Exploring Maryland’s 2026-2027 Hunting Calendar: What’s New in This Year

Maryland hunting season for 2026-2027 starts early for some species. In a few counties, fox hunting opens on August 1. Mourning dove and early resident Canada goose follow on September 1, and Maryland deer archery season opens September 11. The state offers a wide mix of game, including white-tailed deer, sika deer, black bear, wild turkey, ducks, geese, squirrel, rabbit, quail, pheasant, and furbearers. That variety is great for hunters, but it also means dates, zones, and weapon rules change fast from one season to the next.

That is why hunters need more than a simple calendar. In Maryland, license type, county, hunting method, Sunday access, and public-land rules can all affect whether a hunt is legal. Bag limits also vary by species and region, especially for deer and migratory birds. Before heading out, always confirm final details in the official Maryland Guide to Hunting & Trapping.

• ✔ Hunting season dates
• ✔ Bag limits
• ✔ Legal hunting hours
• ✔ Required licenses
• ✔ Weapon restrictions
• ✔ Blaze orange rules
• ✔ Public land rules
• ✔ Hunter education requirements

Quick Overview

Complete Hunting Dates for Maryland Hunting Season 2026-2027

Big Game

• White-tailed deer, antlered, statewide
  • Archery: Sept. 11-Oct. 21; Oct. 25-Nov. 27 (Sunday openings vary); Dec. 14-18; Jan. 3-7; Jan. 8-10 in Region A only; Jan. 11-31
  • Muzzleloader: Oct. 22-24; Dec. 19-Jan. 2
  • Firearm: Nov. 28-Dec. 12; Jan. 8-10 in Region B only
  • Primitive deer hunt: Feb. 1-3
• White-tailed deer, antlerless
  • Region A: Archery Sept. 11-Oct. 21, Oct. 25-Nov. 27, Dec. 14-18, Jan. 3-31; muzzleloader Oct. 22-24 and Dec. 26-Jan. 2; firearm Dec. 5-12; primitive Feb. 1-3
  • Region B: Archery Sept. 11-Oct. 21, Oct. 25-Nov. 27, Dec. 14-18, Jan. 3-7 and Jan. 11-31; muzzleloader Oct. 22-24, Oct. 26-31, Dec. 19-Jan. 2; firearm Nov. 28-Dec. 12 and Jan. 8-10; primitive Feb. 1-3
• Junior deer hunt
  • Nov. 14 statewide
  • Nov. 15 in certain counties open to Sunday deer hunting
• Sika deer
  • Archery: Sept. 11-Oct. 21; Oct. 25-Nov. 27; Dec. 14-18; Jan. 3-7; Jan. 11-31
  • Muzzleloader: Oct. 22-24 and Dec. 19-Jan. 2; Oct. 26-31 antlerless only in Region B
  • Firearm: Nov. 28-Dec. 12; Jan. 8-10
  • Primitive: Feb. 1-3
  • Notes: Sika limits are separate from white-tailed deer.
• Black bear
  • Oct. 26-31, 2026
  • Open only in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties
  • Permit-only hunt through Maryland’s bear lottery
• Elk, moose, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, bison, javelina, wild hog
  • No established open hunting season in Maryland.

Turkey

• Junior turkey hunt: April 17, 2027 statewide; Sunday, April 18 in certain counties
• Spring turkey: April 19-May 24, 2027 statewide
• Fall turkey: Oct. 31-Nov. 8, 2026 in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties
• Winter turkey: Jan. 21-23, 2027 statewide
• Special notes: Sunday turkey hunting is allowed only in specific counties and, in some places, only on private or designated public land.

Small Game

• Eastern cottontail rabbit: Nov. 7, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
• Gray, red, and eastern fox squirrel: Sept. 5, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
• Snowshoe hare: Closed
• Delmarva fox squirrel: Closed
• Woodchuck/groundhog: Classified as an unprotected mammal rather than a standard small-game season; verify local rules before hunting

Upland Birds

• Quail: Nov. 7, 2026-Jan. 15, 2027 where open; closed in Allegany and Garrett counties and closed on DNR-owned/managed lands east of the Susquehanna River
• Ruffed grouse: Oct. 3-Dec. 31, 2026
• Pheasant: Nov. 7, 2026-Feb. 28, 2027
• Chukar, partridge, ptarmigan: No listed statewide season

Waterfowl

• Teal: Sept. 17-26, 2026
• Ducks
  • Eastern Zone: Oct. 10-17; Nov. 14-27; Dec. 15, 2026-Jan. 30, 2027
  • Western Zone: Oct. 3-17; Nov. 21-27; Dec. 15, 2026-Jan. 30, 2027
• Resident Canada goose, early
  • Eastern Zone: Sept. 1-15
  • Western Zone: Sept. 1-25
• Atlantic Population Canada goose: Nov. 24-27; Dec. 15-Jan. 30
• Late Southern Maryland Resident Canada goose: Nov. 21-23; Nov. 24-27; Dec. 15-Jan. 30; Feb. 1-Mar. 10
• Late Western Maryland Resident Canada goose: Nov. 21-27; Dec. 15-Mar. 10
• Brant: Dec. 28-Jan. 30
• Light goose: Nov. 7-27 and Nov. 30-Feb. 6 statewide; Feb. 8-Mar. 10 in the Eastern Zone
• Rails: Sept. 1-Nov. 20
• Common snipe: Sept. 26-Jan. 28
• Woodcock: Oct. 24-Nov. 27; Jan. 11-27
• Coot: Runs with duck season
• Gallinules: Verify the current migratory bird table before hunting

Furbearers

• Coyote: Year-round hunting, day and night
• Fox: County-based dates; open year-round in Charles and Dorchester counties, shorter seasonal windows elsewhere
• Raccoon and opossum hunting: Oct. 15-Mar. 15, day and night
• Skunk hunting: Oct. 31-Mar. 15
• Beaver: Trapping only
• Muskrat and mink: Trapping only
• River otter: Trapping only
• Bobcat: Closed
• Fisher and long-tailed weasel: Oct. 31-Feb. 1

Predators

• Coyote: Open year-round, no bag limit
• Fox: Open by county and season structure
• Wolf, mountain lion: No open season

Special Opportunities

• Junior hunts: Deer and turkey
• Apprentice hunting: Available for first-time hunters
• Mentored opportunities: Offered through Maryland programs
• Disabled access: Available on selected public lands such as Indian Springs WMA
• Veteran/military exemptions: Certain licensing exemptions apply

Hunting License Fees

Important Hunting Regulations

• Written permission is required to hunt or trap on private property in all counties.
• You may not shoot on, from, or across a public road.
• Loaded firearms or air guns may not be in, on, or leaning against a vehicle.
• Maryland requires blaze orange or blaze pink for most hunting situations.
• A fluorescent hat or qualifying upper garment is commonly required.
• Ground blinds on state lands must display visible fluorescent color nearby.
• Sunday hunting is limited by species, county, land type, and hours.
• Migratory birds may not be hunted on Sundays.
• Deer hunting hours are generally 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
• Spring turkey hours run to noon early in the season, then to sunset later.
• Fall and winter turkey hours run 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
• Deer baiting is legal on private land.
• Deer baiting is not legal on state-owned or state-controlled properties.
• Turkey hunting with the aid of bait is illegal.
• Migratory bird hunting over bait is illegal.
• Drones may not be used to hunt, trap, or pursue wildlife.
• Drones may be used only for lawful recovery of wounded or dead game.
• Dogs may not be used to hunt deer.
• Dogs also may not be used to hunt black bear.
• Dogs may be used for some small game and furbearer hunts.
• Deer and turkey must be tagged or checked in before being moved from the place of kill.
• Deer and turkey must be registered within 24 hours.
• Hunters must keep confirmation numbers for processors or taxidermists.
• Temporary stands and blinds on many public lands must be removed daily.
• Permanent stands are not allowed on many state properties.
• Nontoxic shot is required for ducks, geese, brant, coots, rails, and snipe.
• Crow hunting is Wednesday through Saturday only.
• Crossbows are legal for approved seasons, but bear hunting requires at least 75 pounds of draw.
• Deer muzzleloaders must be at least .40 caliber with at least 60 grains of black powder.
• Handguns for deer must have a 6-inch barrel and at least 700 foot-pounds of muzzle energy.
• Suppressor rules are not clearly laid out in the hunting guide itself, so confirm current Maryland firearm law before use.
• Falconry requires a valid hunting license and falconry permit.
• Public-land hunters must follow site-specific parking, access, and permit rules.
• Some public areas ban motor vehicles on trails.
• Some public hunts require reservations, drawings, or free permits.
• CWD-related transport and carcass rules should be checked before moving deer from affected areas.
• Hunters are protected by Maryland laws against interference with lawful hunting and trapping.

Best Hunting Places in Maryland

Best Deer Hunting Areas

Fishing Bay WMA is a standout Eastern Shore deer destination because it holds both white-tailed deer and sika deer in huge marsh country. Expect wet footing, tidal ground, and a mix of walk-in and boat access. It is better for experienced hunters who know wind, water, and marsh travel.

McKee-Beshers WMA is a strong central-Maryland choice for white-tailed deer. Food plots, floodplain cover, and edge habitat keep deer moving, but muddy trails can make access harder after rain.

Best Turkey Hunting Areas

Indian Springs WMA in Washington County is one of the better public options for turkeys in the western part of the state. It is mostly hardwood forest with steep hills, so the walk can be demanding, but hunters like the classic mountain feel.

Warrior Mountain WMA also offers a strong turkey setup with long forested ridges, old roads, and remote terrain. It suits hunters who do not mind hiking for quieter ground.

Best Waterfowl Hunting Areas

Taylor’s Island WMA is a classic Chesapeake marsh hunt. Hunters come here for ducks, divers, geese, and the chance to combine waterfowl action with sika country. Much of the area is best reached by boat, so difficulty is moderate to high.

Nanticoke River WMA gives hunters wetlands, river edges, and marsh habitat that hold ducks and geese. Boat access improves your options, but several tracts are still useful for mixed hunting.

Best Small Game Areas

Wetipquin WMA is a smart small-game pick for gray squirrels and turkey, with adjacent forest habitat and simple access from the road. It is more beginner-friendly than the big marsh units.

Best Public Hunting Lands

For hunters who want a broad state map rather than one parcel, use the Maryland Wildlife Management Areas maps before planning your trip. Maryland’s best public opportunities are spread across Dorchester, Wicomico, Washington, Allegany, Garrett, Charles, and Montgomery counties.

Best Wildlife Management Areas

Top names to know are Fishing Bay, Taylor’s Island, Nanticoke River, Indian Springs, Warrior Mountain, McKee-Beshers, and Myrtle Grove. Myrtle Grove is especially useful for hunters who want Southern Maryland access, multiple parking lots, and habitat that supports deer, upland species, and waterfowl.

Bag Limits

Legal Hunting Hours

Maryland does not use one universal hunting-hour rule for every species. Deer and sika deer generally run from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Spring turkey is more restrictive early, closing at noon from April 19 through May 10, then running to sunset from May 11 through May 24. Waterfowl and most migratory birds usually run from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset, although some resident goose seasons allow later evening time. Night hunting is allowed for coyote and for raccoon/opossum during their open hunting seasons. Sunday hours can be shorter on certain private and public lands.

Hunter Education Requirements

Maryland requires first-time hunters to show a Certificate of Competency in Firearms and Hunting Safety or qualify under a listed exemption, such as proof of holding an older hunting license issued before July 1, 1977. Maryland also offers an apprentice hunting license for first-time adults and junior hunters. Adults may buy it once if they have never held a Maryland license, while juniors can use it through age 16 after completing the required short online safety course each year. Apprentice hunters must hunt with a Maryland resident age 18 or older who holds a valid non-apprentice hunting license.

Public vs Private Land Hunting

Private land hunting in Maryland starts with written landowner permission. On public land, the rules get more detailed. Some WMAs are open without reservations, while others use free permits, managed hunts, waterfowl lotteries, or site-specific maps. State forests, WMAs, managed hunting areas, and some park lands all have their own access rules. Temporary stands are common on public land, but permanent structures usually are not allowed. If you also hunt across the Potomac, compare regional timing with the Virginia hunting season guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does hunting season start in Maryland?

For 2026-2027, the earliest hunting opportunities begin August 1 for fox in certain counties, followed by dove and early resident goose on September 1, and deer archery on September 11.

Do I need a hunting license in Maryland?

Most hunters do. Some landowners, qualifying family members, and certain military-related categories may be exempt, but stamps and permits can still be required.

Can nonresidents hunt in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland sells nonresident hunting licenses, junior licenses, and a 3-day waterfowl and small game option.

Can I hunt on Sundays in Maryland?

Sometimes. Sunday hunting depends on species, county, land type, and local restrictions. Migratory birds cannot be hunted on Sundays.

Can I use a crossbow in Maryland?

Yes. Crossbows are legal in approved seasons, including deer and turkey. Bear hunters using a crossbow must meet the state’s minimum draw-weight rule.

Do I need hunter education in Maryland?

If you are a first-time hunter, usually yes, unless you qualify for a listed exemption or use the apprentice option.

Can I bait deer in Maryland?

Yes on qualifying private land, but not on state-owned or state-controlled properties. Turkey baiting is illegal.

Can I hunt at night in Maryland?

Night hunting is allowed for coyote and for raccoon/opossum during their open seasons, but not for most big game.

Final Thoughts

Maryland offers one of the more varied hunting calendars in the Mid-Atlantic, with marsh sika hunts, mountain turkey country, classic whitetail seasons, and long waterfowl opportunities. The key is to match your county, weapon, and land type to the exact rule set for that hunt. Hunt safely, respect access rules, support habitat conservation, and double-check the current Maryland regulations before every trip so your 2026-2027 season stays both productive and legal.

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Eric Hale

Author & Chief Editor at AskHunting.com

Eric Hale, a veteran hunter with more than a decade of experience, imparts his knowledge via AskHunting.com. He offers guidance for hunting, adding strategies, and delivers in-depth guides for the novice and the old hand. He loves family camping sessions, watching Marvel films with his spouse, and going on thrilling road journeys.

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