Firearm Deer Season to Open in Maryland

Most Popular Hunting Season Runs Nov. 26-Dec. 10

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that the two-week firearm deer season opens Nov. 26 and runs through Dec. 10. Hunters may use firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this season.

“The two-week firearm season is our most popular hunting opportunity,” said Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto. “Not only is the harvest over this period a critical part of the department’s deer management program, it also allows hunters to spend time outdoors with family and friends after the holidays.”

The bag limits for the season are:

• Statewide: One antlered white-tailed deer. Three sika deer, no more than one antlered.
• Region A: One antlerless white-tailed deer. Antlerless deer season is open Dec. 9-10 on private land and Dec. 10 on public land. Hunters may only take two antlerless deer total for the license year.
• Region B: Ten antlerless white-tailed deer. One bonus antlered white-tailed may be taken per year during a weapon season of the hunter’s choice. A hunter must first take two antlerless white-tailed deer and purchase a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp before taking a second antlered deer.

New this year:

• Sika deer season is open in all counties,
• Hunters in Caroline County may use a rifle or handgun during the firearm seasons, and
• Changes have been made to the Chronic Wasting Disease Management Area.

Hunters are reminded an antler point restriction has been instituted for white-tailed deer. One may harvest up to two antlered deer per license year, which have two or fewer points on each antler present. Any additional antlered deer taken within the legal seasons and bag limits must have at least three points on one antler. Licensed junior hunters are exempt from the restriction.

Those hunters who use tree stands are strongly advised to wear a full-body safety harness, which should be secured at all times, including while climbing up or down the stand. Using a sliding knot, commonly known as a prussic knot, attached to a line that is tied above the tree stand allows hunters to be secure from when they leave the ground to when they return. For more information on tree-stand safety, please click here.