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Maryland Hunting Season Dates 2026–27

Season openers, closers, and tag requirements by species. Always confirm against MD Dept of Natural Resources (DNR) before you hunt. Dates can change.

License: resident $35 · nonresident $160. Species tags and permits are extra. See each section below.

White-tailed Deer Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Archery, antlered (first segment) - StatewideSep 11, 2026Oct 21, 2026Hunting License + Bow Stamp
Archery, antlered (second segment) - StatewideOct 25, 2026Nov 27, 2026Hunting License + Bow Stamp
Archery, antlered (third segment) - StatewideDec 14, 2026Dec 18, 2026Hunting License + Bow Stamp
Archery, antlered (fourth segment) - StatewideJan 3, 2027Jan 7, 2027Hunting License + Bow Stamp
Archery, antlered (Jan. 8-10) - Region A only: Deer Management Region AJan 8, 2027Jan 10, 2027Hunting License + Bow Stamp
Archery, antlered (final segment) - StatewideJan 11, 2027Jan 31, 2027Hunting License + Bow Stamp
Primitive Deer Hunt Days, antlered (long bow, recurve, flintlock or sidelock only)Feb 1, 2027Feb 3, 2027Hunting License
Muzzleloader, antlered (first segment) - StatewideOct 22, 2026Oct 24, 2026Hunting License + Muzzleloader Stamp
Muzzleloader, antlered (second segment) - StatewideDec 19, 2026Jan 2, 2027Hunting License + Muzzleloader Stamp
Firearms, antlered (first segment) - StatewideNov 28, 2026Dec 12, 2026Hunting License
Firearms, antlered (Jan. 8-10) - Region B only: Deer Management Region BJan 8, 2027Jan 10, 2027Hunting License
Archery, antlerless (first segment) - Region A: Deer Management Region ASep 11, 2026Oct 21, 2026Hunting License + Bow Stamp
Archery, antlerless (second segment) - Region A: Deer Management Region AOct 25, 2026Nov 27, 2026Hunting License + Bow Stamp
Archery, antlerless (third segment) - Region A: Deer Management Region ADec 14, 2026Dec 18, 2026Hunting License + Bow Stamp
Archery, antlerless (final segment) - Region A: Deer Management Region AJan 3, 2027Jan 31, 2027Hunting License + Bow Stamp
Muzzleloader, antlerless (first segment) - Region A: Deer Management Region AOct 22, 2026Oct 24, 2026Hunting License + Muzzleloader Stamp
Muzzleloader, antlerless (second segment) - Region A: Deer Management Region ADec 26, 2026Jan 2, 2027Hunting License + Muzzleloader Stamp
Firearms, antlerless - Region A: Deer Management Region ADec 5, 2026Dec 12, 2026Hunting License
Archery, antlerless (first segment) - Region B: Deer Management Region BSep 11, 2026Oct 21, 2026Hunting License + Bow Stamp
Archery, antlerless (second segment) - Region B: Deer Management Region BOct 25, 2026Nov 27, 2026Hunting License + Bow Stamp
Archery, antlerless (third segment) - Region B: Deer Management Region BDec 14, 2026Dec 18, 2026Hunting License + Bow Stamp
Archery, antlerless (fourth segment) - Region B: Deer Management Region BJan 3, 2027Jan 7, 2027Hunting License + Bow Stamp
Archery, antlerless (final segment) - Region B: Deer Management Region BJan 11, 2027Jan 31, 2027Hunting License + Bow Stamp
Muzzleloader, antlerless (first segment) - Region B: Deer Management Region BOct 22, 2026Oct 24, 2026Hunting License + Muzzleloader Stamp
Muzzleloader, antlerless (second segment) - Region B: Deer Management Region BOct 26, 2026Oct 31, 2026Hunting License + Muzzleloader Stamp
Muzzleloader, antlerless (third segment) - Region B: Deer Management Region BDec 19, 2026Jan 2, 2027Hunting License + Muzzleloader Stamp
Firearms, antlerless (first segment) - Region B: Deer Management Region BNov 28, 2026Dec 12, 2026Hunting License
Firearms, antlerless (second segment) - Region B: Deer Management Region BJan 8, 2027Jan 10, 2027Hunting License
Junior Deer Hunt Day (statewide)Nov 14, 2026Nov 14, 2026Hunting License or license exemption
Junior Deer Hunt Day (Sunday, certain counties only)Nov 15, 2026Nov 15, 2026Hunting License or license exemption

Wild Turkey Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Fall season: Fall Turkey Hunt AreaOct 31, 2026Nov 8, 2026Hunting License
Winter seasonJan 21, 2027Jan 23, 2027Hunting License
Junior Turkey Hunt Day (statewide)Apr 17, 2027Apr 17, 2027Hunting License or license exemption
Junior Turkey Hunt Day (Sunday, certain counties only)Apr 18, 2027Apr 18, 2027Hunting License or license exemption
Spring seasonApr 19, 2027May 24, 2027Hunting License

Black Bear Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular season (six days): Black Bear Hunt ZoneOct 26, 2026Oct 31, 2026Black Bear Hunting Permit (lottery) + Bear Hunt Application

Beaver Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Trapping - all counties except Allegany and Garrett: All counties except Allegany and GarrettDec 15, 2026Mar 15, 2027Trapping License
Trapping - Allegany and Garrett countiesDec 1, 2026Mar 15, 2027Trapping License

Coyote Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Hunting - no closed season, day or night (license year Aug. 1 - Jul. 31)Aug 1, 2026Jul 31, 2027Hunting License
Trapping - west of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River: West of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna RiverOct 31, 2026Feb 15, 2027Trapping License
Trapping - east of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River: East of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna RiverNov 14, 2026Feb 28, 2027Trapping License

Crow Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular (Wednesday through Saturday only)Aug 15, 2026Mar 15, 2027Hunting License

Mourning Dove Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular (first segment, noon to sunset)Sep 1, 2026Oct 17, 2026Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP
Regular (second segment)Oct 24, 2026Nov 27, 2026Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP
Regular (third segment)Dec 19, 2026Jan 9, 2027Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP

Fisher and Long-tailed Weasel Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularOct 31, 2026Feb 1, 2027Trapping License

Fox (Red and Gray) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Hunting and trapping - Charles and Dorchester counties (year round)Aug 1, 2026Jul 31, 2027Hunting or Trapping License
Hunting and trapping - County Group 1: Fox County Group 1Nov 14, 2026Feb 28, 2027Hunting or Trapping License
Hunting and trapping - County Group 2: Fox County Group 2Oct 31, 2026Feb 15, 2027Hunting or Trapping License

Ruffed Grouse Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularOct 3, 2026Dec 31, 2026Hunting License

Muskrat and Mink Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Trapping - County Group A: Muskrat and Mink County Group ANov 14, 2026Feb 15, 2027Trapping License
Trapping - County Group B: Muskrat and Mink County Group BJan 1, 2027Mar 15, 2027Trapping License
Trapping - County Group C: Muskrat and Mink County Group CDec 15, 2026Mar 15, 2027Trapping License

Ring-necked Pheasant Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularNov 7, 2026Feb 28, 2027Hunting License

Bobwhite Quail Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular: Quail Open AreaNov 7, 2026Jan 15, 2027Hunting License

Eastern Cottontail Rabbit Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularNov 7, 2026Feb 28, 2027Hunting License

Raccoon and Opossum Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Chasing, no kill (first segment)Aug 1, 2026Oct 14, 2026Hunting License
Hunting (firearms, archery, airgun and dogs) - day or nightOct 15, 2026Mar 15, 2027Hunting License
Chasing, no kill (second segment)Mar 16, 2027Jul 31, 2027Hunting License
Trapping (with skunk) - east of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River: East of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna RiverNov 14, 2026Mar 15, 2027Trapping License
Trapping (with skunk) - west of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River: West of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna RiverOct 31, 2026Mar 15, 2027Trapping License

Rails (Clapper, King, Sora and Virginia) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularSep 1, 2026Nov 20, 2026Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP

River Otter Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Trapping - County Group 1 (10 per day / 10 per season): River Otter County Group 1Dec 15, 2026Mar 15, 2027Trapping License
Trapping - County Group 2 (2 per day / 2 per season): River Otter County Group 2Dec 15, 2026Mar 15, 2027Trapping License
Trapping - Allegany and Garrett countiesDec 1, 2026Mar 15, 2027Trapping License

Sika Deer Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Archery (first segment)Sep 11, 2026Oct 21, 2026Hunting License + Bow Stamp + Sika Deer Stamp
Archery (second segment)Oct 25, 2026Nov 27, 2026Hunting License + Bow Stamp + Sika Deer Stamp
Archery (third segment)Dec 14, 2026Dec 18, 2026Hunting License + Bow Stamp + Sika Deer Stamp
Archery (fourth segment)Jan 3, 2027Jan 7, 2027Hunting License + Bow Stamp + Sika Deer Stamp
Archery (final segment)Jan 11, 2027Jan 31, 2027Hunting License + Bow Stamp + Sika Deer Stamp
Primitive Deer Hunt DaysFeb 1, 2027Feb 3, 2027Hunting License + Sika Deer Stamp
Muzzleloader, antlered or antlerless (first segment)Oct 22, 2026Oct 24, 2026Hunting License + Muzzleloader Stamp + Sika Deer Stamp
Muzzleloader, antlerless only - Region B: Deer Management Region BOct 26, 2026Oct 31, 2026Hunting License + Muzzleloader Stamp + Sika Deer Stamp
Muzzleloader, antlered or antlerless (second segment)Dec 19, 2026Jan 2, 2027Hunting License + Muzzleloader Stamp + Sika Deer Stamp
Firearms (first segment)Nov 28, 2026Dec 12, 2026Hunting License + Sika Deer Stamp
Firearms (second segment)Jan 8, 2027Jan 10, 2027Hunting License + Sika Deer Stamp

Striped Skunk Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Hunting (firearms, archery and airgun)Oct 31, 2026Mar 15, 2027Hunting License
Trapping - east of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River: East of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna RiverNov 14, 2026Mar 15, 2027Trapping License
Trapping - west of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River: West of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna RiverOct 31, 2026Mar 15, 2027Trapping License

Common Snipe Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularSep 26, 2026Jan 28, 2027Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP

Squirrel (Gray, Red/Piney and Eastern Fox) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularSep 5, 2026Feb 28, 2027Hunting License

Waterfowl (ducks, coots, geese, brant, teal, swans) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
September Teal: September Teal Hunt ZoneSep 17, 2026Sep 26, 2026Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Ducks and coots (first segment) - Eastern Zone: Eastern Duck Season ZoneOct 10, 2026Oct 17, 2026Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Ducks and coots (second segment) - Eastern Zone: Eastern Duck Season ZoneNov 14, 2026Nov 27, 2026Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Ducks and coots (third segment) - Eastern Zone: Eastern Duck Season ZoneDec 15, 2026Jan 30, 2027Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Black duck (first segment) - Eastern Zone: Eastern Duck Season ZoneNov 14, 2026Nov 27, 2026Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Black duck (second segment) - Eastern Zone: Eastern Duck Season ZoneDec 15, 2026Jan 30, 2027Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Ducks and coots (first segment) - Western Zone: Western Duck Season ZoneOct 3, 2026Oct 17, 2026Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Ducks and coots (second segment) - Western Zone: Western Duck Season ZoneNov 21, 2026Nov 27, 2026Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Ducks and coots (third segment) - Western Zone: Western Duck Season ZoneDec 15, 2026Jan 30, 2027Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Black duck (first segment) - Western Zone: Western Duck Season ZoneNov 21, 2026Nov 27, 2026Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Black duck (second segment) - Western Zone: Western Duck Season ZoneDec 15, 2026Jan 30, 2027Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Early resident Canada goose - Eastern Zone: Early Resident Canada Goose - Eastern ZoneSep 1, 2026Sep 15, 2026Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Early resident Canada goose - Western Zone: Early Resident Canada Goose - Western ZoneSep 1, 2026Sep 25, 2026Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Migratory Canada goose, Atlantic Population (first segment): Migratory Canada Goose Atlantic Population Hunt ZoneNov 24, 2026Nov 27, 2026Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Migratory Canada goose, Atlantic Population (second segment): Migratory Canada Goose Atlantic Population Hunt ZoneDec 15, 2026Jan 30, 2027Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Late Southern Maryland resident Canada goose (first segment, 5/day): Late Southern Maryland Resident Canada Goose ZoneNov 21, 2026Nov 23, 2026Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Late Southern Maryland resident Canada goose (second segment, 2/day): Late Southern Maryland Resident Canada Goose ZoneNov 24, 2026Nov 27, 2026Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Late Southern Maryland resident Canada goose (third segment, 2/day): Late Southern Maryland Resident Canada Goose ZoneDec 15, 2026Jan 30, 2027Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Late Southern Maryland resident Canada goose (fourth segment, 5/day): Late Southern Maryland Resident Canada Goose ZoneFeb 1, 2027Mar 10, 2027Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Late Western Maryland resident Canada goose (first segment): Late Western Maryland Resident Canada Goose ZoneNov 21, 2026Nov 27, 2026Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Late Western Maryland resident Canada goose (second segment): Late Western Maryland Resident Canada Goose ZoneDec 15, 2026Mar 10, 2027Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Brant (statewide)Dec 28, 2026Jan 30, 2027Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Light goose (snow and Ross's), statewide first segmentNov 7, 2026Nov 27, 2026Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Light goose (snow and Ross's), statewide second segmentNov 30, 2026Feb 6, 2027Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Light goose (snow and Ross's) - Eastern Zone only: Light Goose Eastern ZoneFeb 8, 2027Mar 10, 2027Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP + Federal Duck Stamp
Youth, Veteran and Military Waterfowl Hunting Day (autumn)Nov 7, 2026Nov 7, 2026Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP
Youth, Veteran and Military Waterfowl Hunting Day (winter)Feb 6, 2027Feb 6, 2027Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP

American Woodcock Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular (first segment)Oct 24, 2026Nov 27, 2026Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP
Regular (second segment)Jan 11, 2027Jan 27, 2027Hunting License + Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP
Verify before you hunt. These dates are compiled for planning and can change between when they're published and when the season opens, and many states vary dates by unit, zone, or WMU. Always confirm with MD Dept of Natural Resources (DNR) before heading out. Nothing here is legal advice.
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