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A Guide to the Maryland Hunting Season 2025

8 Minute Read

If you've never been on a Sika deer hunt, this could be the year to add one to your calendar. Along with white-tailed deer, black bear, turkey, and plenty of other game animals, the hunting experience in Maryland is excellent.

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.

 

A map of the U.S. highlighting the State of Maryland.

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.

 

A sika buck deer deer does in a field, Maryland deer seasons concept.
Sika deer

When Can I Hunt?

Let's start planning your hunting seasons!

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.
 

Maryland Deer Seasons

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 6 – October 16, October 20 – November 29, December 16 – 20, January 5 – 9, 2025 and January 13 – 31, 2025
    • Region A Only: January 10 – 12
  • Muzzleloader: October 17 – 19 and December 21 – January 4, 2025
  • Firearms: November 30 – December 14 and January 10 – 12, 2025
  • Primitive Hunt Days: February 1, 3, & 4, 2025
     

Antlerless White-tail:

  • Archery: September 6 – October 16, October 20 – November 29, December 16 – 20, January 5 – 31, 2025
  • Muzzleloader (All Lands): October 17 – 19 and December 28 – January 4, 2025
  • Firearms (All Lands): December 7 – 14
  • Primitive Hunt Days: February 1, 3, & 4, 2025
     

Antlerless White-Tail (Region B):

  • Archery: September 6 – October 16, October 20 – November 29, December 16 – 20, January 5 – 9, 2025 and January 13 – 31, 2025
  • Muzzleloader: October 17 – 19, October 21 – 26, and December 21 – January 4, 2025
  • Firearms: November 30 – December 14 and January 10 – 12, 2025
  • Primitive Hunt Days: February 1, 3, & 4, 2025
     

Sika Deer Season:

  • Archery: September 6 – October 16, October 20 – November 29, December 16 – 20, January 5 – 9, 2025 and January 13 – 31, 2025
  • Muzzleloader (Antlered or Antlerless): October 17 – 19 and December 21 – January 4, 2025
  • Muzzleloader (Antlerless Only): October 21 – 26
  • Firearms: November 30 – December 14 and January 10 – 12, 2025

Turkey

Spring 2025

  • Junior Turkey Hunts: April 12, 2025 (Statewide) and Sunday, April 13 (specific counties)
  • General: April 18 – May 23, 2025

Fall: November 2 – 10

Winter: January 23 – 25, 2025

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 2 – February 28, 2025
  • Squirrel (Gray, Red, Eastern): September 2 – February 28, 2025
  • Quail: November 2 – January 15, 2025 (some private lands only)
  • Ruffed Grouse: October 5 – December 31
  • Pheasant: November 2 – February 28, 2025

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.

 

Hunter uses duck call while wearing camo with shotgun, Maryland duck hunting season concept.

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

All first-time hunters or any hunter that 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.

What are the Bag Limits?

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. 

 

Deer

Junior Hunt: 1 antlered or antlerless (Region A), 3 no more than 1 antlered (Region B), 1 antlered or antlerless (Sika)

Antlered White-tail Season: 2 all seasons combined

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)

Bear1 per hunter or hunting teamSeptember TealSeptember Teal: 6 per day (3x daily in possession)
Cottontail Rabbit4 per day (8 in possession)Duck and Merganser6 per day (3x daily in possession)
Squirrel6 per day (12 in possession)Coot15 per day
Quail6 per day (12 in possession)Brant1 per day
Ruffed Grouse2 per day (4 in possession)Light Geese25 per day (no possession limit)
Pheasant2 per day either-sex (4 in possession)Light Geese Conservation OrderNo 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)

Dove15 per day
Snipe8 per dayRail10 per day
Woodcock3 per dayCoyoteNo limit

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.

Remember: HuntWise Pro and Elite subscribers can save hundreds on the best gear for successful hunts! Use exclusive gear discounts with our app partners to save on gear.

A buck deer with antlers and a hunter in the background, Maryland hunting season concept.

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.

Download the app, start your free trial, and get ahead of the game before opening day! 

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