Maryland Announces Early Migratory Game Bird Seasons

The Department of Natural Resources today announced the 2015-2016 early migratory game bird hunting seasons, which mark the traditional start of hunting activity each year in Maryland.

Dove, split season
First Season: September 1 – October 10, 2015
Second: October 31 – November 27, 2015
Third: December 25, 2015 – January 15, 2016

Woodcock, split season
First Season: October 30 – November 27, 2015
Second: January 15 – 30, 2016

Early resident Canada goose season*
Eastern zone: September 1 – 15, 2015
Western zone: September 1 – 25, 2015
*Hunters are allowed to use shotguns capable of holding more than three shot shells, and shooting hours are extended to one-half hour after sunset during the early resident Canada goose season.

Teal, September season**
September 16 – 30, 2015
**Shooting hours will be one-half hour before sunrise to sunset and the daily bag limit is six teal. A description of the September teal season zone, season dates, and bag limits are included at the Early Teal Season website.

All migratory bird hunters, including landowners who are license-exempt, must purchase a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP Permit and possess the printed receipt while hunting. All waterfowl hunters ages 16 and over must possess the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (federal duck stamp). Licenses, stamps and permits may be purchased online via COMPASS, by phone at 1-855-855-3906, at a DNR Service Center, or at any of the more than 250 Sport License Agents. For more information, visit dnr.maryland.gov/service.

Official shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset for all early migratory game bird hunting seasons EXCEPT for: mourning doves during the first season segment, when shooting hours are from noon to sunset; and during the September resident Canada goose seasons when shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

Migratory bird hunting information and a listing of season dates and bag limits are available here.

Hunters are encouraged to report banded migratory game birds by calling 1-800-327-BAND (2263) or online at reportband.gov.

Keep up to date with DNR’s Wildlife & Heritage Service on Facebook and Twitter @MDDNRWildlife.