Maryland Hunting

Maryland

Chesapeake waterfowl tradition, exotic Sika deer marsh hunting on the Eastern Shore, and upland covers.

Maryland - Old Line State Marshes & Chesapeake Traditions

Maryland offers outstanding sportspeople opportunities, rich wildlife habitats, and extensive public land access. From trophy big game hunting to abundant upland bird coverts and waterfowl flyways, Maryland provides a premier destination for hunters of all experience levels.

Maryland Upland Woodcock in Alder Marsh

Managed under strict wildlife conservation guidelines by the state department of natural resources, hunting in Maryland contributes directly to habitat preservation and healthy game populations across the state.

Exotic Sika Deer Stag in Eastern Shore Marsh

Top Hunting Attractions in Maryland

Discover the premier wildlife management areas, big game habitats, and renowned wingshooting regions across Maryland.

Eastern Shore Sika Deer Rut in Dorchester County

Eastern Shore Sika Deer Rut in Dorchester County

The 'Marsh Ghost'—a unique Asian elk-like miniature stag bugling in coastal tidal marshes, hunted from tree stands and marsh platforms.
Chesapeake Bay Canvasback & Pintail Tradition

Chesapeake Bay Canvasback & Pintail Tradition

The historic heart of North American waterfowl gunning, famous for layout boats, offshore blind sites, and diving duck traditions.
Western Maryland Appalachian Bear & Deer

Western Maryland Appalachian Bear & Deer

Rugged mountain hunting across Garrett and Allegany counties in Savage River State Forest and Green Ridge State Forest.
Central Agricultural Whitetail Belts

Central Agricultural Whitetail Belts

Suburban and rural agricultural lands supporting high whitetail deer densities, liberal bag limits, and extended seasons.

Hunting Benefits

  • Exotic Sika Deer: Unique opportunity to hunt free-ranging Asian Sika deer in marshlands.
  • Chesapeake Waterfowl Heritage: Historic sea duck, goose, and puddle duck hunting along Chesapeake Bay.
  • Generous Whitetail Limits: High antlerless bag limits in suburban and agricultural management zones.
  • Western Mountain Public Lands: Access to Savage River State Forest and Green Ridge State Forest.
  • Spring Wild Turkey: Strong Eastern turkey hunting across diverse coastal and mountain biomes.

    • Hunter's Bottom Line

    Summary

    Maryland is celebrated for its historic Chesapeake Bay waterfowl culture and as the only place in North America to hunt free-range wild Sika deer in tidal marshlands.

    The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife and Heritage Service regulates separate bag limits for native white-tailed deer and introduced Sika deer. Sika deer hunters can harvest up to three sika stags and unantlered hinds, with peak rut bugling occurring from late September through October in the Blackwater NWR region.

    Waterfowl regulations in Maryland include specific offshore waterfowl blind site licensing rules. Hunters can access public waters and designated state wildlife areas like Deal Island and Fishing Bay for exceptional puddle duck and diving duck gunning.

    Western Maryland offers black bear lottery hunts in October across four mountainous counties. Non-residents can apply in August to pursue heavy-weight Appalachian bears feeding in mature oak ridges and hickory groves.