Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days Announced

Maximum Age to Participate Increased to 16 Years Old

Young Marylanders can hone their hunting skills with the help of an experienced adult during two Youth Waterfowl Hunt Days Nov. 5 and Feb. 11, 2017. Those 16 years of age or younger may hunt ducks, geese, mergansers and coots on public and private land these two days when aided by a qualified adult.

New this year, the maximum age for participating has been increased from 15 to 16 years of age.

“This is a day when the focus is entirely on our youth hunters and waterfowlers,” said Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto. “It is a great opportunity to refresh the lessons learned in hunter safety and engage young people – Maryland’s future hunters and trappers – in waterfowling such as placing decoys, calling birds and hunting with a retriever.”

All junior hunters and their adult mentors must possess Maryland hunting licenses. Youth hunters 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 bag limits for the hunting days are the same as the regular seasons except:

• One black duck 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 a department service center or at any one of the over 250 agents statewide.