Southern Maryland hunters get their first chance of the fall to carry a muzzleloader next week. The state’s early muzzleloader deer season opens statewide Thursday, Oct. 22, and runs through Saturday, Oct. 24, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced.
Hunters in Deer Management Region B, which covers central, southern and Eastern Shore counties including Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s, get a second stretch Oct. 26-31. That week is for antlerless deer only. Antlerless bag limits vary by region, so hunters should check the deer seasons and bag limits for their county before heading out.
The season follows the September opener of archery season, which began with a new rule on drones.
Bag limits and antler rules
The statewide limit for antlered white-tailed deer in the 2026-27 seasons is two. A Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp allows a third, but it cannot be used during the early muzzleloader season, and regional restrictions apply in other seasons.
Maryland’s antler-point restriction also applies. Hunters may take one antlered white-tailed deer a year that does not have at least three points on one antler. Any other antlered deer must meet that minimum. Licensed junior hunters and apprentice license holders 16 or younger are exempt.
Sika deer
Sika deer of either sex may be hunted with muzzleloaders statewide Oct. 22-24, followed by an antlerless-only sika season Oct. 26-31. Sika are most abundant in Dorchester and nearby counties. Hunters need a Sika Deer Stamp in addition to a Muzzleloader Stamp. The sika muzzleloader bag limit is three, with no more than one antlered. DNR counts a sika as antlered if at least one antler is visible above the hairline.
Licenses, tree stands and drones
Licenses and stamps are sold through the state’s MD Outdoors system and its free mobile app, at licensing agents, or by phone through DNR’s Licensing and Registration Service at 866-344-8889.
DNR urged hunters to inspect tree stands before use and to wear a full-body safety harness while in the stand and while climbing up or down. The department recommends tying a sliding prusik knot on a line secured above the stand so a hunter is tethered as soon as they leave the ground.
Under the state’s new drone rules, hunters may use a drone to find and recover wounded or dead game, but using one to hunt, trap or chase wildlife is illegal. Anyone searching for a wounded or dead animal with a drone must call the Natural Resources Police at 800-628-9944 before and after the search.
DNR also encouraged hunters to donate deer. A state tax credit is available for donated deer, and processors can point hunters to other local or state programs. Full rules are in the 2026-27 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.
Drivers should stay alert, too. Deer are moving more this time of year, and DNR earlier warned motorists that the rut has begun.
