EASTON, MARYLAND — Maryland's small game seasons are either open or about to open, and hunters on the Eastern Shore should note two local rules: bobwhite quail stay closed on lands owned or managed by the Department of Natural Resources east of the Susquehanna River, and in Talbot County Sunday hunting for rabbits, squirrels, quail, grouse and pheasants is allowed only on private land and only until 10:30 a.m.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources said in an Oct. 5 release that squirrel, rabbit, fall turkey and other small game seasons are underway or set to open in the coming weeks. Squirrel season opened Sept. 5 with a bag limit of six per day. The Delmarva fox squirrel is not part of that season and remains protected. Rabbit season begins Saturday, Nov. 7, with a bag limit of four per day. Both rabbit and squirrel seasons run through Feb. 28.

Fall turkey hunting in Garrett, Allegany and Washington counties opens Saturday, Oct. 31, and runs through Nov. 8 with a bag limit of one turkey per hunter, the department said.

"Pursuing small game is a great way to introduce new hunters to the sport and develop woodsmanship skills that will help in all types of hunting," Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Karina Stonesifer said.

Complete hunting regulations and public-land information are in the Guide to Hunting and Trapping in Maryland. Licenses and stamps are available through MD Outdoors, at licensing agents, or by calling the department's Licensing and Registration Service at 866-344-8889.