Maryland Hunting Overview
Maryland blends a moderately priced, stacked hunting license with extensive suburban deer management hunts near the Washington D.C. and Baltimore metro corridor, plus a unique introduced Sika deer population on the Eastern Shore. The Maryland DNR manages this mix of traditional and urban management hunting alongside standard statewide deer, turkey, and archery seasons. Understanding Maryland's stacked fee structure and suburban hunt opportunities is key to planning an efficient season in this densely populated Mid-Atlantic state.
MD Hunting License Fees at a Glance
Fees are approximate 2025–2026 rates. Verify at Maryland DNR.
MD Hunting Cost Calculator
Select your residency and the tags you need. Your estimated total updates instantly.
Complete Maryland Hunting License Fee Schedule
| License / Tag | Resident | Non-Resident | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Hunting License | $35.00 | $160.00 | Base license |
| Deer Tag | $6.00 | $25.00 | Archery/muzzleloader stamp; firearm season included in base license |
| Spring Turkey Tag | $10.00 | $10.00 | Per tag |
| Archery Endorsement | Included | Included | No separate purchase |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $27.00 | $27.00 | Required for waterfowl |
| Senior Resident | 65+ reduced | — | Verify at Maryland DNR |
| Youth | Under 16 free | — | Junior hunting license |
| Active Duty Military | Active duty free | — | With military ID |
Maryland Hunting License Fees — What You're Actually Paying For
Maryland's $35.00 resident license is close to Pennsylvania's $20.97, and deer hunting requires an additional $10 resident stamp — a lighter add-on than Pennsylvania's stacked deer, turkey, and archery fees combined. The full resident cost for Maryland deer season lands around $30.50, competitive with neighboring Virginia's bundled $23 license.
Maryland runs extensive suburban deer management programs near the Washington D.C. and Baltimore metro areas, similar to Virginia's urban archery seasons and New Jersey's suburban WMA permits. Given the state's dense population corridor, many of Maryland's best deer hunting opportunities are these localized management hunts rather than traditional rural public land access.
Turkey ($10) is inexpensive relative to nearby states, and archery is included in the base license and deer stamp combination with no separate endorsement fee — better than Virginia's separate $23 archery charge just across the border. Combined with a long September-to-December bow season, Maryland offers solid access for hunters focused on the D.C./Baltimore corridor.
Maryland's Sika deer — an introduced species found primarily on the Eastern Shore — offer a unique hunting opportunity managed separately from the state's whitetail deer season, with their own specific season dates and bag limits distinct from the general deer stamp.
Maryland vs. Nearby States: Hunting License Cost Comparison
Here's how Maryland's resident and non-resident hunting license fees stack up against nearby or commonly compared states.
| State | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland (this page) | $35.00 | $160.00 |
| Virginia | $23.00 | $111.00 |
| Pennsylvania | $20.97 | $101.97 |
| Delaware | $39.50 | $199.50 |
| West Virginia | $19.00 | $119.00 |
How to Buy a Maryland Hunting License
Maryland hunting licenses and deer stamps are sold through the DNR's online licensing system, by phone, or at license agents statewide. Online purchases generate an instant digital license. Because many of Maryland's best deer hunting opportunities are suburban management hunts with their own sign-up process, check specific county or Wildlife Management Area programs in addition to the standard state license and deer stamp.
Buying a MD License, Step by Step
1. Go to the Maryland DNR online licensing portal (or call/visit an agent in person).
2. Select residency status and the license type — base license, plus any required deer, turkey, or archery add-ons.
3. Enter hunter education certification details if this is your first license, or your existing customer ID if you've bought one before.
4. Pay online for an instant digital license, or complete the purchase in person.
5. Print or save your license and any tags to your phone, and review current season dates for your specific zone or unit before heading out.
Maryland Residency Rules & License Exemptions
Maryland requires residents to have lived in the state for at least 90 days immediately before applying, with a Maryland driver's license or state ID as proof, and extends resident rates to active-duty military stationed in Maryland. Residents 65 and older receive reduced pricing, and youth under 16 hunt free. Maryland does not offer a broad landowner exemption — owning hunting land in the state does not by itself waive the license or stamp requirements.
Is a Maryland Hunting License Worth It?
Is Maryland's stacked resident cost (about $30.50 for base license and deer stamp) worth it? For hunters near the D.C./Baltimore corridor seeking suburban management hunt access, yes — those localized hunts offer real value. For hunters purely comparing base cost, Virginia's fully-bundled $23 license is a cheaper straightforward option just across the border.
Other State Hunting License Costs
Maryland Hunting Season Dates
| Season | Typical Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deer — Archery | September – December | Check zone/unit dates |
| Deer — General Firearm | November – December | Varies by zone/unit |
| Spring Wild Turkey | April – May | $10.00 tag required |
| Waterfowl / Duck | October – January | Duck Stamp + state validation |
Season dates vary by zone/unit. Verify your area's exact calendar at Maryland DNR.