Antlerless White-tailed Deer Information

Antlerless White-tailed Deer Seasons & Bag Limits, Region A

See map (Deer Management Regions) for Regions.

No more than two (2) antlerless deer total can be taken in Region A per license year.

• Daily deer shooting hours are one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset.
• An antlerless white-tailed deer is a female deer or a male deer with no antlers or spike antlers less than three inches in length, measuring from the top of the skull as the deer is in life.
• Region A DNR Public Lands open to antlerless white-tailed deer hunting are: Billmeyer-Belle Grove WMA, Cunningham Swamp WMA, Dan’s Mountain WMA, Deep Creek Lake State Park (Designated Areas Only), Garrett State Forest, Green Ridge State Forest, Indian Springs WMA, Mount Nebo WMA, Potomac State Forest, Prather’s Neck WMA, Rocky Gap State Park (Designated Areas Only), Savage River State Forest, Sideling Hill WMA, Warrior Mountain WMA, Woodmont, Youghiogheny Reservoir CWMA, and Youghiogheny Scenic Wild River.

Antlerless White-tailed Archery Season 2016-2017, Region A

• Sept. 9 – Oct. 19, Oct. 23 – Nov. 25, Dec. 12- Dec. 16, Jan. 2 – Jan. 31

Dates include a Sunday in certain counties. (Sunday Deer Hunting)

• The total bag limit for Region A antlerless white-tailed Archery Season is one (1).

Antlerless White-tailed Muzzleloader Season 2016, Region A

• DNR Public Lands: Dec. 31
• All Other Lands: Oct. 20–Oct. 22 & Dec. 29- Dec. 31
• The total bag limit for Region A antlerless white-tailed Muzzleloader Season is one (1).
• In Region A, only one (1) deer total (antlered or antlerless) may be taken on either public or private lands during the October 20–22 Muzzleloader season. This deer must be antlered if it is taken on DNR public land.

Antlerless White-tailed Firearms Season 2016, Region A

• DNR Public Lands: Dec. 10
• All Other Lands: Dec. 9–Dec. 10
• The total bag limit for Region A antlerless white-tailed Firearms Season is one (1).

Antlerless White-tailed Deer Seasons & Bag Limits, Region B

See map (Deer Management Regions) for Regions.

• Daily deer shooting hours are one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset.
• An antlerless white-tailed deer is a female deer or a male deer with no antlers or spike antlers less than three inches in length, measuring from the top of the skull as the deer is in life.

Antlerless White-tailed Archery Season 2016-2017, Region B

• Sept. 9 – Oct. 19, Oct. 23 – Nov. 25, Dec. 12- Dec. 16, Jan. 2 – Jan. 5, Jan. 9 – Jan. 31

Dates include a Sunday in certain counties. (Sunday Deer Hunting)

• The total bag limit for Region B antlerless white-tailed deer Archery Season is unlimited.

Antlerless White-tailed Muzzleloader Season 2016, Region B

• Oct. 20–Oct. 29, Dec. 17–Dec. 31

Dates include a Sunday in certain counties. (See Sunday Deer Hunting)

• The total bag limit for Region B antlerless white-tailed deer Muzzleloader Season is ten (10).

Antlerless White-tailed Firearms Season 2016-2017, Region B

• Nov. 26-Dec. 10, Jan.6- Jan. 8

Dates include a Sunday in certain counties. (See Sunday Deer Hunting)

• The total bag limit for Region B antlerless white-tailed deer Firearms Season is ten (10).

Sika Deer Seasons & Bag Limits

• Daily deer shooting hours are one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset.
• Sika deer bag limits are independent of the white-tailed deer bag limits.
• An antlered sika deer is a deer with at least one antler visible above the hairline.
• Bonus Antlered Deer Stamps may not be used to take Sika Deer.

Sika Archery Season 2016-2017

• Sept. 9 – Oct. 19, Oct. 23 – Nov. 25, Dec. 12- Dec. 16, Jan. 2 – Jan. 5, Jan. 9 – Jan. 31

Dates include a Sunday in certain counties. (See Sunday Deer Hunting)

• The total bag limit for sika deer Archery Season is three (3) deer, no more than one (1) antlered.

Sika Muzzleloader Season 2016

• Antlered or Antlerless: Oct. 20–Oct. 22 & Dec. 17–Dec. 31
• Antlerless Only: Oct. 24–Oct. 29
• The total bag limit for sika deer Muzzleloader Season is three (3) deer, no more than one (1) antlered.

Sika Firearms Season 2016-2017

• Nov. 26-Dec. 10, Jan.6- Jan. 8

Dates include a Sunday in certain counties. (See Sunday Deer Hunting)

• The total bag limit for sika deer Firearms Season is three (3) deer, no more than one (1) antlered.

Archery Deer Hunting Regulations

• A hunting license is required to hunt deer during the Archery Season unless you are exempt from the license requirement. SeeMaryland Hunting Licenses for requirements, types, costs, exceptions, purchasing, and Armed Forces information.
• An Archery Stamp is required to hunt deer during the Archery Season except:
  • hunters entitled to hunt without a license do not need to purchase an Archery Stamp; and
  • hunters with a Senior Lifetime Consolidated License do not need to purchase an Archery Stamp.

Resident Archery Stamp$6.00

Nonresident Archery Stamp$25.00

(See Purchasing Your Maryland Hunting Licenses, Stamps and Permits, Maryland Hunting Licenses.)

• Persons who hunt with archery equipment during the Muzzleloader Season must purchase a Muzzleloader Stamp (seeMuzzleloader Deer Hunting Regulations) except:
  • hunters entitled to hunt without a license do not need to purchase a Muzzleloader Stamp; and
  • hunters with a Senior Lifetime Consolidated License do not need to purchase a Muzzleloader Stamp.
• To take a bonus antlered white-tailed deer, all deer hunters except those who may hunt without a license must purchase a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp (see White Tailed Deer Seasons & Bag Limits).
• All archery deer hunters must have and use a Maryland Big Game Harvest Record (see General Deer Hunting Rules).
• All deer and turkeys taken by archers in Maryland must be field tagged immediately and checked in within 24 hours with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. See Deer and Turkey Tagging and Checking.
• Archery equipment may be used to hunt deer during all of the deer hunting seasons. This includes the Archery Season, Muzzleloader Season, Firearms Season, and Junior Deer Hunting Days.
• Deer taken with archery equipment must count towards the bag limit of the season in which they are taken, please note:
  • Deer harvested with archery equipment during the antlerless-only second split of the early Muzzleloader Season in Region B count towards the Archery Season bag limit.
• It is illegal to shoot on, from or across any public road.
• It is illegal to hunt or shoot at wildlife within 150 yards of an occupied building or camp without permission of the owner or occupant. For archery hunters this distance is 100 yards in Anne Arundel and Montgomery counties and 50 yards in Calvert, Carroll, Frederick, and St. Mary’s counties. In Harford County, the distance for archery hunters is now 50 yards, however, archers must use a tree stand when hunting between 50 and 100 yards of an occupied dwelling or other building.
• Archery hunters are not required to wear fluorescent orange (see Fluorescent Orange Clothing Requirements & Exemptions) within the regular Archery Season dates. Archery hunters are required to wear fluorescent orange when hunting during the:
  • Deer Muzzleloader Season (including the Region B antlerless white-tailed Muzzleloader Season when it overlaps the Archery Season);
  • Deer Firearms Season;
  • Junior Deer Hunting Days; and
  • Black Bear Season in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties.
• Firearms may not be carried while hunting deer during the Archery Season with the following exception. In Deer Management Region A, persons 21 years old or older may carry a handgun for personal protection against bear while hunting deer during the Archery Season. The handgun:
  • may not be used for hunting any game species while the person is archery hunting for deer;
  • may not have a barrel length of more than six inches;
  • may not have a telescopic sight or electronic aiming device attached; and
  • may not be used to kill wildlife wounded by a vertical bow or crossbow.

Vertical Bow Regulations

• The vertical bow shall have a full draw and pull of 30 pounds or more for deer hunting.
• Draw locking devices are legal on all vertical bows for deer hunting.
• Vertical bow release aids are permitted.

Crossbow Regulations

• A crossbow used for deer hunting shall have a draw of 75 pounds or more.
• All crossbows should have a working safety.
• It is unlawful to have a loaded crossbow in, on or leaning against any vehicle.
• A cocked crossbow without a bolt or arrow in the firing position is considered to be unloaded.

Regulations for Both Vertical Bows and Crossbows

• Arrows or bolts used for deer hunting must have a sharpened broadhead with metal points and a minimum width of 7⁄8 of an inch.
• The use of poisoned or explosive tipped arrows or bolts is not permitted.

Muzzleloader Deer Hunting Regulations

• A hunting license is required to hunt deer during the Muzzleloader Season except those exempt from the license requirement. See Maryland Hunting Licenses for requirements, types, costs, exceptions, purchasing, and Armed Forces information.
• A Muzzleloader Stamp is required to hunt deer during the Muzzleloader Season except:
  • hunters entitled to hunt without a license do not need to purchase a Muzzleloader Stamp; and
  • hunters with a Senior Lifetime Consolidated License do not need to purchase a Muzzleloader Stamp.

Resident Muzzleloader Stamp$6.00

Nonresident Muzzleloader Stamp$25.00

(See Purchasing Your Maryland Hunting Licenses, Stamps and Permits, below.)

• To take a bonus antlered white-tailed deer, all deer hunters except those who may hunt without a license must purchase a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp (see White Tailed Deer Seasons & Bag Limits).
• All muzzleloader deer hunters must have and use a Maryland Big Game Harvest Record (see General Deer Hunting Rules).
• All deer and turkeys taken by muzzleloader hunters in Maryland must be field tagged immediately and checked in within 24 hourswith the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. See Deer and Turkey Tagging and Checking.
• Muzzleloading firearms may only be used to hunt deer during the Muzzleloader Season, Firearms Season, and Junior Deer Hunting Days.
• Deer taken with a muzzleloader must count towards the bag limit of the season in which they are taken. Deer taken with a muzzleloader during the Firearms Season must count towards the Firearms Season bag limit.
• All deer hunters are required to wear fluorescent orange during all Muzzleloader Season and Firearms Season dates, except the landowner (only) hunting on their own property. See Fluorescent Orange Clothing Requirements and Exceptions.
• It is illegal to shoot on, from or across any public road.
• It is illegal to hunt or shoot at wildlife within 150 yards of an occupied building or camp without permission of the owner or occupant. For archery hunters this distance is 100 yards in Anne Arundel and Montgomery counties and 50 yards in Calvert, Carroll, Frederick, and St. Mary’s counties. In Harford County, the distance for archery hunters is now 50 yards, however, archers must use a tree stand when hunting between 50 and 100 yards of an occupied dwelling or other building.
• It is unlawful to discharge a firearm within 300 yards of a public or nonpublic school while hunting. This prohibition only applies during school hours or when the building is occupied. This safety zone does not apply to colleges, universities, or home schools.

Muzzleloader Regulations

• Deer may be hunted with a muzzleloading rifle, muzzleloading shotgun, or muzzleloading handgun (both single shot and revolvers) in all Maryland counties.
• To be considered a muzzleloader, a rifle, shotgun or handgun must be loaded from the muzzle, and a revolver must be loaded from the front of the cylinder.
• Flintlock, percussion cap, and inline ignition muzzleloaders are legal hunting devices for deer.
• Muzzleloading rifles or shotguns used for deer hunting must be at least .40 caliber in size and must use 60 grains of black powder or more (a black powder equivalent is acceptable) and propel one all-lead, lead alloy or copper soft-nosed or expanding bullet or ball at a single discharge.
• Muzzleloading handguns used for deer hunting must be at least .40 caliber with a barrel length of at least 6 inches and must use 40 grains of black powder or more (a black powder equivalent is acceptable) and propel one all-lead, lead alloy or copper soft-nosed or expanding bullet or ball at a single discharge.
• Sabot loads are legal for use in muzzleloaders used for deer hunting.
• Muzzleloaders are considered unloaded if the ignition system is disabled by removal of the cap, primer, battery, or primer powder.
• It is unlawful to have a loaded firearm in, on, or leaning against any vehicle. This includes a muzzleloader ready to fire.

Firearms Deer Hunting Regulations

• A hunting license is required to hunt deer during the Firearms Season except those exempt from the license requirement. SeeMaryland Hunting Licenses for requirements, types, costs, exceptions, purchasing, and Armed Forces information.
• To take a bonus antlered white-tailed deer, all deer hunters except those who may hunt without a license must purchase a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp (see White-tailed Deer Seasons & Bag Limits).
• All firearms deer hunters must have and use a Maryland Big Game Harvest Record (see General Deer Hunting Rules).
• All deer and turkeys taken by firearms hunters in Maryland must be field tagged immediately and checked in within 24 hours with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. See Deer and Turkey Tagging and Checking Requirements.
• Shotguns, muzzleloading firearms, and archery equipment may be used to hunt deer in all counties during the Firearms Season and Junior Hunt Days.
• Breech-loading rifles and modern handguns may only be used to hunt deer during the Firearms Season and Junior Hunt Days in some counties. (see map Deer Management Regions and Firearms Deer Hunting Regulations)
• Deer taken with breech-loading firearms, muzzleloaders, or archery equipment during the Firearms Season must count towards the Firearms Season bag limit.
• All deer hunters are required to wear fluorescent orange during the Firearms Season dates, except landowners (only) hunting on their own property. See Fluorescent Orange Clothing Requirements and Exceptions.
• It is illegal to hunt any animal other than deer on the first day of Deer Firearms Season, except sea ducks in the Sea Duck Zone.
• It is illegal to shoot on, from or across any public road.
• It is illegal to hunt or shoot at wildlife within 150 yards of an occupied building or camp without permission of the owner or occupant. For archery hunters this distance is 100 yards in Anne Arundel and Montgomery counties and 50 yards in Calvert, Carroll, Frederick, and St. Mary’s counties. In Harford County, the distance for archery hunters is now 50 yards, however, archers must use a tree stand when hunting between 50 and 100 yards of an occupied dwelling or other building.
• It is unlawful to discharge a firearm within 300 yards of a public or nonpublic school while hunting. This prohibition only applies during school hours or when the building is occupied. This safety zone does not apply to colleges, universities, or home schools.

Regulations for Firearms

• Deer may not be hunted with a firearm that is loaded with more than 8 cartridges or shells. Magazines do not have to be physically blocked.
• Except in Dorchester County where #1 buckshot or larger may be used, firearms used for deer hunting may only shoot one all-lead, lead alloy, or copper soft-nosed or expanding bullet or ball. Sabots are permitted. Non-expanding full metal-jacketed, incendiary and tracer bullets are not permitted.
• It is unlawful to have a loaded firearm in, on, or leaning against any vehicle. This includes ammunition in the magazine or a muzzleloader ready to fire.
• It is unlawful to hunt with an automatic firearm capable of firing a series of shots with one continuous pull of the trigger.
• Firearms may not be carried while hunting deer during the Archery Season with the following exception. In Deer Management Region A, persons 21 years old or older may carry a handgun for personal protection against bear while hunting deer during the Archery Season. The handgun:
  • may not be used for hunting any game species while the person is archery hunting for deer;
  • may not have a barrel length of morethan six inches;
  • may not have a telescopic sight or electronic aiming device attached; and
  • may not be used to kill wildlife wounded by a vertical bow or crossbow.

Rifle Regulations

• The rifles referred to here are loaded from the breech of the barrel and use cartridges.
• Rifles used for deer hunting must use ammunition developing a muzzle energy of at least 1,200 foot pounds. Consult ammunition guides for ballistics information.
• Air rifles that develop a muzzle energy of 1,200 foot pounds may be used for deer hunting.
• See the map on Deer Management Regions for Maryland Shotgun and Rifle Counties/Areas.

Shotgun Regulations

• The shotguns referred to here are loaded from the breech of the barrel and use shells.
• Shotguns used for deer hunting must be 28 gauge or larger.
• Shotgun ammunition used for deer hunting must shoot a single solid projectile except in Dorchester County, where #1 buckshot or larger may be used.

Handgun Regulations

• The handguns referred to here are loaded from the breech of the barrel or rear of the cylinder and use cartridges.
• Handguns may be used to hunt deer only in those counties where the use of a breech-loading rifle for deer hunting is permitted with the exception that handguns may be used to hunt deer throughout Frederick County (see map on Deer Management Regions).
• Handguns used for deer hunting must have a barrel length of 6 inches or more and use ammunition which produces a muzzle energy of 700 foot-pounds or more. Consult ammunition guides for ballistics information.

Furbearers

General Furbearer Regulations

• A hunter must carry personal photo identification (such as a driver’s license) or a secondary form of positive identification while hunting.
• Written permission is required to hunt or trap on private land.
• A hunting license is required to hunt or trap furbearers in Maryland (with exceptions). (See Maryland Hunting Licenses) for requirements, types, costs, exceptions, purchasing, and Armed Forces information.
• A Nonresident Hunting License and Nonresident Trapping License is required of nonresidents to trap furbearers in Maryland. See Other Licenses (Maryland Hunting Licenses).
• A Furbearer Permit is required to hunt, chase, or trap any furbearer in Maryland. (See Furbearer Permit and Exceptions below).
• The furbearers that may be hunted and trapped in Maryland are:
  • coyote
  • fisher
  • gray fox
  • nutria
  • opossum
  • raccoon
  • red fox
  • skunk
• The following species may only be trapped in Maryland:
  • beaver
  • long-tailed weasel
  • mink
  • muskrat
  • river otter
• People who are not residents of Maryland are not permitted to harvest beaver or river otter in Maryland.
• Destroying or disturbing furbearer dens is prohibited.
• A permit is required to possess the meat or skinned carcass of a furbearer for more than 10 days after the season has closed. Permits can be obtained from the Maryland Natural Resources Police. (See Addresses & Phone Numbers for NRP addresses.)
• The pelt or unskinned carcasses of all fisher and river otter harvested in Maryland must be tagged within 15 days after the season has closed. Fisher and otter pelt tags may be obtained by contacting local offices of either the Maryland Wildlife & Heritage Service or Natural Resources Police (Addresses & Phone Numbers).
• Trappers are required to submit the whole, skinned carcass of any river otter harvested in Allegany and Garrett counties to the Maryland Wildlife & Heritage Service. Call 301-334-4255, Mt. Nebo WMA.
• The pelts or unskinned carcasses of furbearers harvested in Maryland that are transported across the state line must have a “Fur Shipping Tag” accompanying them. These tags are available Here or by contacting local offices of either the Maryland Wildlife & Heritage Service or Natural Resources Police.
• On those lands owned or controlled by DNR in Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester counties; only leaseholders or their appointees can hunt or trap furbearers and nutria between November 15 and March 15.
• Fox Restrictions: Some counties have local restrictions governing fox hunting and trapping, and the possession of foxes and/or their pelts. For detailed information, contact local law enforcement authorities. The following regulations apply:
  • In Charles and Dorchester counties, a person may hunt and trap fox or possess the pelt of a fox any time of the year.
  • It is unlawful to kill a fox being pursued by dogs in Cecil, Harford, Kent, St. Mary’s and Wicomico counties.
• It is unlawful to hunt, trap (see below for trapping exceptions) or shoot at wildlife within 150 yards of an occupied building or camp without permission of the owner or occupant. For archery hunters this distance is 100 yards in Anne Arundel and Montgomery counties and 50 yards in Calvert, Carroll, Frederick, and St. Mary’s counties. In Harford County, the distance for archery hunters is now 50 yards, however, archers must use a tree stand when hunting between 50 and 100 yards of an occupied dwelling or other building.
• Fluorescent orange clothing is not required to hunt or trap furbearers.
• Hunting furbearers on Sunday is prohibited except for nutria and in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties. (See Furbearer Seasons, Bag Limits, Locations, and Resident Requirements).

Furbearer Permit & Exceptions and Trapper Education Requirements

Furbearer Permit

• A Furbearer Permit is required to hunt, chase, or trap any furbearer in Maryland.
• A Furbearer Permit is required of persons participating in the unarmed chasing of fox and raccoons and it is required of thoseWho May Hunt Without a License (Maryland Hunting Licenses) to hunt, chase, or trap any furbearer.
• Any person can purchase the Individual Furbearer Permit.
• A representative of an association or group that chases or hunts furbearers may obtain the Group Furbearer Permit. Members or guests of an association or group with a Group Furbearer Permit are not required to have an Individual Furbearer Permit. A Group Furbearer Permit holder must submit a report to the DNR by September 1 following the end of each permit year.

Individual Furbearer Permit$5.00

Group Furbearer Permit$10.00

(See Purchasing Your Maryland Hunting Licenses, Stamps and Permits, Maryland Hunting Licenses.)

Furbearer Permit Exceptions

Those who are not required to have a Furbearer Permit are:

• A person who possesses a Wildlife Control Cooperator Permit and is engaging in the control of fur-bearing mammals in accordance with the terms and conditions of the permit.
• A landowner who possesses a Landowner Wildlife Damage Control Permit.
• A Furbearer Permit is also not required for:
  • a landowner to destroy a muskrat that is damaging an embankment or impoundment.
  • a landowner to hunt or trap a coyote, fox or skunk that is damaging or destroying the personal or real property of the landowner on their land.
  • the owner of a marsh or the owner’s employees to hunt any raccoon which destroys a muskrat or its home in a marsh area within the state.
  • a landowner or the landowner’s agent to set or use traps or similar devices at any time to trap raccoons or opossums which are damaging property.

Trapper Education Requirement

• Any person who traps or attempts to trap furbearers under the authority of a Furbearer Permit must first obtain a Certificate of Trapper Education from the DNR (or a designee of DNR).
• The Certificate is not required if the person held a Furbearer Permit prior to August 1, 2007.
• Any similar certificate issued by another state is acceptable as complying with the educational requirements if the privileges are reciprocal for Maryland residents.
• For information about Trapper Education Courses, please contact the Maryland Natural Resources Police, Safety Education Section, 305 Marine Academy Drive, Suite 1, Stevensville, MD 21666, 410-643-8502 or visit:dnr.maryland.gov/nrp/Pages/trappered.aspx
• The Certificate of Trapper Education must be presented to the DNR Licensing and Registration Service in person, by fax or email to purchase a Furbearer Permit. (See Purchasing Your Maryland Hunting Licenses, Stamps and Permits, Maryland Hunting Licenses.)
• All trappers are encouraged to participate in a trapper education course. These courses are held statewide.

Furbearer Hunting & Chasing Regulations

• Firearm and archery hunting of coyote, fisher, gray fox, nutria, opossum, raccoon, red fox, and skunk is permitted.
• A hunter pursuing these furbearers must possess a valid Furbearer Permit (see this page).
• It is illegal to shoot a beaver, muskrat, mink, river otter, or long-tailed weasel.
• Some counties have local restrictions governing fox hunting, trapping, and the possession of foxes and/or their pelts. For detailed information, contact local law enforcement authorities. The following regulations apply:
  • In Charles and Dorchester counties, a person may hunt and trap fox or possess the pelt of a fox any time of the year.
  • It is unlawful to kill a fox being pursued by dogs in Cecil, Harford, Kent, St. Mary’s and Wicomico counties.
• An unarmed person participating in an organized fox chase may chase foxes on Sundays.
• Fox hunting with the aid of dogs is prohibited during the deer firearms season with the exception of unarmed fox chasing.
• Daytime and nighttime hunting for foxes is permitted during the legal harvest season for foxes.
• Coyotes can be hunted at night during the specified season. At all other times of the year, coyotes may only be hunted during daylight hours (one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset).
• Raccoons that are destroying muskrats and/or their dens may be hunted any time of the year by owners of the affected marshlands or their employees.
• Legal hunting season hours for opossums and raccoons are at night, from sunset to sunrise.
• The use of artificial light and/or dogs is permitted while hunting coyotes, foxes, opossums, or raccoons on foot.
• Coyotes, fishers, foxes, opossums, raccoons, and skunks can be hunted with the aid of electronic calling devices.
• Telescopic and laser sights may be used on all devices legal for hunting furbearers.
• It is against the law to shoot on, from or across any public road.
• It is illegal to hunt or shoot at wildlife within 150 yards of an occupied building or camp without permission of the owner or occupant. For archery hunters this distance is 100 yards in Anne Arundel and Montgomery counties and 50 yards in Calvert, Carroll, Frederick, and St. Mary’s counties. In Harford County, the distance for archery hunters is now 50 yards, however, archers must use a tree stand when hunting between 50 and 100 yards of an occupied dwelling or other building.
• It is unlawful to discharge a firearm within 300 yards of a public or nonpublic school while hunting. This prohibition only applies during school hours or when the building is occupied. This safety zone does not apply to colleges, universities, or home schools.

Firearms

Taking coyote, fisher, gray fox, nutria, opossum, raccoon, red fox, and skunk with firearms is subject to these regulations:

• A shotgun may not hold more than three (3) shells in the magazine and chamber combined.
• Rifles (including air rifles) and handguns may be used. Full metal-jacketed, incendiary, or tracer bullets may not be used.
• Muzzleloading rifles, shotguns, and handguns may be used. To be considered a muzzleloader, a rifle, shotgun or handgun must be loaded from the muzzle, and a revolver must be loaded from the front of the cylinder. Muzzleloaders are considered unloaded if the ignition system is disabled by removal of the cap, primer, battery, or primer powder.
• It is illegal to have a loaded firearm in, on, or leaning against any vehicle. This includes ammunition in the magazine or a muzzleloader ready to fire.

Archery Equipment

Taking coyote, fisher, gray fox, nutria, opossum, raccoon, red fox, and skunk with archery equipment is subject to these regulations:

• Vertical bows may be used. Draw locking devices and release aids are legal for hunting these furbearers.
• Crossbows may be used. All crossbows should have a working safety.
• The use of poisoned or explosive tipped arrows or bolts is not permitted.
• It is illegal to have a loaded crossbow in, on or leaning against a vehicle.
• A cocked crossbow without a bolt or arrow in the firing position is considered to be unloaded.

Unarmed Fox Chasing

Unarmed fox chasing is not included in the statutory definition of hunting. However, it is subject to DNR regulations. Individuals participating in the unarmed chasing of fox must possess an Individual Furbearer Permit or be a part of an organized group that possesses a Group Furbearer Permit (see this page). Additional permits may also be required to chase foxes on certain public lands. All activities on DNR owned and managed properties are subject to DNR public land regulations.

Furbearer Trapping Regulations

• It is unlawful to tamper with and remove the catch from any legally set trap.
• All individuals who trap furbearers must possess a Furbearer Permit unless exempt from the requirement.
• Written permission is required to trap or hunt on another person’s property, including publicly owned properties.
• It is illegal to set or maintain any foothold, body-gripping, or snare trap within 150 yards of a permanent human residence with the following exceptions:
  • These traps can be used on state, federal or private wetlands.
  • These traps can be used on lands that qualify for agricultural assessment, timberlands and lands used for reforestation.
  • Body-gripping traps with a diameter of less than six (6) inches can be used when completely submerged in water.
  • In Harford and Howard Counties: landowners and lessees of privately-owned land may used these traps on their property as long as they are not within 150 yards of another person’s permanent residence.
• Traps must be checked once per calendar day except those traps that are set in water or tidal marshes which must be checked once per two days.
• In tidal areas, landowners and their agents or lessees have exclusive rights to muskrats and other furbearers above the mean low water line.
• Any furbearer caught during the legal trapping season for that species may be released on site, but may not be transported from the point of capture unless it has been killed.
• Animals caught during the closed season for that species must be released on site.

Legal Trapping Devices

Body-gripping traps, box traps, foothold traps, and snares are legal trapping devices and are subject to compliance with the following restrictions and conditions:

Body-Gripping Traps

Body-gripping traps with a diameter of greater than eight (8) inches can be set when partially or totally submerged in water.

Body-gripping traps with a diameter of eight (8) inches or less can be set above ground in tidal wetlands, flooded non-tidal wetlands, fresh water marshes, wooded swamps, bogs in areas where water covers the surface of the soil, or in areas where the soil is waterlogged to the surface. In all other areas these traps may be set when partially or totally submerged in water.

Foothold (Leghold) Traps

The use of toothed or serrated jawed traps is prohibited. All traps must possess smooth jaws.

Traps set above the waterline must not exceed a maximum jaw spread of 5¾ inches. Traps set below the waterline and completely submerged cannot exceed a maximum jaw spread of 7¾ inches. (Jaw spread means the distance between the inside of both jaws, when measured across the trap jaws on a line perpendicular to a line drawn through the jaw pivot points when the trap is in the set position.)

In Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties leghold traps cannot be set to capture furbearers unless completely submerged in water with the following exceptions:

• traps can be set above the waterline on farmland by the owner(s) of the property, members of owner(s) immediate family that reside on the property and the landowner(s) agent, tenant or lessee.
• traps can be set above the waterline in response to wildlife control concerns by authorized agents of the DNR, and according to guidelines established by the DNR.

Snare Traps

It is illegal to use, sell, possess, set, place or maintain a snare trap in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Harford, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.

Nutria And Woodchuck

The nutria and woodchuck are classified as “unprotected mammals.” As such:

• A hunting license is not required to hunt woodchucks and nutria except in Baltimore and Frederick counties.
• Woodchucks and nutria may be hunted throughout the year, including Sundays.
• Hunters must wear fluorescent orange while hunting woodchucks.
• All hunting devices legal for other game animals may be used to hunt woodchucks and nutria.

General Turkey Hunting Rules

• A hunter must carry personal photo identification (such as a driver’s license) or a secondary form of positive identification while hunting.
• Written permission is required to hunt on private land.
• A hunting license is required to hunt wild turkeys in Maryland (with exceptions). See Maryland Hunting Licenses for requirements, types, costs, exceptions, purchasing, and Armed Forces information.
• The use of a Maryland Big Game Harvest Record is required of all Maryland turkey and deer hunters. It is issued with the hunting license and is used to record the species, date, county, sex, hunting device, and Confirmation Number of every turkey and deer taken during a hunting license year. Those who may hunt turkeys without a license must obtain a free Big Game Harvest Record through the COMPASS portal at compass.dnr.maryland.gov/dnrcompassportal OR any DNR Licensing and Registration Service Center (Addresses & Phone Numbers) OR a DNR Sport License agent.
• Turkeys and deer taken in Maryland must be field tagged immediately and checked in within 24 hours with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. (See Deer & Turkey Tagging and Checking).
• It is illegal to hunt turkeys with the aid of bait or over any baited area. Feed or bait placed for deer or other wildlife may be considered baiting if turkeys are being hunted. An area is considered by law to be baited for 10 days after the removal of the bait. Salt and mineral supplements are no longer considered as a source of bait for turkeys.
• It is illegal to use recorded or electronically amplified calls, and use motorized or electronic turkey decoys.
• Fluorescent orange is not required for hunting turkeys. However, turkey hunters are encouraged to wear it as a precaution. Successful turkey hunters are also encouraged to put an orange ribbon on the turkey when carrying it out of the woods. SeeHunting Safety Tips for a guide to courteous and safe turkey hunting.

Turkey Hunting Devices and Regulations

• Shotguns used for turkey hunting may not have a magazine and chamber capable of holding more than 3 shells total.
• In the Spring Season, Jr. Hunt Days, and Winter Season, hunters may only use shotguns (loaded with #4 shot or smaller), crossbows, or vertical bows.
• In the Fall Season, turkey hunters may only use rifles (including air rifles), handguns, shotguns (loaded with #4 shot or smaller or a solid, single projectile), crossbows, or vertical bows.

Other Hunting Device Regulations

• It is illegal to have a loaded firearm in, on, or leaning against any vehicle. This includes ammunition in the magazine or a muzzleloader ready to fire.
• It is unlawful to have a loaded crossbow in, on or leaning against a vehicle.
• A cocked crossbow without a bolt or arrow in the firing position is considered to be unloaded.
• It is against the law to shoot on, from or across any public road.
• It is illegal to hunt or shoot at wildlife within 150 yards of an occupied building or camp without permission of the owner or occupant. For archery hunters this distance is 100 yards in Anne Arundel and Montgomery counties and 50 yards in Calvert, Carroll, Frederick, and St. Mary’s counties. In Harford County, the distance for archery hunters is now 50 yards, however, archers must use a tree stand when hunting between 50 and 100 yards of an occupied dwelling or other building.
• It is unlawful to discharge a firearm within 300 yards of a public or nonpublic school while hunting. This prohibition only applies during school hours or when the building is occupied. This safety zone does not apply to colleges, universities, or home schools.

Turkey Seasons, Regulations, Bag Limits, & Locations

Junior Turkey Hunting Days 2017

• April 15, statewide
• Sunday, April 16 in certain counties, see chart.

The Junior Turkey Hunting Days are for hunters age 16 or younger only. To hunt during these days:

• Junior hunters must have completed a Hunter Education Course and received a Certificate of Competency in Firearms and Hunting Safety. (See Maryland Hunting Licenses)
• Junior hunters must have a Hunting License or be exempt from the license requirement. (See Maryland Hunting Licenses).
• Junior turkey hunters must be accompanied in the field by an individual who:
  • is 21 years old or older;
  • possesses a valid Maryland hunting license, or is exempt from hunting license requirements; and
  • is unarmed.

Statewide Regulations:

• Only bearded turkeys may be harvested in the Junior Turkey Hunting Days and Spring Season.
• Turkeys taken by junior hunters during these days count towards the entire Spring Season bag limit.
• The Junior Turkey Hunting Days bag limit is one (1) bearded turkey per day.
• Daily shooting hours are one half hour before sunrise to sunset for Junior Turkey Hunting Days.
• Only shotguns (loaded with #4 shot or smaller), crossbows, or vertical bows may be used for the Junior Turkey Hunting Days.
• Dogs and organized drives may not be used.

Spring Turkey Season 2017

Statewide Season Dates:

• April 18-May 23

Includes Sundays in certain counties, see chart.

Statewide Regulations:

• Only bearded turkeys may be harvested in the Spring Season.
• The Spring Season bag limit is one (1) bearded turkey per day and two (2) bearded turkeys for the season.
• Spring Turkey Season daily shooting hours for April 18 through May 9 are one-half hour before sunrise to noon.
• Spring Turkey Season daily shooting hours for May 10 through May 23 are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
• Hunters may only use shotguns (loaded with #4 shot or smaller), crossbows, or vertical bows in the Spring Season.
• Dogs and organized drives may not be used.

Fall Turkey Season 2016

Fall turkey hunting is only permitted in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties.

• Oct. 29-Nov. 5

Includes a Sunday, see chart.

• The combined bag limit for the 2016 Fall and 2017 Winter Seasons is one (1) turkey of either sex.
• Fall Turkey Season daily shooting hours are one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset.
• Fall turkey hunters may only use rifles (including air rifles), handguns, shotguns (loaded with #4 shot or smaller or a solid, single projectile), crossbows, or vertical bows.
• It is illegal to hunt turkeys with the aid of bait or to place bait for turkeys during any turkey season. However, during the fall season, it is not considered to be hunting with the aid of bait if a hunter and any turkey that a hunter shoots at are at least 150 yards from any bait legally placed for other species (e.g. corn placed to attract deer).
• Be aware: Fall turkey hunters are encouraged to wear fluorescent orange clothing especially when other hunting seasons are open at the same time.

Winter Turkey Season 2017

Statewide Season Dates:

• Jan. 19-21

Statewide Regulations:

• The combined bag limit for the 2017 Winter and 2016 Fall Seasons is one (1) turkey of either sex.
• Winter Turkey Season daily shooting hours are one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset.
• Hunters may only use shotguns (loaded with #4 shot or smaller), crossbows, or vertical bows in the Winter Season.

Migratory Game Bird Hunting

Federal Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations can be viewed at:http://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Documents/MGB_FederalHuntingRegs.pdf

Offshore Waterfowl Hunting Rules & Regulations (offshore duck blinds, sea duck and offshore waterfowl hunting zones) can be viewed at: dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/hunt_trap/offshore_intro.aspx

General Migratory Game Bird Hunting Rules

• Migratory game birds may not be hunted on Sundays.
• A hunter must carry personal photo identification (such as driver’s license) or a secondary form of identification while hunting.
• Written permission is required to hunt on private land.
• A hunting license is required to hunt migratory game birds in Maryland (with exceptions). See Maryland Hunting Licenses for requirements, types, costs, exceptions, purchasing, and Armed Forces information.
• A Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp is required of all hunters to hunt all migratory game birds in Maryland. This includes persons not required to have a hunting license and holders of senior hunting licenses.
  • This stamp may be obtained through the COMPASS portal at compass.dnr.maryland.gov/dnrcompassportal OR any DNR Licensing and Registration Service Center (Addresses & Phone Numbers) OR a DNR Sport License agent.
  • While hunting migratory game birds, hunters must possess the printed validation showing proof of purchase of the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp and HIP certification.
  • Hunters are not required to possess or sign the actual stamp.

Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp$9.00

(See Purchasing Your Maryland Hunting Licenses, Stamps and Permits, Maryland Hunting Licenses.)

• A Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (federal duck stamp) is required of all hunters over the age of 15 to huntbrant, coots, ducks, and geese in Maryland. This includes persons not required to have a hunting license. (See Who May Hunt Without a License, Maryland Hunting Licenses).
  • This stamp may be purchased from National Wildlife Refuges, Post Offices, online at duckstamp.com and through the COMPASS portal at compass.dnr.maryland.gov/dnrcompassportal OR any DNR Licensing and Registration Service Center (Addresses & Phone Numbers) OR a DNR Sport License agent.
  • If you order your federal duck stamp online (duckstamp.com), you will receive a purchase code. If you purchase your stamp through COMPASS, a DNR sport license agent, DNR online licensing, or a DNR Licensing and Registration Center, you will receive a printed validation showing proof of purchase. Both the purchase code and the validation will be accepted as proof of the purchase for 45 days, and must be possessed while hunting waterfowl and coots. The paper stamp will be mailed to the purchaser.
  • The proof of purchase will expire after 45 days after which the purchaser must possess the stamp, signed in ink, while hunting waterfowl and coots.
  • This stamp must be signed in ink but does not have to be attached to the hunting license.
  • If you do not receive your federal duck stamp within 2-3 weeks after purchase from DNR online or by phone, please email duckstamp@amplex.com or call 1-800-852-4897.

Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp

At National Wildlife Refuges, U.S. Post Offices and at duckstamp.com$25.00

From the COMPASS portal at compass.dnr.maryland.gov/dnrcompassportal OR any DNR Licensing and Registration Service Center (Addresses & Phone Numbers) OR a DNR Sport License agent$27.00

• A Harvest Information Program (HIP) Certification is required of all hunters to hunt all migratory game birds in Maryland. The certification is free and issued with the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp.
• Hunters must have the the printed validation showing proof of purchase of the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp and HIP certification in their possession while hunting migratory game birds.
• When you purchase your Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp, you will be asked the following HIP questions that are used for harvest survey sampling only:
  • Do you plan to hunt brant this coming hunting season?
  • About how many ducks, geese, doves, and woodcock did you bag last season?
  • Did you hunt sea ducks (eiders, long-tailed duck and scoters), coots, snipe or rails last season?
• A Maryland Snow Goose Conservation Order Hunting Season Permit is required to participate in the Light Goose Conservation Order Season. Hunters must possess the printed validation showing proof of the purchase of this permit while hunting. (See Light Goose Seasons & Bag Limits below).

Snow Goose Conservation Order Hunting Season Permit$5.00

(See Purchasing Your Maryland Hunting Licenses, Stamps and Permits, Maryland Hunting Licenses.)

• A Regulated Shooting Area Hunting License allows you to shoot only captive-raised game birds on a state-licensed Regulated Shooting Area (see Other Licenses, Maryland Hunting Licenses). To hunt free-flying, captive-raised mallard ducks or wild waterfowl on a state-licensed Regulated Shooting Area a hunter must possess a Maryland hunting license, the printed validationshowing proof of purchase the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp, and a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp or its proof of purchase (if over the age of 15).
• A Stationary Blind and Blind Site License is required to hunt from an offshore waterfowl blind or blind site in Maryland public waters (see Other Licenses pg. 54). For Maryland Offshore Waterfowl Hunting information see:dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/hunt_trap/offshore_intro.aspx.

Migratory Game Bird Seasons, Bag Limits, & Locations

There is no open season for gallinules, harlequin ducks, moorhens, or swans.

Early Resident Canada Goose
Eastern Zone Season 2016

Season Dates:

• Sept. 1 – 15

The Eastern Zone season is open in these counties:

• Calvert
• Caroline
• Cecil
• Dorchester
• Harford
• Kent
• Queen Anne’s
• St. Mary’s
• Somerset
• Talbot
• Wicomico
• Worcester; and
• that part of Anne Arundel County east of Interstate 895, Interstate 97 and Route 3; and
• that part of Prince George’s County east of Route 3 and Route 301; and
• that part of Charles County east of Route 301

Early Resident Canada Goose
Western Zone Season 2016

Season Dates:

• Sept. 1 – 24

The Western Zone season is open in these counties:

• Allegany
• Baltimore
• Carroll
• Frederick
• Garrett
• Howard
• Montgomery
• Washington; and
• that part of Anne Arundel County west of Interstate 895, Interstate 97 and Route 3; and
• that part of Prince George’s County west of Route 3 and Route 301; and
• that part of Charles County west of Route 301

Early Resident Canada Goose Bag Limits and Rules:

• The Eastern and Western Zone daily bag limit is eight (8) geese and the possession limit is 24.
• Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset for both zones.
• Shotguns capable of holding more than three shells may be used to take resident Canada geese during the September seasons only.

Migratory Canada Geese (Atlantic Population–AP) and Resident Canada Geese have different hunting zones.

Migratory Atlantic Population Canada Goose Season 2016-2017

Migratory (AP) Canada Goose Season Dates:

• Nov. 19- Nov.25, Dec. 16- Feb. 4

The Atlantic Population Hunt Zone includes these counties:

• Anne Arundel
• Baltimore
• Calvert
• Caroline
• Cecil
• Dorchester
• Harford
• Howard
• Kent
• Queen Anne’s
• Somerset
• St. Mary’s
• Talbot
• Wicomico
• Worcester;
  and
• that portion of Carroll County east of Route 31 to the intersection of Route 97, and east of Route 97 to the Pennsylvania line; and
• that portion of Prince George’s County east of Route 3 and Route 301; and
• that portion of Charles County east of Route 301

Migratory (AP) Canada Goose Zone Bag Limits and Rules:

• The daily bag limit is two (2) geese (in the AP Hunt Zone) and the possession limit six (6).
• The bag limit may include Canada geese, cackling geese, and white-fronted geese.
• Shooting hours for this season and zone are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.

Late Resident Canada Goose Season 2016-2017

Late Resident Canada Goose Season Dates:

• Nov. 19- Nov.25, Dec. 13- Mar. 8

The Late Resident Goose Hunt Zone includes these counties:

• Allegany
• Frederick
• Garrett
• Montgomery
• Washington;
  and
• that portion of Carroll County west of Route 31 to the intersection of Route 97, and west of Route 97 to the Pennsylvania line; and
• that portion of Prince George’s County west of Route 3 and Route 301; and
• that portion of Charles County west of Route 301

Late Resident Bag Limits and Rules:

• The daily bag limit is five (5) geese (in the Late Resident Goose Hunt Zone) and the possession limit is 15.
• The bag limit may include Canada geese, cackling geese, and white-fronted geese.
• Shooting hours for this season and zone are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.

September Teal Season 2016

Season Dates:

• Sept. 16 – 30

The September Teal Season is open in these counties:

• Calvert
• Caroline
• Cecil
• Dorchester
• Harford
• Kent
• Queen Anne’s
• St. Mary’s
• Somerset
• Talbot
• Wicomico
• Worcester; and
• that part of Anne Arundel County east of Interstate 895, Interstate 97 and Route 3; and
• that part of Prince George’s County east of Route 3 and Route 301; and
• that part of Charles County east of Route 301

September Teal Bag Limits and Rules

• The daily bag limit is six (6) teal. The bag limit may include blue-winged and green-winged teal. The possession limit is 18.
• Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset for September Teal Season.

Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days 2016-2017

Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days:

• Nov. 5, 2016 & Feb. 11, 2017

Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days are for hunters age 16 or younger only.

To hunt during these days:

• Youth hunters must have completed a Hunter Education Course and received a Certificate of Competency in Firearms and Hunting Safety. (See Hunter Education Requirement, Maryland Hunting Licenses).
• Youth must have a Hunting License or be exempt from the license requirement. (See Who May Hunt Without a License, Maryland Hunting Licenses).
• Youth hunters must possess the printed validation showing proof of purchase of the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp and HIP certification.
• A Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp is not required of those 15 and younger. This stamp is required of those who are 16 years old.
• Youth hunters hunting on these days must be accompanied in the field by an individual who:
  • is 21 years old or older;
  • possesses a valid Maryland hunting license, or is exempt from hunting license requirements;
  • is unarmed;
  • is not participating in other waterfowl seasons that are open on the youth days; and
  • may call waterfowl, assist with decoys, and retrieve downed birds.

Youth Waterfowl Days Bag Limits and Rules:

The daily bag limit for each Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day is:

• 6 ducks, no more than:
  • 5 sea ducks (no more than 4 scoters, 4 long-tailed ducks, or 4 eiders)
  • 4 mallards (only 2 can be hens)
  • 3 wood ducks
  • 2 scaup
  • 2 redheads
  • 2 pintails
  • 2 hooded mergansers
  • 2 canvasback
  • 1 black duck
  • 1 fulvous tree duck
  • 1 mottled duck
• 2 Canada geese in the Atlantic Population Goose Hunt Zone or
• 5 Canada geese in the Late Resident Goose Hunt Zone
• 2 brant
• 25 light geese
• 15 coots
• Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset for Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days.

Regular Duck Season 2016-2017 (Including coots)

Statewide Season Dates:

• Oct. 15 – Oct. 22, Nov. 12- Nov. 25, Dec. 13- Jan. 28

Statewide Seasons Dates for Black Duck

• Nov. 12- Nov. 25, Dec. 13- Jan. 28

Black ducks may only be taken during the Black Duck Season.

Duck Season Daily Bag Limits and Rules:

• 6 ducks, no more than:
  • 4 mallards (only 2 can be hens)
  • 3 wood ducks
  • 2 scaup
  • 2 redheads
  • 2 pintails
  • 2 hooded mergansers
  • 2 canvasback
  • 1 black duck (Black Duck Season only)
  • 1 fulvous tree duck
  • 1 mottled duck
  • 5 sea ducks (no more than 4 scoters, 4 long-tailed ducks, or 4 eiders).
    NOTE – In the Special Sea Duck Zone, sea ducks may only be taken during Nov. 5-Jan. 13. In all other areas, sea ducks may be taken during the Regular Duck Season as part of the regular duck bag limit.
• All other species of ducks may be taken up to the six (6) duck limit.
• There is no open season for harlequin ducks.
• The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.
• Shooting hours for all duck and coot seasons are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
• In addition to the duck bag limit hunters may take 15 coots per day.

Sea Duck Season In the Special Sea Duck Zone 2016-2017

Sea Duck Zone Season Dates:

• Nov. 5- Jan. 13
• Sea ducks may only be taken in the Special Sea Duck Zone during the Sea Duck Season. Outside of the Special Sea Duck Zone, sea ducks may be taken as part of the regular duck bag limit when the Regular Duck Season is open.
• Sea duck species are long-tailed ducks, black scoters, white-winged scoters, surf scoters, and eiders.

Sea Duck Zone Bag Limits and Rules:

• The daily bag limit is 5 for sea ducks in the Special Sea Duck Zone and may include no more than 4 long-tailed ducks, 4 scoters, or 4 eiders.
• The possession limit is 15 for sea ducks taken in the Special Sea Duck Zone including no more than 12 scoters.
• For more information on the Special Sea Duck Zone see: dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/hunt_trap/seaducks.aspx

Brant Season 2016-2017

Statewide Season Dates:

• Nov. 8- Nov. 25, Dec. 12- Jan. 31
• The daily bag limit is two (2) brant and the possession limit is six (6).
• Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.

Light Goose Season 2016-2017

Statewide Season Dates:

• Oct. 1 – Nov. 25, Dec. 12 – Feb. 4 & Feb. 11

Statewide Season Bag Limits and Rules:

• The daily bag limit is 25 light geese and there is no possession limit.
• The bag limit may include greater snow geese, lesser snow geese, and Ross’s geese.
• Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset for the light goose hunting season.

Light Goose Conservation Order Season 2016-2017

Conservation Order Season Dates:

• Nov. 28 – Dec. 10, Feb. 6 – Feb. 10, Feb. 13 – April 15
• The Light Goose Conservation Order Season provides additional hunting opportunities and methods to help reduce light goose over-population.
• A Maryland hunting license (or resident Delaware hunting license) is required to hunt light geese in Maryland during the Light Goose Conservation Order Season. (See Maryland Hunting Licenses).
• Hunters must possess the printed validation showing proof of purchase of the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp and HIP certification to hunt during the Maryland Light Goose Conservation Order Season. (See General Migratory Bird Hunting Rules).
• A $5 Maryland Snow Goose Conservation Order Hunting Season Permit is required to participate in the Light Goose Conservation Order Season. Hunters must possess the printed validation showing proof of the purchase of this permit while hunting.
• A Federal Duck Stamp is not required when hunting during the Conservation Order Season.
• The Light Goose Conservation Order Season Zone includes these counties:
  • Anne Arundel
  • Baltimore
  • Calvert
  • Caroline
  • Cecil
  • Dorchester
  • Harford
  • Howard
  • Kent
  • Queen Anne’s
  • Somerset
  • St. Mary’s
  • Talbot
  • Wicomico
  • Worcester; and
  • that portion of Carroll County east of Route 31 to the intersection of Route 97, and east of Route 97 to the Pennsylvania line; and
  • that portion of Prince George’s County east of Route 3 and Route 301; and
  • that portion of Charles County east of Route 301.

Conservation Order Season Zone Bag Limits and Rules:

• The Light Goose Conservation Order Season and Zone does not include the Special Sea Duck Zone.
• There is no bag limit or possession limit for the Light Goose Conservation Order Season.
• Hunters may take greater snow geese, lesser snow geese, and Ross’s geese.
• Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset during the Light Goose Conservation Order Season.
• Shotguns capable of holding more than three shells and electronic calls of light geese may be used during the Light Goose Conservation Order Season.

Mourning Dove Season 2016-2017

Statewide Season Dates:

• Sept. 1 – Oct. 8, Oct. 21 – Nov. 19, Dec. 17 – Jan. 7

Statewide Bag Limits and Rules:

• The daily bag limit is 15 for doves. The possession limit for doves is 45.
• Shooting hours for the Sept. 1-Oct. 8 dove season segment are 12 noon to sunset. For season dates after Oct. 8 the hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset

Woodcock Season 2016-2017

Statewide Season Dates:

• Oct. 28 – Nov. 25, Jan. 13 – Jan. 28

Statewide Bag Limits and Rules:

• The daily bag limit is three (3) woodcock and the possession limit is nine (9).
• Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset for woodcock.

Rail Season 2016

Statewide Season Dates:

• Sept. 1 – Nov. 9

Statewide Bag Limits and Rules:

• Clapper and King Rails: The daily bag limit is 10 (with no more than one (1) king rail). The possession limit is 30 clapper and king rails (with no more than three (3) king rails).
• Sora and Virginia Rails: The daily bag limit is 25 and the possession limit for these rails is 75.
• Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset for rails.

Common Snipe Season 2016-2017

Statewide Season Dates:

• Sept. 27 – Nov. 25, Dec. 13 – Jan. 28

Statewide Bag Limits and Rules:

• The daily bag limit is eight (8) common snipe and the possession limit is 24.
• Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset for common snipe.

Extended Falconry Seasons 2016-2017

• Hunting with birds of prey (here referred to as Falconry) is permitted one half hour before sunrise to sunset, Monday through Saturday. No Sundays are open to hunt migratory birds.
• A valid hunting license, migratory game bird stamps and a Falconry Permit are required to hunt migratory game birds with birds of prey.
• A bird of prey may be used to hunt migratory game birds during any open season.
• In addition to the regular open seasons, the Extended Falconry Season dates are as follows for hunting migratory game birds:
  • Mourning Doves: Jan. 8 – Jan. 24
  • Rails: Nov. 10 – Dec. 16
  • Woodcock: Oct. 1 – Oct. 29, Feb. 7 – Mar. 10
  • Ducks: Feb. 1 – Mar. 10
  • Brant: Feb. 1 – Mar. 10
  • Light Geese: Feb. 28 – Mar. 10

Bag limits for each species is three (3) per day, with a possession limit of none (9).

Migratory Game Bird Hunting Rules & Regulations

(For brant, coots, doves, ducks, geese, rails, snipe, and woodcock.)

• Fluorescent orange clothing is not required to hunt migratory game birds except woodcock. See Fluorescent Orange Clothing Requirements and Exceptions.
• The daily bag limit is the maximum number of migratory game birds of a single species or combination (aggregate) of species permitted to be taken by one person in any one day during the open season.
• The field possession limit is the one daily bag limit that you may possess while in the field or returning from the field to your vehicle, hunting camp, or personal abode.
• The possession limit is the maximum number of migratory game birds of a single species or combination of species permitted to be possessed by any one person.
• A person may not kill or wound any migratory game bird without making a reasonable effort to retrieve the bird, and include it in the daily bag limit.
• Wounded birds reduced to possession shall immediately be killed and included in your daily bag limit.
• It is unlawful to completely field dress or breast-out any migratory game bird (except dove) before transporting the birds from the field. The head or one fully-feathered wing must remain attached to all birds (except doves) while being transported from the field until they have arrived at your personal abode or a migratory bird processing facility.
• If you are giving, putting, or leaving migratory game birds at any place or in the possession of another person, you must tag each bird with the hunter’s signature, address, hunting license number or DNRid number, the total number and species of birds killed, and dates the birds were killed. Tagging is required even if someone else is transporting the bird for you or the bird has been left for cleaning, storage (including temporary storage), shipment, or taxidermy services.
• To ship tagged migratory game birds the package must be conspicuously marked on the outside with the name and address of the person sending the birds, name and address of the person to whom the birds are being sent, and number of birds by species contained in the package.
• It is illegal to take migratory game birds with traps, snares, nets, rifles, pistols, swivel guns, fish hooks, poisons, drugs, explosives, or stupefying substances.
• It is against the law to bait migratory game birds and hunt them by placing a lure or enticement such as corn, wheat, salt, or other feed.
• An area is considered by law to be baited for 10 days after removal of the bait.
• Migratory game birds may not be hunted over any area where seed has been top sown or broadcast on top of the soil leaving the seed available to feeding birds. Before hunting can occur on areas where seeds or small grains have been top sown or broadcast as a normal agricultural practice, all seed must have either germinated, or the seed must be covered with soil, or completely removed by other means at least 10 days before hunting.
• Doves may be hunted in areas where seed-producing plants such as corn, sunflowers, wheat, and other small grains are manipulated (mowed, knocked down, burned) to attract doves for hunting. In this instance, the 10-day rule does not apply.
• It is unlawful to hunt waterfowl on an area where tame or captive live ducks, geese, or swans (live decoys) are present unless the birds are, and have been for a period of 10 consecutive days before hunting, removed from the area or confined within an enclosure which substantially reduces the audibility of their calls and totally conceals the birds from the sight of wild migratory waterfowl.
• Live decoys may include but are not limited to the following:
  • captive-raised and domestic waterfowl that have been released that do not exhibit the natural wariness of man associated with a wild bird.
  • waterfowl that do not leave the area when hands are clapped and/or a shotgun is discharged.
  • wounded waterfowl that have gone un-retrieved.
  • waterfowl whose wings are either pinioned or whose outer primary feathers have been cut or removed to render flight impossible.
  • captive-raised domestic ducks and geese (such as Muscovy ducks, Egyptian geese, etc.) may be considered live decoys if they do not exhibit the natural wariness of man associated with a wild bird.
  • live ducks, geese, or swans that are either tethered or penned at or near a hunting location.
• It is unlawful to sell taxidermy-mounted migratory game birds for use as decoys.
• It is illegal to use common reed (i.e., Phragmites) in any manner for the construction of hunting blinds on lands owned or controlled by DNR.
• It is against the law to construct, or cause to be constructed, permanent hunting blinds or tree stands, and to leave waterfowl decoys set overnight on lands owned or controlled by DNR, except with written permission from DNR.
• It is unlawful to hunt wild migratory game birds on Sunday.
• It is illegal to hunt any animal other than deer on the opening day of Deer Firearms Season except sea ducks in the Sea Duck Zone.
• It is against the law to hunt waterfowl from a sink box (low-floating device with depression that conceals the hunter beneath the surface of the water).
• It is unlawful to hunt waterfowl from or with the aid or use of a truck or any other motor-driven land conveyance or any aircraft.
• It is illegal to hunt waterfowl from or by means of any motorboat or sailboat unless the motor has been completely shut off and /or the sails furled and the boat’s progress has ceased.
• It is against the law to hunt migratory game birds while in possession of any electronic calling device from which bird calls are conveyed or amplified and to use recordings of migratory game bird calls or sounds or electronically amplified imitations of bird calls except while hunting light geese during the Conservation Order Season.
• It is unlawful to drive, rally, or chase waterfowl with any motorized conveyance or any sailboat to put the birds in the range of hunters.
• Captive-raised mallard ducks may not be released to the wild except under the authority of a Regulated Shooting Area Permit (see Regulated Shooting Areas Requirements, Maryland Hunting Licenses), Retriever Training Permit, or a Field Trial Permit issued by DNR.

Migratory Game Bird Hunting Devices & Regulations

(For brant, coots, doves, ducks, geese, rails, snipe, and woodcock.)

• It is unlawful to possess either a rifle or pistol at any time while hunting brant, coots, ducks, and geese.
• Only shotguns and some archery equipment may be used to hunt migratory game birds.
• It is illegal to have a loaded firearm in, on, or leaning against any vehicle. This includes ammunition in the magazine or a muzzleloader ready to fire.
• It is unlawful to hunt with an automatic firearm capable of firing a series of shots with one continuous pull of the trigger.
• It is unlawful to have a loaded crossbow in, on or leaning against a vehicle.
• A cocked crossbow without a bolt or arrow in the firing position is considered to be unloaded.
• It is against the law to shoot on, from or across any public road.
• It is illegal to hunt or shoot at wildlife within 150 yards of an occupied building or camp without permission of the owner or occupant. For archery hunters this distance is 100 yards in Anne Arundel and Montgomery counties and 50 yards in Calvert, Carroll, Frederick, and St. Mary’s counties. In Harford County, the distance for archery hunters is now 50 yards, however, archers must use a tree stand when hunting between 50 and 100 yards of an occupied dwelling or other building.
• It is unlawful to discharge a firearm within 300 yards of a public or nonpublic school while hunting. This prohibition only applies during school hours or when the building is occupied. This safety zone does not apply to colleges, universities, or home schools.

Shotguns

• Only shotguns that are 10-gauge or smaller may be used to hunt migratory game birds.
• Shotguns capable of holding more than three (3) shells must be plugged with a one-piece filler which is incapable of removal without disassembling the shotgun with these exceptions:
  • when hunting resident Canada geese during the September Seasons.
  • when hunting light geese during the Light Goose Conservation Order Season.
• Muzzleloading shotguns may be used to hunt all migratory game birds.
• It is illegal to take brant, coots, ducks, geese, rails, and snipe with lead shot and to possess lead shot while hunting them. This restriction includes muzzleloading shotguns and taking captive-raised mallards on licensed Regulated Shooting Areas.
• Nontoxic shot (as determined by the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service) must be used when hunting brant, coots, ducks, geese, rails, and snipe. See the USFWS website at (fws.gov/birds/bird-enthusiasts/hunting/nontoxic.php) for current information on nontoxic shot.
• Nontoxic shot larger than No. T (.20 inches in diameter) may not be used to hunt brant, coots, ducks, geese, rails, and snipe.
• Hunters may not use or possess shotgun slugs, sabots, or pumpkin balls while hunting brant, coots, ducks, geese, rails, and snipe.
• Doves and woodcock may be taken with lead shot.

Archery Equipment

• Vertical bows may be used to hunt migratory game birds.
• Draw locking devices on vertical bows are not permitted when hunting ducks, geese, coots, and brant.
• Crossbows may not be used to hunt brant, coots, ducks, and geese.
• Crossbows may be used to hunt doves, rails, snipe, and woodcock.
• The use of poisoned or explosive tipped arrows or bolts is not permitted.

REPORT YOUR BIRD BANDS, CALL 1-800-327-BAND

Each year, state and federal waterfowl biologists mark tens of thousands of waterfowl with numbered leg bands. Hunters who report recovered bands receive specific information on where and when the bird was banded while providing important information for waterfowl management. To report band numbers from all types of birds (except pigeons), go on-line at reportband.gov or call 800-327-BAND (2263). The information needed is: the band number, hunter’s name and address, and date and location (nearest town) of harvest.

Potomac River Boating Regulations

A person aboard a vessel, raft or tube must WEAR a U.S. Coast Guard Approved Type I, II, III or V personal flotation device at all times while underway on the upper Potomac River (up-river from the Little Falls Dam) and its tributaries during the period beginning at 12:01a.m. each November 15 and ending at 12 midnight each succeeding May 15. From May 15 through November 15 all persons aboard a vessel are required to have a Type I, II, III, or V personal flotation device on board and readily available. In addition to the above PFD requirement, a Type IV throwable device is required on all vessels 16 feet and longer.

Black Bear Hunting in Maryland

General Black Bear Hunting Rules

• A hunter must carry personal photo identification (such as a driver’s license) or a secondary form of positive identification while hunting.
• Written permission is required to hunt on private land.
• A hunting license is required to hunt black bear in Maryland (with exceptions). (See Maryland Hunting Licenses) for requirements, types, costs, exceptions, purchasing, and Armed Forces information.
• A Black Bear Hunting Permit is required to hunt black bear in Maryland. The bear hunting permit is only available through theMaryland Black Bear Lottery process as follows:
  • The 2016 Maryland Black Bear Lottery will be open to receive applications Monday, July 18th through Wednesday, August 31st.
  • Hunters will be able to apply through their DNR COMPASS account at
    compass.dnr.maryland.gov/dnrcompassportal
  • Each applicant must pay a $15 nonrefundable application fee and may only enter once.
  • Applicants must comply with the Hunter Education and Safety Requirement (Maryland Hunting Licenses).
  • The random lottery drawing will be held on September 2, 2016.
• DNR will issue a limited number of Bear Hunting Permits that will be valid anywhere in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties.
• Each successful applicant (permittee) may designate up to two sub-permittees who will be allowed to participate in every aspect of the hunt.

Preference Point System for the Bear Hunting Permit

• Preference points provide additional entries in future drawings.
• Applicants receive one additional entry in the drawing for each year they have been a concurrent applicant.
• Applicants must apply each year to retain preference points. Skipping a year will forfeit all preference points.
• All preference points will be forfeited upon receiving a Bear Hunting Permit.
• An applicant that gives up a Bear Hunting Permit loses all preference points.
• Applicants will not forfeit preference points by participating in the hunt as a subpermittee.

Black Bear Season, 2016

Bear Season Dates:

• Oct. 24 – Oct. 27
• Black Bear hunting season is open in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties only.

Bear Bag Limits and Hours:

• Only one black bear may be harvested by a permittee/subpermittee hunting team for the season.
• Only one black bear may be harvested per person for the season.
• Black bear shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

Black Bear Hunting Regulations

• Only a member of a bear hunting team may carry a firearm or bow while tracking a wounded bear.
• A retrieved black bear shall count towards the bag limit of the hunter who first killed or wounded the bear.
• Dogs cannot be used to hunt bear except trained tracking dogs may be used to find a dead or wounded bear. The dog handler must maintain physical control of the tracking dogs at all times and only the hunter may carry a firearm or bow while tracking the bear. Landowner permission must be obtained before tracking with dogs. Prior to tracking the bear, the hunter must notify the Natural Resources Police at 301-777-7771 with the following information:
  • the name, address, telephone number, and hunting license number of the hunter and dog handler;
  • the general location of the wounded bear; and
  • the name of the landowner where the search will be conducted.
• Hunters may not sell parts of any bear that has been killed in Maryland.
• Bait, scent attractants, and electronic calls are prohibited for bear hunting and any potential bait must be removed at least ten days prior to bear hunting.
• It is not considered to be hunting with the aid of bait if a hunter AND any bear that a hunter shoots at are at least 150 yards from any bait placed for other species (e.g. corn placed to attract deer) that the hunter knows or should have known is present. Salt and mineral supplements are not considered as a source of bait for this species.
• Hunters may not chase or disturb any bear that has taken refuge in a den.
• All bear hunters and people assisting bear hunters must wear fluorescent orange. (See Fluorescent Orange Clothing Requirements and Exceptions).
• A person that assists with the removal of a dead bear or escorts hunters into or out of a bear hunting area is not required to possess a bear hunting permit and must be unarmed.

Black Bear Tagging & Check-In Procedures

• A hunter killing a black bear shall attach a field tag to the carcass of the black bear before moving the carcass from the place of the kill.
• The field tag must include hunter’s name, hunter’s DNRid, date of kill, time of kill, and the county of kill. Hunters may create their own field tag or use a Field Tag provided in the Maryland Guide to Hunting & Trapping.
• Proof of sex shall remain attached to all field dressed bear carcasses.
• The bear carcass may be quartered or separated into pieces to facilitate retrieval. However, the head and hide shall remain together and proof of sex shall remain attached to one hindquarter.
• The bear must be taken to an official bear checking station within 24 hours. Questions and requests concerning check-in may be referred to the Maryland Wildlife & Heritage Service at Mt. Nebo WMA at 301-334-4255.
• The field tag will be exchanged for a black bear possession tag which must be securely attached to the carcass.
• Successful black bear hunters shall forfeit any biological data or specimens necessary to properly manage this species.

Black Bear Hunting Devices & Regulations

• Telescopic and laser sights may be used on all devices legal for hunting bear.
• It is unlawful to have a loaded firearm in, on, or leaning against any vehicle. This includes ammunition in the magazine or a muzzleloader ready to fire.
• Firearms used for bear hunting may only shoot one all-lead, lead alloy, or copper soft-nosed or expanding bullet or ball. Sabots are permitted.
• It is illegal to shoot on, from or across any public road.
• It is against the law to hunt, trap, or shoot at wildlife within 150 yards of an occupied building or camp without permission of the owner or occupant. For archery hunters this distance is 50 yards in Frederick county.
• It is unlawful to discharge a firearm within 300 yards of a public or nonpublic school while hunting. This prohibition only applies during school hours or when the building is occupied. This safety zone does not apply to colleges, universities, or home schools.

Rifle Regulations

• Breech loading rifles used for bear hunting must use ammunition developing a muzzle energy of at least 1,200 foot pounds. Consult ammunition guides for ballistics information.

Shotgun Regulations

• The shotguns referred to here are loaded from the breech of the barrel and use shells.
• Shotguns used for bear hunting must be 28 gauge or larger.
• Shotgun ammunition used for bear hunting must shoot a single solid projectile.

Handgun Regulations

• The handguns referred to here are loaded from the breech of the barrel or rear of the cylinder and use cartridges.
• Handguns used for bear hunting must have a barrel length of six (6) inches or more and use ammunition which produces a muzzle energy of 700 foot-pounds or more. Consult ammunition guides for ballistics information.

Muzzleloader Regulations

• Bear may be hunted with a muzzleloading rifle, shotgun, or handgun (both single shot and revolvers).
• To be considered a muzzleloader, a rifle, shotgun or handgun must be loaded from the muzzle, and a revolver must be loaded from the front of the cylinder.
• Flintlock, percussion cap, and inline ignition muzzleloaders are legal hunting devices for bear.
• Muzzleloading rifles or shotguns used for bear hunting must be at least .40 caliber in size and must use 60 grains of black powder or more (a black powder equivalent is acceptable) and propel one all-lead, lead alloy or copper soft-nosed or expanding bullet or ball at a single discharge.
• Muzzleloading handguns used for bear hunting must be at least .40 caliber with a barrel length of at least 6 inches and must use 40 grains of black powder or more (a black powder equivalent is acceptable) and propel one all-lead, lead alloy or copper soft-nosed or expanding bullet or ball at a single discharge.
• Sabot loads are legal for use in muzzleloaders used for bear hunting.
• Muzzleloaders are considered unloaded if the ignition system is disabled by removal of the cap, primer, battery, or primer powder.
• It is unlawful to have a loaded firearm in, on, or leaning against any vehicle. This includes a muzzleloader ready to fire.

Vertical Bow Regulations

• The vertical bow shall have a full draw and pull of 30 pounds or more for bear hunting.
• Draw locking devices are legal on all vertical bows for bear hunting.
• Vertical bow release aids are permitted.

Crossbow Regulations

• A crossbow used for bear hunting shall have a draw of 75 pounds or more.
• All crossbows should have a working safety.
• It is unlawful to have a loaded crossbow in, on or leaning against any vehicle.
• A cocked crossbow without a bolt or arrow in the firing position is considered to be unloaded.

Regulations Pertaining to Both Vertical Bows and Crossbows

• Arrows used for bear hunting must have a sharpened broadhead with metal points and a minimum width of 7⁄8 of an inch.
• The use of poisoned or explosive tipped arrows is not permitted.

Small Game Hunting

Small Game Includes: Crows, Pheasant, Quail, Rabbits, Ruffed Grouse, and Squirrels

General Small Game Hunting Rules

The Delmarva fox squirrel and snow shoe hare may not be hunted in Maryland.

Daily small game shooting hours are one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset.

• A hunter must carry personal photo identification (such as a driver’s license) or a secondary form of positive identification while hunting.
• Written permission is required to hunt on private land.
• A hunting license is required to hunt small game in Maryland (with exceptions). (See Maryland Hunting Licenses) for requirements, types, costs, exceptions, purchasing, and Armed Forces information.
• Fluorescent orange clothing is required to hunt small game in Maryland except crows. (See Fluorescent Orange Clothing Requirements and Exceptions).
• The use of decoys, calls, and/or recordings may be used for crow hunting.
• The head, plumage, and feet shall remain attached to all pheasants to permit identification of species and sex while being transported from the place where killed to the place of final disposition. This does not pertain to captive-reared pheasants taken on Regulated Shooting Areas.
• It is against the law to hunt any animal other than deer on the first day of Deer Firearms Season, except sea ducks in the Sea Duck Zone.

Small Game Hunting Devices & Regulations

• Firearms, air rifles, and archery equipment may be used to hunt small game.
• A shotgun may not hold more than three (3) shells in the magazine and chamber combined.
• Telescopic and laser sights may be used on all devices legal for hunting small game.
• It is illegal to have a loaded firearm in, on, or leaning against any vehicle. This includes ammunition in the magazine or a muzzleloader ready to fire.
• All crossbows should have a working safety.
• It is unlawful to have a loaded crossbow in, on or leaning against any vehicle. A cocked crossbow without a bolt or arrow in the firing position is considered to be unloaded.
• It is illegal to shoot on, from or across any public road.
• It is illegal to hunt, trap or shoot at wildlife within 150 yards of an occupied building or camp without permission of the owner or occupant. For archery hunters this distance is 100 yards in Anne Arundel and Montgomery counties and 50 yards in Calvert, Carroll, Frederick, and St. Mary’s counties. In Harford County, the distance for archery hunters is now 50 yards, however, archers must use a tree stand when hunting between 50 and 100 yards of an occupied dwelling or other building.
• It is against the law to discharge a firearm within 300 yards of a public or nonpublic school while hunting. This prohibition only applies during school hours or when the building is occupied. This safety zone does not apply to colleges, universities, or home schools.
• It is unlawful to cast the rays of an artificial light from a vehicle on woods, fields, orchards, livestock, wild mammals or birds, dwellings or buildings. (See General Hunting Regulations for exceptions).

Species	Min Size Limit	Season	Creel Limit	Remarks
American Eel	9”	Jan 1-Aug 31, except open year round for spears and baited traps or pots.	Daily – 25
Bass	15” Mar 1-Jun 15	Open Year Round	Daily – 5 in aggregate
	12” Jun 16 – last day in Feb
Black Drum	16”	Open year Round	Daily 1Boat Limit 6
Black Sea Bass	12.5”	Closed Jan 1-May 14 & Sep 22-Oct 21	Daily – 15
Bluefish	8”	Open Year Round	Daily – 10
Cobia	None	Open year round	None
Croaker	9”	Open year round	Daily – 25
Northern Snakehead	None	Open year round	None	Illegal to transport live snakehead fish
Red Drum	18-27”	Open year round	Daily – 1
Spanish Mackerel	14”	Open year round	Daily – 15	Must be landed with head and fins intact
Spotted Seatrout	14”	Open Year Round	Daily – 4
Summer Flounder	17”	Open year round	Daily – 4
Walleye	15”	Open year round	Daily – 5
Weakfish	13”	Open year round	Daily – 1
White Perch	None if caught with hook & line; 8” if caught w/ other gear	Open year round	None
Yellow Perch	9”	Open year round	Daily – 10