Youth hunters, veterans and military personnel will get two special waterfowl hunting days, Nov. 7, 2026 and Feb. 6, 2027, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
On those days, hunters 16 years of age or younger, military veterans of any age (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code) and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training), may hunt ducks, geese and coots on both designated public land and private land.
Youth hunters must be accompanied by an unarmed adult at least 21 years old or by eligible military personnel who are also taking part in the hunt.
All eligible hunters and adult mentors must have Maryland hunting licenses or be exempt from hunting license requirements. Any adult taking part will need both a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp and a Federal Duck Stamp. Youth hunters, including those with an apprentice license, must buy a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp but do not need a Federal Duck Stamp if they are under 16.
Bag limits for the two days are the same as the regular seasons, except:
- Two black ducks may be taken.
- Two scaup may be taken.
- Two Canada geese may be taken when hunting within the Atlantic Population (AP) Canada Goose Hunting Zone.
- Five Canada geese may be taken when hunting within the Late Southern and Western Maryland Resident Goose Zones.
Information on public hunting lands and Wildlife Management Areas is on pages 60-63 of the 2026-27 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.
Licenses, stamps and permits can be bought online, by phone at 855-855-3906, at a Department of Natural Resources Service Center or at any of the more than 250 Sport License Agents statewide. Hunters with questions can contact the DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service at 410-260-8540.
Read the full release from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
