Maryland 2025 Game Season Outlook – Wildlife Management Areas & Dates
Maryland offers diverse hunting opportunities throughout its varied landscapes, from the mountains of Western Maryland to the marshlands of the Eastern Shore. Whether you’re pursuing whitetail deer in the forests, waterfowl in the Chesapeake Bay, or small game in farm country, the Old Line State provides abundant options for outdoor enthusiasts. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the upcoming 2024-2025 field sports calendar in Maryland, including season dates, wildlife management zones, and licensing requirements.
Maryland Hunting Season Calendar 2024-2025: Key Dates Overview
Maryland divides its territory into specific management regions for certain game species, particularly for deer. Understanding these regions is crucial for planning your outings. Here’s a quick reference table of major game seasons:
| Species | Season Type | Opening Date | Closing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | Sept. 6, 2024 | Jan. 31, 2025* |
| White-tailed Deer | Firearms | Nov. 30, 2024 | Dec. 14, 2024* |
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader | Oct. 17-19, 2024 & Dec. 21, 2024 | Jan. 4, 2025* |
| Sika Deer | All Methods | Same as White-tailed | Same as White-tailed |
| Black Bear | Regular | Oct. 21, 2024 | Oct. 26, 2024 |
| Wild Turkey | Spring | April 18, 2025 | May 23, 2025 |
| Wild Turkey | Fall | Nov. 2, 2024 | Nov. 10, 2024 |
| Wild Turkey | Winter | Jan. 23, 2025 | Jan. 25, 2025 |
| Canada Goose | Migratory AP | Dec. 20, 2024 | Jan. 4, 2025 |
| Ducks | Eastern Zone | Oct. 12-19 & Nov. 16-29 & Dec. 16-Jan. 31 | – |
| Squirrel | Regular | Sept. 2, 2024 | Feb. 28, 2025 |
| Rabbit | Regular | Nov. 2, 2024 | Feb. 28, 2025 |
*Dates vary by region and specific restrictions apply – see detailed sections below
Big Game Seasons: Deer and Bear 🦌
White-tailed Deer Seasons
Maryland manages deer populations through two distinct regions – Region A (western portions) and Region B (central and eastern portions). This regional approach helps wildlife managers maintain healthy herds while providing quality field experiences.
Archery Season
- Region A & B: September 6 – October 16, 2024; October 20 – November 29, 2024; December 16 – December 20, 2024; January 5 – January 31, 2025
- Region A Only: Additional days January 10-12, 2025
Firearms Season
- Region A & B: November 30 – December 14, 2024
- Region B Only: Additional days January 10-12, 2025
Muzzleloader Season
- Early Season: October 17-19, 2024
- Late Season: December 21, 2024 – January 4, 2025
Maryland also offers special opportunity days:
- Junior Deer Hunt Days: November 16-17, 2024
- Primitive Deer Hunt Days: February 1-4, 2025 (restricted to traditional equipment like longbows, recurve bows, flintlock and sidelock percussion muzzleloaders)
Sika Deer Seasons
Sika deer, a non-native species established primarily on the Eastern Shore, follow the same season structure as white-tailed deer but may be hunted statewide where found:
- Archery: Same dates as white-tailed deer
- Firearms: Same dates as white-tailed deer
- Muzzleloader: Same dates as white-tailed deer
Black Bear Season 🐻
Black bear hunting is limited to a specific zone in Western Maryland:
- Season: October 21-26, 2024
- Zone: Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties
- Note: A special permit is required through a lottery system
Turkey Season Schedule 🦃
Maryland offers multiple wild turkey seasons throughout the year:
Spring Turkey Season
- Regular Season: April 18 – May 23, 2025
- Shooting Hours: Half hour before sunrise to noon (April 18 – May 9); Half hour before sunrise to sunset (May 10-23)
- Junior Hunt Days: April 12-13, 2025 (Sunday hunting allowed in certain counties only)
Fall Turkey Season
- Dates: November 2-10, 2024
- Area: Limited to Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties only
Winter Turkey Season
- Dates: January 23-25, 2025
- Area: Statewide
Waterfowl Hunting Opportunities 🦆
The Chesapeake Bay region is renowned for its waterfowl opportunities, with Maryland dividing its territory into specific zones for various migratory bird seasons:
Canada Goose Seasons
- Early Resident (Eastern Zone): September 2-14, 2024
- Early Resident (Western Zone): September 2-25, 2024
- Migratory Atlantic Population: December 20, 2024 – January 4, 2025
- Late Resident Season: January 15 – February 1, 2025
Duck Seasons
- Eastern Zone: October 12-19, 2024; November 16-29, 2024; December 16, 2024 – January 31, 2025
- Western Zone: October 5-19, 2024; November 23-29, 2024; December 16, 2024 – January 31, 2025
Other Waterfowl Opportunities
- Teal (September Season): September 16-30, 2024
- Light Goose: October 1 – November 29, 2024; December 16, 2024 – March 10, 2025
- Light Goose Conservation Order: December 16, 2024 – January 31, 2025; February 1-7, 2025; February 10 – April 15, 2025
- Brant: December 28, 2024 – January 31, 2025
- Youth, Veteran & Military Hunt Days: November 2, 2024; February 8, 2025
Small Game Opportunities 🐇
Upland Birds and Small Game
| Species | Season Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mourning Dove | Sept. 2 – Oct. 19; Oct. 26 – Nov. 29; Dec. 21 – Jan. 10 | – |
| Rails | Sept. 2 – Nov. 21, 2024 | – |
| Woodcock | Jan. 13-29, 2025 | – |
| Common Snipe | Sept. 28, 2024 – Jan. 30, 2025 | – |
| Squirrel | Sept. 2, 2024 – Feb. 28, 2025 | Closed for Delmarva Fox Squirrel |
| Rabbit | Nov. 2, 2024 – Feb. 28, 2025 | – |
| Quail | Nov. 2, 2024 – Jan. 15, 2025 | Closed in Allegany and Garrett counties; Closed on DNR lands east of Susquehanna River |
| Pheasant | Nov. 2, 2024 – Feb. 28, 2025 | – |
| Ruffed Grouse | Oct. 5 – Dec. 31, 2024 | – |
| Crow | Aug. 15, 2024 – Mar. 15, 2025 | Wednesday through Saturday only |
Furbearer Seasons 🦊
Maryland offers various opportunities for furbearer species management:
Trapping Seasons
- Beaver: December 1, 2024 – March 1, 2025 (except in Garrett and Allegany counties: January 1 – March 1, 2025)
- Coyote (Eastern Region): November 1, 2024 – February 28, 2025
- Coyote (Western Region): January 1 – February 15, 2025
- Fox: Varies by county group, generally November/December through February
- Muskrat & Mink: Varies by county group, generally December through March
- River Otter: Varies by county group, December 1, 2024 – March 15, 2025
- Raccoon, Skunk & Opossum: Varies by region, generally November/January through February/March
Hunting Seasons
- Coyote: Year-round
- Fox Hunting: Varies by county group
- Groundhog: Year-round
- Raccoon & Opossum: October 15, 2024 – March 15, 2025
- Skunk: Year-round
Sunday Hunting in Maryland 📅
Maryland has expanded Sunday hunting opportunities in recent years, but regulations vary significantly by county. For the 2024-2025 season, Sunday deer hunting is permitted in many counties on specific dates, with some counties restricting hunting to private lands only while others allow hunting on both private lands and designated public areas.
Some counties restrict Sunday hunting hours to a period from one-half hour before sunrise until 10:30 AM. Be sure to check the specific regulations for your hunting location as these rules change frequently and vary by county.
License and Tag Information 🎟️
All hunters in Maryland must possess the appropriate licenses and permits:
Resident Licenses
- Regular Hunting License: Required for most hunting activities
- Archery Stamp: Required for bow hunting
- Muzzleloader Stamp: Required for black powder hunting
- Migratory Bird Stamp: Required for waterfowl hunting (in addition to Federal Duck Stamp)
- Furbearer Permit: Required for trapping
Non-Resident Options
- Full Season License: Valid for all regular hunting seasons
- Short-Term License: 3-day options available for visitors
- Additional Stamps: Same requirements as residents
Special Permits
- Black Bear Hunting Permit: Obtained through lottery application
- Managed Hunt Permits: Required for certain public land hunts
- Public Land Access Permits: May be required on certain properties
Hunting Zones and Public Land Access 🗺️
Maryland divides the state into specific management regions for certain species:
- Deer Management Region A: Includes Allegany County, Garrett County, and western Washington County
- Deer Management Region B: Includes the remainder of the state
- Bear Hunt Zone: Limited to Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties
- Waterfowl Zones: Various zones for different species, including Eastern/Western Duck zones and goose management areas
Maryland offers public hunting opportunities on various Wildlife Management Areas, State Forests, and other public lands. Some areas require special permits or have specific regulations, so check with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources before planning your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
Q: When does deer season open in Maryland?
A: Archery season opens first on September 6, 2024, followed by muzzleloader season on October 17, 2024, and firearms season on November 30, 2024.
Q: Can I hunt on Sundays in Maryland?
A: Sunday hunting is allowed in many counties but regulations vary widely. Some counties allow Sunday hunting on private lands only, while others permit it on both private and designated public lands. Check the specific regulations for your hunting location.
Q: Do I need a special permit for bear hunting?
A: Yes, bear hunting requires a special permit obtained through a lottery application system. The hunt is limited to Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties.
Q: Where can I find information about public hunting areas?
A: The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website provides detailed information about public hunting lands, including Wildlife Management Areas, State Forests, and other public lands.
Q: Are there any special youth hunting opportunities?
A: Yes, Maryland offers Junior Deer Hunt Days (November 16-17, 2024) and Junior Turkey Hunt Days (April 12-13, 2025) specifically for young hunters.
Final Thoughts for Maryland Hunters
Maryland offers diverse sporting opportunities across its varied landscapes. From pursuing deer in the Appalachian highlands to hunting waterfowl along the famed Chesapeake Bay, the state provides excellent adventures for sportsmen and women of all experience levels.
Always remember to check the latest regulations before heading afield, as wildlife management policies can change based on population assessments and conservation needs. Be sure to obtain the proper licenses and tags, and familiarize yourself with boundary lines and zone restrictions for your target species.
For the most current information and any regulation updates, visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website or contact your local DNR office. Good luck and safe hunting!
