Maryland Hunting License

How Do I Get My State Hunting License?

Depending on your age, you may be required to have the Hunter Education Certificate in order to legally buy a license or permit to hunt.

1. Complete the Maryland hunter education certification requirements.
2. Choose the correct license type.
3. Buy the license through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website or a Maryland–approved retailer.

Types of Maryland Hunting Licenses

Maryland Resident

A resident is a person whose permanent home is in Maryland. Active-duty military members stationed in Maryland are considered residents.

All Maryland residents must have a resident hunting license. There are additional requirements in order to hunt deer during specific seasons, migratory game birds, furbearers, and black bears.

Non-Resident

All non-residents must have a non-resident hunting license. There are additional requirements in order to hunt deer during specific seasons, migratory game birds, furbearers, and black bears. Short-term licenses are also available.

Youth Hunting License

Maryland residents and non-residents under 16 years old may purchase a junior hunting license with written permission of a parent or guardian.

Maryland residents who are under 16 years old and who successfully complete a hunter education course are eligible for a one-time free hunting license. This also includes the Archery Stamp and Muzzleloader Stamp.

Senior Hunting License

Maryland residents age 65 or older may purchase the reduced-fee Resident Senior Hunting License.

Non-residents age 65 or older may purchase the reduced-fee Nonresident Senior Hunting License.

Disability License

Maryland does not offer a hunting license specifically for people with disabilities. People with mobility impairments may obtain the Universal Disability Pass so that they can hunt from a vehicle. Visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website for more details.

Military and Veteran License

Active-duty military members who are stationed in Maryland may purchase a resident hunting license. In addition, active-duty military members who are Maryland residents but stationed elsewhere are not required to have a hunting license while on leave. Visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website for more details.

Resident veterans who either are former prisoners of war or have 100% service-connected disability may obtain the free DAV-POW Hunting License. The license includes the bow stamp, muzzleloader stamp, and furbearer permit. Licenses are available only at Maryland Department of Natural Resources Licensing and Registration Service Centers.

Migratory Waterfowl Requirements

All hunters age 16 or older must purchase the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp and the Federal Duck Stamp when hunting migratory waterfowl. Proof of Harvest Information Program (HIP) participation is issued at the same time as the state stamp.

License Expiration

Hunting licenses are good from the date of issue to July 31. The license year is from Aug. 1 to July 31 of the next year.

Where to Buy a Maryland Hunting License

• Visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website.
• Call 1-855-855-3906.
• Visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources office or an approved retailer.
• Mail in a paper application.