{"id":45985,"date":"2025-10-24T13:46:48","date_gmt":"2025-10-24T17:46:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/?p=45985"},"modified":"2025-10-24T13:46:48","modified_gmt":"2025-10-24T17:46:48","slug":"youth-veteran-and-military-waterfowl-hunting-days-scheduled-for-2025-26-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/2025\/10\/24\/youth-veteran-and-military-waterfowl-hunting-days-scheduled-for-2025-26-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Youth, Veteran, and Military Waterfowl Hunting Days Scheduled for 2025-26 Season"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Youngster

Photo by Brandon Kessler, used with permission by Maryland Department of Natural Resources<\/p><\/div>\n

Maryland\u2019s youth hunters, veterans, and military personnel will be afforded a unique opportunity to experience the tradition of waterfowl hunting on two special hunt days: Nov. 1, 2025 and Feb. 7, 2026.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cWe encourage experienced waterfowl hunters to share waterfowling traditions and the legacy of conservation with youth and veteran hunters,\u201d said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Director Karina Stonesifer. \u201cThe more new hunters we can immerse in our outdoor heritage, the more people will appreciate and conserve the diverse wildlife habitats that Maryland offers. At the same time we are pleased to offer this opportunity to our military veterans in appreciation for their service.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Those 16 years of age or younger and military veterans (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code) of any age and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training) may hunt ducks, geese, and coots on both public and private land on these two days.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Youth hunters must be accompanied by an unarmed adult at least 21 years old or by eligible military personnel also participating in the hunt. All eligible hunters and adult mentors must possess Maryland hunting licenses or be exempt from hunting license requirements. Any adult participating in this hunt will need to purchase both a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp and a Federal Duck Stamp. Youth hunters, including those possessing an\u00a0<\/span>apprentice license<\/span><\/a>, must purchase a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp but do not need to purchase a Federal Duck Stamp if under 16 years of age.<\/span><\/p>\n

The\u00a0<\/span>bag limits<\/span><\/a>\u00a0for the hunting\u00a0days are the same as the regular seasons except:<\/span><\/p>\n