Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days Announced

Opportunities for Young Hunters to Hone Skills

Young Marylanders can hone their hunting skills with the help of an experienced adult during two Youth Waterfowl Hunt Days Nov. 2, 2019 and Feb. 8, 2020. 

“Getting outdoors and hunting with your children is a great way to create lasting memories while reinforcing safety lessons learned in a Hunter Education course,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “Going the extra mile with youth and new hunters will help create future generations of conservationists that recognize the value of protecting wetland habitat so important to waterfowl and other wildlife.”

Those 16 years of age or younger may hunt ducks, geese, and coots on both public and private land on these two days 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 bag limits for the hunting days are the same as the regular seasons except:

• Two black ducks may be taken;
• One Canada goose 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.

More information on public hunting lands and Wildlife Management Areas is available on pages 60-63 of the 2019-20 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.

Licenses, stamps, and permits may be purchased online by phone at 855-855-3906, at a Department of Natural Resources service center or at any one of the more than 250 sport license agents statewide.

Hunters with questions may contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service at 410-260-8540.