Licenses, Stamps & Permits

Term
Hunting licenses are valid from August 1, 2008 to July 31, 2009, except the nonresident 3-day waterfowl and small game license.

Hunter Education and Safety Requirement
To hunt or purchase a hunting license in Maryland, state law requires:

• Presentation of a Certificate of Competency in Firearms and Hunting Safety (required for junior licenses), or

• Certification that you held a hunting license issued prior to July 1, 1977, or

• Certification that you hunted on private property prior to July 1, 1977, and were legally exempt from purchasing a hunting license, or

• Certification that you are purchasing a nonresident license and will only hunt waterfowl.

Exception: Compliance with the Hunter Education and Safety Requirement does not apply to those shooting under a Regulated Shooting Area Hunting License.

Note: Resident Junior Hunters (under 16 years of age) will be entitled to a one-time FREE annual hunting license, bow stamp, and muzzleloader stamp upon successful completion of a Hunter Safety and Education course (bring form provided by course instructor to any DNR Licensing and Registration Service Center).

Trapper Education
Effective August 1, 2007, any person who is trapping or attempting to trap furbearers (beaver, coyote, fisher, gray fox, long-tailed weasel, mink, muskrat, opossum, raccoon, red fox, river otter, and skunk), under the authority of a Furbearer Permit must first obtain a certificate of trapper education from the Department (or a designee of the Department), except that the certificate is not required if the person held a Furbearer Permit during the 2006-07 trapping season (prior to August 1, 2007).  Trapper education courses are held statewide.  Any similar certificate issued by another state is acceptable as complying with the educational requirements if the privileges are reciprocal for Maryland residents. See Trapper Education Requirement.

Full Season Hunting License
Allows you to hunt all legal game birds and mammals in season without the need for additional stamps, except:

1. deer during bow season;

2. deer during muzzleloader season;

3. migratory game birds; and

4. furbearers.

Resident Regular Hunting License...$24.50
(Age 16 to 64)

Resident Junior Hunting License...$10.50
(Under 16 years of age, written permission of parent or guardian required)

Resident Senior Hunting License...$5.00
(Age 65 and above, may be purchased in the calendar year in which a resident attains the age of 65.)

Holders of Senior Lifetime Consolidated Licenses
This license has been eliminated, but persons who already have this license are “grandfathered” and do not need to purchase the Senior Hunting License, Bow or Muzzleloader Stamps. However, they must buy a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp (to hunt a bonus antlered deer), a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp (to hunt migratory game birds), a DNR Managed Hunt Permit (where required), and a Furbearer Permit (to hunt or chase furbearers).

Nonresident Hunting License...$130.00
(Age 16 and above)

Nonresident Junior Hunting License...$65.00
(Under 16 years of age, written permission of parent or guardian required)

Short Term License
Nonresident 3-Day Waterfowl and Small Game License...$45.00
Allows nonresidents of Maryland to hunt all legal game; except deer, bear, and turkey; for 3 consecutive legal hunting days. A Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp is required to hunt migratory game birds and a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp is required to hunt waterfowl. A Furbearer Permit is required to hunt or chase furbearers.

Stamps

Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp…$9.00
This stamp is required for all migratory game bird hunters (coots, doves, rails, snipe, waterfowl, and woodcock), including persons not required to have a hunting license and holders of senior hunting licenses. Hunters must possess the printed receipt showing proof of purchase of the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp while hunting migratory game birds.  Migratory game bird hunters are not required to sign and attach the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp to their license.  The Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit is issued in conjunction with the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp.

Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp…$15.00 (At U.S. Post Offices and online)
or $17.00 from sport license agents and DNR Licensing and Registration Service Centers
This stamp is required for all waterfowl hunters, including those who are not required to purchase a hunting license, except those under the age of 16. The stamp must be signed in ink and possessed while hunting waterfowl and coots.  A printed receipt indicating the purchase of a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp will be accepted as evidence of that purchase for 45 days.  The stamp will be mailed to the purchaser.  The proof of purchase will expire after 45 days and the purchaser must then sign the stamp in ink and possess it while hunting waterfowl and coots.

Bow Stamp*
Required to hunt deer during Bow Season with valid hunting license. This includes crossbows.

Resident Bow Stamp...$6.00
Nonresident Bow Stamp…$25.00

Muzzleloader Stamp*
Required to hunt deer during Muzzleloader Season with valid hunting license. This includes bowhunters that hunt with vertical bows and crossbows during the Muzzleloader Season.

Resident Muzzleloader Stamp…$6.00
Nonresident Muzzleloader Stamp…$25.00

Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp*
A Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp allows you to take one (1) additional antlered white-tailed deer for each Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp purchased, within the established bag limits for a given Deer Management Region. The Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp is to be used only after two antlerless deer are taken within the same season.  Bonus Antlered Deer Stamps must be purchased prior to pursuing a bonus antlered deer. Bonus Antlered Deer Stamps are not season-specific and the stamp may be used during the bow, muzzleloader, or firearm season.   Deer Stamps must be purchased prior to pursuing a bonus antlered deer.

Resident Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp...$10.00
Nonresident Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp...$25.00

*Hunters entitled to hunt without a license do not need to purchase Bow, Muzzleloader, or Bonus Antlered Deer Stamps. Hunters with a Senior Lifetime Consolidated License do not need to purchase Bow or Muzzleloader Stamps but must purchase Bonus Antlered Deer Stamps to take bonus deer.

Permits and Other Licenses

Furbearer Permit
With certain exceptions, a person must obtain or be authorized by a Furbearer Permit to hunt, chase, or trap any furbearer (beaver, coyote, fisher, gray fox, long-tailed weasel, mink, muskrat, opossum, raccoon, red fox, river otter, and skunk), including persons participating in the unarmed chasing of fox and raccoons.  It is also required for persons not required to have a hunting license (e.g. landowners hunting on their own property) and holders of any senior hunting license. 

There are two types of Furbearer Permits, Individual and Group.  Any person desiring to participate in these activities can obtain the Individual Permit.  The representative of an association or group established for the purpose of chasing or hunting furbearers may obtain the Group Permit.  A member or guest of the association or group who participates in furbearer chasing or hunting with the association or group is not required to have an Individual Furbearer Permit.  The permit holder of the association or group must report to the Department the names and addresses of all individuals using the privileges of the permit and submit this information to the Department by September 1 following the end of each permit year.

Furbearer Permit-Individual…$5.00
Furbearer Permit-Group…$10.00

DNR Managed Hunt Permit...$35.00
This annual permit is required to hunt DNR properties that charge for Managed Hunts. Hunters must contact the properties they wish to hunt for site-specific rules and regulations. Persons exempt from this requirement are those legally hunting with a Junior Hunting License or any person serving in the United States Armed Forces that is exempt from needing a Maryland Hunting License.

Nonresident Trapping License...$25.50
This license is required for nonresidents to trap furbearers in Maryland in addition to a Nonresident Hunting License and Furbearer Permit.

Regulated Shooting Area Hunting License...$6.00
Allows you to shoot captive raised game birds on a licensed Regulated Shooting Area. This license cannot be used to hunt wild or free-flying captive raised waterfowl on a Regulated Shooting Area. This license is not required if you have a valid resident or nonresident hunting license. Hunters do not need to meet the Hunter Education and Safety Requirements in order to shoot captive raised game birds (except free-flying captive raised waterfowl) on a Regulated Shooting Area.

Stationary Blind, Blind Site License...$20.00
For current laws and regulations concerning offshore duck blind laws, See A Guide to Offshore Waterfowl Hunting.

Special Permits for Hunters With Disabilities

Hunt from a Vehicle Permit
Hunters with mobility impairments may obtain a special permit so they may hunt from a vehicle. Applications are available from Wildlife & Heritage Service Offices or online: Hunt from a Vehicle Permit. A physician must certify your permit application. See the Guide to Public Hunting Lands for public hunting areas that can assist hunters with mobility impairments.

Crossbow Permit
A special permit may be obtained to hunt with a crossbow if you cannot operate a bow due to a physical disability. A physician must certify your permit application. Any hunter that is 65 years or older does not need a crossbow disability permit to hunt with a crossbow.

If you have moved, please see the Crossbow Permit Change of Address Form and follow the instructions on the form.

Purchasing Your Maryland Hunting Licenses or Stamps

Licenses and stamps are available by applying in person at any DNR sport license agent. Call any DNR Licensing and Registration Service Center for the location of an agent near you or locate a sport license agent online. Licenses and stamps can also be obtained by telephone, online, by mail, or in person at DNR Licensing and Registration Service Centers. (The Annapolis Service Center has moved to 1804 West Street, Suite 300, Annapolis.) Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps are available from sport license agents, DNR Licensing and Registration Service Centers, U. S. Post Offices, National Wildlife Refuges, by calling 1-800-STAMP24 (782-6724), or online at http://www.duckstamp.com and http://www.dnr.maryland.gov.

Apply For A Hunting License By Telephone
You may obtain a hunting license, 24 hours a day, seven days a week by dialing 1-800-918-2870, toll free. Payment can be made by electronic check, Visa, Master Card or Discover and your license will be delivered by mail.  A convenience fee will be assessed by the provider.

Apply For A Hunting License Online
You may obtain a hunting license, 24 hours a day, seven days a week at  http://www.wildlifelicense.com/md/.  The printed license immediately authorizes your participation in all purchased activities, including deer and turkey hunting.  Supporting documents required for some privileges (hunting guides, fishing guides, boat decals, Migratory Game Bird stamp) will be mailed.  Payment can be made by electronic check, Visa, Master Card or Discover.  A convenience fee will be assessed by the provider.

Apply For a Hunting License By Mail
You may obtain a Hunting License Application by calling or visiting a DNR Licensing and Registration Service Center or download an application form at  http://dnr.maryland.gov/download/dnrforms.asp. Complete all applicable sections and mail it with the appropriate fee to any DNR Licensing and Registration Service Center. Applicants for nonresident licenses are required to submit a copy of their driver’s license, voter registration card or home state hunting/trapping license.

Obtaining Replacement Hunting Licenses, Stamps, and Permits
Replacement hunting licenses, stamps, and permits are available only from a DNR Licensing and Registration Service Center in person or by mail at a cost of $5 per item. Call any DNR Licensing and Registration Service Center for an application or visit Licensing & Titles online.

Who May Hunt Without a License
Note: Hunter Education and Safety Requirement applies to all individuals hunting in Maryland, even if they are exempt from the requirement to purchase a hunting license.

• It is unlawful to hunt without a valid hunting license in your possession unless you are exempt from this requirement as described in this section.  You are not required to possess a hunting license or stamps (except the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp, the federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, and a Furbearer Permit) if you are:

• A resident of Maryland (and their spouse) who owns property and who hunts only on that property. This also applies to: (1) the landowner’s children and grandchildren if they are under the age of 16; and (2) the landowner’s children and grandchildren, and the spouse of the children or grandchildren, regardless of age, if the child, grandchild, or their spouse, lives on the property, has worked on the property for at least 30 days during the preceding 12 months, or manages the property. Each person must individually qualify under these criteria. To qualify for this exemption a landowner does not need to live on the property but must be able to prove ownership.

• A person (and spouse) who: (1) holds land under lease for agricultural purposes (or a sharecropper); and (2) lives on this farmland; and (3) hunts only on this farmland. This also applies to: (1) the lessee’s children and grandchildren if they are under the age of 16; and (2) the lessee’s children and grandchildren, and their spouses, if the child, grandchild, or spouse of the child or grandchild, lives on the property, has worked on the property for at least 30 days during the preceding 12 months, or manages the property.

• A nonresident (and spouse) who owns a contiguous piece of farmland that is in both Virginia and Maryland may hunt on the Maryland portion of his or her property without a Maryland hunting license, if the person’s primary residence is on the Virginia portion of the property.  This also applies to the owner’s children and grandchildren if they are under the age of 16.

• A Maryland resident serving in the United States Armed Forces while on official leave in Maryland (whether stationed in Maryland or outside Maryland). You must possess a copy of official leave orders while hunting. See Hunters in the Armed Forces below.

Note: Nonresidents of Maryland who own property in the state and hunt on that property are required to purchase a Nonresident Hunting License. Individuals who are exempt from Maryland hunting license requirements are subject to all state and federal laws and regulations relative to hunting and trapping.

Who May Hunt and Trap Furbearers Without a Furbearer Permit?
A Furbearer Permit is not required to hunt or trap a fur-bearing mammal if:

• A person possesses a valid Wildlife Control Cooperator Permit issued by the Wildlife and Heritage Service pursuant to COMAR 08.03.09.05 or .10 and is engaging in the control of fur-bearing mammals in accordance with the terms and conditions of the permit.

• A Furbearer Permit is not required for a landowner or the agent of a landowner to hunt or trap a furbearing mammal on the landowner’s property if:

  • A muskrat is damaging an embankment or impoundment.

  • A coyote, fox, opossum, raccoon, or skunk is damaging or destroying personal or real property.             

  • A raccoon is destroying a muskrat or the home of a muskrat.

Hunters in the Armed Forces
Maryland residents serving in the United States Armed Forces and stationed in Maryland must purchase a Resident Hunting License before hunting, unless they are on official leave and possess a copy of their official leave orders. Maryland residents serving in the United States Armed Forces, while on official leave in Maryland, do not need to purchase a hunting license, stamps, or DNR Managed Hunt Permit except a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp, a federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, and a Furbearer Permit. You must possess a copy of your official leave orders while hunting and comply with the Hunter Education and Safety Requirement.

Any nonresident serving in the United States Armed Forces whose duty station is in Maryland must purchase a Resident Hunting License before hunting. Any nonresident serving in the United States Armed Forces who is on leave in Maryland, but not stationed in Maryland, must purchase a Nonresident Hunting License before hunting.

Complimentary POW-DAV Hunting Licenses
A complimentary lifetime hunting license is available to Maryland residents certified as a former prisoner of war or a 100% service connected disabled American veteran. (Veterans Administration documentation required.)  The lifetime license is available only at DNR Licensing and Registration Service Centers; and includes the bow stamp, muzzleloader stamp, and furbearer permit. The Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp is not part of the Complimentary License. The Migratory Game Bird Stamp, Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, and the Big Game Harvest Record are required for each year and can be obtained from a DNR Licensing and Registration Service Center, a sport license agent, or online.