Your Maryland Whitetail & Sika Adventure: 2025-2026 Dates & Rules 🦌
Ready to explore the Old Line State’s incredible whitetail and sika opportunities? This guide breaks down everything you need for the 2025-2026 cycle, from precise archery and firearms dates to wildlife management regions, tagging rules, and license info. We’ve gathered the latest intel so you can focus on the experience, not the paperwork.
🗓️ Maryland Deer Seasons at a Glance
Here’s a quick look at the primary periods for the upcoming cycle :
| Season Type | Dates (2025-2026) | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sep 5, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026 | Breaks for other seasons; check regions |
| Muzzleloader | Oct 16–18, Dec 20, 2025 – Jan 3, 2026 | Primitive weapons focus |
| Firearms | Nov 29 – Dec 13, 2025 | Region-specific dates; check regulations |
| Primitive Hunt Days | Feb 2–4, 2026 | Longbows, recurves, flintlocks only |
| Junior Hunt Days | Nov 15–16, 2025 | For hunters 16 or younger |
📍 Detailed Breakdown: Seasons by Method
Maryland structures its deer pursuit into distinct segments, each with its own charm and challenges, primarily across two regions: Region A (Western Maryland) and Region B (Eastern and Southern Maryland) .
🏹 Archery Seasons
- Dates: September 5, 2025 – January 31, 2026 (with breaks for muzzleloader and firearms periods) .
- Details: This extended period is perfect for those who enjoy a challenging and quiet hunt. Either-sex harvesting is allowed, but bag limits vary by region:
- Region A: Up to two antlerless deer during archery, but no more than two total for all seasons combined .
- Region B: The antlerless limit is 15, except in the Urban/Suburban Deer Management Zone (Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties), where it’s unlimited .
🔫 Firearms Season
- Dates: November 29 – December 13, 2025 .
- Details: This is a popular time to be in the woods. Hunter orange is mandatory. Regulations and bag limits can differ between Region A and Region B, so verifying the rules for your specific area is crucial.
⚙️ Muzzleloader Seasons
- Fall Segment (Oct 16–18, 2025): A early opportunity for traditional weapon enthusiasts.
- Winter Segment (Dec 20, 2025 – Jan 3, 2026): A great time for a late-year chase .
- Region Note: In Region A, during the October muzzleloader segment, only one deer (antlered or antlerless) may be taken .
👧 Special Opportunity Seasons
- Junior Deer Hunt Days (Nov 15–16, 2025): A dedicated weekend for youth hunters 16 or younger, who must be accompanied by an unarmed, licensed adult 21 or older. Participants have separate bag limits that don’t count against regular season limits .
- Primitive Deer Hunt Days (Feb 2–4, 2026): A unique season for longbows, recurve bows, flintlock, or sidelock percussion muzzleloaders (no telescopic sights or muzzleloading revolvers). Fluorescent orange is required .
🦌 Sika Deer: A Unique Maryland Pursuit
Maryland offers a special chance for a non-native species: the sika deer.
- Seasons: Generally align with the whitetail seasons (archery, muzzleloader, firearms) .
- Stamp Required: Hunters must purchase a Sika Hunting Stamp in addition to other required licenses .
- Bag Limits: The archery season bag limit is three sika deer, with no more than one being antlered. An antlered sika is defined as a deer with at least one antler visible above the hairline .
🗺️ Understanding Wildlife Management Regions
Maryland’s deer management is organized into two main regions, which are key to understanding bag limits and specific season rules :
- Region A: Allegany, Garrett, and western Washington counties.
- Region B: The rest of the state, including the Eastern Shore and the designated Urban/Suburban Zone.
Always consult the official DNR map or regulations guide to confirm the specific rules for your county and region.
⚖️ Key Regulations Every Hunter Must Know
Staying legal and ethical is paramount. Here are some crucial rules :
- Antler Point Restriction: Statewide, hunters may harvest one antlered whitetail that does NOT meet the requirement of having at least three points (1″ or longer) on one antler. Any additional antlered whitetails taken must meet this minimum point restriction. Junior hunters are exempt.
- Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp: In Region B, hunters can purchase this stamp to harvest an additional antlered whitetail, allowing for a third antlered deer for the year or two in one weapon season (not available during the Oct. muzzleloader season) .
- Tagging and Checking: You must tag your harvested animal immediately and check it in via the COMPASS portal, mobile app, or phone within 24 hours .
- Hunter Orange: Required during firearms and primitive weapons seasons .
- Sunday Hunting: Permitted in certain counties on specified dates; always check the regulations for your area .
🎟️ License & Tag Information
License Requirements
- All hunters must possess a valid Maryland hunting license.
- Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp: Required for license holders to take an additional antlered deer in Region B .
- Sika Stamp: Required to hunt sika deer .
Fees
Fees are subject to change; always verify with MD DNR. Here are typical costs:
- Resident Hunting License: ~$24.50
- Non-Resident Hunting License: ~$130
- Archery Stamp: ~$16
- Muzzleloader Stamp: ~$16
- Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp: ~$16
- Sika Stamp: ~$16
Note: Apprentice license holders and those who may hunt without a license do not need the Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp but must follow all other rules.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I hunt on Sundays?
A: Yes, in certain counties on specified dates during the archery, muzzleloader, and firearms seasons. Always consult the current regulations for the exact Sundays and counties open .
Q: What are the rules for the Urban/Suburban Zone?
A: This zone (Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s counties) has an unlimited archery antlerless bag limit to help manage high deer populations .
Q: Are there any unique seasons for Assateague Island?
A: Yes, Assateague Island National Seashore has its own distinct seasons and bag limits for both sika and whitetail deer, which are independent of statewide limits. Always review NPS regulations before planning a hunt there .
Q: Do I need a stamp for primitive weapons season?
A: You need a muzzleloader stamp to hunt during the muzzleloader season. For the Primitive Deer Hunt Days, only specific primitive weapons are allowed, but no additional stamp is required beyond your hunting license and any applicable archery or muzzleloader stamps .
✅ Conclusion
Preparing for your whitetail or sika adventure in Maryland is all about knowing your dates, understanding the region-specific rules, and ensuring your licenses and stamps are up to date. The 2025-2026 cycle offers diverse opportunities across archery, firearms, muzzleloader, and primitive periods. Remember to prioritize safety, respect the regulations designed to conserve our wildlife, and most importantly—enjoy your time in Maryland’s diverse and beautiful landscapes.
ℹ️ For the most absolute, authoritative, and current information, always refer to the official Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR) website before your hunt.
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