Maryland’s youth hunters, veterans, and active-duty military personnel will have the opportunity to participate in a special waterfowl hunting day on Saturday, February 8, 2025. This event, which also takes place annually in November, provides a unique chance for young hunters and those who have served in the military to engage in the sport before the 2024-25 waterfowl hunting seasons conclude.
“This opportunity provides a chance to teach the next generation of wildlife conservationists and honor the service of our military personnel,” said Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Karina Stonesifer. “The youth and military hunt represents one of the last opportunities to hunt waterfowl before the 2024-25 seasons come to a close.”
Eligible participants include those 16 years old and younger, military veterans (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code), and active-duty members of the Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves, as long as they are on active duty (excluding training). Hunters may pursue ducks, geese, and coots on both public and private lands.
Youth hunters must be accompanied by an unarmed adult at least 21 years old unless the adult is also eligible military personnel participating in the hunt. All hunters and mentors must possess valid Maryland hunting licenses or be exempt from the requirement. In addition, all adult hunters must purchase both a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp and a Federal Duck Stamp. Youth hunters, including those with an apprentice license, must purchase a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp but do not need a Federal Duck Stamp if they are under 16 years old.
Bag limits will follow the standard seasonal regulations, with a few exceptions:
- Two scaup may be taken
- Two Canada geese may be taken within the Atlantic Population (AP) Canada Goose Hunting Zone
- Five Canada geese may be taken within the Atlantic Flyway Resident Population (AFRP) Canada Goose Hunting Zone
For more details on public hunting lands and Wildlife Management Areas, hunters can refer to pages 60-63 of the 2024-25 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.
Licenses, stamps, and permits can be purchased online, by phone at 855-855-3906, at a Natural Resources Service Center, or through one of the more than 250 Sport License Agents statewide.
For additional questions, hunters may contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service at 410-260-8540.
