MARYLAND- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the state's 2019-2020 migratory game bird hunting seasons.
Seat dates are as follows:
Dove, split season
- First Season: Sept. 2 – Oct. 19
- Second Season: Oct. 26 – Nov. 29
- Third Season: Dec. 21 – Jan. 10, 2020
Woodcock, split season
- First Season: Oct. 24 – Nov. 29
- Second Season: Jan. 11–25, 2020
Early resident Canada goose season
- Eastern zone: Sept. 2–14
- Western zone: Sept. 2–25
Hunters are allowed to use shotguns capable of holding more than three shot shells. Shooting hours are extended to a half-hour before sunrise to a half-hour after sunset.
Teal, September season
- Sept. 16–30
Shooting hours will be a half-hour before sunrise to sunset. The daily bag limit is six.
All migratory bird hunters, including landowners who are license-exempt, must purchase a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp/Harvest Information Program Permit and carry the printed receipt while hunting. All waterfowl hunters, ages 16 and older, must possess a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp). Licenses, permits, and stamps can be purchased online, by phone at 855-855-3906, at a department service center or any of the 250 sport license agents.
Official shooting hours begin 30 minutes before sunrise and end at sunset for all early migratory game bird hunting seasons, except for mourning doves during the first season segment, when shooting hours are from noon to sunset, and as noted above for the September resident Canada goose seasons.
Hunters are encouraged to report banded migratory game birds online. After reporting the banded bird, hunters will receive a certificate of appreciation that includes all known biological information on the bird they harvested.
Bag limits, season dates, and shooting hours can be found in the 2019-2020 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.
Hunters with questions may contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources at 410-260-8540.
