Maryland


During Maryland Muzzleloader Hunting Season, Muzzleloading rifles may be used to hunt all game mammals (except beavers, weasels, mink, muskrats, and river otters), turkeys during the fall season only, quail, pheasants, ruffed grouse, crows, nutria, and woodchucks. Muzzleloading shotguns may be used to hunt all game birds, game mammals (except beavers, weasels, mink, muskrats, and river otters, nutria, and woodchucks.) Muzzleloaders used for deer and bear hunting must be at least .40 caliber in size and use not less than 60 grains of black powder (or a black powder equivalent) and propel one all-lead, lead alloy or copper soft-nosed or expanding bullet or ball at a single discharge. Sabot loads are legal during Maryland Muzzleloader Hunting Season. It is permissible to hunt deer with a muzzleloading rifle or muzzleloading shotgun in all counties. Telescopic sights may be used on a muzzleloader.

Maryland Muzzleloader Hunting Season 2023-2024

Antlered White Tail Deer

SeasonDatesLimits
MuzzleloaderOct 219- Oct 21
Dec 16 – Dec 30
2 total for all seasons combined
No more than 1 in any weapon season
A third antlered white-tailed deer may be taken only in Region B as a bonus antlered deer
Hunting Season Updated for 2023-2024

Find full dates HERE

Maryland Muzzleloader Hunting Season Regulations

In the Maryland Muzzleloader Hunting Season, Flintlock, percussion cap, and inline ignition muzzleloaders are legal hunting devices. To be considered a muzzleloader, a rifle, shotgun or handgun must be loaded from the muzzle, and a revolver must be loaded from the front of the cylinder. Muzzleloaders are considered unloaded if the ignition system is disabled by removal of the cap, primer, battery, or primer powder. Muzzleloading handguns (both single shot and revolvers) may be used to hunt deer in all counties. Muzzleloading handguns used for deer and bear hunting must be at least .40 caliber in size with a barrel length of at least 6 inches and use not less than 40 grains of black powder (or a black powder equivalent) and propel one all-lead, lead alloy or copper soft-nosed or expanding bullet or ball at a single discharge.

Region A: Allegany, Garrett & Washington (Zone 2) counties

Region A DNR Public Lands include: Billmeyer-Belle Grove WMA, Cunningham Swamp WMA, Dan’s Mountain WMA, Deep Creek Lake State Park (Designated Areas Only), Garrett State Forest, Green Ridge State Forest, Indian Springs WMA, Mount Nebo WMA, Potomac State Forest, Prather’s Neck WMA, Rocky Gap State Park (Designated Areas Only), Savage River State Forest, Sideling Hill WMA, Warrior Mountain WMA, Woodmont, Youghiogheny Reservoir CWMA, and Youghiogheny Scenic Wild River.

*Sunday White-Tailed Deer hunting is available only in certain counties. Dates vary statewide unless otherwise noted.

* No more than two antlerless deer total can be taken in Region A per license year.

Designated public lands open to Sunday hunting in Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties are: ONLY Billmeyer-Belle Grove WMA, Cunningham Swamp WMA, Dan’s Mountain WMA, Garrett State Forest (SF), Green Ridge SF, Indian Springs WMA, Mount Nebo WMA, Potomac SF, Prather’s Neck WMA, Savage River SF, Sideling Hill WMA, Warrior Mountain WMA.

This information is subject to change, for more information visit MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES


Additional Links

2023-2024 DEER SEASON AND BAG LIMITS
HUNTING AND TRAPPING GUIDE
MANAGED DEER HUNT PROGRAMS
LICENSES AND PERMITS

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