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Maryland Hunting License (2026)

Restricted: Maryland requires a hunting license, and first-time hunters need a Certificate of Competency in Hunter Safety unless they held a Maryland license before July 1, 1977.

RestrictedVerified Jun 18, 2026

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Maryland requires a hunting license, and first-time hunters need a Certificate of Competency in Hunter Safety unless they held a Maryland license before July 1, 1977. Licenses are available through MD DNR.

Official source: dnr.maryland.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Hunting License in states bordering Maryland

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

DelawareRestricted
Delaware requires a hunting license, and a hunter-education course is mandatory for anyone born after Jan 1, 1967. Resident and nonresident licenses are available through DNREC.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dnrec.delaware.gov · Full Delaware rule →
District of ColumbiaRestricted
Hunting is illegal throughout the District of Columbia — DC has no hunting seasons or licenses. Residents hunt in MD/VA instead.
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: doee.dc.gov · Full District of Columbia rule →
PennsylvaniaRestricted
A Pennsylvania hunting license is required; all first-time hunters/trappers, regardless of age, must complete Basic Hunter-Trapper Education before buying a license.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: pa.gov · Full Pennsylvania rule →
VirginiaRestricted
Virginia requires a hunting license, and hunter education is mandatory for hunters age 12-15 or anyone who has never held a regular hunting license. Licenses, including an apprentice license, are available through Virginia DWR.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dwr.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →
West VirginiaRestricted
West Virginia requires a hunting license, and hunter-education certification is mandatory for those born on or after Jan 1, 1975. Resident and nonresident licenses are available through the WV Division of Natural Resources.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: wvdnr.gov · Full West Virginia rule →

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