Maryland's Junior Deer Hunt opens Saturday, Nov. 14, with Sunday, Nov. 15, hunting in Garrett

Young hunters have a chance to get in the woods before the regular firearms season when Maryland's 2026 Junior Deer Hunt opens Saturday, Nov. 14.

The hunt is open statewide on Saturday, Nov. 14, and extends to Sunday, Nov. 15, on private land in all counties except Baltimore, Howard and Prince George's. Eight counties, including Garrett, Allegany, Somerset, Washington, Cecil, St. Mary's, Wicomico and Worcester, also allow hunting on designated public lands that day.

Who can participate

Hunters must be 16 years old or younger and hold a valid Maryland hunting license. Anyone pursuing sika deer also needs a sika hunting stamp.

Youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 21 years old and holds a valid Maryland hunting license. The adult serves as a mentor only and cannot carry a hunting device.

Bag limits

In Region A, which includes Garrett County, hunters may take one white-tailed deer, either antlered or antlerless. In Region B, the limit is three white-tailed deer with no more than one antlered. Sika deer hunters may take one antlered or one antlerless deer.

Deer taken during the junior hunt do not count against regular season limits and are exempt from antler point restrictions.

Safety

All hunters must wear daylight fluorescent orange or pink during the junior hunt. The Department of Natural Resources recommends wearing a full-body safety harness while in a tree stand and while climbing.

Drones may legally be used to help recover wounded animals but cannot be used to hunt. Hunters must call Natural Resources Police at 1-800-628-9944 before and after searching for wounded game.

Deer donation

Hunters who donate deer to Maryland's food banks may be eligible for a state tax credit.

How to get a license

Youth hunting licenses are available through the DNR's MD Outdoors system online or via mobile app, through licensing agents, or by calling 866-344-8889.