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Maryland

Hunting

Hunting

Falconry Hunting

Falconry Regulations

  • Hunting with birds of prey (here referred to as Falconry) is permitted one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset, Sunday through Saturday except:
    • Migratory game birds may not be hunted on Sunday.
  • A valid hunting license and a Falconry Permit are required to hunt with birds of prey.
  • A Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp, a valid hunting license and a Falconry Permit are required to hunt migratory game birds with birds of prey.
  • Falconry Seasons for Migratory Game Birds are listed on Migratory Game Bird Seasons & Limits.
  • The Falconry Season for squirrels (red, gray and eastern fox) is from September 1 to March 31.
  • The Falconry Season for ruffed grouse is from October 1 to March 31.
  • The Falconry Season for ring-necked pheasant (either sex), bobwhite quail and cottontail rabbit is from November 1 to March 31. All bobwhite quail hunting is prohibited on lands owned or managed by the Department of Natural Resources east of the Susquehanna River.
  • Hunters using birds of prey are required to follow the daily bag limits and possession limits set for those species being taken.
  • Hunters using birds of prey are encouraged, but not required to wear daylight fluorescent color clothing.
  • Potential falconers should know the possession of birds of prey is closely regulated by federal and state law.

For more information, contact the Permits Coordinator for the Wildlife and Heritage Service at [email protected] or 301-501-0202.