Maryland Hunting Laws Licensing & Regulations

Maryland deer hunting

Maryland is one of the top hunting areas in the northeast of the United States. The state is well-known for its beautiful scenery as well as the presence of wild animals for hunters to hunt. Deer, black bears, turkey, waterfowl, and furbearer games are among the most popular in Maryland. The state also has a large number of small game species.

Maryland hunting laws and regulations

Hunters who want to take game animals in Maryland must follow the state department of natural resources’ hunting laws, restrictions, and standards.

The following are some of the most important hunting restrictions in Maryland:

General Hunting Regulations and Prohibitions

Maryland hunting regulations and prohibited hunting practices in Maryland include the following:

While hunting, hunters must have a photo identification card, such as a driver’s license, or any other acceptable form of identification allowed in Maryland.
While hunting in the state, hunters must have a valid state hunting license. The license should be available in either electronic or hardcopy-printed form.
Hunters must adhere to the orange dressing rule for the season in question.
Taking game animals or birds while under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicating substance is illegal.
It is illegal to take any game animal other than a deer on the first day of the deer firearm season. Harvesting sea ducks in the sea duck zone is an exception to this rule.

the use of artificial lighting from automobiles.

Illuminating artificial light from cars on residential residences, orchards, game animals and birds, livestock, farming fields, or woods in the name of hunting is prohibited under Maryland hunting rules.

In counties such as Prince George’s, Montgomery, and Baltimore, it is legal to shine artificial light from cars on wildlife and games until 9 p.m. at night, but only for observation or photographing. In certain areas, however, it is illegal to carry any hunting weapon or device in your possession while casting artificial lights.

Maryland Hunting Safety Zones

It is illegal to discharge a firearm or take or trap wildlife within 150 yards of a residential building or camp where people dwell without first obtaining authorization from the building’s occupant.

The safety distance for archery hunting is 100 yards in Anne Arundel County and 50 yards in counties such as Arundel, Carroll, Frederick, St. Mary’s, and Washington.

Archery hunters in Harford, Washington, and Montgomery counties are forced to hunt from tree stands if they are within 50 to 100 yards of any structure occupied by people.

It is illegal to discharge firearms within a 300-yard radius in public or school settings under the name of hunting. However, this limitation only applies during regular school hours and when building structures are inhabited. Hunters should also be aware that this restriction does not apply to home schools, colleges, or universities in Maryland.

In Maryland, it is prohibited to illegally touch a catch from a trap that has been legitimately set within a hunting area.

Maine Private Lands Hunting

In order to hunt or set traps on private land in Maine, you must first obtain written permission from the landowner. The only exception to this rule is if you own the land.

Hunting Liabilities on Private Lands in Maryland

You shall be held liable for any damage to private property that occurs while hunting on private territory. Furthermore, regardless of whether the landowner grants permission to hunt on the property or not, the landowner cannot be held liable for any harm or damage sustained by a hunter, whether unintentional or not. Hunters are recommended to educate themselves on all Maryland rules governing hunting on private property.

Hunting on private land in Maine is restricted.

Landowners who want to prevent hunters from taking games and wildlife on their property might use prominent signage. In this situation, it is illegal for a hunter to continue taking game animals on the land; thus, the hunter may be prosecuted for trespassing.

Landowners in Maryland can employ blue stripes and signage to limit movement on their lands. Vertical signs should be at least 2 inches wide and 8 inches long, and they should be at least 3 feet (but no more than 6 feet) away from water or ground areas. This sign’s acceptable color is bright blue, and its paint must be oil-based.

Land Regulations in Maryland

The following are some of the hunting regulations on state-owned lands:

Shooting at targets on state-owned land is illegal, except in certain areas where it is tolerated.
It is illegal to utilize tree stands or hunting blinds on state-owned lands or other controlled properties. Exceptions are made for individuals possessing Maryland Department of Natural Resources permits, and the blinds or tree stands must be temporary and destroyed at the end of the hunting season.
It is illegal to install traps on state-owned property without first receiving authorization from the appropriate government.
Baiting is prohibited on state hunting lands.

While hunting in the state, open carry is permitted.

Yes, open carry is permitted during lawful hunting activities in Maryland.

Although open carry is permitted while bow hunting in the state, you must meet the following requirements:

You must be at least 21 years old.
For personal defense, you must carry a firearm.
While bow hunting in the state, you are not permitted to openly carry a handgun in order to take a wildlife animal.
Maryland has hunter harassment laws in place to safeguard such activities in the state.
Among them are the following:
Without permission, no one shall open carry on private land or hunting areas managed by the state government.
Nobody shall intentionally obstruct any legitimate hunting activity in any wildlife region of the state.
Nobody shall harass or disturb any wildlife animal in order to obstruct authorized hunting in the state.

Hunting licenses, permits, and tags in Maryland

Maryland offers hunting licenses based on the applicant’s domicile and age. Permits and tags for various game species are available in the state. For some game-hunting seasons, hunters will require both a state hunting license and permits and tags.

Maryland hunting licenses, permits, and tags include the following:

Apprentice Hunting License for Residents

This license is offered to Maryland residents who have never held a state-valid license. Residents of any age can obtain the license. Apprentice hunters will only be permitted to hunt in the company of licensed Maryland hunters over the age of 18. The apprentice license for residents costs $10.

Residents who have a valid hunting license

This license is available to Maryland residents between the ages of 16 and 64. Holders of the license will be able to participate in various hunting seasons as long as they have the permit. The cost of the license is $24.5.

Residents who have obtained a Junior Hunting License

This license is awarded to Maryland junior residents under the age of 16. Juniors must obtain written permission from their parents or guardians before applying for this license. The license costs $10.5.

Senior Citizen Hunting Permit

The license is only available to senior citizens of the state who are 65 or older. This license can be purchased by the senior resident in the year he or she turns 65. It will set you back $5.

Apprentice Hunting License for Non-Residents

Non-residents who have never held a state-valid license are eligible for this license. Non-residents of any age are eligible for the license. Apprentice hunters will only be permitted to hunt in the company of licensed Maryland hunters over the age of 18. The cost of a non-resident apprentice license is $20.

Non-resident hunting permit

Non-residents between the ages of 16 and 64 are eligible for this license. Holders of the license will be able to participate in various hunting seasons as long as they have the permit. The fee for the license is $130.

Junior Hunting License for Non-Residents

Junior non-residents under the age of 16 who desire to hunt in Maryland are awarded this license. Juniors must obtain written permission from their parents or guardians before applying for this license. The license will set you back $32.5.

Senior Hunting License for Non-Residents

Senior non-residents 65 years of age or older are eligible for the license. This license can be purchased by the senior resident in the year he or she turns 65. It will set you back $65.

Non-residents receive a three-day waterfowl and small game license.

Non-residents can obtain this license, which allows them to take all possible game in Maryland for three consecutive hunting days. Deer, turkeys, and bears are not subject to this license. It will set you back $45.

Trapping Permit for Non-Residents

Non-residents must have this license in order to capture furbearers in Maryland. In addition to this trapping license, they will require a furbearer permit and a non-resident hunting license. It will set you back $25.5.

License for a Regulated Shooting Area

In addition to a hunting license, hunters must get controlled shooting area licenses in order to take captive-bred bird games. The cost of this license is $6.

Licenses, permits, and tags for fishing in Maryland

Maryland fishing licenses, permits, and tags include the following:

Annual Non-Tidal Fishing Permits

This license allows you to fish in non-tidal bodies of water in Maryland. It costs $20.5 for residents and $30 for non-residents, which is the same price as the state charges for an out-of-state fishing license for Maryland citizens.

Non-Tidal Fishing License for Seven Days

This license permits holders to fish in non-tidal bodies of water for seven days. It costs $7.5 for residents and the same amount for non-residents as the state charges for an out-of-state fishing license for Maryland citizens.

Non-Tidal Fishing License for Three Days

This license permits holders to fish in non-tidal bodies of water for three days. It is only available to non-residents and costs the same as an out-of-state fishing license for Maryland residents.

Stamps for Trout

Trout stamps are provided for anglers who wish to catch trout. This stamp is available for purchase by both residents and non-residents for $5 and $10, respectively.

Licenses for Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sports

Holders of this license are permitted to catch fish in the Chesapeake Bay region of Maryland, as well as within the state boundaries of the Atlantic Ocean and its coastal bays. It is offered for $15 and $22.5 for locals and non-residents, respectively.

Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sport License for Seven Days

Holders of this license are permitted to catch fish in the Chesapeake Bay region of Maryland, as well as within the state boundaries of the Atlantic Ocean and its coastal bays. The license is only valid for seven days. Residents and non-residents can purchase it for $6 and $12, respectively.

Consolidated Senior Fishing License

A senior consolidated fishing license is available for senior Maryland residents 65 and over. This license can be combined with other hunting or harvesting licenses available in the state for seniors. This license is not available to non-residents. It will set you back $5.

Charter License for the Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Sports

Holders of this license may use a charter boat to catch fish in the Chesapeake Bay region of Maryland, as well as within the state boundaries of the Atlantic Ocean and its coastal bays. It is the same fee for residents and non-residents. The license fee for a charter boat carrying up to six people is $240. The price rises to $290 for groups of more than six people.

Crabbing Permit

Holders of this license will be able to harvest crabs in Maryland waterbodies. It is offered for $5 and $10 to locals and non-residents, respectively. The cost will be $2 for residents holding a Chesapeake Bay and coastal sport fishing license or a senior resident with a consolidated fishing license.

Seasons for hunting in Maryland

Maryland hunting seasons vary widely depending on the game animals you intend to take and the sort of hunting weapon you use.

Maryland’s shooting season for various wildlife in 2020–21 includes the following:

Maryland White-tailed and Sika Deer Hunting Season

Archery season (September 11th to October 21st and October 25th to November 27th)
Firearms Hunting Season (November 28th to December 12th and January 8th to January 10th)
Muzzleloader Hunting Season (October 22nd to October 24th and December 19th to January 2nd)

White-tailed deer hunting is legal in only a few counties in Maryland. The dates for this hunting will differ across the state.

Turkey Season in Maryland

Fall General Hunting Season (October 31st to November 8th)
Winter General Hunting Season (January 21st to January 23rd)
Spring General Season (April 19th to May 24th)

Only some counties in Maryland allow fall turkey hunting, including Washington, Allegany, and Garrett.

Season for Hunting Black Bears in Maryland

General Hunting Season (October 26th to October 30th)

A special permit from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is required to hunt bears in Maryland. There is also a deer bag limit of one per season.

Small Game Hunting Season in Maryland

Maryland’s small game hunting seasons include the following:

Rabbit hunting season lasts from November 7th to February 27th.
Squirrel Hunting Season (September 5th to January 30th)
Season of Quail Hunting (7th November to 15th February)
Ruffed Grouse Hunting Season (October 3rd to February 31st)
Pheasant Hunting Season (November 7th to February 28th)
Crow Hunting Season (August 15th to March 15th)

Maryland hunting zones have different game seasons. Hunters should also be aware that bag limits, hunting regulations, legislation, and procedures differ depending on the game species and season. Hunters are encouraged to visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to learn more about the hunting season in their hunting zone.

Wildlife, games, and fishing in Maryland

The following are some of the most prevalent fauna and games available in Maryland:

Deer hunting in Maryland

The most prevalent species in Maryland are sika deer hunting and white-tailed deer hunting. They are common on many state hunting lands and wildlife management areas. Deer live in Maryland’s muddy ecosystems, particularly in the eastern half of Mississippi.

Bear hunting in Maryland

Only some counties in Maryland allow black bear hunting, including Frederick, Washington, Garrett, and Allegany. Bear hunting requires special licenses, and only one bear can be taken per hunting season.

Turkey Season in Maryland

Turkey hunting is popular in the western section of Maryland. There are various wildlife management areas in the state where you can hunt for turkey, but Dan’s Mountain WMA in Allegany County is the best because of its calm environment of about 10,000 acres and its bird population.

Hunting for ducks in Maryland

The majority of the WMAs in Maryland allow duck hunting, but the best areas in the state to take ducks are the Millington WMA, Blackwater WMA, and Sassafras WMA in the eastern portion of the state. Millington WMA is not only ideal for duck hunting, but it is also an excellent place for hunting other waterfowl.

Goose hunting in Maryland

Geese are migratory birds, with Canadian geese being the most numerous in Maryland. These birds breed in northern Quebec and on Hudson Bay’s northeast shore. This is why goose hunting in Maryland takes place on the state’s eastern shore, where the birds often congregate during the shooting season.

Pheasant hunting in Maryland

Pheasants abound on Maryland’s public hunting grounds. Pheasant shooting is encouraged in Maryland because the birds ruin fields and harm grasses and insects.

Hunting for Quail in Maryland

The bobwhite quail, which is petite and spherical in stature, is the most common species of quail found in Maryland. It is a ground-dwelling bird game that is widely distributed throughout the state. They are usually found on the southern and eastern coasts.

Shooting ranges in Maryland

The following shooting ranges are open to the general public in the state:

Pistol and archery from the 12th Precinct
Baltimore Associated Gun Clubs, Inc.
The Berwyn Rod & Gun Club
The Gun Club of Carroll County
Rifle Club of Cresap
Delmarva Sporting Clays and Shooting Range
Elk Neck State Park
Green Ridge State Park
The Loch Raven Skeet and Trap Club
WMA Shooting Range at Myrtle Grove
Trap and Skeet Center of Prince George’s County
Choose Fire.
The Synepuxent Rod and Gun Club
The Talbot County Rod and Gun Club

Hunting Lands for Lease and Sale in Maryland

Maryland hunting lands for sale include the following:

80.83 acres in Mardela Springs, Maryland (Wicomico County).
63.44 acres in Denton, Maryland (Caroline County).
467 acres in Crisfield, Maryland (Somerset County).
9.71 acres in Chestertown, Maryland (Kent County).
17.88 acres in Stevensville, Maryland (Queen Annes County)
52.24 acres in Centreville, Maryland (Queen Annes County).
34.33 acres in Snow Hill, Maryland (Worcester County).
176.33 acres in Westover, Maryland (Somerset County).
63.99 acres in Wingate, Maryland (Dorchester County).
20 acres in Tyaskin, Maryland (Wicomico County)
32.5 acres in Pocomoke City, Maryland (Worcester County).
105 acres in Princess Anne, Maryland (Somerset County).
114 acres in Marion, Maryland (Somerset County).
47 acres in Flintstone, Maryland (Allegany County).
112.67 acres in Rhodesdale, Maryland (Dorchester County).
67 acres in Preston, Maryland (Caroline County).

Maryland hunting lands for lease include the following:

The Eastern Shore Hunting Club in Queen Annes County offers two memberships for deer hunting on 4 acres of land.
Hunting club memberships are now available in Wicomico County, on 240 acres.
Kent County offers deer and turkey hunting on 1200 acres.
10 acres of duck and deer hunting land in Wicomico County
Beautiful, forested 11-acre land near Fulton, Maryland, for archery in Howard County
Beautiful 500-acre land in Talbot County for 4 people to lease.