Maryland Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply
Complete guide to Maryland hunting licenses — costs, seasons, and how to buy through Maryland DNR.
Maryland Hunting License — Quick Facts
- Resident: from $35.00 — Non-Resident: from $160.00
- Managed by: Maryland Department of Natural Resources
- License year: 2026-2027 (valid for dates within this period)
- Hunter education required for first-time buyers — verify with the state agency
- Discounts available for: senior, youth, disabled veteran, active military
- Buy online through the agency-linked portal at https://compass.dnr.maryland.gov/
Maryland Hunting License Fees (2026-2027)
Maryland offers diverse hunting opportunities managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The Old Line State features varied terrain from the Appalachian Mountains in the west to the Chesapeake Bay's tidal marshes in the east, supporting white-tailed deer, sika deer (unique to Maryland's Eastern Shore), wild turkey, waterfowl, and small game. Hunting licenses are valid from August 1 through July 31. A resident hunting license costs $35 (ages 16-64), while non-residents pay $160. Maryland is one of the few states in the country with sika deer hunting, attracting hunters from across the region. The Chesapeake Bay watershed provides world-class waterfowl hunting. Seniors aged 65+ pay only $5 for a hunting license. The state uses a stamp system for archery, muzzleloader, and bonus deer permits. Maryland recently updated its fee structure in 2023 to support conservation efforts.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting License (16-64) | $35.00 | — | 1 year | |
| NR Hunting License (16+) | — | $160.00 | 1 year | |
| Resident Junior Hunting (under 16) | $15.00 | — | 1 year | |
| NR Junior Hunting (under 16) | — | $80.00 | 1 year | |
| Resident Senior Hunting (65+) | $5.00 | — | 1 year | |
| NR 3-Day Waterfowl/Small Game | — | $65.00 | 3 days | |
| Resident Apprentice Hunting | $15.00 | — | 1 year | |
| NR Apprentice Hunting | — | $40.00 | 1 year | |
| Sika Deer Stamp (Resident) | $10.00 | — | Season | |
| Sika Deer Stamp (NR) | — | $25.00 | Season | |
| MD Migratory Game Bird Stamp | $9.00 | $9.00 | 1 year | |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $30.00 | $30.00 | 1 year |
Prices from Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Last verified: 2026-04-01. Always confirm current fees with the official state agency before purchase.
When does your Maryland license expire? See our license validity guide →
Hunter Education Requirements
Required for first-time hunters. Apprentice license available for hunters completing education.
How to Buy a Maryland Hunting License
- 1
Complete Hunter Education
If required, complete a state-approved hunter education course before purchasing your license.
- 2
Gather Required Documents
Have your government-issued photo ID, Social Security Number, and proof of residency (if applicable) ready.
- 3
Visit the Official Portal
Go to Maryland Department of Natural Resources or an authorized retail agent listed by the state agency.
- 4
Select License Type & Pay
Choose the appropriate license type for your needs, add any required endorsements or tags, and complete payment.
- 5
Print or Save Your License
Print your license or save a digital copy. You must carry your valid license while hunting in Maryland.
Need help? Call Maryland Department of Natural Resources at 410-260-8540
Not sure what you need? Use our License Cost Calculator to get a personalized estimate →
Step-by-step: How to buy your hunting license online for any state →
Maryland Hunting Seasons (2026-2027)
| Species | Method | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | September 11 | January 30, 2027 | |
| White-tailed Deer | Firearms | November 28 | December 12 | |
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader | October 22 | October 31 | |
| White-tailed Deer | Late Muzzleloader | December 19 | January 2, 2027 | |
| Sika Deer | Archery | September 11 | January 30, 2027 | |
| Sika Deer | Firearms | November 28 | December 12 | |
| Turkey | Spring | April 18 | May 23 | |
| Turkey | Fall | October 31 | November 7 | |
| Duck | General | November 14 | January 30, 2027 | Dates vary by species |
| Dove | General | September 1 | January 9, 2027 |
View full Maryland season regulations on MD DNR
Compare deer tag costs and season dates across all 50 states →
Compare turkey license costs and season dates across all states →
Discounts & Exemptions
| Group | Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Senior | Reduced ($5) | Maryland residents turning 65 or older in the current year |
| Youth | Reduced ($15) | Junior hunting license for under 16 |
| Disabled Veteran | Free | Maryland disabled veterans may qualify for free licenses |
| Active Military | Resident rates | Active duty military stationed in Maryland |
Maryland Hunting Regulations Overview
Bag Limits
Check species-specific bag limits in the Maryland official regulations. Limits vary by species, management unit, and season.
Legal Methods
Approved hunting methods include firearm, archery, and muzzleloader. Crossbows are legal. Specific rules apply to each method.
Safety Requirements
Blaze orange is required during firearms deer season.
Shooting Hours
Hunting is generally permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Check local variations.
- Fluorescent orange required during firearms deer season — 250 sq inches including cap.
- Sunday hunting is allowed on private land and some public land.
- Maryland is one of few states with huntable sika deer populations on the Eastern Shore.
- Antler restrictions apply in some counties.
Read full Maryland regulations on MD DNR
Not sure if you qualify for a discount? Take the Eligibility Quiz →
Maryland Proof Checklist
Use official owner pages for license, access, education, season, and transport decisions before entering the field.
Use the official portal
Confirm the state agency, product year, cart items, receipt, and field-proof rules before buying.
Open guideVerify access owner
Check public-land, WMA, refuge, road, closure, parking, camping, and private-boundary rules at the source.
Open guideSolve transport early
Save CWD, carcass, meat, head, cape, waterfowl, transit-state, processor, and proof requirements.
Open guide
Maryland Hunting License FAQ
How much does a hunting license cost in Maryland?
A resident hunting license costs $35 per year (ages 16-64). Seniors 65+ pay only $5. Non-residents pay $160 annually.
Do I need hunter education to hunt in Maryland?
Yes, hunter education is required for first-time buyers. An Apprentice Hunting License is available for those completing education. Maryland accepts other states' certificates.
Can non-residents hunt in Maryland?
Yes. Non-residents need a Hunting License ($160) or a 3-Day Waterfowl/Small Game License ($65). Additional stamps needed for sika deer ($25) and waterfowl.
What is sika deer hunting in Maryland?
Maryland's Eastern Shore is home to one of the few huntable sika deer populations in North America. A Sika Deer Stamp ($10 resident, $25 non-resident) is required in addition to the regular license.
Are there free hunting licenses in Maryland?
Disabled veterans may qualify for free licenses. Seniors 65+ pay a reduced $5 fee. Youth licenses are $15 for residents.
Can I buy a Maryland hunting license online?
Yes, through the COMPASS system at compass.dnr.maryland.gov or at authorized license agents.