Maryland Regulations
Hunting and fishing regulations, seasons, species information, and public access resources for the state of Maryland.
Overview
Maryland offers diverse outdoor opportunities across forests, farmland, tidal marshes, and the Chesapeake Bay.
Below are quick links to seasons, species, licensing, and access information.
Season Information
- Whitetail deer (archery, muzzleloader, firearms)
- Sika deer (regional)
- Turkey seasons (spring & fall)
- Small game (squirrel, rabbit, dove, quail)
- Waterfowl (duck, goose — Atlantic Flyway)
- Fishing seasons (striped bass, trout, crabbing)
Licensing
Maryland requires appropriate licenses for hunting and fishing activities.
- Hunting license (resident & non-resident)
- Fishing license (tidal & non-tidal)
- Deer & turkey permits
- Waterfowl stamps (state & federal)
- Crabbing licenses
- Electronic harvest reporting (COMPASS)
Key Species
- Whitetail Deer
- Sika Deer (unique to MD)
- Eastern Turkey
- Dove & Waterfowl
- Bass, Catfish, Crappie
- Striped Bass (Rockfish)
- Blue Crabs
Public Land & Access
Maryland offers extensive public land access through WMAs, state forests, and coastal waterways.
- Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)
- State forests & parks
- Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
- Chesapeake Bay access & boat ramps
- Special permits & managed hunts