The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will offer special waterfowl hunting days for youth hunters, veterans, and military personnel on November 7, 2026, and February 6, 2027. Eligible participants may hunt ducks, geese, and coots on designated public and private lands during these days, according to the agency.
Youth hunters must be accompanied by an unarmed adult at least 21 years old or by eligible military personnel. All participants must possess Maryland hunting licenses or be exempt from hunting license requirements.
Press Release: Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Published October 30, 2026. Reproduced in full from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Special Waterfowl Hunting Days Reserved for Youth, Veterans, and Military Personnel in November and February
Maryland DNR photo
Maryland’s youth hunters, veterans, and military personnel will be afforded a unique opportunity to experience the tradition of waterfowl hunting on two special hunt days: Nov. 7, 2026 and Feb. 6, 2027.
Those 16 years of age or younger, military veterans of any age (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code), and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training), may hunt ducks, geese, and coots on both designated public land and private land on these two days.
Youth hunters must be accompanied by an unarmed adult at least 21 years old or by eligible military personnel also participating in the hunt.
All eligible hunters and adult mentors must possess Maryland hunting licenses or be exempt from hunting license requirements. Any adult participating in this hunt will need to purchase both a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp and a Federal Duck Stamp.
Youth hunters, including those possessing an apprentice license, must purchase a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp but do not need to purchase a Federal Duck Stamp if under 16 years of age.
The bag limits for the hunting days are the same as the regular seasons except:
- Two black ducks may be taken.
- Two scaup may be taken.
- Two Canada geese may be taken when hunting within the Atlantic Population (AP) Canada Goose Hunting Zone; and
- Five Canada geese may be taken when hunting within the Late Southern and Western Maryland Resident Goose Zones.
- Information on public hunting lands and Wildlife Management Areas can be found on pages 60-63 of the 2026-27 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.
Individuals interested in participating in these special hunts may learn more about hunting by attending a DNR hunting outreach event and may also wish to explore apprentice hunting license opportunities and/or a formal Hunter Education course (statewide course listings on the DNR website).
Licenses, stamps, and permits may be purchased online, by phone at 855-855-3906, at a Department of Natural Resources Service Center or at any one of the more than 250 Sport License Agents statewide.
Hunters with questions may contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service at 410-260-8540.
