White-tailed deer tags are part of the hunting license; archery, muzzleloader, bonus antlered, and sika deer privileges are separate stamps
MD
Deer Hunting in Maryland: Tags, Seasons & Regulations (2026)
Deer hunting in Maryland starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.
Resident Tag See notes White-tailed deer tags are part of the hunting license; archery, muzzleloader, bonus antlered, and sika deer privileges are separate stamps
Non-Resident Tag See notes White-tailed deer tags are part of the hunting license; archery, muzzleloader, bonus antlered, and sika deer privileges are separate stamps
Primary Season Sep 6 – Jan 31 Archery
Draw Required? No (OTC) Over-the-counter tags
DEER QUICK ANSWER
Maryland Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer
Start here for Maryland deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.
White-tailed deer tags are part of the hunting license; archery, muzzleloader, bonus antlered, and sika deer privileges are separate stamps
Most hunters can start from the state license portal and available deer permits.
Archery; also check Youth Deer Day.
For Maryland deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: White-tailed deer tags are part of the hunting license; archery, muzzleloader, bonus antlered, and sika deer privileges are separate stamps. Because this page lists over-the-counter access, the main risk is choosing the correct weapon season, zone, and add-on permit. CWD has been detected in Maryland, so carcass movement and testing rules deserve an early check.
OVERVIEW
Deer Hunting in Maryland
Maryland deer access starts with the hunting license, but the final cost depends on the weapon and deer type. White-tailed deer tags are part of the license, while archery and muzzleloader seasons require separate stamps, sika deer requires its own stamp, and a bonus antlered stamp is needed for a third antlered white-tailed deer. Maryland's CWD Management Area includes western and central counties such as Allegany, Frederick, Washington, Carroll, Baltimore, Howard, and Montgomery, so hunters should check the current DNR map before moving carcass parts. The Delmarva sika opportunity is a separate Eastern Shore planning layer, not a substitute for checking county, weapon, and stamp rules.
Species present: White-tailed Deer
SEASONS
Maryland Deer Season Dates (2026)
All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.
Multiple Seasons
Maryland offers 5 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.
COSTS
Maryland Deer Tag Fees
Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.
Resident
See notes
White-tailed deer tags are part of the hunting license; archery, muzzleloader, bonus antlered, and sika deer privileges are separate stamps
Non-Resident
See notes
Over-the-counter tag available
White-tailed deer tags are part of the hunting license; archery, muzzleloader, bonus antlered, and sika deer privileges are separate stamps
PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP
Choose the right Maryland deer planning path
Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.
Check the full Maryland license setup
Move back to the main state hub when you need the base license, non-resident options, or add-on permits outside deer tags.
Use deer-planning tools next
Shift from deer-tag detail into season timing, trip budgeting, and cross-state deer planning helpers.
Add a wider 2026 cost view
Check benchmark and non-resident premium reports before you commit to one deer state or trip budget.
REGULATIONS
CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in Maryland
Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.
CWD Status
Detected
CWD Management Area: Allegany, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, Washington
CWD Testing / Transport
CWD detected
Zones: CWD Management Area: Allegany, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, Washington
CWD carcass transport and import rules apply; confirm the current Maryland DNR list of allowed parts and affected counties before travel.
Bag Limit
Daily: 1 · Season: 2 antlered + antlerless varies by region
Bonus Antlered Stamp allows 3rd buck; liberal antlerless in some counties
Allowed Weapons
Bow, shotgun, muzzleloader, rifle (some counties)
Official Source
Always verify current regulations with the official source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.
FAQ
Deer Hunting in Maryland — FAQ
Is CWD testing mandatory in Maryland?
Testing is voluntary for individual hunters, but the DNR conducts intensive active surveillance and sampling within CWD Management Areas.
What are the antler restrictions?
A point is any antler projection measuring one inch or more in length. The tip of the main beam always counts as a point.
Do I need a draw to hunt deer in Maryland?
No, Maryland offers over-the-counter (OTC) deer tags that can be purchased without a draw. Some special hunts or antlerless permits may require a separate lottery.
What deer species can I hunt in Maryland?
Maryland is home to White-tailed Deer. Allowed weapons include bow, shotgun, muzzleloader, rifle (some counties).
Can non-residents hunt deer in Maryland?
Yes, non-residents can hunt deer in Maryland, but the base hunting license is only the start. White-tailed deer tags are part of the license, while non-residents still need the applicable archery or muzzleloader stamp, the $200 non-resident sika deer stamp for sika, or the $25 bonus antlered deer stamp when those privileges apply.