Maryland Hunters Harvest 27,620 Deer in Two-Week Firearms Season
Maryland hunters bagged 27,620 deer during the two-week firearms season from November 29 to December 13, 2025. This represents a 10.4% decrease from last year’s harvest of 30,833. However, it’s only 3% lower than the five-year average of 28,467.
The number of deer taken can change year to year due to factors like weather, food availability, and overall deer population. This makes hunting seasons an interesting blend of tradition and environmental variability.
Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Karina Stonesifer expressed hope that hunters enjoyed success this season. She highlighted how deer hunting is not just a sport but also an important part of wildlife management and conservation in Maryland.
Of the total deer collected, 10,938 were antlered, a drop of 6.6% from last year’s count of 11,709. For antlerless deer, the number fell by 12.8%, down from 19,124 to 16,682. Notably, sika deer made up a small part of the harvest, with 499 antlered and 607 antlerless being reported.
In a unique twist, about 3,080 deer were taken on the two Sundays during the season, accounting for over 11% of the total harvest. Hunters took 2,085 deer on the opening weekend alone. Hunting on select Sundays is allowed in 20 of Maryland’s 23 counties.
When comparing deer harvest statistics by region, Region A, which includes Allegany, Garrett, and western Washington counties, saw 2,308 antlered and 1,671 antlerless deer taken. This was a decrease of 12.3% and 20.7% respectively. In Region B, which covers the rest of the state, hunters reported 8,630 antlered and 15,011 antlerless deer, a decline of 4.9% and 11.8%.
Looking ahead, the modern firearm deer season will reopen on January 9, 2026, in Region B, while the muzzleloader season runs from December 20 through January 3.
Hunting remains a key aspect of outdoor culture in Maryland, blending family traditions with wildlife management. Recent surveys indicate that nearly 70% of Maryland residents support sustainable hunting practices, viewing them as vital for maintaining ecological balance and healthy deer populations.
For those interested in hunting, licenses and stamps can be purchased online or through local agents. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources continues to advocate for responsible hunting and up-to-date knowledge of regulations.
Understanding these numbers not only helps with management practices but also reflects changing trends and traditions in hunting culture.
Source link
