Maryland State Land Hunting Season 2023-2024: Deer, Migratory Game Birds, Small Game, and Furbearers

Many Maryland public lands allow hunting.

To plan your outdoor activities, refer to the schedule below for comprehensive information on Deer Hunting, Migratory Game Bird Hunting, Small Game Hunting, and Furbearer Hunting and trapping.

 

Have you purchased your Maryland hunting license at Deep Creek Lake, MD

Have you purchased your Maryland hunting license?

Have you purchased your 2023-2024 Maryland Hunting License? Hunting season is in full swing and some of the best days are ahead! Our most popular hunting season, deer firearms season, is only a few weeks away, and archery season is ongoing; the white-tail rut is hitting hard as we speak, so now is the time to get out in the woods for exciting action! Additionally, waterfowl and small game hunting are ramping up with the cooler weather.

Do not hesitate, purchase your license today! Take away the stress of the last minute purchase and you’ll have more time to enjoy the outdoors. You can purchase a license online via purchase a license online or by visiting any Department of Natural Resources license center or licensing agent.

NOTE: the MD 2023-2024 hunting season calendar is HERE and Garrett County is Region A

Deer Hunting

Deer hunting regulations are divided by regions. There are two Deer Management
Regions whose dividing line is in Washington County. There are also rules and seasons for archery, firearms (including air guns), and muzzleloader deer hunting.

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Sunday Deer Hunting 2023-2024 (For White Tailed and Sika Deer) at Deep Creek Lake, MD

Maryland’s Deer Firearms Hunting Opens November 25

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the two-week firearms hunting season for sika and white-tailed deer opens Saturday, November 25, and runs through Saturday, December 9.

 

Maryland’s Junior Deer Hunt Opens November 11

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources encourages experienced deer hunters to take advantage of the upcoming Junior Deer Hunting Days to introduce young people to this time-honored cultural and sporting tradition.

The Junior Deer Hunt is open on private and designated public land in all counties on November 11. The season is also open on Sunday, November 12 on private land in all counties except Baltimore, Howard, and Prince George’s. Also on November 12, junior hunters in Allegany, Cecil, Garrett, St. Mary’s, and Washington counties, may hunt on designated public lands.

 

Maryland Reports 2023 Early Deer Season Results

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reports a 16% decrease in the early 2023 archery and muzzleloader season deer harvest compared to last year, with 16,607 deer harvested, down from 20,267.

Migratory Bird Hunting

Migratory Game Birds are brant, coots, doves, ducks, geese, rails, snipe, and woodcock.
Brant, ducks, and geese are referred to as waterfowl.

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Migratory Game Bird Hunting (1) at Deep Creek Lake, MD

Migratory Game Bird Hunting (2) at Deep Creek Lake, MD

Small Game Hunting

Small Game includes crows, pheasant, quail, rabbits, ruffed grouse, and squirrels.

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Small Game Hunting at Deep Creek Lake, MD

Furbearer Hunting & Trapping

Furbearers include beaver, bobcat, coyote, fisher, gray fox, long-tailed weasel, mink, muskrat, opossum, raccoon, red fox, river otter, and skunk.

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Furbearer Hunting & Trapping at Deep Creek Lake, MD

For a comprehensive compilation of hunting details and regulations, we invite you to refer to this article.

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