Maryland Firearm Deer Season Reopens January 8

Exclusive to Region B

The winter portion of the firearm deer season opens on Jan. 8 in Deer Management Region B. The season remains closed in Region A. Hunters who possess a valid Maryland hunting license or are exempt from license requirements may use firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this time.

The season is open on Jan. 8 and 9 in all Region B counties, and on Jan. 10 on private lands only in Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Charles, Frederick, Harford, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, St. Mary’s, Washington (Zone 1) and Worcester counties.

“We find the winter season is popular with hunters as it provides another opportunity to hunt with a firearm after the hectic holiday season,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “The harvest during these last few days helps us meet our management goal of reducing the deer population in Region B.”

The season’s bag limits (including any deer taken during the previous firearm season) are:

• One antlered white-tailed deer (statewide limit);
• Ten antlerless white-tailed deer;
• Three sika deer, no more than one antlered, in designated counties only.

In Region B, a hunter may also take one bonus antlered white-tailed deer per license year in the weapon season of their choice after purchasing a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp and taking two antlerless white-tailed deer during any weapon season.

Hunters in Frederick County should be aware of changes to the Shotgun Deer Hunting Zone.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources advises hunters to carefully inspect all tree-stands and always wear a full-body safety harness while climbing. The department strongly recommends using a sliding knot, commonly known as a prussic knot, attached to a line that is secured above the stand that allows the hunter to be safely tethered to the tree. For more information on tree-stand safety, please click here.

Hunting dates, regulations and deer registration procedures are located in the 2015-2016 Maryland Guide to Hunting & Trapping. Additional information may be found on the Hunting in Maryland webpage.

Successful deer hunters are encouraged to donate any extra deer they may harvest to the Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry program. The deer are processed at participating butchers without charge to the hunter and the venison is given to local food banks.

Citizens with questions may contact the Wildlife and Heritage Service at 410-260-8540.