ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND — Maryland's first muzzleloader deer season segment opens statewide Oct. 22 and runs through Oct. 24, the Department of Natural Resources announced Thursday.
Hunters in Region B, which DNR describes as the state's central, southern and eastern regions, can also use muzzleloaders Oct. 26-31 for antlerless deer only.
The statewide bag limit for antlered white-tailed deer is two for the 2026-27 season. A Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp allows a third, but it cannot be used during the early muzzleloader season. An antler-point restriction stays in place: a hunter may take one antlered deer that does not have at least three points on one antler, and any other antlered deer must meet that minimum. Licensed junior hunters and apprentice license holders 16 and younger are exempt.
Sika deer of either sex can be hunted statewide Oct. 22-24, followed by an antlerless-only sika season Oct. 26-31. DNR says sika are abundant in Dorchester and surrounding counties. Sika hunters need a Sika Deer Stamp in addition to the Muzzleloader Stamp, and the bag limit is three, with no more than one antlered.
New this year, DNR regulations allow drones to locate and recover wounded or dead game but make it illegal to use a drone to hunt, trap or pursue wildlife. Hunters must call Natural Resources Police at 800-628-9944 before and after such a search. Licenses and stamps are sold through the MD Outdoors online system and app, at licensing agents, or by phone at 866-344-8889.
Three days to open the season, then six more antlerless-only days in Region B.
Source: Maryland DNR
Drawn from public records; drafted with AI and edited by Peter Gorman before publication.
Signed comments are held for review, then published. Obvious spam is rejected before it reaches the editor. Letters and comments.
No published comments yet.