Maryland Muzzleloader Season Opens October 22, 2026

State of MD - Deer hunters across Maryland can get their muzzleloaders ready. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says the first part of the early muzzleloader deer season runs statewide from October 22 through October 24, 2026.

Hunters in Region B get a few more days. That region covers the central, southern and eastern parts of the state, and muzzleloaders can be used there from October 26 through October 31, 2026, for antlerless deer only.

For the 2026-27 season, hunters can take two antlered white-tailed deer statewide. A Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp lets hunters take a third antlered deer, but it cannot be used during the early muzzleloader season. Other regional limits apply during the other seasons.

Limits for antlerless deer depend on the deer management region. DNR points hunters to the 2026-27 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping for those details.

The antler-point rule is still in place. Hunters may take one antlered white-tailed deer within the yearly bag limit that does not have at least three points on one antler. Every other antlered deer taken within the limit must meet that three-point rule.

Licensed junior hunters and apprentice license holders who are 16 or younger do not have to follow the antler-point rule.

Sika deer hunters have their own dates. Sika deer of either sex can be taken statewide from October 22 through October 24, 2026. An antlerless-only sika season follows from October 26 through October 31, 2026.

Sika deer are plentiful in Dorchester County and nearby counties. DNR calls them a unique chance for Maryland deer hunters.

Anyone hunting sika deer needs a Sika Deer Stamp on top of the Muzzleloader Stamp. The bag limit for the sika muzzleloader season is three deer, and only one of those can be antlered. A sika counts as antlered if at least one antler shows above the hairline.

DNR is also reminding hunters to check every tree stand carefully. Hunters should wear a full-body safety harness while in the stand and while climbing up or down.

The department strongly recommends using a sliding knot, also known as a prusik knot. It is tied to a line secured above the stand, so the hunter stays tethered to the tree as soon as they leave the ground.

Licenses and stamps can be bought through MD Outdoors, the online licensing system DNR rolled out last year. It also comes as a free mobile app with the same name, and it makes renewing easier.

Hunters can also buy licenses and stamps from a licensing agent or by calling the DNR Licensing and Registration Service at 866-344-8889.

There are new drone rules this year. Hunters may use a drone to find and recover a wounded or dead animal, but using a drone to hunt, trap or chase any wildlife is illegal.

Hunters must call Natural Resources Police at 800-628-9944 before and after searching for any wounded or dead animal.

DNR also encourages hunters to donate deer taken in Maryland. A state tax credit is available for donated deer, and hunters can check with their deer processor about other local and state programs.