ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has launched its annual online lottery for waterfowl blind site licenses for the 2025-2026 hunting season. From July 16 to July 29, 2025, Maryland hunters and riparian landowners can enter the lottery to secure blind sites for the upcoming season. The process, accessible through the DNR’s online licensing portal, allows participants to register for a random drawing to select sites in their preferred county.
Hunters and landowners with a DNR ID can participate in the lottery at no cost. Registration requires a DNR ID, which can be obtained via the department’s online platform. Lottery winners will receive an email with details, including a link to a virtual meeting on Microsoft Teams, where DNR representatives will guide them through the licensing process. The virtual meetings are scheduled to begin August 5, 2025, during regular business hours, with some counties requiring multiple days to accommodate applicants.
To license offshore waterfowl blind sites, hunters must be Maryland residents and hold a valid 2024-2025 or 2025-2026 Maryland hunting license at the time of their appointment. Riparian landowners are exempt from the hunting license requirement but must provide proof of property ownership. The DNR website provides detailed instructions and additional information for applicants. Lottery results will also be posted online, ensuring transparency in the selection process.
Following the initial lottery period, blind site licensing will transition to an appointment-only system starting August 19, 2025. Beginning August 14, 2025, customers can schedule virtual appointments through the DNR’s online system. Each appointment confirmation will include a unique Microsoft Teams link for communication with DNR staff at the designated time.
The waterfowl blind site licensing process is a critical component of Maryland’s regulated hunting system, ensuring equitable access to public and private waterways for hunting. The DNR manages approximately 1,200 offshore blind sites across the state, which are licensed annually to hunters and landowners. These sites, strategically located in coastal and inland waters, support the state’s waterfowl hunting tradition while adhering to environmental and safety regulations.
The online lottery system, introduced in recent years, streamlines the application process, replacing in-person meetings with virtual platforms. This change enhances accessibility for participants, particularly those in remote areas, and reduces administrative burdens on DNR staff. The use of Microsoft Teams ensures that applicants can interact directly with representatives to address questions and complete licensing requirements.
Maryland’s waterfowl hunting season, which typically runs from fall to winter, attracts thousands of hunters annually. The blind sites, often located in marshes, rivers, and Chesapeake Bay tributaries, are highly sought after due to their prime positioning for species like Canada geese, mallards, and black ducks. The lottery system prioritizes fairness, giving all eligible applicants an equal chance to secure a site.
Applicants are encouraged to review the DNR’s guidelines carefully to ensure compliance with licensing requirements. For hunters, this includes maintaining an active hunting license, while landowners must verify property ownership through deeds or other legal documents. The DNR emphasizes that incomplete applications or failure to attend scheduled virtual meetings may result in forfeiture of licensing opportunities.
The transition to appointment-only licensing after the lottery period ensures that remaining blind sites are allocated efficiently. Customers are advised to schedule appointments early, as availability may be limited in high-demand counties. The DNR’s commitment to a transparent and accessible process underscores its role in managing Maryland’s natural resources responsibly.
For more information, including lottery registration and licensing procedures, visit the DNR website. The department will continue to update applicants via email and online postings throughout the licensing period.
