ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 waterfowl offshore blind site license lottery. Maryland resident hunters and riparian landowners can enter the no-cost lottery from July 15 through July 28 using the department’s online licensing portal, MD Outdoors.
Applicants may enter only once. Winners will be randomly selected electronically and notified by email no later than July 31. The email will include an appointment date, time, and Microsoft Teams link for the virtual blind site selection meetings, which begin August 4 and continue over several business days. Lottery winners must participate in the meeting or forfeit their opportunity, though they may have assistance present.
Winners must hold a valid 2025-2026 or 2026-2027 Maryland hunting license prior to their appointment (landowners are exempt but must prove ownership). In addition to email notification, winner DNR IDs will be posted on the department’s website by July 31. Detailed instructions are available online.
After the lottery concludes, remaining blind sites may be licensed by appointment throughout the season. Appointments can be scheduled online starting August 13 for meetings beginning August 19. Participants will receive a virtual meeting link via email.
This annual process supports regulated waterfowl hunting opportunities while managing coastal resources in areas including Southern Maryland’s tidal waters. More information is available on the DNR website.
