The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will open the winter firearm deer hunting season on January 10, 2025, in Deer Management Region B, covering most of the state except the westernmost counties. Hunters with a valid license can pursue both sika and white-tailed deer during this season.
Season Details
The firearm season will run January 10-11 across all of Region B, with additional hunting opportunities on Sunday, January 12, in specific areas:
- Private and designated public lands: Cecil, St. Mary’s, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties
- Private lands only: Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Kent, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, and Washington (Zone 1) counties
In Kent, Montgomery, Talbot, and Wicomico counties, shooting hours will conclude at 10:30 a.m.
Encouraging Participation
“The January firearm season offers hunters another chance to embrace the cold weather and fill the freezer after the holidays,” said Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Karina Stonesifer. “The historically strong antlerless harvest helps us meet population objectives in Region B and provides a great opportunity for many to harvest their first deer of the new year.”
Bag Limits and Restrictions
Hunters should note the following guidelines for this season:
- Antlered white-tailed deer restrictions: Hunters may harvest one antlered white-tailed deer within the yearly bag limit that does not meet the requirement of at least three points on one antler. Any additional antlered deer must meet the three-point minimum. Junior hunters and apprentice license holders aged 16 and under are exempt from this restriction.
- Sika deer bag limits: Hunters pursuing sika deer must purchase a sika hunting stamp. The season bag limit is three, with no more than one being antlered. An antlered sika deer is defined as having at least one antler visible above the hairline.
Safety Guidelines
The DNR reminds all participants of safety requirements:
- Fluorescent clothing: Deer hunters and companions must wear daylight fluorescent orange or pink in one of the following ways:
- A solid fluorescent orange or pink cap
- A vest or jacket with front and back panels of at least 250 square inches of fluorescent orange or pink
- An outer garment of camouflage containing at least 50% fluorescent orange or pink worn above the waist
- Tree stand safety: Hunters should inspect all tree stands and always wear a full-body safety harness when climbing or in the stand. A sliding knot, such as a prusik knot, secured to a line above the stand is recommended to keep hunters safely tethered to the tree from the ground up.
Additional Resources
Full details, including bag limits and other regulations, can be found in the 2024-2025 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.
Hunters are also encouraged to donate deer to support local hunger relief efforts. Maryland offers a state tax credit for donated deer, and additional programs may be available through deer processors.
For sika stamps, hunters can purchase online via COMPASS, at licensing agents, or by contacting DNR Licensing and Registration Services at 866-344-8889.
The winter firearm deer hunting season provides an excellent opportunity for hunters to enjoy the outdoors while contributing to wildlife management goals.