The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is reminding hunters that small game seasons, including those for squirrel, rabbit, and fall turkey, are either currently open or set to begin in the coming weeks. Many of these species offer extended hunting opportunities with generous bag limits, and they are plentiful across the state.
“Small game hunting can be an enjoyable way to spend time afield for both new and experienced hunters alike,” said Karina Stonesifer, Director of the Wildlife and Heritage Service. “Squirrels and rabbits, in particular, are common throughout Maryland and can provide memorable experiences once located.”
Squirrel season, which officially opened on September 2, allows hunters a bag limit of six squirrels per day. It is important to note that the Delmarva fox squirrel is excluded from this season as it remains a protected species due to ongoing conservation efforts. For hunters seeking squirrels, Stonesifer suggests focusing on areas with large mast-producing trees, such as oaks and hickories, where squirrels are likely to be foraging.
The rabbit season is set to open on November 2, with a daily bag limit of four rabbits. Brushy and weedy areas, such as overgrown fields and hedgerows, are ideal locations to find rabbits. Both rabbit and squirrel seasons will remain open until February 28, providing hunters with ample opportunities to engage in small game hunting throughout the fall and winter months.
Hunters in western Maryland, specifically in Garrett, Allegany, and Washington counties, will also have the opportunity to hunt fall turkey starting November 2. The fall turkey season will run until November 10, with a bag limit of one turkey per hunter. According to the department’s summer surveys, turkey populations in these counties are robust due to strong reproduction rates, indicating larger flocks this season.
However, bird hunters should be aware that the bobwhite quail season remains closed on public lands located east of the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay. The closure is part of ongoing efforts to conserve quail populations in these areas, which have faced significant declines in recent years.
Hunters are encouraged to review Maryland’s complete hunting regulations, check-in procedures, and information regarding public land hunting, all of which can be found in the Guide to Hunting and Trapping in Maryland. The guide offers essential details for ensuring safe and legal hunting practices across the state.
In Maryland, small game hunting offers an accessible and rewarding outdoor experience. Whether it’s the challenge of locating squirrels in hardwood forests or flushing rabbits from dense cover, hunters have multiple options as the season progresses. As always, the department reminds hunters to respect bag limits and hunting restrictions, ensuring sustainable wildlife populations for future generations.
