Maryland Reserves Two Waterfowl Days for Youth and Veterans, Starting Nov. 7, 2026

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources said in an October 30, 2026 release that it reserved two waterfowl hunt days, Nov. 7, 2026 and Feb. 6, 2027, for youth, military veterans and active-duty military personnel.

The days are open to anyone 16 or younger, veterans of any age as defined in section 101 of title 38 of the U.S. Code, and members of the Armed Forces on active duty. That includes National Guard and Reserves members on active duty, other than for training. They may hunt ducks, geese and coots on designated public land and on private land.

Youth hunters must be accompanied by an unarmed adult at least 21 years old, or by eligible military personnel also taking part in the hunt. All eligible hunters and adult mentors must hold Maryland hunting licenses or be exempt from the license requirement.

Any adult taking part needs both a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp and a Federal Duck Stamp. Youth hunters, including those with an apprentice license, must buy the Maryland stamp but need no Federal Duck Stamp if they are under 16.

Bag limits match the regular seasons with four exceptions. Hunters may take two black ducks and two scaup. In the Atlantic Population Canada Goose Hunting Zone the limit is two Canada geese. In the Late Southern and Western Maryland Resident Goose Zones it is five.

Information on public hunting lands and Wildlife Management Areas is on pages 60-63 of the 2026-27 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping. DNR also points newcomers to its hunting outreach events, apprentice license opportunities and Hunter Education courses.

Licenses, stamps and permits are sold online, by phone at 855-855-3906, at a DNR Service Center and through more than 250 Sport License Agents statewide. Questions go to the Wildlife and Heritage Service at 410-260-8540. The first hunt day is Nov. 7, 2026, and the second follows on Feb. 6, 2027.