Hunting & Trapping Regulation Proposals -
Final Selections Made by DNR
for 2012-2013 and 2013-2014
DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service adopts hunting and trapping regulations for resident game species and certain migratory birds on a biennial schedule.
(All dates inclusive.)
Click here to Download and Print the Proposed Regulations
MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS
Seasons, bag limits and possession limits for migratory game birds must conform to regulations and season frameworks adopted by the Secretary of the Interior. To provide additional opportunity for public involvement in this process, the Department presents the following proposals for selected migratory species with the understanding that they may change to comply with forthcoming Federal frameworks.
NO PROPOSED CHANGES FOR WATERFOWL
Proposed Early Waterfowl Seasons & Bag Limits
2012-2013 and 2013-2014
| Species | Open Season | Location | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|
Early Resident Canada Goose Eastern Zone |
2012* 2013* |
Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne's, St. Mary's, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester counties; and that part of Anne Arundel County east of Interstate 895, Interstate 97 and Route 3; that part of Prince George’s County east of Route 3 and Route 301; and that part of Charles County east of Route 301 to the Virginia State line. |
8 per day |
16 |
|
Early Resident Canada Goose Western Zone |
2012* 2013* |
Allegany, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, Montgomery, and Washington counties and that part of Anne Arundel County west of Interstate 895, Interstate 97 and Route 3; that part of Prince George’s County west of Route 3 and Route 301; and that part of Charles County west of Route 301 to the Virginia State line. |
8 per day |
16 |
|
Teal ** |
To be determined when May breeding survey data is available |
Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne's, St. Mary's, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester counties; and that part of Anne Arundel County east of Interstate 895, Interstate 97 and Route 3; that part of Prince George’s County east of Route 3 and Route 301; and that part of Charles County east of Route 301 to the Virginia State line. |
4 teal |
8 |
|
* Special Hunting Methods for Resident Canada Geese during the September Season Only: Shotguns capable of holding more than three shells may be used to take Resident Canada geese and the shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. |
||||
NO PROPOSED CHANGES FOR WEBLESS MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS
Proposed Webless Migratory Game Bird Seasons & Bag Limits
2012-2013 and 2013-2014
|
Species |
Open Season |
Location |
Daily Bag Limit |
Possession Limit |
|
Woodcock |
2012-13 2013-14 |
All counties |
3 per day |
6 |
|
Mourning Dove |
2012-13 2013-14 |
All counties |
15 per day |
30 |
|
Clapper & King Rails |
2012 2013 |
All counties |
10 per day |
20 |
|
Sora & Virginia Rails |
2012 2013 |
All counties |
25 per day |
25 |
|
Common Snipe |
2012-13 2013-14 |
All counties |
8 per day |
16 |
NO PROPOSED CHANGES FOR UPLAND GAME
Proposed Upland Game Seasons and Bag Limits
2012-2013 and 2013-2014
|
Species |
Open Season |
Location |
Daily Bag Limit |
Possession Limit |
|
Eastern Cottontail Rabbit |
2012-13 2013-14 |
All counties |
4 per day |
8 |
|
Snowshoe Hare |
CLOSED SEASON |
|||
|
Crow |
2012-13 and 2013-14 |
All counties |
No Limit |
No Limit |
|
Pheasant |
2012 2013 |
All counties |
1 per day |
2 |
|
Quail |
2012-13 2013-14 |
Lands owned or managed by DNR – excluding Garrett and Allegany counties |
6 per day No more than 3 on lands owned or managed by DNR |
12 |
|
Quail |
2012-13 2013-14 |
Private lands west of I-83 from PA south to I-695 to I-95 south to VA. ; excluding Garrett and Allegany counties |
||
|
Quail |
2012-13 2013-14 |
Private lands east of I-83 from PA south to I-695 to I-95 south to VA |
||
|
Quail |
CLOSED SEASON |
Garrett and Allegany counties |
|
|
Proposed Falconry Upland Game Seasons and Bag Limits
2012-2013 and 2013-2014
|
Species |
Open Season |
Location |
Daily Bag Limit |
Possession Limit |
|
Eastern Cottontail Rabbit Quail |
2012-13 2013-14 |
All counties |
4 per day |
8 |
|
Pheasant - either sex |
2012-13 2013-14 |
All counties |
1 per day |
2 |
Proposed Falconry Forest Game Seasons & Bag Limits
2012-2013 and 2013-2014
|
Species |
Open Season |
Location |
Daily Bag Limit |
Possession Limit |
|
Ruffed
grouse |
2012-13 2013-14 |
All counties |
2 per day |
4 |
|
Squirrel –
Gray, Eastern Fox, Red or Piney* |
2012-13 2013-14 |
All counties |
6 per day * no limit for Red or Piney |
12 * no limit for Red or Piney |
NO PROPOSED CHANGES FOR FOREST GAME (except deer)
Proposed Forest Game Seasons & Bag Limits
2012-2013 and 2013-2014
|
Species |
Open Season |
Location |
Daily Bag Limit |
Possession Limit |
|
Black Bear |
2012 2013 |
Allegany and Garrett counties
|
1 per day with no more than |
1 per season with no more than |
|
Wild
Turkey, fall season, |
2012 2013 |
Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties |
1 |
1 per season |
|
Wild
Turkey, spring season, |
2013 2014 |
All counties |
1 bearded turkey |
2 bearded turkeys per season |
|
Wild Turkey |
2013 and 2014 Apr 18 - May 23 |
All counties |
1 bearded turkey |
|
|
Squirrel - Gray & Eastern Fox |
2012-13 |
All counties |
6 per day
|
12 |
|
Squirrel - Red or Piney |
2012-13 |
All counties |
No Limit |
No Limit |
|
Delmarva Fox Squirrel |
CLOSED SEASON |
All counties |
||
|
Ruffed grouse |
2012-13 2013-14 |
All counties |
2 per day |
4 |
|
* Hunters age 16 or younger only; must be accompanied by a licensed (or exempt from license requirement) unarmed adult age 21 or older. |
||||
PROPOSED CHANGES FOR FURBEARERS
River Otter
1. Reopen a trapping season for river otters in Garrett and Allegany counties with a bag limit of one otter per season. All other counties in Maryland currently have an open season for otters.
Submitted to become a regulation.
Rationale/Goal:to provide a limited opportunity for trappers to take river otters in these counties. This will allow trappers that are targeting beavers more latitude to trap in areas where catching an otter in a beaver set is a possibility. Federal law requires all otter pelts to be tagged by DNR staff so we will gain valuable data on capture locations. We also will require trappers to surrender the carcass of any otters trapped in these counties to provide population data not otherwise available to DNR.
Comments: otters are present in most of the suitable habitat in Garrett and Allegany counties due to a successful reintroduction project conducted in the early to mid 1990’s. Since that time, otter sightings have become increasingly common in Allegany and Garrett counties. Within the past few years, multiple otters have been reported in most sub-watersheds throughout the two-county region.
Red and Gray Fox
1. Extend fox season by two weeks, but for shooting only. This would include hunting during the night and day.
Submitted to become a regulation.
Rationale/Goal: this would afford additional recreational opportunities to predator hunters that are otherwise hunting coyotes at this time. It is expected that this proposal would have a minimal impact on fox populations across the state but should result in an increased take of coyotes. Currently, there are two management zones for foxes, the season would be extended by two weeks in both zones. The opening dates would remain unchanged as would the season in Charles and Dorchester counties (Aug. 1 – July 31).
Proposed Furbearer Seasons & Bag Limits
2012-2013 and 2013-2014
|
Species |
Open Season |
Location |
Daily Bag Limit |
Possession Limit |
|
Beaver |
2012-13 2013-14 |
All counties |
No Limit |
No Limit |
|
Bobcat |
CLOSED SEASON |
All counties |
|
|
|
Coyote |
Coyotes may be hunted in all counties year-round during daylight hours (1/2 hr. before sunrise to 1/2 hr. after sunset) except Sunday. |
No Limit |
No Limit |
|
|
2012-13 and 2013-14 Oct 15 - Mar 15 |
Coyotes may be hunted in all counties day and night, except Sundays |
No Limit |
No Limit |
|
|
Coyote Trapping |
2012-13 2013-14 |
In that portion of the State WEST of the Chesapeake Bay and the Susquehanna River |
No Limit |
No Limit |
|
2012-13 and 2013-14 Nov 15 –Jan 31 |
In that portion of the State EAST of the Chesapeake Bay and the Susquehanna River |
No Limit |
No Limit |
|
|
Fox Firearms, Bow, Crossbow and Trapping |
2012-13 2013-14 |
Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, St. Mary's, and Washington counties |
No Limit |
No Limit |
|
2012-13 and 2013-14 Nov 15 –Jan 31 |
Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne's, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester counties |
No Limit |
No Limit |
|
|
2012-13 and 2013-14 Aug 1 - Jul 31 |
Charles and Dorchester counties |
No Limit |
No Limit |
|
|
Fox Firearms, Bow and Crossbow only . |
2012-13 2013-14 |
Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, St. Mary's, and Washington counties |
No Limit |
No Limit |
|
Fox Firearms, Bow and Crossbow only . |
2012-13 and 2013-14 Feb 1 – Feb 15 |
Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne's, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester counties |
No Limit |
No Limit |
|
Fisher |
2012-13 2013-14 |
All counties |
2 per day |
2 per season |
|
Nutria |
2012-13 and 2013-14 Aug 1 - Jul 31 |
All counties* |
No Limit |
No Limit |
|
Muskrat and Mink |
2012-13 and 2013-14 Nov 15 - Feb 15 |
Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard and Washington counties |
No Limit |
No Limit |
|
2012-13 2013-14 |
Baltimore, Cecil, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne's, Somerset and Worcester counties |
No Limit |
No Limit |
|
|
2013 and 2014 Jan 1 - Mar 15 |
Anne Arundel, Calvert, Caroline, Charles, Dorchester, Montgomery, Prince George's, St. Mary's, Talbot and Wicomico counties |
No Limit |
No Limit |
|
|
Otter |
2012-13 2013-14 |
In Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery and Washington counties |
2 per day |
2 per season |
|
In all other counties |
10 per day |
10 per season |
||
|
Allegany and Garrett counties |
1 per day |
1 per season |
||
|
Raccoon and
Opossum No Kill |
2012-13 and 2013-14
Aug 1 - Oct 14 |
All counties |
||
|
Raccoon and
Opossum |
2012-13 and 2013-14 Oct 15 - Mar 15 |
All counties |
No Limit |
No Limit |
|
Raccoon and
Opossum |
2012-13 and 2013-14 Nov 1 - Mar 15 |
In that portion of the State WEST of the Chesapeake Bay and the Susquehanna River |
No Limit |
No Limit |
|
2012-13 and 2013-14 Nov 15 - Mar 15 |
In that portion of the State EAST of the Chesapeake Bay and the Susquehanna River |
No Limit |
No Limit |
|
|
Skunk and
|
2012-13 2013-14 |
In that portion of the State WEST of the Chesapeake Bay and the Susquehanna River |
No Limit |
No Limit |
|
2012-13 and 2013-14 |
In that portion of the State EAST of the Chesapeake Bay and the Susquehanna River |
No Limit |
No Limit |
|
|
*On lands owned or controlled by DNR in Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester counties only leaseholders or their appointees can hunt or trap furbearers and nutria between Nov 15 and Mar 15. |
||||
PROPOSED CHANGES FOR DEER
NOTE: Current Maryland law prohibits DNR from amending Sunday hunting restrictions through the regulatory process without prior approval from the Maryland Legislature. However, DNR has supported legislative efforts to expand Sunday hunting for deer in recent years.
General Deer Changes
1. To allow a cocked, but unloaded crossbow to be placed in, on or against any vehicle. The change would still prohibit a loaded crossbow from being in, on or against any vehicle. A loaded crossbow is one with a bolt or arrow in the shooting position.
Submitted to become a regulation.
Rationale/Goal: to drop the requirement that a crossbow be shot (or otherwise uncocked) before being transported in a vehicle.
Comments: a regulation currently requires hunters to uncock all crossbows before placing them in a vehicle. This typically requires a crossbow to be shot (i.e. uncocked) at the end of the hunting period. This activity is arguably more dangerous than having an unloaded, cocked crossbow in a vehicle since it often means a crossbow is shot when other hunters may be in (or approaching) the area, in the dark, etc.
2. Require persons that are bowhunting deer in the bear hunting zone to meet the hunter orange requirements while the bear season is open.
Submitted to become a regulation.
Rationale/Goal: to improve the safety of the bear season by requiring bowhunters to wear hunter orange.
Comments: currently, bowhunters must wear orange when the deer muzzleloader and firearm season are in but not when bear season is open. While there are a variety of hunters that do not need to wear orange, this change would result in the majority of hunters to be wearing orange during the bear season in the bear hunting zone.
White-tailed Deer
1. Create a STATEWIDE bag limit for antlered deer (bucks) and reduce the overall buck bag limit to three per year, one per weapon season (i.e. bow season, muzzleloader season and firearm season). One Bonus buck would be allowed to be taken in Region B only during the season of the hunter’s choice. Hunters must purchase a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp and harvest two does during any weapon season in Region B before taking a Bonus buck.
This modified version submitted to become a regulation.
Rationale/Goal: this change would simplify our regulations and is anticipated to result in a modest reduction in buck harvest while minimizing lost hunting opportunity. The opportunity to pursue a Bonus buck in Region B is anticipated to maintain hunter interest and avoid a drop in the antlerless harvest.
Comments: this change is based on hunter input stating that our current statewide bag limit for bucks is too high at nine per year (combined total for Region A and Region B). While this Concept would not change the buck bag limit for Region A, it would remove the option for hunters to take a buck in Region B and then one in Region A during the same weapon season. Hunters could take a buck in Region A and then take a Bonus buck in Region B after purchasing a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp and taking two does in Region B.
2. Extend the archery season for white-tailed and sika deer to open on the first Friday after Labor Day, each year.
This modified version submitted to become a regulation.
Rationale/Goal: To continue using biologically and culturally sound opportunities to harvest more deer of both species and provide recreation. Opening on the first Friday after Labor Day will avoid conflicts with the traditional opening of dove season and the Labor Day weekend. The season ending date will remain January 31.
3. Expand the current unlimited antlerless bag limit for bow season in the Suburban Archery Zone to all of Deer Management Region B.
Submitted to become a regulation.
Rationale/Goal:to simplify regulations by making the current Suburban Archery Zone bow season bag limit apply to all of Region B.
Comments: the Suburban Archery Zone formerly had special opportunities for crossbow hunting and a separate bag limit for antlerless deer during bow season. The crossbow opportunities were expanded to statewide in 2010, this would expand the unlimited bag limit to Region B, making the Suburban Archery Zone obsolete.
4. To permit the transportation of a deer carcass or part taken in the CWD Management Area (CWDMA) to an approved taxidermist.
Submitted to become a regulation.
Rationale/Goal:a regulation currently allows a person to transport a deer carcass or part taken in the CWDMA to an approved deer processor outside of the CWDMA. Currently, there is no provision for taking the carcass or parts to a taxidermist outside the CWDMA. This Proposal would allow that.
Comments: WHS would work with local taxidermists to train them on CWD management issues and develop a means for the proper disposal of any waste remaining after an item is mounted.
5. To allow a person to remove deer front and hind leg quarters from the CWDMA.
Submitted to become a regulation.
Rationale/Goal:to broaden the current limitation on the removal of deer parts from the CWDMA to include ‘leg quarters’. Leg quarters could include the bones, meat and hide of the legs, but no portion of the spinal column may be attached.
Comments: a regulation currently requires that all meat be removed from the bone before being transported out of the CWDMA. It is more reasonable to allow hunters to remove the deer leg quarters and backstraps with no portion of the spine attached – which still meets the basic requirements of avoiding the high risk areas of the carcass.
2012-13 White-tailed Deer Seasons and Bag Limits
Antlered Deer – Statewide
One antlered white-tailed deer may be taken during each weapon season (Bow, Muzzleloader and Firearm) for a total of 3 antlered deer per year statewide (Region A and Region B combined). However, hunters in Region B may take 1 additional (Bonus) antlered deer, but may not exceed a total of 4 antlered deer per year statewide. Hunters in Region B may choose in which season to take the 1 Bonus antlered deer. Before taking a Bonus antlered deer, hunters must first purchase a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp and harvest 2 antlerless deer in Region B. These antlerless deer may be taken in any weapon season.
|
Season |
Dates |
Total Bag Limit |
Notes |
|
|
Bow |
Sep 7 - Oct 17
aSunday-see Notes bRegion A only – see Notes |
1 Antlered* |
Fluorescent orange requirement: Bowhunters are required to wear fluorescent orange when the Deer Muzzleloader Season, Deer Firearm Season or Junior Deer Hunt is open in the deer management region where they are hunting. Bowhunters in Allegany and Garrett counties are required to wear fluorescent orange when the Black Bear Season is open. Sunday deer hunting:
January 4 & 5: Bow season is open January 4 & 5, 2013 in Region A only. Firearm season is open January 4 & 5 in Region B only. Deer hunters may use archery equipment on these days in Region B but any deer harvested must count towards the firearm season bag limit. |
|
|
Muzzleloader |
Oct 18 - Oct 20 Dec 15 - Dec 29 |
1 Antlered* |
Region A muzzleloader bag limit: Only 1 deer total (antlered or antlerless) may be taken on either public or private lands in Region A during the October 18 – 20, 2012 muzzleloader season. |
|
|
Firearm |
Nov 24 - Dec 8
cRegion B only – see Notes |
1 Antlered* |
Sunday Deer Hunting:
January 4 & 5: Firearm season is open January 4 & 5, 2013 in Region B only. Bow season is open January 4 & 5 in Region A only. Deer hunters may use archery equipment on these days in Region B but any deer harvested must count towards the firearm season bag limit. |
|
|
* One additional (Bonus) antlered deer may be taken per year in Region B only. The Bonus antlered deer may be taken in any weapon season. Before taking a Bonus antlered deer, hunters must first purchase a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp and harvest two antlerless deer in Region B. These antlerless deer may be taken in any weapon season. Persons exempt from needing a hunting license (see page xx) do not need to purchase a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp but must harvest two does in Region B with any weapon prior to taking a Bonus antlered deer. Only one Bonus antlered deer may be taken each year. |
||||
2012-13 White-tailed Deer Seasons and Bag Limits
Antlerless Deer – Region A
Allegany, Garrett & Washington (Zone 2) counties
Antlerless white-tailed deer seasons and bag limits remain separate for Region A and Region B. An antlerless white-tailed deer is a female deer or a male deer with no antlers or spike antlers less than three inches in length, measuring from the top of the skull as the deer is in life.
|
Season |
Dates |
Total Bag Limit |
Notes |
|
Bow |
Sep 7 - Oct 17 |
1 Antlerless |
Fluorescent orange requirement: Bowhunters are required to wear fluorescent orange when the Deer Muzzleloader Season, Deer Firearm Season or Junior Deer Hunt is open in the deer management region where they are hunting. Bowhunters in Allegany and Garrett counties are required to wear fluorescent orange when the Black Bear Season is open. Sunday deer hunting: Deer Bow Season is open on Sundays October 14, October 21, October 28, November 4, and November 11, 2012 in Region A on private lands only. |
|
Muzzleloader DNR Public Lands |
Dec 29 |
1 Antlerless |
Region A muzzleloader bag limit: Only 1 deer total (antlered or antlerless) may be taken on either public or private lands in Region A during the October 18 – 20, 2012 muzzleloader season. |
|
Muzzleloader All Other Lands |
Oct 18 – Oct 20 Dec 27 – Dec 29 |
||
|
Firearm DNR Public Lands |
Dec 8 |
1 Antlerless |
|
|
Firearm All Other Lands |
Dec 7 – Dec 8 |
Region A DNR Public Land Antlerless Harvest Restriction: Hunters may harvest up to three antlerless deer per year in Region A (one each during the Bow, Firearm, and Muzzleloader seasons). However, no more than two of the three antlerless deer may be taken on DNR public lands (excluding the Junior Deer Hunt).
Region A DNR public lands include: Billmeyer-Belle Grove WMA, Dan’s Mountain WMA, Deep Creek Lake State Park (Designated Areas Only), Green Ridge State Forest, Indian Springs WMA, Mount Nebo WMA, Potomac-Garrett State Forest, Prather’s Neck WMA, Rocky Gap State Park (Designated Areas Only), Savage River State Forest, Sideling Hill WMA, Warrior Mountain WMA, Woodmont NRMA, Youghiogheny Reservoir CWMA and Youghiogheny Scenic Wild River.
2012-13 White-tailed Deer Seasons and Bag Limits
Antlerless Deer – Region B
Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, St. Mary’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington (Zone 1), Wicomico & Worcester counties
Antlerless white-tailed deer seasons and bag limits remain separate for Region A and Region B. An antlerless white-tailed deer is a female deer or a male deer with no antlers or spike antlers less than three inches in length, measuring from the top of the skull as the deer is in life.
|
Season |
Dates |
Total Bag Limit |
Notes |
|
Bow |
Sep 7 - Oct 17
aSunday-see Notes |
Unlimited Antlerless |
Fluorescent orange requirement: Bowhunters are required to wear fluorescent orange when the Deer Muzzleloader Season, Deer Firearm Season or Junior Deer Hunt is open in the deer management region where they are hunting. Sunday deer hunting:
|
|
Muzzleloader |
Oct 18 – Oct 27 Dec 15 – Dec 29 |
10 Antlerless |
|
|
Firearm |
Nov 24 – Dec 8 Jan 4 – Jan 5 |
10 Antlerless |
Sunday Deer Hunting:
|
2012-13 Junior Deer Hunt
Antlered & Antlerless Deer
The Junior Deer Hunt is for hunters age 16 or younger only. Junior hunters must be accompanied by a licensed (or exempt from license requirement) unarmed adult age 21 or older.
|
Region |
Description |
Total Bag Limit |
Dates |
Notes |
|
Region A |
White-tailed Deer, Antlered or Antlerless |
1 deer |
Nov 10 - Nov 11a
aSunday-see Notes |
Separate Bag Limit: Deer taken by Junior hunters during the Junior Hunt Season do not count towards the regular bow, muzzleloader, or firearm season bag limits. Sunday Deer Hunting: The Junior Deer Hunt is open on Sunday November 11, 2012 on private lands only in Allegany, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Kent, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, St. Mary’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico & Worcester counties. Antlered sika deer: An antlered sika deer is a sika deer with at least one antler visible above the hairline. |
|
Region B |
White-tailed Deer, Antlered or Antlerless |
3 deer, no more than 1 may be antlered |
||
|
Region B Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico & Worcester counties |
Sika Deer, Antlered or Antlerless |
1 deer |
2013-14 White-tailed Deer Seasons and Bag Limits
Antlered Deer – Statewide
One antlered white-tailed deer may be taken during each weapon season (Bow, Muzzleloader and Firearm) for a total of 3 antlered deer per year statewide (Region A and Region B combined). However, hunters in Region B may take 1 additional (Bonus) antlered deer, but may not exceed a total of 4 antlered deer per year statewide. Hunters in Region B may choose in which season to take the 1 Bonus antlered deer. Before taking a Bonus antlered deer, hunters must first purchase a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp and harvest 2 antlerless deer in Region B. These antlerless deer may be taken in any weapon season.
|
Season |
Dates |
Total Bag Limit |
Notes |
|
|
Bow |
Sep 6 - Oct 16
aSunday-see Notes bRegion A only – see Notes |
1 Antlered* |
Fluorescent orange requirement: Bowhunters are required to wear fluorescent orange when the Deer Muzzleloader Season, Deer Firearm Season or Junior Deer Hunt is open in the deer management region where they are hunting. Bowhunters in Allegany and Garrett counties are required to wear fluorescent orange when the Black Bear Season is open. Sunday deer hunting:
January 10 & 11: Bow season is open January 10 & 11, 2014 in Region A only. Firearm season is open January 10 & 11 in Region B only. Deer hunters may use archery equipment on these days in Region B but any deer harvested must count towards the firearm season bag limit. |
|
|
Muzzleloader |
Oct 17 - Oct 19 Dec 21 – Jan 4 |
1 Antlered* |
Region A muzzleloader bag limit: Only 1 deer total (antlered or antlerless) may be taken on either public or private lands in Region A during the October 17 – 19, 2013 muzzleloader season. |
|
|
Firearm |
Nov 30 - Dec 14 Jan 10 - Jan 11c cRegion B only – see Notes |
1 Antlered* |
Sunday Deer Hunting:
January 10 & 11: Firearm season is open January 10 & 11, 2014 in Region B only. Bow season is open January 10 & 11 in Region A only. Deer hunters may use archery equipment on these days in Region B but any deer harvested must count towards the firearm season bag limit. |
|
* One additional (Bonus) antlered deer may be taken per year in Region B only. The Bonus antlered deer may be taken in any weapon season. Before taking a Bonus antlered deer, hunters must first purchase a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp and harvest two antlerless deer in Region B. These antlerless deer may be taken in any weapon season. Persons exempt from needing a hunting license (see page xx) do not need to purchase a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp but must harvest two does in Region B with any weapon prior to taking a Bonus antlered deer. Only one Bonus antlered deer may be taken each year. |
||||
2013-14 White-tailed Deer Seasons and Bag Limits
Antlerless Deer – Region A
Allegany, Garrett & Washington (Zone 2) counties
Antlerless white-tailed deer seasons and bag limits remain separate for Region A and Region B. An antlerless white-tailed deer is a female deer or a male deer with no antlers or spike antlers less than three inches in length, measuring from the top of the skull as the deer is in life.
|
Season |
Dates |
Total Bag Limit |
Notes |
|
Bow |
Sep 6 - Oct 16
|
1 Antlerless |
Fluorescent orange requirement: Bowhunters are required to wear fluorescent orange when the Deer Muzzleloader Season, Deer Firearm Season or Junior Deer Hunt is open in the deer management region where they are hunting. Bowhunters in Allegany and Garrett counties are required to wear fluorescent orange when the Black Bear Season is open. Sunday deer hunting: Deer Bow Season is open on Sundays October 13, October 20, October 27, November 3, and November 10, 2013 in Region A on private lands only. |
|
Muzzleloader DNR Public Lands |
Jan 4 |
1 Antlerless |
Region A muzzleloader bag limit: Only 1 deer total (antlered or antlerless) may be taken on either public or private lands in Region A during the October 17 – 19, 2013 muzzleloader season. |
|
Muzzleloader All Other Lands |
Oct 17 – Oct 19 Jan 2 – Jan 4 |
||
|
Firearm DNR Public Lands |
Dec 14 |
1 Antlerless |
|
|
Firearm All Other Lands |
Dec 13 – Dec 14 |
Region A DNR Public Land Antlerless Harvest Restriction: Hunters may harvest up to three antlerless deer per year in Region A (one each during the Bow, Firearm, and Muzzleloader seasons). However, no more than two of the three antlerless deer may be taken on DNR public lands (excluding the Junior Deer Hunt).
Region A DNR public lands include: Billmeyer-Belle Grove WMA, Dan’s Mountain WMA, Deep Creek Lake State Park (Designated Areas Only), Green Ridge State Forest, Indian Springs WMA, Mount Nebo WMA, Potomac-Garrett State Forest, Prather’s Neck WMA, Rocky Gap State Park (Designated Areas Only), Savage River State Forest, Sideling Hill WMA, Warrior Mountain WMA, Woodmont NRMA, Youghiogheny Reservoir CWMA and Youghiogheny Scenic Wild River.
2013-14 White-tailed Deer Seasons and Bag Limits
Antlerless Deer – Region B
Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, St. Mary’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington (Zone 1), Wicomico & Worcester counties
Antlerless white-tailed deer seasons and bag limits remain separate for Region A and Region B. An antlerless white-tailed deer is a female deer or a male deer with no antlers or spike antlers less than three inches in length, measuring from the top of the skull as the deer is in life.
|
Season |
Dates |
Total Bag Limit |
Notes |
|
Bow |
Sep 6 - Oct 16 aSunday-see Notes |
Unlimited Antlerless |
Fluorescent orange requirement: Bowhunters are required to wear fluorescent orange when the Deer Muzzleloader Season, Deer Firearm Season or Junior Deer Hunt is open in the deer management region where they are hunting. Sunday deer hunting:
Deer bow season is open on Sunday November 3, 2013 in Anne Arundel, Caroline, Cecil, Harford, Kent, Montgomery & Queen Anne’s counties on private land only. |
|
Muzzleloader |
Oct 17 – Oct 26 Dec 21 – Jan 4 |
10 Antlerless |
|
|
Firearm |
Nov 30 – Dec 14 Jan 10 – Jan 11 |
10 Antlerless |
Sunday Deer Hunting:
|
2013-14 Junior Deer Hunt
Antlered & Antlerless Deer
The The Junior Deer Hunt is for hunters age 16 or younger only. Junior hunters must be accompanied by a licensed (or exempt from license requirement) unarmed adult age 21 or older.
|
Region |
Description |
Total Bag Limit |
Dates |
Notes |
|
Region A |
White-tailed Deer, Antlered or Antlerless |
1 deer |
Nov 16 - Nov 17a
aSunday-see Notes |
Separate Bag Limit: Deer taken by Junior hunters during the Junior Hunt Season do not count towards the regular bow, muzzleloader, or firearm season bag limits. Sunday Deer Hunting: The Junior Deer Hunt is open on Sunday November 17, 2013 on private lands only in Allegany, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Kent, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, St. Mary’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico & Worcester counties Antlered sika deer: An antlered sika deer is a sika deer with at least one antler visible above the hairline.
|
|
Region B |
White-tailed Deer, Antlered or Antlerless |
3 deer, no more than 1 may be antlered |
||
|
Region B Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico & Worcester counties |
Sika Deer, Antlered or Antlerless |
1 deer |
Sika Deer
1. Extend the archery season for white-tailed and sika deer to open on first Friday after Labor Day, each year.
This modified version submitted to become a regulation.
Rationale/Goal: To continue using biologically and culturally sound opportunities to harvest more deer of both species and provide recreation. Opening on the first Friday after Labor Day will avoid conflicts with the traditional opening of dove season and the Labor Day weekend. The season ending date will remain January 31.
2. Institute a branched-antler requirement for stags (males) during all sika deer seasons except the Junior Deer Hunt. Antlered sika deer would need at least one branched antler to be legal for harvest. Junior hunters would be exempt during all seasons.
This proposal was withdrawn by DNR due to public input and will not be submitted to become a regulation.
2012-13 Sika Deer Seasons and Bag Limits
Antlered & Antlerless Deer
Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico & Worcester counties
An antlered sika deer is a deer with at least one antler visible above the hairline.
|
Season |
Description |
Dates |
Total Bag Limit |
Notes |
|
Bow |
Antlered or Antlerless |
Sep 7 - Oct 17 aSunday-see Notes |
2 deer, no more than 1 antlered |
Fluorescent orange requirement: Bowhunters are required to wear fluorescent orange when the Deer Muzzleloader Season, Deer Firearm Season or Junior Deer Hunt is open in the deer management region where they are hunting. Sunday deer hunting:
|
|
Muzzleloader |
Antlered or Antlerless |
Oct 18 – Oct 20 |
2 deer, no more than 1 antlered |
Sika Deer Muzzleloader Bag Limit: Only 1 sika deer (antlered or antlerless) may be taken October 18 – 20, 2012; only 1 antlerless sika deer may be taken October 22 – 27, 2012. |
|
Antlerless Only |
Oct 22 - 27 |
|||
|
Antlered or Antlerless |
Dec 15 – Dec 29 |
|||
|
Firearm |
Antlered or Antlerless |
Nov 24 – Dec 8 Jan 4 – Jan 5 |
2 deer, no more than 1 antlered |
Sunday Deer Hunting: Sika Deer Firearm Season is open on Sunday November 25, 2012 in Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico & Worcester counties on private lands only. |
2013-14 Sika Deer Seasons and Bag Limits
Antlered & Antlerless Deer
Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico & Worcester counties
An antlered sika deer is a deer with at least one antler visible above the hairline.
|
Season |
Description |
Dates |
Total Bag Limit |
Notes |
|
Bow |
Antlered or Antlerless |
Sep 6 - Oct 16 aSunday-see Notes |
2 deer, no more than 1 antlered |
Fluorescent orange requirement: Bowhunters are required to wear fluorescent orange when the Deer Muzzleloader Season, Deer Firearm Season or Junior Deer Hunt is open in the deer management region where they are hunting. Sunday deer hunting:
|
|
Muzzleloader |
Antlered or Antlerless |
Oct 17 – Oct 19 |
2 deer, no more than 1 antlered |
Sika Deer Muzzleloader Bag Limit: Only 1 sika deer (antlered or antlerless) may be taken October 17 – 19, 2013; only 1 antlerless sika deer may be taken October 21 – 26, 2013. |
|
Antlerless Only |
Oct 21 – 26 |
|||
|
Antlered or Antlerless |
Dec 21 – Jan 4 |
|||
|
Firearm |
Antlered or Antlerless |
Nov 30 – Dec 14 Jan 10 – Jan 11 |
2 deer, no more than 1 antlered |
Sunday Deer Hunting: Sika Deer Firearm Season is open on Sunday December 1, 2013 in Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico & Worcester counties on private lands only. |