ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland’s September teal-only hunting season runs from September 18 through September 27, 2025, in the designated September Teal Hunting Zone, as announced by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Shooting hours are from one half-hour before sunrise to sunset, with a daily bag limit of six teal (blue-winged or green-winged) and a possession limit of 18 teal, three times the daily bag limit. Additional details on seasons and bag limits for other migratory game birds are available in the 2025-26 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping, published by DNR.
“The early teal season allows waterfowl hunters a way to get a jump on duck season and experience one of the great opportunities Maryland has to offer,” said Karina Stonesifer, Director of DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service. This season targets teal, small migratory ducks that pass through Maryland’s wetlands during their fall migration, offering hunters in Southern Maryland a chance to engage with the state’s rich waterfowl tradition.
All migratory game bird hunters, including license-exempt landowners, must possess a valid Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp and Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit. Waterfowl hunters aged 16 and older also need a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly known as a Federal Duck Stamp. Hunters can use either a traditional physical Duck Stamp, which must be signed and carried while hunting, or an E-Stamp, requiring printed proof of purchase. The U.S. Department of the Interior mails physical stamps to E-Stamp purchasers by March 10 annually. Both stamps support wetland conservation, critical for maintaining habitats in areas like Southern Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay marshes.
The September Teal Hunting Zone covers specific regions of Maryland, including parts of St. Mary’s, Charles, and Calvert counties, where wetlands and tidal rivers provide ideal habitats for teal. These areas, such as the Patuxent River and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, attract hunters from local communities like Leonardtown, Prince Frederick, and Waldorf. The season’s timing aligns with teal migration patterns, as these birds move south before larger duck species arrive for the regular waterfowl season in October.
Hunting regulations ensure sustainable harvests, with the daily bag limit of six teal preventing overharvesting while allowing ample opportunity. The possession limit of 18 applies to teal in a hunter’s custody, whether at home or in transport. Legal hunting methods include shotguns no larger than 10 gauge, loaded with non-toxic shot as required by federal law for waterfowl to protect wetland ecosystems. Hunters must follow safety protocols, including wearing fluorescent orange in certain situations as outlined in the DNR guide.
Southern Maryland’s waterfowl hunting tradition dates back centuries, tied to the region’s role as a key stop on the Atlantic Flyway. Local outfitters in places like Solomons and Chesapeake Beach offer guided hunts, while public lands like Point Lookout State Park provide access for independent hunters. The DNR manages these areas to balance recreation with conservation, monitoring teal populations through aerial surveys and banding programs. The 2025-26 guide, available online or at DNR licensing agents in towns like La Plata, details additional rules, such as blind site locations and youth hunting days.
Hunters must obtain licenses and stamps through the DNR’s Compass portal or authorized vendors in Southern Maryland, such as tackle shops in Lexington Park. The Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp costs $9 for residents and $15 for non-residents, while the Federal Duck Stamp is $25, with funds supporting the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund. The HIP permit, free with registration, tracks harvest data to inform management decisions. Compliance is enforced by DNR’s Natural Resources Police, who conduct field checks in areas like the St. Mary’s River to ensure adherence to bag limits and licensing.
The teal season’s brevity requires hunters to plan carefully, checking sunrise and sunset times for legal shooting hours, which vary daily but typically start around 6:30 a.m. and end near 7:00 p.m. in mid-September. Weather in Southern Maryland, often mild with highs in the upper 70s, can influence teal movement, with cooler fronts pushing birds into marshes. Hunters should prepare for muddy conditions in tidal areas like those near Jug Bay, using decoys and calls to attract teal, which are known for fast, erratic flight patterns.
For additional information, hunters can contact DNR at 410-260-8540 or visit the department’s website. The teal season precedes the regular duck season, which opens in October with broader species allowances, and aligns with Southern Maryland’s outdoor culture, where hunting complements activities like crabbing and fishing.
This early season offers a focused experience for waterfowl enthusiasts, capitalizing on Maryland’s position in the Atlantic Flyway. The DNR’s management ensures teal populations remain stable, supporting both ecological health and recreational access for Southern Maryland hunters.
