Duck Season Is Open in Maryland's Eastern Zone
State of MD - Hunters on the Eastern Shore can now head out after ducks. The first split of Maryland's regular duck season in the Eastern Zone opened on October 10 and runs through October 17.
The Western Zone season is already open as well. It will also close on October 17.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says this is a good time to be in the field. Cool mornings have arrived, and ducks are moving through the state.
Karina Stonesifer, Director of DNR's Wildlife and Heritage Service, said the early season is a good chance for both new and returning hunters to get outside.
"The early duck season is the ideal time for everyone to get out and enjoy some hunting success," said Stonesifer. "Ducks are plentiful and the weather conditions are more favorable for getting youth and new hunters, and those who have taken time off from hunting, afield."
Before heading out, hunters need to make sure they have the right stamps. Adults must buy two of them, a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp and a Federal Duck Stamp.
The rules are a little different for young hunters. Youth hunters, including those with an apprentice license, still need the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp. If they are under 16 years old, they do not need to buy the Federal Duck Stamp.
The daily bag limit is the same in both the Eastern and Western zones. Hunters can take up to 6 ducks per day, with limits on certain kinds of ducks.
Of those 6 ducks, no more than 4 can be mallards, and only 2 of those mallards can be hens. Hunters can also keep up to 3 wood ducks, 3 pintails, 2 canvasbacks and 2 redheads.
The daily limit for black ducks is 2. Hunters should keep in mind that black duck season is closed in October.
Scaup are limited to 1 per day. That limit goes up to 2 per day from Jan. 8 to Jan. 30.
Hunters may take 1 fulvous tree duck and 1 mottled duck per day.
Sea ducks have their own limit of 4 per day. Within that limit, hunters can take no more than 3 scoters, 3 long-tailed ducks or 3 eiders, and only 1 of those eiders can be a hen.
