{"id":46583,"date":"2026-01-28T08:28:40","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T13:28:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/?p=46583"},"modified":"2026-01-27T23:30:29","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T04:30:29","slug":"maryland-hosts-waterfowl-hunting-day-for-youth-veterans-and-military-on-feb-7","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/2026\/01\/28\/maryland-hosts-waterfowl-hunting-day-for-youth-veterans-and-military-on-feb-7\/","title":{"rendered":"Maryland Hosts Waterfowl Hunting Day for Youth, Veterans, and Military on Feb. 7"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Geese

Maryland DNR photo<\/p><\/div>\n

Maryland\u2019s youth hunters, veterans, and military personnel can experience the excitement of this season\u2019s second special waterfowl hunting day; Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. A similar special hunting day was held in early November 2025.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis day represents one of the last opportunities for youth and veteran hunters to enjoy a waterfowl hunt before many of our hunting seasons close for the year\u201d, said Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Karina Stonesifer. \u201cWe encourage youth, veteran, and military waterfowl hunters to take this opportunity to learn the traditions of waterfowl hunting and honor the security our veterans have provided.\u201d<\/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 Feb. 7, 2026.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Youth hunters must be accompanied by an unarmed adult at least 21 years old or by eligible, licensed 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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Any adult participating in this hunt will need to purchase both a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp and a Federal Duck Stamp.\u00a0 Youth hunters, including those possessing an <\/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