Early Teal Season Runs Through Sept. 30

Special Season Provides Additional Waterfowl Opportunity

A hen and drake teal are featured in the 2020-21 Migratory Game Bird Stamp, painted by Jeffrey Klinefelter.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces that the September teal-only hunting season is open from Sept. 16 through Sept. 30. Shooting hours are from one half-hour before sunrise until sunset, the daily bag limit is six teal (blue or green-winged), and the possession limit for teal is three times the daily bag limit.

Seasons and bag limits for all other migratory game birds can be found in the 2020-21 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.

“We are always pleased to offer additional waterfowl hunting opportunities and this year’s special early teal season is no exception,” said Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto.

All migratory game bird hunters, including landowners who are license-exempt, must possess a valid Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp/Harvest Information Program permit. All waterfowl hunters age 16 and older are also required to possess a federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (federal duck stamp), which must be signed in ink on its front to be valid. Hunters buying the federal stamp online may use the purchase code or printed receipt to show proof of purchase for 45 days. Hunters will receive the physical stamp in the mail from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service within this time frame.

Hunters with questions may contact the department at 410-260-8540.