Maryland Bird Hunting

Seasons Span October 5 – February 28, 2026

State Drought Monitor – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.

Season Dates

  • Woodcock:
    • First Season: October 25, 2025 – November 28, 2025
    • Second Season: January 12, 2026 – January 28, 2026
  • Bobwhite Quail (except Garrett, Allegany Counties, and DNR lands east of the Susquehanna River):
    • November 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026
  • Ruffed Grouse:
    • October 4, 2025 – December 3, 2025
  • Ring-necked Pheasant:
    • November 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026

Required Licenses and Costs

  • Maryland Hunting License:
    • Resident: $24.50 (annual)
    • Nonresident: $130 (annual)
    • Junior (under 16): $10.50 (resident), $30 (nonresident)
    • Apprentice License: Available for first-time hunters; cost varies.
    • Note: Hunters born before July 1, 1977, or exempt individuals (e.g., landowners) may not need a license. All first-time hunters or those without a pre-1977 license must complete a hunter education course.
  • Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp: $9 (required for woodcock and other migratory birds).
  • Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp): $25 (required for hunters 16 and older hunting woodcock).
  • Licenses and stamps can be purchased online via the Maryland DNR’s MD Outdoors website, by phone (855-855-3906), at department service centers, or through 250 sport license agents.

Daily Bag and Possession Limits

  • Woodcock:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 3
    • Possession Limit: 9
  • Bobwhite Quail:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 6
    • Possession Limit: 12
  • Ruffed Grouse:
    • Daily Bag Limit: 2
    • Possession Limit: Not specified (typically double the daily bag limit, so likely 4).
  • Ring-necked Pheasant:
    • Daily Bag Limit: Not specified (varies by region; typically low due to population decline).
    • Possession Limit: Not specified (check Maryland DNR for updates).

Additional Regulations

  • Shooting Hours: Generally one-half hour before sunrise to sunset for all species. For woodcock, specific hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
  • Blaze Orange/Pink Requirement: Hunters must wear a solid-colored blaze orange or pink hat and vest (or outer garment with at least 250 square inches of solid blaze orange/pink) or blaze camo clothing (at least 50% fluorescent orange/pink above the waist).
  • Nontoxic Shot: Required for woodcock (no lead shot allowed).
  • Regional Restrictions:
    • Quail hunting is prohibited in Garrett, Allegany Counties, and on DNR lands east of the Susquehanna River.
    • Pheasants are primarily found in Carroll, Baltimore, Frederick, and Washington Counties, with low populations.
  • Falconry Seasons (for migratory birds like woodcock):
    • Extended season: October 1, 2025 – October 24, 2025, and January 31, 2026 – March 7, 2026
    • Bag/Possession Limits: 3 per day, 9 in possession
    • Requires a Falconry Permit in addition to other licenses.

Notes

  • Population Trends: Upland bird populations, particularly pheasants and ruffed grouse, are declining in Maryland due to habitat loss, severe weather, and other factors. Hunters should check the Maryland DNR website for the most current population data and any last-minute regulation changes.
  • Verification: Always confirm season dates, bag limits, and license requirements with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website or the 2025-2026 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping for the most up-to-date information, as fees and regulations may change.

For further details, visit the Maryland DNR website or contact them at 410-260-8540.