Maryland is a Big Buck Sleeper State- Here’s your wakeup call.

Maryland hunters have been harvesting giant deer for a decade and it deserves to be among your best bet for an out-of-state hunt.  A non-resident hunter can be fully licensed for multiple deer for under $200.  If venison is your goal, how about a limit of 10?  Additionally, a hunting license entitles hunters to pursue turkeys and small game.  Charlie Wallace took the giant buck shown above from St. Mary’s County.  It grossed 186 7/8.

State Record Crossbow Buck

Maryland recognizes hunters in a number of divisions.  Above is Abigail Russum who took the #1 Non-Typical Whitetailed deer in the youth and female crossbow division.  Crossbows are legal in all archery seasons except the very late season Primitive Hunt the first week of February each year.  Only long bows and recurves quality for that 3-day hunt.

Bears Bucks and Stags

Bears, Bucks & Stags is the official record book of Maryland’s Award’s programs. It contains categories for all methods and youth and is very informative.  If you are thinking of a Maryland hunt, this book is invaluable. Check out their website at www.bucks-bears-stags.com 

Deer/Elk Combo

Sika deer, technically Asian elk, abound in the swamps of southeastern Maryland, including the Blackwater Wildlife Refuge, a huge chunk of public land that is open to hunting.  Sika deer rut in mid-October when both sika and whitetail deer are in season.  Crossbows are allowed during the entire archery season with a limit of one species each, plus a bonus tag for an additional animal.

Camo Carpet Friendly

Maryland has a special mentoring program for first-time hunters.  Youth and adults can participate with a greatly reduced license price and a minimal requirement.   The goal is to introduce as many new people to hunting as possible and the mentoring program allows this to happen in a safe program that trains future hunters on safety and hunting skills.

2021 Early Season

Minnie Grimes-Fullerton took this great deer in Prince Georges’ County, one of the many suburban counties that surround Washington DC.  These semi-protected areas allow deer to fully mature like this deer that grossed 175 4/8ths. Many small tracts of land border or neighbor state and national parks which allows them to grow to full maturity.

Maryland not only has great hunting but sports a prolific tourism business so that you can combine a hunting trip and a family vacation. How about an Ocean City beach hotel as your deer camp? Now you’re talking! For full hunting details, click HERE.  For a great hunt-cation, click HERE.