Maryland Sets 2026 Junior Deer Hunt Dates
The statewide youth deer hunt opens November 14, with private-land and public-land hunting on November 15 in designated counties.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Hunting
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The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the 2026 Junior Deer Hunt, which opens statewide on November 14. Hunting continues Sunday, November 15, on private land in all counties except Baltimore, Howard, and Prince George's, with designated public lands open in eight counties.
Why it matters
The Junior Deer Hunt Days introduce young people to hunting and are intended to sustain the hunting tradition for future generations. Youth hunters must follow licensing, mentor, and blaze orange requirements.
Youth-taken deer on the junior hunt days do not count toward regular bag limits and are exempt from the antler point restriction. Sika deer hunters must purchase a separate sika hunting stamp, and licenses can be bought online, through the MD Outdoors app, at a licensing agent, or by calling 866-344-8889.
The players
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The state agency that manages Maryland's hunting seasons, licensing, and wildlife regulations, including the annual Junior Deer Hunt framework.
The details
Hunters aged 16 or younger must hold a valid hunting license and be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years old who has a valid Maryland hunting license. All hunters, including archery hunters, must wear blaze orange or pink during the youth hunt dates.
Timeline
November 14, 2026: Junior Deer Hunt opens statewide.
November 15, 2026: Junior Deer Hunt continues on private land in most counties and on designated public lands in eight counties.
Seasonal Tradition
The 2026 junior hunt continues Maryland's annual youth-hunt schedule, which the Department of Natural Resources runs each fall to bring new hunters into the field. It follows the same structure of youth-only days with adult mentor requirements that the state has used in prior seasons.
Young hunters should secure licenses and any sika stamp before November 14, and adult mentors need a valid Maryland license to accompany them. Families should buy blaze orange or pink gear in advance so every participant meets the youth hunt clothing requirement.
The takeaway
Ensuring every junior hunter has a valid license, a qualified adult mentor, and the required blaze orange or pink clothing before November 14 will keep the 2026 hunt compliant and safe. Checking the Department's regulations for your specific county and region before heading out is the simplest way to avoid violations.
Further reading
Find more guidance in the Hunting section for seasons and regulations across the state.
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