HUNTING & SHOOTING SPORTS

Hunting and trapping opportunities are plentiful throughout Maryland’s wildlife management areas. You’re also able to hunt on certain federal property and land owned by local jurisdictions, as well as private property (with written permission from the owner).

Check in with local outfitters to get all you need for everything from trophy buck and sika deer hunts to non-trophy expeditions for novice hunters.

Deer

- The Indian Springs Wildlife Management Area is famous for its challenging archery deer hunting* and exceptional deer firearm and muzzleloader seasons. All of Indian Springs is open for hunting except for a 30-acre refuge on the west side.

- Encompassing more than 1,100 acres of relatively untouched tidal marsh habitat, the Taylor’s Island Wildlife Management Area hosts white-tailed and sika deer hunting, as well as a variety of waterfowl hunting opportunities.

*A bow stamp is required during the archery and crossbow seasons, and a muzzleloader stamp is necessary for hunting with archery equipment during muzzleloader seasons.

- Waterfowl season extends for several weeks from mid-October through most of January, with Maryland’s premier waterfowl hunting and wetland birding site being the Deal Island Wildlife Management Area. You’ll discover a unique 2,800-acre tidal impoundment, along with miles of tidal creeks and cuts for hunting, birding, and paddling.

HIDDEN GEM. Marshes plus impoundments equal great waterfowl hunting at Fairmount Wildlife Management Area. Black ducks, pintails, gadwall, wigeon, blue- and green-winged teal, and many other species of waterfowl make for an unforgettable hunting season.

- From a bay charter boat, you can hunt sea ducks such as surf, white wing, and black scooters. This adventure can be combined with fishing during striped bass season.

- Canada goose season extends for several weeks from November through February, while greater snow geese are hunted from mid-October through early March. Maryland’s Eastern Shore has abundant marshes, creeks, and ponds ideal for goose hunting. Adjacent fields contain a variety of food sources that attract Canada geese and provide the hunter an excellent place to harvest them during their winter migration.

- The rugged terrain of Garrett County’s Mt. Nebo Wildlife Management Area typically supports strong populations of ruffed grouse, wild turkeys, and white-tailed deer.

- Throughout Maryland, spring and fall wild turkey hunting has been enhanced by a 20-year restoration effort.

- The Liberty and Prettyboy watershed areas feature upland game along with forest game and deer (bow only).

- Mourning dove hunting is allowed from September into early January at several wildlife management areas, including Myrtle Grove, LeCompte, and Millington.

- Farmlands and commercial regulated shooting areas on the Eastern Shore and throughout the state feature pen-reared pheasant, bobwhite quail, chukar partridge, mallard ducks, and more. Hunters can utilize their own dogs or be paired with retrievers and bird dogs from a preserve’s private kennel.

- More than 50 public and private ranges in the state cater to archery and firearms. Among these facilities are the Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management Area shooting range and the Green Ridge State Forest rifle range. Green Ridge also has a handicap accessible hunting area.

- Multi-course venues on the Eastern Shore offer a variety of water and field targets, as well as woodland shooting with traps simulating the flight of various birds and small game. Towers climbing to 90 feet overlook shooting stations amid dazzling scenery.

- Opportunities in the Capital Region range from combination skeet/trap fields to sporting clays and night shooting. Endorsements come from the National Skeet Shooting Association, National Sporting Clays Association, and Amateur Trap Association.

Hunting licenses: www.dnr.state.md.us/service, or through DNR Regional Service Centers. Annapolis number – 410-260-8200.

DNR Guide to Hunting and Trapping: www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide, 410-260-8540.

Master Hunter Guides: www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife.

Maryland Archery Association - www.angelfire.com/md2/maa.

Maryland Bowhunters Society – www.marylandbowhunterssociety.org, 1-800-434-0811.

Maryland Sportsmen’s Association - www.marylandsportsmen.org.

Maryland State Rifle & Pistol Association – www.msrpa.org.

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