MD Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons Begin: Dates, Rules For 2026-27

Maryland's 2026-27 migratory game bird hunting season began Tuesday, with mourning dove and early resident Canada goose hunting opening across the state.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources also announced dates for the upcoming teal and woodcock seasons.

Unless otherwise noted, shooting hours for early migratory game bird seasons run from 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset.

Mourning Dove

Maryland's mourning dove season is divided into three segments:

• Sept. 1-Oct. 17: Shooting is permitted from noon to sunset.
• Oct. 24-Nov. 27
• Dec. 19-Jan. 9

The DNR also maintains a list of public fields available for dove hunting.

Early Resident Canada Goose

The early resident Canada goose season begins Sept. 1 statewide but ends at different times depending on the hunting zone:

• Eastern Zone: Sept. 1-15
• Western Zone: Sept. 1-25

During the early season, hunters may use shotguns capable of holding more than three shells. Shooting hours are also extended, running from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.

Teal

Maryland's September teal season runs Sept. 17-26.

Shooting is permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset, with a daily bag limit of six teal.

Woodcock

Woodcock hunting is divided into two segments:

• Oct. 24-Nov. 27
• Jan. 11-27

What Hunters Need

All migratory bird hunters must purchase a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp/Harvest Information Program Permit and carry the printed receipt while hunting. That requirement also applies to landowners who are otherwise exempt from hunting license requirements.

Waterfowl hunters 16 and older must also carry a printed receipt for a federal duck stamp. Licenses, permits and stamps can be purchased online, by calling 855-855-3906, at a DNR service center or through one of Maryland's approximately 250 sport license agents.

DNR also encourages hunters who harvest banded migratory birds to report them to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Hunters can use the state's interactive waterfowl hunting zone map to determine which regulations apply where they plan to hunt.

Hunters with questions can contact DNR at 410-260-8540.

All season dates and shooting hours can be found in the 2026-2027 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.