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Planning Updated Jan 29, 2026

Maryland Hunting Season Dates

Complete hunting calendar for Maryland including deer, elk, turkey, and more.

Maryland Hunting Season Calendar

Find all hunting season dates for Maryland including deer, elk, turkey, and waterfowl. Filter by species and hunting method.

MD regulations 3 species Split seasons shown Zone info included
MD

Coming Up in Maryland

Seasons opening in the next 60 days

Turkey Any Legal Method

Apr 20 - May 25, 2026

Opens in 48 days

Complete Season Calendar

All Maryland hunting seasons organized by species

Deer 5 seasons

Method Dates Zone Status Notes Add to Calendar
Archery Sep 6, 2025 - Jan 31, 2026 Statewide Closed Extended archery
Rifle/Firearm Nov 29 - Dec 13, 2025 Statewide Closed Firearms season
Shotgun Nov 29 - Dec 13, 2025 Statewide Closed Firearms - shotgun zones
Muzzleloader Oct 18-25, 2025 Statewide Closed Early muzzleloader
Muzzleloader Dec 14-20, 2025 Statewide Closed Late muzzleloader

Turkey 1 season

Method Dates Zone Status Notes Add to Calendar
Any Legal Method Apr 20 - May 25, 2026 Statewide Upcoming Spring season

Waterfowl 1 season

Method Dates Zone Status Notes Add to Calendar
Shotgun Nov 14, 2025 - Jan 31, 2026 Statewide Closed Duck season

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MD

Maryland Hunting Regulations

License year, species, and agency information

License Year
Jul 1, 2025 - Jun 30, 2026
Available Species
  • Deer
  • Turkey
  • Waterfowl
Hunting Methods
  • Archery
  • Rifle/Firearm
  • Shotgun
  • Muzzleloader
  • Any Legal Method
Official Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources
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This information is for reference only. Always verify regulations with your state wildlife agency before hunting or fishing.

Last verified: January 2026

Important Note for Maryland

Maryland has restricted rifle zones. Check county-specific regulations.

Hunting Method Legend

Archery Bow & Crossbow
Rifle/Firearm Modern rifles
Muzzleloader Black powder
Shotgun Shotguns only
Any Legal All methods

Maryland Hunting FAQ

Common questions about hunting seasons in Maryland

What are the hunting season dates for Maryland?

Maryland offers hunting seasons for Deer, Turkey, Waterfowl. The license year runs from Jul 1, 2025 to Jun 30, 2026. Check our complete calendar above for specific dates by species and method.

When does deer season start in Maryland?

Deer season in Maryland typically begins with archery season starting Sep 6, 2025, followed by firearms/rifle season starting Nov 29, 2025.

Does Maryland require a draw for hunting?

Maryland offers general season licenses for some species and may require draws for others like elk, moose, or pronghorn. Check specific requirements for your target species.

What hunting seasons are open now in Maryland?

The next season to open is Turkey starting Apr 20, 2026.

What should I know about hunting in Maryland?

Maryland has restricted rifle zones. Check county-specific regulations.

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Maryland License Info

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