Maryland Ring-necked Pheasant Hunting
Regulations 2026
Ring-necked pheasants are the most popular upland game bird in America, introduced from Asia in the 1880s. Roosters are spectacular — iridescent copper-bronze body, dark green head, red eye wattles, and a distinctive white neck ring with a long barred tail. Hens are mottled brown for camouflage. The rasping two-note crowing call of roosters announces their presence in grassland and agricultural edges. Adults weigh 2-4 lbs. Pheasants are associated with the upper Midwest's corn and CRP field landscapes.
Maryland Ring-necked Pheasant Hunting - 2026 Regulation Quick Reference
Verified August 2026
Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources (dnr.maryland.gov) · Last verified: August 2026
What You Need
License & Tag Requirements to Hunt Ring-necked Pheasant in Maryland
| License / Tag | Resident | Non-Resident | Required For |
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Season Overview
Maryland Ring-necked Pheasant Season Calendar 2026
| Season | 2026 Dates | Legal Methods | Extra License Needed | Notes |
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By Management Zone
Season Dates & Rules by Zone
Harvest Rules
Maryland Ring-necked Pheasant Bag Limits & Harvest Regulations
| Animal Type | Season Bag Limit | How to Get the Tag | Key Rules |
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Legal Hunting Methods
Maryland Ring-necked Pheasant Hunting - Seasons by Method
After the Harvest
Ring-necked Pheasant Registration - Maryland's Check-In Requirements
Maryland-Specific Rules
Maryland Ring-necked Pheasant Hunting Rules You Must Know
Where to Hunt
Best Ring-necked Pheasant Hunting Areas in Maryland
Know Your Quarry
Maryland Ring-necked Pheasant - Biology & Population Facts
Hunting Tactics
Maryland Ring-necked Pheasant Hunting Tactics - By Season
Questions & Answers