Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days Scheduled

Upcoming Days for Mentoring Nov. 3 and Feb. 9

Young Marylanders can hone their hunting skills with the help of an experienced adult during two Youth Waterfowl Hunt Days set for Nov. 3, 2018, and Feb. 9, 2019. 

On those days, anyone 16 years of age or younger may hunt coots, ducks and geese on private and public land when aided by an unarmed adult at least 21 years old.  All junior hunters and their adult mentors must possess Maryland hunting licenses. Youth hunters, including those possessing an apprentice license, must purchase a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp, but do not need to purchase a federal duck stamp if under 16 years of age.

The Nov. 3 event comes just as the season’s first strong cold front pushes through Maryland, and seasoned waterfowlers are scanning the sky to catch any sign of migrating birds riding the winds south. 

“Taking a youth hunter afield is a great way to get them just as excited about hunting as their parents or mentors,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “Any young hunter will long remember his or her first adventure on the marsh, in the goose field or on a pre-dawn boat ride. Experiences like that are what will cement them as hunters and outdoor enthusiasts for life.”

The bag limits for the hunting days are the same as the regular seasons except:

• Two black ducks may be taken;
• Two Canada geese may be taken when hunting within the Atlantic Population Canada Goose Hunting Zone; and
• Five Canada geese may be taken when hunting within the Atlantic Flyway Resident Population Canada Goose Hunting Zone.

Licenses, stamps and permits may be purchased online, by phone at 855-855-3906, at regional service centers or at any one of the more than 250 retailers statewide.