Experienced deer hunters are encouraged to take advantage of upcoming Junior Deer Hunting Days Nov. 12 and 13 to introduce youth to the time-honored cultural and sporting tradition.
The Junior Deer Hunt is open on private and designated public land in all counties Nov. 12. The season is also open Nov. 13 on private land in all counties except Baltimore, Howard and Prince George’s. Also on Nov. 13, junior hunters in Allegany, Cecil, Garrett, St. Mary’s and Washington counties may hunt on designated public lands.
“The Junior Deer Hunt provides a great opportunity for mentors to teach young hunters the skills of deer hunting,” said Paul Peditto, Wildlife and Heritage Service director. “This time often coincides with peak deer activity and prime fall weather, making for a memorable hunt for all involved.”
Hunters 16 years of age or younger who possess a valid license may use air guns or firearms that meet the regulatory requirements to hunt sika and white-tailed deer on these days. Youth must be accompanied by an adult, at least 21 years old, holding a valid Maryland hunting license. Adults may serve as mentors only and not possess a hunting device while accompanying a junior hunter.
Hunters who are not serving as mentors for a junior deer hunter may participate in other open hunting seasons during the junior deer hunt days. All deer hunters, archery and non-deer hunters, must wear the required hunter orange or pink during the youth hunt dates.
The bag limits for the Junior Deer Hunt Days are one antlered or antlerless white-tailed deer in Region A; three white-tailed deer in Region B, with no more than one antlered; and one antlered or one antlerless sika deer.
Deer taken by youth hunters during the two days do not count toward regular archery, firearm or muzzleloader bag limits. They are also exempt from the state’s antler point restriction.
Season dates, bag limits, hunting regulations, and registration procedures can be found here.
Hunters are encouraged to help others by donating deer taken in Maryland. A state tax credit offers hunters an incentive for donated deer. Other local or state programs are also available, so hunters should check with their deer processor.