Maryland Bow Hunting: Whitetail, Sika Deer & Rules
Preliminary Guide — Pending Official Verification
Some season dates, license fees, and regulation details for Maryland are pending final verification against official Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR) publications. Always consult official state regulations before hunting.
📅 2026 Season & License Info
Archery Season Open
[TODO: Verify 2026 MD date - typically Sept 7]
Archery Season Close
[TODO: Verify 2026 MD date - typically Jan 31]
Min Draw Weight
[TODO: Verify MD minimum draw weight - typically 30 lbs]
Resident License
$20.50/yr base [TODO: Verify MD archery stamp and license package]
Non-Resident License
$130/yr base [TODO: Verify non-resident license package]
Top Species
Whitetail Deer, Sika Deer, Wild Turkey, Black Bear
📍 Top Public Hunting Spots
Green Ridge State Forest
Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Bear
Maryland's largest contiguous state forest in Allegany County offering mountain ridges and oak hollows.
Savage River State Forest
Whitetail Deer, Black Bear
High-elevation Garrett County hardwood forest with deep wilderness hollows and public camping.
McKee-Beshers WMA
Whitetail Deer
High-density public ground along the Potomac River in Montgomery County with rich agricultural borders.
⚖️ Maryland Archery Regulations
- •Minimum draw weight: 30 lbs for whitetail and sika deer [TODO: Verify MD DNR guidelines]
- •Broadheads: Must have a minimum cutting diameter of 7/8 inch [TODO: Verify with MD DNR]
- •Sunday hunting: Permitted on private lands and designated public lands in certain counties [TODO: Verify county-by-county Sunday schedule]
- •Sika deer bag limit: Sika deer have separate bag limits from whitetails on the Eastern Shore [TODO: Verify current sika bag limits]
- •Harvest reporting: Mandatory reporting via phone or MD DNR COMPASS mobile app within 24 hours [TODO: Verify confirmation code requirements]
💡 Expert Tips for Maryland
- →Maryland's Eastern Shore (Dorchester County) offers the only free-range sika deer hunting in the eastern United States
- →Hunt marsh edges during low tide for sika deer; they move through tidal gut crossings and phragmites corridors
- →Region B (central Maryland) features unlimited antlerless harvest opportunities in suburban agricultural zones
- →Green Ridge State Forest allows free primitive camping, making it an ideal destination for DIY mountain bowhunting
🏛️ Official Wildlife Agency & Sources
Hunting seasons, tag quotas, and bag limits are established by state wildlife agencies and change annually. For official regulations, proclamations, and license purchases, consult:
Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR)
Official State Wildlife Agency
Status: [Pending Verification - TODO]
Maryland Bowhunting FAQ
Where can you bowhunt sika deer in Maryland?
Sika deer are found primarily in the marshes and pine woods of Dorchester, Somerset, and Wicomico counties on Maryland's Eastern Shore, including Blackwater NWR and Fishing Bay WMA.
Can you hunt on Sundays in Maryland?
Sunday deer hunting is permitted on private lands in most counties and on designated public lands on specific dates. Bowhunters must check the Maryland DNR hunting guide for county regulations.
Do I need a separate bow stamp in Maryland?
Yes, bowhunters must hold an Archery Stamp in addition to their standard Maryland Hunting License to hunt during the archery season.