ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife and Heritage Service announced on April 29, 2025, that it is accepting applications for waterfowl offshore blind and shoreline licenses for riparian property owners. The licenses allow waterfront property owners to establish offshore stationary blinds or blind sites for hunting waterfowl or to prevent others from licensing their shoreline for hunting.
Applications, accompanied by fees, must be mailed and postmarked by May 31, 2025. Riparian property owners can license their shoreline for one year for $20 or for three years for $60. Owners may also authorize others to license their shoreline. Those missing the May 31 deadline can apply during the “open” licensing period starting August 5, 2025, when remaining sites become available to the public.
The application process is detailed on the DNR website, which includes forms and laws governing shoreline licensing. Property owners can contact the Wildlife and Heritage Service at 410-260-8538 or toll-free at 1-877-620-8367 for assistance. In-person appointments can be scheduled by emailing obsl.md1@maryland.gov or calling 410-260-8540.
The licensing program supports Maryland’s waterfowl hunting tradition, which attracts thousands annually to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Riparian licensing ensures property owners control hunting access along their waterfront, balancing conservation with recreational use. The DNR manages over 1,000 blind sites statewide, with license funds funding habitat preservation and wildlife monitoring.
Maryland’s waterfowl season, typically running from October to January, draws hunters targeting species like mallards, Canada geese, and canvasbacks. The shoreline licensing system, established to regulate hunting proximity to private property, requires blinds to be at least 150 yards from dwellings unless permitted by owners. The DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service oversees these regulations, ensuring sustainable hunting practices.
Property owners are encouraged to apply early to secure their preferred sites before the open licensing period. The DNR website provides maps and guidelines to help applicants identify eligible shoreline areas. With Maryland’s 3,000 miles of tidal shoreline, the program is critical for managing hunting access while protecting private property rights and wildlife populations.
