# COMAR Title 08 — Department of Natural Resources ## Subtitle 03 — Wildlife ### Chapter 03 — Open Seasons, Bag Limits for Game Birds and Game Animals **Authority:** Natural Resources Article, §§10-205, 10-301, 10-405—10-410, 10-415, Annotated Code of Maryland;Ch.267, Acts of 2005 **Administrative History:** Effective date: **Administrative History:** Regulations .01—.06 were previously codified as Regulation .13A—E, G, respectively, under COMAR 08.03.01 Wildlife Conservation. This recodification was effective June 3, 1985 (12:11 Md. R. 1047) **Administrative History:** For the history of these regulations before June 3, 1985, see the Administrative History which follows COMAR 08.03.01. **Administrative History:** Regulation .01 amended effective June 30, 1986 (13:13 Md. R. 1488) **Administrative History:** Regulation .01D amended and E adopted effective August 15, 1994 (21:16 Md. R. 1381) **Administrative History:** Regulation .01E amended effective June 3, 1996 (23:11 Md. R. 809) **Administrative History:** Regulations .03—.05 amended effective June 3, 1985 (12:11 Md. R. 1047); July 29, 1985 (12:15 Md. R. 1512); June 26, 1989 (16:12 Md. R. 1333) **Administrative History:** Regulation .03D amended effective June 30, 1986 (13:13 Md. R. 1488); September 19, 1988 (15:19 Md. R. 2245); March 20, 1989 (16:5 Md. R. 627); July 23, 1990 (17:14 Md. R. 1756) **Administrative History:** Regulation .03E amended as an emergency provision effective October 5, 1990 (17:22 Md. R. 2653); amended permanently effective January 7, 1991 (17:26 Md. R. 2974) **Administrative History:** Regulation .03F amended effective June 30, 1986 (13:13 Md. R. 1488); September 19, 1988 (15:19 Md. R. 2245); July 23, 1990 (17:14 Md. R. 1756) **Administrative History:** Regulation .03G amended effective June 30, 1986 (13:13 Md. R. 1488); September 19, 1988 (15:19 Md. R. 2245); July 23, 1990 (17:14 Md. R. 1756) **Administrative History:** Regulation .03G amended as an emergency provision effective October 21, 1988 (15:24 Md. R. 2765); emergency status expired December 3, 1988 **Administrative History:** Regulation .03H amended effective June 30, 1986 (13:13 Md. R. 1488); September 7, 1987 (14:18 Md. R. 1964); September 19, 1988 (15:19 Md. R. 2245); July 23, 1990 (17:14 Md. R. 1756) **Administrative History:** Regulation .03I amended effective September 19, 1988 (15:19 Md. R. 2245) **Administrative History:** Regulation .03K adopted as an emergency provision effective October 4, 1985 (12:22 Md. R. 2099); emergency status expired January 24, 1986 **Administrative History:** Regulation .03K adopted effective December 16, 1985 (12:25 Md. R. 2471) **Administrative History:** Regulation .03 repealed and new Regulation .03 adopted effective September 2, 1991 (18:17 Md. R. 1917) **Administrative History:** Regulation .03 amended effective August 31, 1992 (19:17 Md. R. 1606); August 16, 1993 (20:16 Md. R. 1276); August 15, 1994 (21:16 Md. R. 1381); August 28, 1995 (22:17 Md. R. 1317) **Administrative History:** Regulation .03 amended as an emergency provision effective July 19, 1996 (23:16 Md. R. 1166); amended permanently effective January 13, 1997 (24:1 Md. R. 28) **Administrative History:** Regulation .03B amended effective October 6, 1997 (24:20 Md. R. 1402) **Administrative History:** Regulation .03O adopted as an emergency provision effective January 1, 1997 (24:2 Md. R. 113); emergency status expired January 12, 1997 **Administrative History:** Regulation .03O adopted as an emergency provision effective January 8, 1998 (25:2 Md. R. 72); emergency status expired January 11, 1998 (Emergency provisions are temporary and not printed in COMAR) **Administrative History:** Regulation .03 repealed and new Regulation .03 adopted as an emergency provision effective August 14, 1998 (25:18 Md. R. 1430); adopted permanently effective November 2, 1998 (25:22 Md. R. 1651) **Administrative History:** Regulation .03 amended effective July 26, 1999 (26:15 Md. R. 1147); August 21, 2000 (27:16 Md. R. 1521) **Administrative History:** Regulation .04 amended effective May 18, 1987 (14:10 Md. R. 1170) **Administrative History:** Regulation .04A—D amended effective September 19, 1988 (15:19 Md. R. 2245); July 23, 1990 (17:14 Md. R. 1756) **Administrative History:** Regulation .04G amended effective July 23, 1990 (17:14 Md. R. 1756) **Administrative History:** Regulation .04 repealed and new Regulation .04 adopted effective September 2, 1991 (18:17 Md. R. 1917) **Administrative History:** Regulation .04 amended effective August 31, 1992 (19:17 Md. R. 1606); August 16, 1993 (20:16 Md. R. 1276); August 15, 1994 (21:16 Md. R. 1381); August 28, 1995 (22:17 Md. R. 1317) **Administrative History:** Regulation .04 amended as an emergency provision effective July 19, 1996 (23:16 Md. R. 1166); amended permanently effective January 13, 1997 (24:1 Md. R. 28) **Administrative History:** Regulation .04 repealed and new Regulation .04 adopted as an emergency provision effective August 14, 1998 (25:18 Md. R. 1430); adopted permanently effective November 2, 1998 (25:22 Md. R. 1651) **Administrative History:** Regulation .04 amended effective July 26, 1999 (26:15 Md. R. 1147); August 21, 2000 (27:16 Md. R. 1521) **Administrative History:** Regulation .05A amended effective May 18, 1987 (14:10 Md. R. 1170); September 19, 1988 (15:19 Md. R. 2245); July 23, 1990 (17:14 Md. R. 1756) **Administrative History:** Regulation .05A-1 amended effective July 23, 1990 (17:14 Md. R. 1756) **Administrative History:** Regulation .05B amended effective September 19, 1988 (15:19 Md. R. 2245); July 23, 1990 (17:14 Md. R. 1756) **Administrative History:** Regulation .05C amended as an emergency provision effective December 2, 1985 (12:25 Md. R. 2467); emergency status expired March 31, 1986 **Administrative History:** Regulation .05C amended effective June 30, 1986 (13:13 Md. R. 1488); September 19, 1988 (15:19 Md. R. 2245) **Administrative History:** Regulation .05D amended effective June 30, 1986 (13:13 Md. R. 1488); July 23, 1990 (17:14 Md. R. 1756) **Administrative History:** Regulation .05E amended effective November 3, 1986 (13:22 Md. R. 2395) **Administrative History:** Regulation .05F amended effective September 19, 1988 (15:19 Md. R. 2245) **Administrative History:** Regulation .05G amended effective May 18, 1987 (14:10 Md. R. 1170); July 23, 1990 (17:14 Md. R. 1756) **Administrative History:** Regulation .05 repealed and new Regulation .05 adopted effective September 2, 1991 (18:17 Md. R. 1917) **Administrative History:** Regulation .05 amended effective August 31, 1992 (19:17 Md. R. 1606); November 9, 1992 (19:22 Md. R. 1988); August 16, 1993 (20:16 Md. R. 1276); August 15, 1994 (21:16 Md. R. 1381); August 28, 1995 (22:17 Md. R. 1317) **Administrative History:** Regulation .05 amended as an emergency provision effective July 19, 1996 (23:16 Md. R. 1166); amended permanently effective January 13, 1997 (24:1 Md. R. 28) **Administrative History:** Regulation .05B, C amended effective October 6, 1997 (24:20 Md. R. 1402) **Administrative History:** Regulation .05C amended as an emergency provision effective March 11, 1994 (21:7 Md. R. 528); emergency status expired May 10, 1994 **Administrative History:** Regulation .05C amended and C-1 adopted as an emergency provision effective February 27, 1996 (23:6 Md. R. 469); emergency status expired August 27, 1996 **Administrative History:** Regulation .05G adopted as an emergency provision effective September 6, 1991 (18:19 Md. R. 2094); adopted permanently effective December 23, 1991 (18:25 Md. R. 2749) **Administrative History:** Regulation .05J adopted effective June 3, 1996 (23:11 Md. R. 809) **Administrative History:** Regulation .05 repealed and new Regulation .05 adopted as an emergency provision effective August 14, 1998 (25:18 Md. R. 1430); adopted permanently effective November 2, 1998 (25:22 Md. R. 1651) **Administrative History:** Regulation .05 amended effective July 26, 1999 (26:15 Md. R. 1147); August 21, 2000 (27:16 Md. R. 1521) **Administrative History:** Regulation .06 repealed effective June 30, 1986 (13:13 Md. R. 1488) **Administrative History:** Regulations .06—.08 adopted as an emergency provision effective September 15, 1998 (25:21 Md. R. 1570); adopted permanently effective December 28, 1998 (25:26 Md. R. 1919) **Administrative History:** Regulations .01—.06 repealed and new Regulations .01—.06 adopted effective August 19, 2002 (29:16 Md. R. 1287) **Administrative History:** Regulation .01D amended effective August 18, 2003 (30:16 Md. R. 1074); October 1, 2005 (32:16 Md. R. 1391); October 1, 2006 (33:17 Md. R. 1436); September 24, 2007 (34:19 Md. R. 1649); August 11, 2008 (35:16 Md. R. 1390); September 21, 2009 (36:19 Md. R. 1435) **Administrative History:** Regulation .03 amended effective August 30, 2004 (31:17 Md. R. 1311); July 17, 2006 (33:14 Md. R. 1162) **Administrative History:** Regulation .03 repealed and new Regulation .03 adopted effective July 17, 2008 (35:14 Md. R. 1245) **Administrative History:** Regulation .03F amended effective September 27, 2004 (31:19 Md. R. 1430) **Administrative History:** Regulation .04 repealed and new Regulation .04 adopted effective August 30, 2004 (31:17 Md. R. 1311) **Administrative History:** Regulation .04 amended effective July 17, 2006 (33:14 Md. R. 1162) **Administrative History:** Regulation .04 repealed and new Regulation .04 adopted effective July 17, 2008 (35:14 Md. R. 1245) **Administrative History:** Regulation .05D, J amended effective January 20, 2003 (30:1 Md. R. 24); November 10, 2003 (30:22 Md. R. 1578) **Administrative History:** Regulation .05 repealed and new Regulation .05 adopted effective August 30, 2004 (31:17 Md. R. 1311) **Administrative History:** Regulation .05 repealed and new Regulation .05 adopted effective July 17, 2006 (33:14 Md. R. 1162) **Administrative History:** Regulation .05 repealed and new Regulation .05 adopted effective July 17, 2008 (35:14 Md. R. 1245) **Administrative History:** Regulation .06 amended effective August 30, 2004 (31:17 Md. R. 1311) **Administrative History:** Regulation .07 amended effective July 26, 1999 (26:15 Md. R. 1147); August 21, 2000 (27:16 Md. R. 1521); September 3, 2001 (28:17 Md. R. 1555) **Administrative History:** Regulation .07 amended as an emergency provision effective September 14, 1999 (26:21 Md. R. 1625); emergency status expired March 11, 2000 **Administrative History:** Regulation .07 repealed and new Regulation .07 adopted effective September 2, 2002 (29:17 Md. R. 1379) **Administrative History:** Regulation .07 amended effective July 17, 2006 (33:14 Md. R. 1162) **Administrative History:** Regulation .07C amended as an emergency provision effective October 31, 2002 (29:23 Md. R. 1806); emergency status expired November 2, 2002 **Administrative History:** Regulation .07 repealed and new Regulation .07 adopted effective August 30, 2004 (31:17 Md. R. 1311) **Administrative History:** Regulation .07 repealed and new Regulation .07 adopted effective July 17, 2008 (35:14 Md. R. 1245) **Administrative History:** Regulation .07A amended effective August 15, 2005 (32:16 Md. R. 1391) **Administrative History:** Regulation .08 amended effective July 26, 1999 (26:15 Md. R. 1147); August 21, 2000 (27:16 Md. R. 1521) **Administrative History:** Regulation .08 repealed and new Regulation .08 adopted effective September 2, 2002 (29:17 Md. R. 1379) **Administrative History:** Regulation .08 repealed and new Regulation .08 adopted effective August 30, 2004 (31:17 Md. R. 1311) **Administrative History:** Regulation .08 amended effective July 17, 2006 (33:14 Md. R. 1162) **Administrative History:** Regulation .08 repealed and new Regulation .08 adopted effective July 17, 2008 (35:14 Md. R. 1245) **Administrative History:** Chapter revised effective August 23, 2010 (37:17 Md. R. 1184) **Administrative History:** Regulation .01D amended effective October 3, 2011 (38:20 Md. R. 1201) **Administrative History:** Regulation .07B, C amended effective October 3, 2011 (38:20 Md. R. 1201) **Administrative History:** Regulation .08C, E amended effective October 3, 2011 (38:20 Md. R. 1201) **Administrative History:** Chapter revised effective August 6, 2012 (39:15 Md. R. 963) **Administrative History:** Regulation .01 amended effective November 24, 2014 (41:23 Md. R. 1371) **Administrative History:** Regulation .01D amended as an emergency provision effective October 1, 2013 (40:21 Md. R. 1771); amended permanently effective November 25, 2013 (40:23 Md. R. 1932); August 15, 2016 (43:16 Md. R. 899); September 11, 2017 (44:18 Md. R. 864) **Administrative History:** Regulation .01D, G amended effective August 31, 2015 (42:17 Md. R. 1110); August 13, 2018 (45:16 Md. R. 774); August 26, 2019 (46:17 Md. R. 725) **Administrative History:** Regulation .03 repealed and new Regulation .03 adopted effective August 18, 2014 (41:16 Md. R. 944); August 15, 2016 (43:16 Md. R. 899); August 13, 2018 (45:16 Md. R. 774); August 10, 2020 (47:16 Md. R. 737) **Administrative History:** Regulation .04 repealed and new Regulation .04 adopted effective August 18, 2014 (41:16 Md. R. 944); August 15, 2016 (43:16 Md. R. 899); August 13, 2018 (45:16 Md. R. 774); August 10, 2020 (47:16 Md. R. 737) **Administrative History:** Regulation .05 repealed and new Regulation .05 adopted effective August 18, 2014 (41:16 Md. R. 944); August 15, 2016 (43:16 Md. R. 899); August 13, 2018 (45:16 Md. R. 774); August 10, 2020 (47:16 Md. R. 737) **Administrative History:** Regulation .05A, H amended effective September 11, 2017 (44:18 Md. R. 864) **Administrative History:** Regulation .06A amended effective October 12, 2015 (42:20 Md. R. 1263) **Administrative History:** Regulation .06B amended effective August 13, 2018 (45:16 Md. R. 775) **Administrative History:** Regulation .07 amended as an emergency provision effective October 1, 2013 (40:21 Md. R. 1771); amended permanently effective November 25, 2013 (40:23 Md. R. 1932) **Administrative History:** Regulation .07 repealed and new Regulation .07 adopted effective August 18, 2014 (41:16 Md. R. 944); August 15, 2016 (43:16 Md. R. 899); August 13, 2018 (45:16 Md. R. 774); August 10, 2020 (47:16 Md. R. 737) **Administrative History:** Regulation .07B, E amended effective August 31, 2015 (42:17 Md. R. 1110) **Administrative History:** Regulation .08 repealed and new Regulation .08 adopted effective August 18, 2014 (41:16 Md. R. 944); August 15, 2016 (43:16 Md. R. 899); August 13, 2018 (45:16 Md. R. 774); August 10, 2020 (47:16 Md. R. 737) **Administrative History:** Regulation .08D amended as an emergency provision effective October 1, 2013 (40:21 Md. R. 1771); amended permanently effective November 25, 2013 (40:23 Md. R. 1932) **Administrative History:** Regulation .01D amended effective January 9, 2023 (49:27 Md. R. 1110) **Administrative History:** Regulation .01 D, G amended effective September 4, 2023 (50:17 Md. R. 769) **Administrative History:** Regulation .03 repealed and new Regulation .03 adopted effective August 8, 2022 (49:16 Md. R. 758); **Administrative History:** Regulation .04 repealed and new Regulation .04 adopted effective August 8, 2022 (49:16 Md. R. 758) **Administrative History:** Regulation .05 repealed and new Regulation .05 adopted effective August 8, 2022 (49:16 Md. R. 758) **Administrative History:** Regulation .07 repealed and new Regulation .07 adopted effective August 8, 2022 (49:16 Md. R. 758) **Administrative History:** Regulation .08 repealed and new Regulation .08 adopted effective August 8, 2022 (49:16 Md. R. 758) **Administrative History:** Regulation .01 D, G amended effective October 14, 2024 (51:20 Md. R. 898) **Administrative History:** Regulation .01G amended effective December 22, 2025 (52:25 Md. R. 1268) **Administrative History:** Regulation .03 repealed and new Regulation .03 adopted effective October 14, 2024 (51:20 Md. R. 898) **Administrative History:** Regulation .04 repealed and new Regulation .04 adopted effective October 14, 2024 (51:20 Md. R. 898) **Administrative History:** Regulation .05 repealed and new Regulation .05 adopted effective October 14, 2024 (51:20 Md. R. 898) **Administrative History:** Regulation .07 repealed and new Regulation .07 adopted effective October 14, 2024 (51:20 Md. R. 898) **Administrative History:** Regulation .08 repealed and new Regulation .08 adopted effective October 14, 2024 (51:20 Md. R. 898) #### Regulation .01 Bag Limits and Possession Limits. *COMAR 08.03.03.01* A. The seasons, bag limits, and possession limits for game birds and mammals shall be in accordance with the schedule provided in this chapter. B. A person may possess only 1 day's bag limit while hunting in the field. C. A person may not exceed or attempt to exceed the bag limits on game birds and mammals as set forth in schedules pursuant to this chapter. D. Hunting on Sunday. (1) Except as provided in §D(2) of this regulation, an individual may not hunt any game bird or game mammal on Sunday. (2) An individual may hunt on Sunday, if the individual is: (a) Using State certified raptors to hunt game birds or mammals during an open season; (b) An unarmed participant in an organized fox chase; (c) Hunting pen-reared game birds on a regulated shooting ground in accordance with the provisions of Natural Resources Article, §§10-410(a) and 10-906, Annotated Code of Maryland; (d) Shooting white-tailed or sika deer under the authority of a Deer Management Permit as described in COMAR 08.03.04.02; (e) Hunting white-tailed or sika deer on private property as described in Regulations .07 and .08 of this chapter: (i) On the first Sunday in November during the deer bow season and the first Sunday of the deer firearms season in Anne Arundel County; (ii) On the last three Sundays in October and the first two Sundays in November during the deer bow season and all Sundays during the deer firearms season in Harford County; (iii) On all Sundays during the deer bow season in October and November, the last Sunday in December during the deer bow season, the first two Sundays in January during the deer bow season, all Sundays in December during the deer muzzleloader season, and all Sundays in the deer firearms season in Carroll County; and (iv) 16 years of age or younger when participating in the Junior Deer Hunt on private lands only in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Charles, Dorchester, Harford, Kent, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, and Talbot counties; (f) 16 years of age or younger when participating in the Junior Deer Hunt on private property in Allegany, Frederick, Cecil, Garrett, St. Mary’s, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester counties or a designated Natural Heritage Area, Wildlife Management Area, Cooperative Wildlife Management Area, State Forest, Fishery Management Area, or other designated public hunting area listed in §G of this regulation; (g) Hunting deer on private property or a designated Natural Heritage Area, Wildlife Management Area, Cooperative Wildlife Management Area, State Forest, Fishery Management Area, or other designated public hunting area listed in §G of this regulation on all Sundays in September, October, November, and January during the deer bow season, the last Sunday in December during the deer bow season, all Sundays in December during the deer muzzleloader season, and all Sundays in the deer firearms season in Allegany, Cecil, Garrett, St. Mary’s, and Washington counties; (h) Hunting deer on private property or a designated Natural Heritage Area, Wildlife Management Area, State Forest, or Fishery Management Area listed in §G of this regulation on all Sundays during the deer bow season in October and November, the last Sunday in December during the deer bow season, the first two Sundays in January during the deer bow season, all Sundays in December during the deer muzzleloader season, and all Sundays in the deer firearms season in Frederick County; (i) Hunting deer on private property in Kent County: (i) From 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset on all Sundays in September, October, November, and January during the deer bow season, the last Sunday in December during the deer bow season, all Sundays in December during the deer muzzleloader season, and the first Sunday in the deer firearms season; and (ii) From 30 minutes before sunrise to 10:30 a.m. on the second and any subsequent Sunday during the deer firearms season; (j) Hunting deer on private property in Montgomery County: (i) From 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset on the first Sunday in November during the deer bow season and the first Sunday in the deer firearms season; and (ii) Except as provided in §D(2)(j)(i) of this regulation, from 30 minutes before sunrise to 10:30 a.m. on all Sundays in September, October, November, and January during the deer bow season, the last Sunday in December during the deer bow season, all Sundays in December during the deer muzzleloader season, and the second and any subsequent Sunday during the deer firearms season; (k) Hunting deer on private property or a designated Natural Heritage Area, Wildlife Management Area, State Forest, or Fishery Management Area listed in §G of this regulation in Wicomico County: (i) From 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset on the last three Sundays in October and the first two Sundays in November during the deer bow season and the first Sunday in the deer firearms season; and (ii) Except as provided in §D(2)(k)(i) of this regulation, from 30 minutes before sunrise to 10:30 a.m. on all Sundays in September, October, November, and January during the deer bow season, the last Sunday in December during the deer bow season, all Sundays in December during the deer muzzleloader season, and the second and any subsequent Sunday during the deer firearms season; (l) Hunting deer on private property in Talbot County: (i) From 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset on the last three Sundays in October and the first two Sundays in November during the deer bow season and the first Sunday of the deer firearms season; and (ii) Except as provided in §D(2)(l)(i) of this regulation, from 30 minutes before sunrise to 10:30 a.m. on all Sundays in September, October, November, and January during the deer bow season, the last Sunday in December during the deer bow season, all Sundays in December during the deer muzzleloader season, and the second and any subsequent Sunday during the deer firearms season; (m) Hunting deer on private property in Calvert, Caroline, Charles, and Queen Anne’s counties: (i) From 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset on the last three Sundays in October and the first two Sundays in November during the deer bow season and all Sundays during the deer firearms season; and (ii) Except as provided in §D(2)(m)(i) of this regulation, from 30 minutes before sunrise to 10:30 a.m. on all Sundays in September, October, November, and January during the deer bow season, the last Sunday in December during the deer bow season, and all Sundays in December during the deer muzzleloader season; (n) Hunting deer on private property in Dorchester County: (i) From 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset on all Sundays during the deer bow season in October and November, the last Sunday in December during the deer bow season, the first two Sundays in January during the deer bow season, all Sundays in December during the deer muzzleloader season, and the first three Sundays during the deer firearms season; and (ii) Except as provided in §D(2)(n)(i) of this regulation, from 30 minutes before sunrise to 10:30 a.m. on all Sundays in September and January during the deer bow season; (o) Hunting deer on private property or public land leased to hunt clubs in Somerset County: (i) From 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset on the last three Sundays in October and the first two Sundays in November during the deer bow season and all Sundays during the deer firearms season; and (ii) Except as provided in §D(2)(o)(i) of this regulation, from 30 minutes before sunrise to 10:30 a.m. on all Sundays in September, October, November, and January during the deer bow season, the last Sunday in December during the deer bow season, and all Sundays in December during the deer muzzleloader season; (p) Hunting deer on private property or a designated Natural Heritage Area, Wildlife Management Area, State Forest, or Fishery Management Area listed in §G of this regulation in Worcester County: (i) From 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset on the last three Sundays in October and the first two Sundays in November during the deer bow season and all Sundays during the deer firearms season; and (ii) Except as provided in §D(2)(p)(i) of this regulation, from 30 minutes before sunrise to 10:30 a.m. on all Sundays in September, October, November, and January during the deer bow season, the last Sunday in December during the deer bow season, and all Sundays in December during the deer muzzleloader season; (q) Hunting wild turkeys as described in Regulation .03 of this chapter on private property on any Sunday during the Junior Hunt and spring season in Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Charles, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties; (r) Hunting wild turkeys as described in Regulation .03 of this chapter on private property or a designated Natural Heritage Area, Wildlife Management Area, State Forest, or Fishery Management Area listed in §G of this regulation on any Sunday during the Junior Hunt and spring season in Dorchester County; (s) Hunting any game mammal or any game bird, except deer, migratory game birds or wetland game birds, in Allegany, Cecil, Garrett, St. Mary’s, and Washington counties on private property or a designated Natural Heritage Area, Wildlife Management Area, Cooperative Wildlife Management Area, State Forest, Fishery Management Area, or other designated public hunting area listed in §G of this regulation during the open seasons for those game animals; (t) Hunting any game mammal or any game bird, except deer, turkey, migratory game birds or wetland game birds, in Calvert, Caroline, Charles, Dorchester, and Queen Anne’s counties on private property from 30 minutes before sunrise to 10:30 a.m. during the open seasons for those game animals; (u) Hunting any game mammal or any game bird, except deer, migratory game birds or wetland game birds, in Somerset County on private property or public land leased to hunt clubs from 30 minutes before sunrise to 10:30 a.m. during the open seasons for those game animals; (v) Hunting any game mammal or any game bird, except deer, migratory game birds or wetland game birds, in Wicomico and Worcester counties on private property or a designated Natural Heritage Area, Wildlife Management Area, State Forest, or Fishery Management Area listed in §G of this regulation from 30 minutes before sunrise to 10:30 a.m. during the open seasons for those game animals; and (w) Hunting any game mammal or any game bird, except deer, migratory game birds or wetland game birds, in Talbot County on private property from 30 minutes before sunrise to 10:30 a.m. during the open seasons for those game animals. E. Except as provided in §F of this regulation, when opening dates fall on Sunday, the actual opening date will be the Saturday immediately preceding it and when closing dates fall on Sunday, the actual closing date will be the Saturday immediately preceding it. F. The open seasons for muskrat, mink, and coyote are established by Natural Resources Article, §10-406, Annotated Code of Maryland. G. The Natural Heritage Areas, Wildlife Management Areas, Cooperative Wildlife Management Areas, State Forests, Fishery Management Areas, and other public hunting areas designated for Sunday hunting in accordance with §D of this regulation are as follows: (1) Billmeyer-Belle Grove WMA; (2) C&D Canal Lands; (3) Chesapeake Forest Lands; (4) Cunningham Swamp WMA; (5) Dan’s Mountain WMA; (6) E. A. Vaughn WMA; (7) Earleville WMA; (8) Ellis Bay WMA; (9) Fishing Bay WMA; (10) Garrett State Forest; (11) Green Ridge State Forest; (12) Grove Farm WMA; (13) Hickory Point Natural Heritage Area; (14) Indian Springs WMA; (15) Isle of Wight WMA; (16) Johnson WMA; (17) LeCompte WMA; (18) Linkwood WMA; (19) Mount Nebo WMA; (20) McCoole Fishery Management Area; (21) Nanticoke WMA; (22) Old Bohemia WMA; (23) Pocomoke State Forest; (24) Pocomoke River WMA; (25) Potomac State Forest; (26) Prather's Neck WMA; (27) St. Inigoes State Forest; (28) Salem State Forest; (29) Savage River State Forest; (30) Sideling Hill WMA; (31) Sinepuxent Islands WMA; (32) Taylor’s Island WMA; (33) Warrior Mountain WMA; and (34) Wetipquin WMA #### Regulation .02 Migratory Game Birds. *COMAR 08.03.03.02* Wildlife Species Open Season Bag Limit Possession Limit Railbirds (sora, other rails and gallinules), coots, ducks, geese, common snipe, brant, mourning dove, and woodcock Seasons, bag limits, and possession limits for migratory game birds conform to regulations adopted by the Secretary of the Interior. #### Regulation .03 Forest Game. *COMAR 08.03.03.03* Species Open Season, Subject to Regulation .01D of This Chapter Location Bag Limits Possession Limit A. Black Bear (Permit Required). October 21, 2024 — October 26, 2024October 20, 2025 — October 25, 2025 In Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties 1 per day with no more than 1 per permitted bear hunting team 1 per season with no more than 1 per permitted bear hunting team B. Ruffed Grouse. (1) In General. October 5, 2024 — December 31, 2024October 4, 2025 — December 31, 2025 In all counties 2 per day 4 (2) Hunting with the Aid of Raptors and a Falconry Permit. October 1, 2024 — March 31, 2025October 1, 2025 —March 31, 2026 In all counties 2 per day 4 C. Black, Eastern Fox, Gray, Piney, or Red Squirrel Total. (1) In General. September 2, 2024 — February 28, 2025September 1, 2025 — February 28, 2026 In all counties 6 per day 12 (2) Hunting with the Aid of Raptors and a Falconry Permit. September 1, 2024 — March 31, 2025September 1, 2025 — March 31, 2026 In all counties 6 per day 12 D. Delmarva Fox Squirrel. Closed season In all counties 0 0 E. Wild Turkey. (1) Fall Season Either Sex. November 2, 2024 — November 10, 2024November 1, 2025 —November 9, 2025 Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties only 1 turkey per season 1 turkey either sex per fall/winter season combined (2) Winter Season Either Sex. January 23, 2025 — January 25, 2025January 22, 2026 — January 24, 2026 In all counties 1 turkey per season provided none was taken in the fall season (3) Spring Season. April 18, 2025 — May 23, 2025April 18, 2026 — May 23, 2026 In all counties 1 bearded turkey per day 2 bearded turkeys per spring season (4) Spring Season Junior Hunt. April 12, 2025 — April 13, 2025April 11, 2026 — April 12, 2026 In all counties 1 bearded turkey per day #### Regulation .04 Upland Game. *COMAR 08.03.03.04* Species Open Season, Subject to Regulation .01D of This Chapter Location Bag Limits Possession Limit A. Crow. August 15 — March 15, hunting allowed Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday only In all counties No limit No limit B. Pheasant. (1) In General. November 2, 2024 — February 28, 2025November 1, 2025 — February 28, 2026 In all counties 2 per day (either sex) 4 (2) Hunting with the Aid of Raptors and a Falconry Permit. November 1, 2024 — March 31, 2025November 1, 2025 — March 31, 2026 In all counties 2 per day (either sex) 4 C. Quail. (1) Western Zone — Private Land and Lands Owned or Managed by DNR. November 2, 2024 — January 15, 2025November 1, 2025 — January 15, 2026 In that portion of the State west of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River, excluding Allegany and Garrett counties 6 per day 12 in all counties and zones combined (2) Eastern Zone — Private Land. November 2, 2024 — January 15, 2025November 1, 2025 — January 15, 2026 In that portion of the State east of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River (3) Eastern Zone — Lands Owned or Managed by DNR. Closed season In that portion of the State east of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River 0 0 (4) Allegany and Garrett Counties. Closed season In Allegany and Garrett counties 0 0 (5) Hunting with the Aid of Raptors and a Falconry Permit. November 1, 2024 — March 31, 2025November 1, 2025 — March 31, 2026 In all counties, except on lands owned or managed by DNR east of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River 4 per day 8 (6) Hunting with the Aid of Raptors and a Falconry Permit on Lands Owned or Managed by DNR. Closed season In that portion of the State east of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River 0 0 D. Rabbits. (1) Eastern Cottontail Rabbit. (a) In General. November 2, 2024 — February 28, 2025November 1, 2025 — February 28, 2026 In all counties 4 per day 8 (b) Hunting with the Aid of Raptors and a Falconry Permit. November 1, 2024 — March 31, 2025November 1, 2025 — March 31, 2026 In all counties 4 per day 8 (2) Snowshoe Hare. Closed season In all counties 0 0 E. Woodchuck. August 1 — July 31 In all counties No limit No limit #### Regulation .05 Fur-Bearing Mammals. *COMAR 08.03.03.05* Species Open Season, subject to COMAR 08.03.03.01D Location Bag Limits Possession Limit A. Beaver. (1) In General. December 15, 2024 — March 15, 2025December 15, 2025 — March 15, 2026 In all counties, except Garrett and Allegany counties No limit No limit (2) Allegany and Garrett Counties. December 1, 2024 — March 15, 2025December 1, 2025 — March 15, 2026 In Allegany and Garrett counties No limit No limit B. Bobcat. Closed season In all counties 0 0 C. Coyote. (1) Firearms, Archery, and Airgun Hunting. August 1 — July 31 (May be hunted day and night) In all counties No limit No limit (2) Trapping. November 1, 2024 — February 15, 2025November 1, 2025 — February 15, 2026 In that portion of the State west of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River No limit No limit November 15, 2024 — February 28, 2025November 15, 2025 — February 28, 2026 In that portion of the State east of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River No limit No limit D. Fisher. November 1, 2024 — February 1, 2025November 1, 2025 — February 1, 2026 In all counties 2 per day 2 per season E. Fox (Red and Gray) — Firearms, Archery, and Airgun Hunting, and Trapping. November 1, 2024 — February 15, 2025November 1, 2025 — February 15, 2026 In Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, St. Mary's, and Washington counties No limit No limit November 15, 2024 — February 28, 2025November 15, 2025 — February 28, 2026 In Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne's, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester counties No limit No limit August 1 — July 31 In Charles and Dorchester counties No limit No limit F. Muskrat and Mink — Trapping Only. November 15, 2024 — February 15, 2025November 15, 2025 — February 15, 2026 In Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, and Washington counties No limit No limit December 15, 2024 — March 15, 2025December 15, 2025 — March 15, 2026 In Baltimore, Cecil, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne's, Somerset, and Worcester counties No limit No limit January 1, 2025 — March 15, 2025January 1, 2026 — March 15, 2026 In Anne Arundel, Calvert, Caroline, Charles, Dorchester, Montgomery, Prince George's, St. Mary's, Talbot, and Wicomico counties No limit No limit G. Nutria. August 1 — July 31 In all counties No limit No limit H. Otter — Trapping Only. (1) In General. December 15, 2024 — March 15, 2025December 15, 2025 — March 15, 2026 In Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, and Washington counties 2 per day 2 per season In all other counties, except Allegany and Garrett counties 10 per day 10 per season (2) Allegany and Garrett Counties. December 1, 2024 — March 15, 2025December 1, 2025 — March 15, 2026 In Allegany and Garrett counties 1 per day 1 per season I. Raccoon and Opossum. (1) Chasing — No Kill. August 1, 2024 — October 14, 2024March 16, 2025 — July 31, 2025August 1, 2025 — October 14, 2025March 16, 2026 — July 31, 2026 In all counties (2) Firearms, Archery, Airgun, and Dog Hunting. October 15, 2024 — March 15, 2025October 15, 2025 — March 15, 2026 (May be hunted day and night) In all counties No limit No limit (3) Trapping. November 1, 2024 — March 15, 2025November 1, 2025 — March 15, 2026 In that portion of the State west of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River No limit No limit November 15, 2024 — March 15, 2025November 15, 2025 — March 15, 2026 In that portion of the State east of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River No limit No limit J. Skunk. (1) Firearms, Archery, and Airgun Hunting. November 1, 2024 — March 15, 2025November 1, 2025 — March 15, 2026 In all counties No limit No limit (2) Trapping. November 1, 2024 — March 15, 2025November 1, 2025 — March 15, 2026 In all counties No limit No limit K. Long-Tailed Weasel — Trapping. November 1, 2024 — February 1, 2025November 1, 2025 — February 1, 2026 In that portion of the State west of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River No limit No limit November 15, 2024 — February 15, 2025November 15, 2025 — February 15, 2026 In that portion of the State east of the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River No limit No limit L. On lands owned or controlled by the Department in Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester counties, only leaseholders or their appointees may hunt or trap furbearers between November 15 and March 15. #### Regulation .06 Deer Hunting — General. *COMAR 08.03.03.06* A. Regional Management. (1) The seasons and bag limits for white-tailed deer are set on a regional basis. (2) The two deer management regions are: (a) Deer management region A includes Allegany (Zones 1 and 2), Garrett (Zones 1 and 2), and Washington (Zone 2) counties; and (b) Deer management region B includes Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick (Zones 1 and 2), Harford, Howard, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George's, Queen Anne's, Somerset, St. Mary's, Talbot, Washington (Zone 1), Wicomico, and Worcester counties and Baltimore City. (3) There are four counties with deer management zones as follows: (a) Allegany County Zone 1 is that portion of Allegany County from the Washington-Allegany county line west to Town Creek; (b) Allegany County Zone 2 is that portion of Allegany County west of Town Creek to the Allegany-Garrett county line; (c) Garrett County Zone 1 is that portion of Garrett County from the Allegany-Garrett county line west to a line at Route 40 at the Pennsylvania state boundary line to the junction of Routes 40 and 219 at Keyser's Ridge, then south on Route 219 to Route 135, then east on Route 135 to Route 560, and then south on Route 560 to the Potomac River at Gorman; (d) Garrett County Zone 2 is the portion of Garrett County west of a line beginning at Route 40 at the Pennsylvania state boundary line to the junction of Routes 40 and 219, then south on Route 219 to Route 135, then east on Route 135 to Route 560, and then south on Route 560 to the Potomac River at Gorman; (e) Washington County Zone 2 is the western portion of Washington County, from the Allegany-Washington county line eastward to a line beginning at the intersection of Route 494 (Pennsylvania Route 75) and the Pennsylvania state boundary line, south on Route 494 to Route 57, south on Route 57 to Route 40 at St. Paul's Church, west on Route 40 to the junction of Big Spring Road and Route 40 in Clear Spring, south on Big Spring Road to the junction of Route 56 at Big Spring, follow Route 56 west to the junction with Charles Mill Road, and then south on Charles Mill Road to the Potomac River; (f) Washington County Zone 1 is that portion of Washington County east of a line beginning at the intersection of Route 494 (Pennsylvania Route 75) and the Pennsylvania state line, south on Route 494 to Route 57, south on Route 57 to Route 40 at St. Paul's Church, west on Route 40 to the junction of Big Spring Road and Route 40 in Clear Spring, south on Big Spring Road to the junction of Route 56 at Big Spring, follow Route 56 west to the junction with Charles Mill Road, and then south on Charles Mill Road to the Potomac River; (g) Frederick County Zone 1 is all portions of Frederick County except for those in Zone 2 as described in §A(3)(h) of this regulation; and (h) Frederick County Zone 2 is that portion of Frederick County west of the Monocacy River beginning where Fingerboard Road crosses the river, then by and with the west side of the Monocacy River to the crossing by Biggs Ford Road, then by and with the south side of Biggs Ford Road to the junction with Route 15, then by and with the west side of Route 15 to the junction with Sundays Lane, then by and with the south side of Sundays Lane to the junction with Bloomfield Road, then by and with the east side of Bloomfield Road to the junction with Opossumtown Pike, then by and with the south side of Opossumtown Pike to the junction with Walter Martz Road, then by and with the east side of Walter Martz Road to the junction with Christopher’s Crossing, then by and with the south side of Christopher’s Crossing to the junction with Walter Martz Road, then by and with the south side of Walter Martz Road to the junction with Rocky Springs Road, then by and with the south and east side of Rocky Springs Road to the junction with Kemp Lane, then by and with the east side of Kemp Lane to the junction with Shookstown Road, then by and with the north side of Shookstown Road to the junction with Bowers Road, then by and with the east side of Bowers Road to the junction West Patrick Street, then by and with the north side of West Patrick Street to the junction with Blentlinger Road, then by and with the east side of Blentlinger Road to the junction with Old National Pike, then by and with the south side of Old National Pike to the junction with Maryland Interstate 70, then by and with the north side of Maryland Interstate 70 to the junction with Route 15, then by and with the east side of Route 15 to the junction with Mt. Zion Road, then by and with the north side of Mt. Zion Road to the junction with Elmer Derr Road, and then by and with the north side of Elmer Derr Road to the junction with New Design Road, then by and with the east side of New Design Road to the junction with Manor Woods Road, then by and with the north side of Manor Woods Road to the junction with Buckystown Pike, then by and with the east side of Buckystown Pike to the junction with Fingerboard Road, and then by and with the north side of Fingerboard Road to the crossing over the Monocacy River. B. Bonus Antlered Deer Stamps. (1) An individual with a hunting license and the appropriate season stamp may purchase a bonus antlered deer stamp which allows the individual to hunt one additional antlered deer per hunting license year in a particular deer management region. (2) Pursuant to Natural Resources Article, §10-301, Annotated Code of Maryland, an individual allowed to hunt deer without a license does not need to purchase a bonus antlered deer stamp to take one additional antlered deer per hunting license year in a particular deer management region. (3) An individual who purchases a bonus antlered deer stamp may use that stamp during any open season for white-tailed deer in a particular deer management region in the same hunting license year. (4) Bonus antlered deer stamps are valid for white-tailed deer only. (5) An individual shall purchase a bonus antlered deer stamp before hunting an additional antlered deer. C. Fallow deer may be hunted in place of white-tailed deer during each season. #### Regulation .07 White-Tailed Deer. *COMAR 08.03.03.07* A. The following lands are owned or controlled by the Department in Region A as defined in Regulation .06A of this chapter: (1) Billmeyer-Belle Grove; WMA; (2) Cunningham Swamp WMA; (3) Dan’s Mountain WMA; (4) Deep Creek Lake State Park (designated areas only); (5) Green Ridge State Forest; (6) Indian Springs WMA; (7) McCoole Fishery Management Area; (8) Mount Nebo WMA; (9) Potomac-Garrett State Forest; (10) Prather's Neck WMA; (11) Rocky Gap State Park (designated areas only); (12) Sang Run State Park (designated areas only); (13) Savage River State Forest; (14) Sideling Hill WMA; (15) Warrior Mountain WMA; (16) Woodmont; (17) Youghiogheny Reservoir CWMA; and (18) Youghiogheny Scenic Wild River. B. The Suburban Deer Management Zone is defined as the area that encompasses Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties. F. Use of Primitive Weapons During February Dates. (1) A hunter may only use a primitive weapon as defined in COMAR 08.03.01.01B(29) and in accordance with COMAR 08.03.04.05I. (2) Hunters may not harvest more than one antlered deer per day within the prescribed bag limit. (3) A deer taken with a primitive weapon shall count towards the respective bow or muzzleloader season's bag limits, except in Region A, as defined in Regulation .06A of this chapter, in which one additional antlerless deer may be taken. G. A hunter may only harvest one antlered deer per license year, including the Bonus antlered deer, that has antlers with fewer than three antler points 1 inch or longer on each antler. Hunters that possess, or are eligible to possess, a Resident or Nonresident Junior Hunting License are exempt from this requirement. Hunters that are 16 years old or younger and possess an Apprentice Hunting License are exempt from this requirement. H. Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp. (1) Before taking a Bonus antlered white-tailed deer, hunters shall first purchase a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp. (2) Persons exempt from needing a hunting license under Natural Resources Article, §10-301(c), Annotated Code of Maryland, do not need to purchase a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp. (3) One Bonus antlered white-tailed deer may be taken per license year, for all seasons combined. The Bonus antlered white-tailed deer may not be taken on the same day that another antlered deer is taken under the prescribed bag limit. (4) In accordance with the defined regions in Regulation .06A of this chapter, the Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp may be used in Region A, provided that prior to the use of the Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp: (a) No more than two antlered deer were taken Statewide and no more than one antlered deer was taken in Region A; and (b) Any previously harvested antlered deer in Region A was taken in a different weapon season than the Bonus deer. (5) The Bonus antlered white-tailed deer may be taken in any weapon season except the October muzzleloader season. #### Regulation .08 Sika Deer. *COMAR 08.03.03.08* Season Dates, Subject to Regulation .01D of This Chapter Season Bag Limits A. Archery Season. Statewide. September 6, 2024 — October 16, 2024October 20, 2024 (Sunday counties only)October 21, 2024 — November 29, 2024December 16, 2024 — December 20, 2024January 5, 2025 (Sunday counties only)January 6, 2025 — January 9, 2025January 13, 2025 — January 31, 2025February 1, 2025 and February 3, 2025 — February 4, 2025 (use of primitive weapons only, subject to §E of this regulation)September 5, 2025 — October 15, 2025October 19, 2025 (Sunday counties only)October 20, 2025 - November 28, 2025December 15, 2025 - December 19, 2025January 4, 2026 (Sunday counties only)January 5, 2026 — January 8, 2026January 12, 2026 — January 31, 2026February 2, 2026 — February 4, 2026 (use of primitive weapons only, subject to §E of this regulation) 3 deerNot more than 1 antlered. B. Muzzleloader Season. (1) Region B as Defined in Regulation .06A of This Chapter. Antlerless. October 21, 2024 — October 26, 2024October 20, 2025 — October 25, 2025 3 deerNot more than 1 antlered. (2) Statewide. Antlered or Antlerless. October 17, 2024 — October 19, 2024December 21, 2024 — January 4, 2025February 1, 2025 and February 3, 2025 — February 4, 2025 (use of primitive weapons only, subject to §E of this regulation)October 16, 2025 — October 18, 2025December 20, 2025 — January 3, 2026February 2, 2026 — February 4, 2026 (use of primitive weapons only, subject to §E of this regulation) C. Firearms Season. Statewide. November 30, 2024 — December 14, 2024January 10, 2025 — January 11, 2025January 12, 2025 (Sunday counties only)November 29, 2025 — December 13, 2025January 9, 2026 — January 10, 2026January 11, 2026 (Sunday counties only) 3 deerNot more than 1 antlered. D. Junior Deer Hunt. Statewide. November 16, 2024November 17, 2024 (Sunday counties only)November 15, 2025November 16, 2025 (Sunday counties only) 1 antlered or1 antlerless E. Use of Primitive Weapons During February Dates. (1) A hunter may only use a primitive weapon as defined in COMAR 08.03.01.01B(29) and in accordance with COMAR 08.03.04.05I. (2) Hunters may not harvest more than one antlered deer per day within the prescribed bag limit. (3) A deer taken with a primitive weapon shall count towards the respective bow or muzzleloader season's bag limits, except in Region A, as defined in Regulation .06A of this chapter, in which one additional antlerless deer may be taken.