Maryland reserves two waterfowl hunting days for youth, veterans and active military
DNR sets Nov. 7 and Feb. 6 hunts with relaxed bag limits for eligible hunters on public and private land
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has set aside two days this season for youth hunters, military veterans and active-duty service members to hunt waterfowl on public and private land across the state.
The special hunts are scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, and Saturday, Feb. 6, 2027, according to a DNR release published Friday, Oct. 30.
Who can hunt
The days are open to:
- Hunters 16 years old or younger
- Military veterans as defined in federal law (38 U.S.C. § 101)
- Active-duty members of the Armed Forces, National Guard and Reserves
Youth hunters must be accompanied by an unarmed adult at least 21 years old or by eligible military personnel also participating in the hunt.
Bag limits
Special bag limits apply on these days:
- Two black ducks
- Two scaup
- Two Canada geese in the Atlantic Population zone
- Five Canada geese in the Late Southern and Western Maryland Resident zones
Licenses required
All hunters need a Maryland hunting license or exemption. Adults must purchase both a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp and a Federal Duck Stamp. Youth hunters under 16 need only the state game bird stamp and are exempt from the federal stamp.
Licenses are available online, by phone at 855-855-3906, at DNR Service Centers, or at more than 250 licensed agents statewide.
For questions, contact the DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service at 410-260-8540.
