Archery License

Maryland Archery
License 2026

Complete guide to archery hunting in Maryland — stamp and license requirements, crossbow rules, draw weight and broadhead specifications, and archery deer and elk season dates. Maryland offers an archery deer season from mid-September through January. No separate archery stamp required. Crossbows are legal for all hunters during archery season. Sunday hunting is restricted on public lands.

Crossbow Allowed Min. Draw Weight: 35 lbs No Sunday Hunting

2026 Archery License Quick Facts Verified 2026

Resident Fee

$24.50

License fee

Nonresident Fee

$130.00

NR license fee

Min. Draw Weight

35 lbs

Minimum for legal archery hunting

Crossbow

Allowed

Crossbows are legal for all hunters throughout the archery season with no additional permit required.

License & Stamp Details

Maryland Archery License Requirements

Review all archery license and stamp requirements before your hunt. Regulations change annually.

Requirement	Details
Archery Stamp Required	No — included with hunting license
Resident License Fee	$24.50
Nonresident License Fee	$130.00
Standalone Archery License	Requires base hunting license
Sunday Hunting	Restricted or prohibited

Equipment Rules

Maryland Archery Equipment Specifications

Legal archery equipment requirements in Maryland. Using non-compliant equipment during archery season can result in citation and license revocation.

Draw Weight

35 lbs min.

Minimum draw weight required for big game archery hunting in Maryland.

Arrow Length

No minimum arrow length specified. Standard hunting arrows (26"–32") are typical.

Broadhead Requirement

Broadheads are required for big game hunting. Both fixed-blade and mechanical broadheads are generally accepted.

Other Equipment Rules

Lighted nocks: Allowed
Rangefinder: Allowed
Minimum 35 lb draw weight. Broadheads required. No electronic bows.

Crossbow Regulations

Maryland Crossbow Rules for Archery Season

Crossbows are permitted during archery season in Maryland. Crossbows are legal for all hunters throughout the archery season with no additional permit required.

Season Dates

Maryland Archery Season Dates

Approximate archery season dates for 2026. Season dates may vary by zone or wildlife management unit — always confirm with Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Archery Deer Season

Sep 6

Through Jan 31

Important Notes

Maryland-Specific Archery Rules

Sunday hunting is prohibited on public lands in Maryland. Private land Sunday hunting is permitted. Maryland has one of the most restrictive Sunday hunting rules in the Mid-Atlantic. Deer populations are strong throughout the state.

Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources (dnr.maryland.gov). Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current license fees, equipment specs, and season dates directly with the agency before hunting.

Maryland