Maryland Hunting License - Steps to Buy in MD

David Harrison  ·  Updated on May 18, 2025

Hunting LicenseGuidesHunter Education

Follow these straightforward steps to obtain a Maryland hunting license:


MD Hunter Education Certification

Skip having to attend an in-person field-day course with our 3 hour interactive Hunter Safety course.

We provide all the resources, including the digital compass, to get you fully certified online, and your hunter education certificate is accepted by Maryland Department of Natural Resources for use in Maryland for MD residents and non-residents alike.

After completing the Hunter Ed course and passing the final exam, you’ll receive your temporary Hunter Education Certificate, which includes a certificate of competency.

We submit your course results to the state. The state will issue and email you your permanent Hunter Education Certificate (Card). This is valid for use in all 50 USA States (including Maryland), Mexico, Canada, and any other country or US Territory that has reciprocity with IHEA-USA & State Issued Hunter Education Certificates.


Select Your Maryland Hunting License

Maryland offers a variety of hunting licenses for different age groups, residency statuses, and hunting preferences.

Maryland residents and non-residents under 16 years old may purchase a junior hunting license with written permission of a parent or guardian.

Maryland residents who are under 16 years old and who successfully complete a hunter education course are eligible for a one-time free hunting license. This also includes the Archery Stamp and Muzzleloader Stamp.

Below is an overview of the primary license types available:​

Resident Licenses

A resident is a person whose permanent home is in Maryland. Active-duty military members stationed in Maryland are considered residents. All Maryland residents must have a resident hunting license.

  • Regular Hunting License – Required for Maryland residents aged 16 to 64 to hunt all legal game species.
  • Junior Hunting License – Available for residents under age 16; requires written permission from a parent or guardian.
  • Senior Hunting License – Available to residents aged 65 and older; may be purchased in the calendar year in which the resident turns 65.
  • Apprentice Hunting License – A one-time license for residents of any age who have not previously held a hunting license; allows hunting under the supervision of a licensed adult hunter.
  • Senior Lifetime Consolidated License – No longer issued, but existing holders are grandfathered and retain privileges for hunting and fishing without needing additional stamps, except for certain species-specific permits.

Non-Resident Licenses

All non-residents must have a non-resident hunting license, which must comply with Maryland regulations.

  • Regular Hunting License – Required for non-residents aged 16 to 64 to hunt all legal game species, with applicable fees.
  • Junior Hunting License – Available for non-residents under age 16; requires written permission from a parent or guardian.
  • Senior Hunting License – Available to non-residents aged 65 and older; may be purchased in the calendar year in which the non-resident turns 65.
  • 3-Day Waterfowl and Small Game License – Allows non-residents to hunt all legal game except deer, bear, and turkey for three consecutive legal hunting days.

Youth Licenses & Requirements

  • Junior Hunting License – Available for residents and non-residents under age 16; requires written permission from a parent or guardian.
  • Hunter Education Requirement – All first-time hunters, regardless of age, must complete a state-approved hunter education course and learn how to use a compass before obtaining a hunting license.
  • Apprentice Hunting License – A one-time license for individuals who have not previously held a hunting license; allows hunting under the supervision of a licensed adult hunter.

Senior Licenses & Discounts

  • Senior Hunting License – Available to residents and non-residents aged 65 and older; may be purchased in the calendar year in which the individual turns 65.
  • Senior Lifetime Consolidated License – No longer issued, but existing holders are grandfathered and retain privileges for hunting and fishing without needing additional stamps, except for certain species-specific permits.

Lifetime Licenses

  • Complimentary Lifetime Hunting License – Available to Maryland residents who are former prisoners of war or 100% service-connected disabled veterans; includes necessary stamps and permits for hunting.

Disability & Military Licenses

  • Universal Disability Pass – Allows individuals with mobility impairments to hunt from a vehicle; requires appropriate documentation.
  • Complimentary Lifetime Hunting License – Available to Maryland residents who are former prisoners of war or 100% service-connected disabled veterans; includes necessary stamps and permits for hunting.
  • Military Exemption – Maryland residents on active duty military leave are exempt from hunting license requirements while hunting, provided they carry proper identification and leave orders.

Required Endorsements & Tags

  • Archery Stamp – Required to hunt deer during archery seasons.
  • Muzzleloader Stamp – Required to hunt deer during muzzleloader season.
  • Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp – Required to take an additional antlered deer.
  • Sika Deer Stamp – Required to hunt sika deer.
  • Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp – Required to hunt migratory game birds, including waterfowl, doves, and woodcock.
  • Federal Duck Stamp – Required for all waterfowl hunters aged 16 and older.
  • Furbearer Permit – Required to hunt, chase, or trap furbearers.
  • Bear Hunting Permit – Required to hunt black bears; available through a lottery system.
  • Public Hunting Permit – Required to hunt on certain public lands.
  • Regulated Shooting Area Permit – Required to hunt on regulated shooting areas.

MD Hunting licenses are good from the date of issue to July 31, aligning with the established hunting seasons and adhering to state regulations, just like navigating with a compass points the way in the wilderness. The license year is from Aug. 1 to July 31 of the next year.


Where to buy your Maryland Hunting License

To hunt in Maryland, you can purchase your license online via the COMPASS Licensing Portal or in person at an authorized vendor. The full list of license agents is available on the Maryland DNR License Agent Directory.

Below are some suggested authorized in-person hunting license agents in the state of Maryland: