Maryland Hunting Laws

Before heading out on your first hunt in the Old Line State, make sure you’re familiar with Maryland hunting laws and regulations.

Maryland Hunting Laws | Take Your Big Game Trophy Now

Most seasoned hunters may be well aware that the Maryland hunting laws evolve on almost a yearly basis. The objective of the government for these changes is to address public safety. Mainly, for the benefit of the hunter and the hunted. It’s a must to keep up to date on Maryland hunting laws and regulations before heading out on your first hunt.

Keep reading to learn about Maryland hunting laws including dates, which animals you’re allowed to hunt, which weapon you’re allowed to use, how to get a hunting license, and much more.

 

1. Deer Hunting in Maryland

• Archery
  • White-tailed Deer
    • Antlered
      • January 9 – 31, 2017
    • Antlerless
      • Region A: January 2 – 31, 2017
      • Region B: January 9 – 31, 2017

Antlered & Antlerless(Region A) Bag Limit: 1 Deer

Antlerless Region B: Unlimited

• Sika Deer
  • January 9 – 31, 2017

Total Bag Limit: 3 deer, no more than 1 antlered

For more details on other game seasons, you can browse gallop to the Department of Natural Resources of Maryland.

Method of Take

• Vertical Bow
  • Shall have a full draw and pull of 30 lbs or more for deer hunting
  • Draw locking devices are authorized
  • Release aids are permitted
• Crossbow
  • Shall have a draw of 75 lbs or more
  • Should have a working safety
  • A cocked crossbow without a bolt or arrow in the firing position is considered unloaded
  • It is against the law to have a loaded crossbow in, on or leaning against any vehicle
• For both Vertical Bows and Crossbows
  • Arrows or bolts must have a sharpened broadhead with metal points and a minimum width of 7/8 of an inch
  • It is unlawful to use explosive or poisoned-tipped arrows or bolts

You can browse through general Maryland deer hunting regulations and other specific regulations for more information.

2. Duck Hunting in Maryland

•   Regular Season
  • December 13, 2016 – January 28, 2017

Daily Bag Limit: 6 Ducks

• Youth Waterfowl
  • November 5, 2016 – February 11, 2017

Daily Bag Limit: 6 Ducks

Possession Limit: Three times the daily bag limit

Fly through other game species open season right here.

Method of Take

• Shotguns
  • 10-gauge or smaller
  • Must hold a maximum of 3 shells
  • A filler must be plugged in for shotguns capable or holding more than 3 shells and cannot be removed unless by disassembling the gun
  • Muzzleloading shotguns are allowed
  • Possessing and taking with lead shot is illegal
  • Non-toxic shots must be used except for those larger than No. T
  • Slugs, sabots or pumpkin balls are not permitted or even in your possession while hunting
• Some archery equipment
  • Vertical bows without draw locking devices
  • Crossbows
  • Poisoned or explosive tips are illegal

Learn more from the season regulations of Maryland so you’d be up to date.

3. Wild Turkey Hunting in Maryland

• Winter Season
  • January 19 – 21, 2017

Bag Limit: 1 turkey of either sex

• Spring Season
  • April 18 – May 23, 2017

Bag Limit: 1 bearded turkey per day and 2 bearded turkey for the season

• Spring Season, Junior Hunt
  • April 15 – 16, 2017

Bag Limit: One bearded turkey

If you’d like to know about which animal game season you can still start hunting, keep browsing here.

Method of Take

• Shotguns
  • Must hold only a total of three shells in both the chamber and magazine
  • May only be loaded with #4 shot or smaller
• Vertical Bows & Crossbows
• Dogs and organized drives are not allowed

Learn more about trapping seasons and regulations on wild turkey hunting right here.

Licenses and Permits

A hunter may purchase a full season hunting license for both game birds and mammals without having the need for additional stamps with a few exceptions. Various license and permit fees apply.

If you want to know more about how to apply for a license, guide to other licenses and permits including their respective fees, you can start acquiring them in Maryland Hunting License

 

Watch this amazing video posted by marylanddeeerhunter shooting 4 deer in 9 seconds with a 12 gauge shotgun:

As long as you are knowledgeable with the hunting laws in the state of Maryland and abide by them to the letter, you and your hunting buddies will surely enjoy every minute of hunting. Do you have any more hunting laws that you’d like to share? Feel free to share it in the comments below! Hunt safe and hunt proud!

 

Did you find this article useful? You can learn more about deer hunting tips when you go hunting on public lands.

 

Surf through the Survival Life Store for interesting and useful stuff that you may find useful while hunting, just like this Everstryke Match Pro Lighter. It’s waterproof and truly is a  reliable fire starter for survival and emergency situations! 

 

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