Maryland Officials Set Fall Hunting Season Dates
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has outlined regulations for upcoming fall small game and turkey hunts.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Hunting
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The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the schedule for fall hunting seasons across the state. Regulations now in effect include specific dates and bag limits for squirrels, rabbits, and fall turkeys.
Why it matters
These established seasons help state officials maintain healthy wildlife populations through regulated harvesting. Following these rules is mandatory for hunters to ensure compliance with Maryland conservation laws.
Hunters face a daily bag limit of six for squirrels and four for rabbits. The fall turkey season is limited to one bird per hunter, and the Delmarva fox squirrel remains strictly protected.
The players
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
This state agency is responsible for preserving, protecting, and managing Maryland's natural and cultural resources.
The details
Regulations are managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, which has closed bobwhite quail hunting on all public lands east of the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay. Licenses can be obtained through the MD Outdoors portal, by phone, or at authorized licensing agents.
Timeline
September 5, 2026: Squirrel hunting season opened.
October 31, 2026: Fall turkey season opens in Garrett, Allegany, and Washington counties.
November 7, 2026: Rabbit hunting season begins.
November 8, 2026: Fall turkey hunting season closes.
February 28, 2027: Squirrel and rabbit hunting seasons close.
Culture Shift
These regulations reflect the broader societal shift toward sustainable wildlife management as established under the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. By setting rigid harvest limits, Maryland positions itself within a national trend of preserving biodiversity while maintaining hunting traditions.
Hunters must ensure they possess current licenses acquired through MD Outdoors or official agents before heading into the field. Residents should also be aware that bobwhite quail hunting remains prohibited on public lands situated east of the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay.
The takeaway
Hunters should verify the specific county regulations, particularly for turkey hunting, to avoid legal penalties. Always confirm that you are not targeting protected species like the Delmarva fox squirrel during your outings.
Further reading
For more information on state policies, visit the Maryland Hunting section.
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