Maryland Hunting Guide
Quality deer hunting and excellent waterfowl along the Chesapeake Bay.
Hunting Highlights
Maryland Hunting Seasons 2026
| Species | Archery | Firearm |
|---|---|---|
| Whitetail Deer | Sep 5, 2026 - Jan 31, 2027 (pauses during firearm/muzzleloader as published) | Primary firearms Nov 29 - Dec 13, 2026 (+ winter Region B January where open) |
| Sika Deer | Concurrent archery season in Sika range | — |
| Wild Turkey | — | Junior Apr 11-12, 2026; regular Apr 18 - May 23, 2026 |
| Waterfowl | — | Canada goose zones, sea duck; Atlantic + federal frameworks |
* Season dates are approximate and may vary by zone or unit. Always verify with your state wildlife agency for current regulations before hunting.
Key Species in Maryland
Maryland Hunting Articles
View all
Maryland Blue Catfish Fishing 2026: Potomac, James Tributary Invasion, Limits
Maryland blue catfish in 2026—DNR tidal creel and invasive-species context, Potomac and Patuxent fisheries, and cut-bait and drift tactics in current.
Maryland Channel Catfish Fishing 2026: Tidal, Lakes, and Mixed-Bag ID
Maryland channel catfish in 2026—DNR creel rules, ponds and nontidal impoundments, and separate limits from blue catfish in tidal water.
Maryland Largemouth Bass Fishing 2026: Impoundments, Tidal, Black Bass
Maryland largemouth bass in 2026—DNR nontidal and special-rule waters, Potomac shared border context, and seasonal tactics in stained and clear systems.
Maryland Striped Bass Fishing 2026: Chesapeake, Coastwide Slot, Circle Hooks
Maryland striped bass in 2026—DNR tidal and Chesapeake rules, season windows, slot and bait-hook requirements, and trolling and casting tactics.
Maryland Yellow Perch Fishing 2026: Tidal Tributaries, Spring Spawn, Pannies
Maryland yellow perch in 2026—DNR creel and season rules, upper Bay tribs, and minnow, jig, and slip-float tactics in cold water.
Maryland Fishing 2026: Licenses, Chesapeake Bay, and Tidal Rivers
Maryland fishing 2026—license rules, tidal vs nontidal regulations, official DNR links, Chesapeake Bay updates, and Potomac border-water planning.
Maryland Spring Turkey Hunting 2026: Seasons, Permits & Public Land
Maryland spring turkey 2026—two-week seasons by region, DNR lottery hunts on some public lands, licenses, and reporting.