State Guide

Maryland Hunting Guide 2026

Complete Maryland hunting guide for 2026: seasons, license costs, draw odds, GMU boundaries, bag limits, and regulations. Compare every game species at a glance.

Wildlife Agency

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Official Site

Hunter safety course required for first-time buyers

Maryland Hunting Seasons

Whitetail Deer

Res: $24.5 Non-res: $130

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Archery	Sep 8	Jan 31
Shotgun	Nov 25	Dec 9
Muzzleloader	Oct 21	Oct 28

Typical season windows, not 2026 dates — this table carries no year and has not been verified against the agency for the current season. Confirm with Maryland Department of Natural Resources before you plan around them.

Bag limits: daily: 2, season: Liberal — varies by region up to 10+

No centerfire rifles except on the Eastern Shore. Very liberal antlerless harvest encouraged. Bonus antlerless stamps available.

Turkey

Res: $24.5 Non-res: $130

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Apr 17	May 23
Archery	Apr 10	Apr 16

Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 2 (spring)

Spring bearded turkey season. Archery-only opener prior to general season. Good populations in western Maryland. Turkey stamp required.

Duck/Waterfowl

Res: $24.5 Non-res: $130

Season Type	Opens	Closes
Shotgun	Oct 14	Jan 27

Bag limits: daily: 6, season: No season limit

Chesapeake Bay is legendary waterfowl habitat. Federal duck stamp and Maryland waterfowl stamp required. Atlantic Flyway.

Planning Tools

Tag-to-Trail Planner — interactive map: public land, harvest records, water, burns
Hunt Cost Calculator — budget your full hunt cost
Application Timeline — never miss an application deadline
Preference Point Tracker — track points across all your states

Maryland Hunting Guides

destinations

Maryland Deer Hunting: Eastern Shore, Mountains, and Public Land

Maryland Hunting FAQ

Do I need a hunting license in Maryland?

Yes. All hunters in Maryland must hold a valid hunting license from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Non-residents typically pay higher fees. A hunter safety course is required for first-time license buyers.

What is the hunting license cost in Maryland?

Maryland license costs vary by species. Whitetail Deer: resident $24.5, non-resident $130. Turkey: resident $24.5, non-resident $130.

When is deer season in Maryland?

Maryland deer seasons: Archery: Sep 8 - Jan 31, Shotgun: Nov 25 - Dec 9, Muzzleloader: Oct 21 - Oct 28.

Does Maryland require a hunter safety course?

Yes, Maryland requires hunter education certification for all first-time hunters. The course covers firearm safety, hunting laws, wildlife conservation, and ethical hunting practices.

Who manages hunting regulations in Maryland?

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources manages all hunting licenses, regulations, and wildlife management in Maryland. Their website (https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife) has current season dates, license purchasing, and regulation booklets.