Maryland’s Winter Firearm Deer Hunting Season Opens January 10

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by David M. Higgins II, Publisher/Editor January 4, 2025

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will open the winter firearm deer hunting season on January 10, 2025, in Deer Management Region B, covering most of the state except the westernmost counties. Hunters with a valid license can pursue both sika and white-tailed deer during this season.

Season Details

The firearm season will run January 10-11 across all of Region B, with additional hunting opportunities on Sunday, January 12, in specific areas:

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  • Private and designated public lands: Cecil, St. Mary’s, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties
  • Private lands only: Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Kent, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, and Washington (Zone 1) counties

In Kent, Montgomery, Talbot, and Wicomico counties, shooting hours will conclude at 10:30 a.m.

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Encouraging Participation

“The January firearm season offers hunters another chance to embrace the cold weather and fill the freezer after the holidays,” said Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Karina Stonesifer. “The historically strong antlerless harvest helps us meet population objectives in Region B and provides a great opportunity for many to harvest their first deer of the new year.”

Bag Limits and Restrictions

Hunters should note the following guidelines for this season:

  • Antlered white-tailed deer restrictions: Hunters may harvest one antlered white-tailed deer within the yearly bag limit that does not meet the requirement of at least three points on one antler. Any additional antlered deer must meet the three-point minimum. Junior hunters and apprentice license holders aged 16 and under are exempt from this restriction.
  • Sika deer bag limits: Hunters pursuing sika deer must purchase a sika hunting stamp. The season bag limit is three, with no more than one being antlered. An antlered sika deer is defined as having at least one antler visible above the hairline.

Safety Guidelines

The DNR reminds all participants of safety requirements:

Maryland’s Winter Firearm Deer Hunting Season Opens January 10

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