Maryland Announces 2025-2026 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons

According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the state’s migratory game bird hunting seasons for 2025-2026 are set to begin on September 1st, with mourning dove and early resident Canada goose seasons opening on that date. Hunters can find comprehensive details regarding bag limits, specific season dates, and shooting hours within the official 2025-2026 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping. The department highlights Maryland’s varied terrain and extensive public land opportunities as beneficial for both novice and experienced hunters.

For the majority of early migratory game bird seasons, official shooting hours will commence 30 minutes prior to sunrise and conclude at sunset. However, the opening segment of the mourning dove season, running from September 1st to October 18th, will have adjusted shooting hours from noon until sunset. The mourning dove season is split, with a second segment from October 25th to November 28th, and a third segment scheduled from December 20th to January 9th, 2026. The woodcock season is also divided into two periods: the first from October 25th to November 28th, and the second from January 12th to 28th, 2026.

The early resident Canada goose season will be divided into two zones. The Eastern zone will open from September 1st to September 15th, while the Western zone will be open from September 1st to September 25th. Notably, for this early Canada goose season, shotguns capable of holding more than three shells are permitted. Additionally, shooting hours for early resident Canada geese are extended, beginning 30 minutes before sunrise and ending 30 minutes after sunset. The September teal season is scheduled from September 18th to September 27th, with shooting hours from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset and a daily bag limit of six teal.

All individuals participating in migratory bird hunting, including license-exempt landowners, are required to obtain a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp/Harvest Information Program Permit. This permit, in the form of a printed receipt, must be carried while hunting. Furthermore, all waterfowl hunters aged 16 and older must also possess a printed receipt of the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly known as the Federal Duck Stamp. Licenses, permits, and stamps can be purchased through the MD Outdoors website, by calling 855-855-3906, at department service centers, or through approximately 250 authorized sport license agents across the state. Hunters are also encouraged to report any banded migratory game birds they harvest by visiting the department’s website. Upon reporting, hunters will receive a certificate of appreciation that includes available biological information about the harvested bird. Information regarding Maryland’s various waterfowl hunting zones can be accessed on the DNR website. For inquiries, the department can be reached at 410-260-8540.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

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