Muzzleloader Deer Hunting Season to Reopen

Second Portion Runs Dec. 17-31

The second portion of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer hunting season is set to reopen Dec.17 through Dec. 31. Hunters who possess a valid hunting license and a Muzzleloader Stamp may use muzzleloading firearms to hunt white-tailed and sika deer during the season.

Hunters are reminded that the sika deer season is now open in all counties and that recent changes have been made to the Chronic Wasting Disease Management Area.

“Muzzleloader hunting is a great opportunity for hunters to enjoy more time in the woods with friends and family during the holidays,” said Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto. “The season is important to the state’s deer management program and for reaching our deer harvest goals.”

The bag limits for the season, which also includes the already completed October dates, are:

• Statewide: One antlered white-tailed deer. Three sika deer, no more than one antlered.

• Region A: One antlerless white-tailed deer. The antlerless season is Dec. 29-31 on private land and Dec. 31 on public land. Hunters may only take two antlerless deer total for the license year.

• Region B: Ten antlerless white-tailed deer. A hunter may also take one bonus antlered white-tailed deer per license year in the weapon season of their choice after purchasing a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp and taking two antlerless white-tailed deer during any season.

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.