Skip to main content
Regulations Updated Jan 29, 2026

Maryland Bag Limits

Complete daily limits, possession limits, and season limits for hunting and fishing in Maryland.

Maryland Bag Limits

Complete guide to daily limits, possession limits, season limits, and size restrictions for hunting and fishing in Maryland. Updated for the current season.

14 species 3 big game 3 fish species 6 birds

Big Game

3 species

Game Birds

6 species

Fish Species

3 species

Total Species

14

Big Game

3 species in Maryland

Species Daily Possession Season Notes
White-tailed Deer 2 - Liberal limits Antlerless encouragement; region-specific
Sika Deer 2 - See regulations Eastern Shore specialty
Black Bear 1 - 1 per year Western MD only; limited season

Upland Birds

4 species in Maryland

Species Daily Possession Season Notes
Wild Turkey 1 - 2 per year Bearded birds only
Pheasant 2 4 - Stocked on state lands
Quail 6 12 - -
Dove 15 45 - -

Waterfowl

2 species in Maryland

Species Daily Possession Season Notes
Ducks 6 18 - Chesapeake Bay excellent
Geese 2 6 - Atlantic Pop. Canada geese

Small Game

2 species in Maryland

Species Daily Possession Season Notes
Rabbit 4 8 - -
Squirrel 6 12 - -

Fish

3 species in Maryland

Species Daily Possession Season Size Limit Notes
Largemouth Bass 5 - - 12" minimum -
Striped Bass 2 - - 19" minimum Chesapeake regulations specific
Blue Catfish No limit - - - Invasive; encouraged to harvest

Maryland Special Notes

Maryland Chesapeake Bay offers excellent waterfowl and striped bass. Sika deer unique opportunity.

Got your license ready to show?

Store credentials offline in Hunter Passport

Get Started
MD

Maryland Regulations Overview

State wildlife agency and regulations information

Species Covered
14 species with regulations
Big Game Species
  • White-tailed Deer
  • Sika Deer
  • Black Bear
Official Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Visit Website

This information is for reference only. Always verify regulations with your state wildlife agency before hunting or fishing.

Last verified: January 2026

Maryland Bag Limits FAQ

Common questions about harvest limits in Maryland

What is the deer bag limit in Maryland?

In Maryland, the daily deer limit is 2 with a season limit of Liberal limits. Antlerless encouragement; region-specific

What is the difference between daily and possession limits?

Daily limit is the maximum you can harvest in one day. Possession limit is the maximum you can have at any time, typically 2-3 times the daily limit. In Maryland, possession limits help ensure hunters don't stockpile beyond reasonable personal use.

What big game can I hunt in Maryland?

Maryland offers hunting for: White-tailed Deer, Sika Deer, Black Bear. Each species has specific limits and regulations - always verify current rules before hunting.

What are the fishing limits in Maryland?

Maryland fishing limits include: Largemouth Bass: 5/day (12" minimum); Striped Bass: 2/day (19" minimum); Blue Catfish: No limit/day. Water-specific regulations may override general limits.

Where can I find official Maryland bag limits?

For official and current bag limits, check your Maryland wildlife agency website. Regulations can change annually, and specific areas may have different rules. Always carry current regulations while hunting.

Are there special regulations I should know about in Maryland?

Maryland Chesapeake Bay offers excellent waterfowl and striped bass. Sika deer unique opportunity.

Need a Maryland Hunting or Fishing License?

Store your MD licenses in Hunter Passport for instant offline access in the field.

Maryland License Info

Done planning? Don't forget your license.

Hunter Passport stores all your licenses, tags, and permits offline — so when a game warden asks, you're ready in 3 seconds flat.