Maryland Deer Archery Season Opens September 9

Sika Deer Hunting Now Permitted in All Counties

Archery hunting for white-tailed deer and sika deer opens statewide Sept. 9, and continues through Jan. 31, 2017. The bag limit for white-tailed bucks is one per weapon season. Maryland hunters in Region B have the option to take one additional bonus buck after purchasing a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp and taking two antlerless deer. The antlerless deer bag limits differ between regions.

“Archery hunting continues to be an effective part of our comprehensive deer management plan and is often the most effective control methods available in densely-populated suburban areas of Maryland,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said.

The antler point restriction remains in effect for the coming hunting season. Deer hunters may harvest up to two antlered white-tailed deer within the yearly bag limit that do not meet the requirement of having at least three points on one antler. Any additional antlered deer taken within the established bag limit must meet the minimum point restriction. Licensed junior hunters are exempt from the restriction.

The sika deer archery season bag limit is three with no more than one being antlered. An antlered sika is defined as a deer with at least one antler visible above the hairline. The sika deer archery season is now open in every county.

Hunters should check in deer taken with a long, compound or recurve bow as harvested with a vertical bow. Crossbow hunters should register their deer as taken with a crossbow. This information helps biologists collect information on hunter preferences and trends in how deer are harvested.

Several Sundays are open to archery hunting in most counties, including on some public lands. Guidelines pertaining to Sunday hunting as well as bag limits, season dates, registration procedures and other regulations are included in the 2016-2017 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.

Hunters should carefully inspect all tree-stands and always wear a full-body safety harness while climbing in or out and while in the stand. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources strongly recommends using a sliding knot, commonly known as a prussic knot, attached to a line that is secured above the stand that allows the hunter to be safely tethered to the tree as soon as they leave the ground. For more information on tree-stand safety, please click here.

Maryland hunters are encouraged to donate any extra deer they may harvest to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, where they can donated to local food banks. Last year, the program provided over 650,000 venison meals to food banks and other efforts.