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?
Have you purchased your 2025-2026 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 2025-2026 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.
Click the image below to enlarge
Maryland’s Deer Firearms Hunting Opens October 16
Maryland’s Junior Deer Hunt Opens November 15
Maryland’s Deer Firearms Hunting Opens November 29
Maryland Reports 2024 Early Deer Season Results
Maryland hunters harvested 20,592 deer during the early portion of the 2024 archery and muzzleloader seasons. The harvest was a 24% increase from last year’s official harvest of 16,631 deer for the same period.
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.
Click the image below to enlarge
Small Game Hunting
Small Game includes crows, pheasant, quail, rabbits, ruffed grouse, and squirrels.
Click the image below to enlarge
Furbearer Hunting & Trapping
Furbearers include beaver, bobcat, coyote, fisher, gray fox, long-tailed weasel, mink, muskrat, opossum, raccoon, red fox, river otter, and skunk.
Click the image below to enlarge
For a comprehensive compilation of hunting details and regulations, we invite you to refer to this article.