Jail Time
Serious violations can result in jail time in addition to fines.
License Suspension
Maryland uses a points system. You receive demerit points for violations. If you accumulate 10 points within two years, your license is automatically suspended.
Multi-State Impact
Maryland participates in the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact. If you lose your hunting privileges in Maryland, other member states may also suspend your license.
Special Circumstances
Youth, Veteran, and Military Hunters
Maryland offers special hunting days for hunters age 16 and under, veterans, and active military. These special days occurred November 1, 2025, and February 7, 2026, this season.
Junior residents who complete a Hunter Education course get a one-time free annual hunting license, Archery stamp, Sika stamp, and Muzzleloader stamp.
Purple Heart Recipients
Maryland residents who received the Purple Heart Award can get a 50% discount on hunting licenses and stamps.
Disability Access
Hunters with disabilities can apply for a Universal Disability Pass. This provides special access to designated hunting areas on public lands.
Landowner Exemptions
Resident landowners hunting only on their own property may be exempt from purchasing a hunting license. Always verify your specific situation with the DNR.
How to Stay Legal
Step 1: Complete a Hunter Education course if this is your first time hunting in Maryland.
Step 2: Buy the right license and all needed stamps before you hunt.
Step 3: Check the season dates and bag limits for your specific county and game species.
Step 4: Get written permission before hunting on private land.
Step 5: Follow all safety zone, shooting hour, and equipment rules.
Step 6: Check in harvested deer and turkey through COMPASS, phone, or the DNR app within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to hunt on my own property in Maryland?
Resident landowners hunting only on their own land may be exempt from the license requirement. Check with the DNR to confirm your eligibility.
What is the cost of a resident hunting license in Maryland?
A regular resident hunting license costs $35 for hunters ages 16–64. This fee was updated in 2023 for the first time since 2002.
Can I hunt on Sundays in Maryland?
Sunday hunting is allowed in many counties but rules vary. Some counties allow it only on private land. Some limit hours to before 10:30 a.m. Check your specific county’s rules.
How do I check in a deer I harvested?
You must check in your deer within 24 hours of tagging it. Use your COMPASS account online, call 1-888-800-0121, or use the DNR smartphone app.
What happens if I get caught hunting without a license?
Hunting without a license is a violation that can result in fines starting at $250. You can also earn demerit points toward license suspension. Ten points in two years means an automatic suspension.
Can I use a suppressor while hunting in Maryland?
Yes, suppressors are legal for hunting certain species in Maryland. However, you must comply with federal rules, including obtaining a tax stamp from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Where can I buy a Maryland hunting license?
You can buy a license online at MD Outdoors (compass.dnr.maryland.gov), by phone, or through retail license agents across the state.
Final Thoughts
Maryland offers some of the best hunting on the East Coast. From white-tailed deer in western forests to waterfowl on the Chesapeake Bay, there is something for every hunter here.
The key to a great season is knowing the rules before you go. Buy the right license, respect safety zones, get landowner permission, and check in your game on time. When in doubt, contact the Maryland DNR for guidance.
Stay safe, hunt ethically, and enjoy everything the Old Line State has to offer.
References
- Maryland DNR – Hunting and Trapping (Official): https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/pages/hunt_trap/home.aspx
- Maryland DNR – Hunting Licenses, Stamps and Permits: https://dnr.maryland.gov/Pages/service_hunting_license.aspx
- eRegulations – 2025–2026 Maryland Hunting Seasons & Rules: https://www.eregulations.com/maryland/hunting
- Maryland Code, Natural Resources § 10-410 – Hunting Restrictions (FindLaw): https://codes.findlaw.com/md/natural-resources/md-code-nat-res-sect-10-410/
- Maryland DNR News – Deer Firearms Season Jan. 9, 2026: https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2025/12/23/maryland-deer-firearms-season-resumes-january-9-2026/
- WBOC – Maryland Hunting Fees Update 2023: https://www.wboc.com/news/maryland-hunting-fees-shooting-up/article_2f6fd2d8-1114-11ee-af2d-2b65a61d2564.html
- LegalClarity – Maryland Hunting Regulations Overview: https://legalclarity.org/maryland-hunting-regulations-licensing-seasons-and-bag-limits/
