Maryland Hunting & Fishing
Season Calendar 2026

Maryland archery deer season runs Sep 6–Jan 31 statewide; any legal bow including compound, recurve, longbow, and crossbow is authorized. Hunters must possess a valid Maryland hunting license and deer hunting license. The season limit is one antlered buck per license year; antlerless deer require bonus antlerless permits by county. Maryland is divided into deer management regions with different antler restrictions — Allegany and Garrett Counties (western region) allow any antlered buck, while central and eastern regions require a minimum of 3 antler points on one side for spike bucks. Maryland's Eastern Shore agricultural and timber lands hold excellent whitetail populations with significant trophy potential.

Maryland firearms deer season runs Nov 23–Dec 7 in the Firearm Zone; legal methods include centerfire rifles, shotguns, handguns, and muzzleloaders. Firearms are restricted to shotguns, muzzleloaders, and approved handguns in the Shotgun Zone on the coastal plain — centerfire rifles are not permitted in all areas. Hunters must possess a valid Maryland hunting license and deer hunting license. Blaze orange — at least 250 square inches on chest, back, and head — is required. Late November Maryland firearms season typically catches bucks in post-rut secondary chasing behavior, particularly on the agricultural edges of the Eastern Shore and Piedmont.

Maryland muzzleloader deer season runs Oct 18–Oct 26 in designated counties; only legal muzzleloading firearms are permitted, loaded from the muzzle with separate powder and projectile. Inline muzzleloaders are legal. Hunters must possess a valid Maryland hunting license and muzzleloader deer license. The October window catches bucks establishing pre-rut scrape lines and beginning to make rubs in hardwood stands. Blaze orange is required during muzzleloader season. Western Maryland's Appalachian forest and Eastern Shore agricultural corridor are the most productive areas for muzzleloader deer hunting, with bucks seeking does and checking scrape lines through late October.

Maryland spring turkey season runs Apr 19–May 23 targeting eastern wild turkey gobblers; hens are protected. Legal methods include shotguns, archery, and crossbows; electronic calls are prohibited. Hunters must possess a valid Maryland hunting license and spring turkey permit; bag limit is one gobbler per season. Maryland's turkey population has expanded substantially — the Appalachian Ridge and Valley region of western Maryland (Garrett, Allegany, Washington Counties) and the northern Piedmont hold the strongest densities. Public land hunting is available on state forests and WMAs. Peak gobbling activity occurs from mid-April through early May in most Maryland zones.

Maryland dove season opens Sep 1 with a structure aligned to the Atlantic Flyway framework; hunters must possess a valid Maryland hunting license and be HIP certified. The daily bag limit is 15 mourning doves with a possession limit of 45. A fully feathered wing must remain attached during transport. Maryland dove hunting is primarily concentrated on the Eastern Shore agricultural lands and the Piedmont grain belt — managed fields on WMAs require a WMA permit. White-winged dove seasons may be available — check the current Maryland DNR regulation booklet for species-specific rules.