ANNAPOLIS, MD — Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources has designated Saturday, February 7, 2026, as a special youth, veteran, and military waterfowl hunting day, providing one of the final opportunities this season for eligible hunters to pursue ducks, geese, and coots.
The one-day event, the second of the 2025-26 season following a similar day in early November 2025, opens hunting access to youth 16 and younger, military veterans of any age, and active-duty members of the Armed Forces, including National Guard and Reserves on active duty other than training. Participants may hunt on both public and private lands statewide.
Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Karina Stonesifer stated: “This day represents one of the last opportunities for youth and veteran hunters to enjoy a waterfowl hunt before many of our hunting seasons close for the year. We encourage youth, veteran, and military waterfowl hunters to take this opportunity to learn the traditions of waterfowl hunting and honor the security our veterans have provided.”
Youth hunters must be accompanied by an unarmed adult at least 21 years old or by eligible, licensed military personnel participating in the hunt. All hunters and adult mentors require a valid Maryland hunting license or applicable exemption. Adults must purchase both a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp and a Federal Duck Stamp. Youth hunters, including those with apprentice licenses, need only the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp if under 16 and are exempt from the Federal Duck Stamp requirement.
Bag limits match regular season allowances with the following exceptions: two scaup may be taken; one Canada goose may be taken in the Atlantic Population (AP) Canada Goose Hunting Zone; and five Canada geese may be taken in the Late Southern and Western Maryland Resident Goose Zones. Hunters should consult the 2025-26 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping, pages 60-63, for details on public hunting lands and Wildlife Management Areas.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminded hunters of isolated cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) detected in wild birds this season. The agency states that hunting wild birds remains safe, with low risk to humans, and posted recommended HPAI guidelines for hunters on its website to minimize potential exposure.
Licenses, stamps, and permits are available online, by phone at 855-855-3906, at Natural Resources Service Centers, or through more than 250 Sport License Agents statewide. Revenue from these sales supports hunter recruitment and education, habitat acquisition and restoration, Wildlife Management Area maintenance and improvement, landowner technical assistance, and wildlife law enforcement.
The department encourages eligible hunters to use this dedicated day to build skills, pass on traditions, and engage in the state’s waterfowl heritage. Questions may be directed to the Wildlife and Heritage Service at 410-260-8540.
This special hunting opportunity aligns with broader efforts to recruit new hunters and recognize military service members and veterans through targeted access to Maryland’s natural resources. The February 7 event falls near the end of most waterfowl seasons, making it a key date for youth and veteran participation before closures.