Maryland offers a rich and diverse landscape for deer hunting enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or a newcomer eager to explore the sport, understanding the various hunting seasons is crucial. From archery to muzzleloader to youth-specific opportunities, Maryland’s deer hunting calendar is packed with options. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the different deer hunting seasons in Maryland, including special regulations for hunting the elusive sika deer. Archery Season Archery season in Maryland[...]

Three years ago, I decided to make the transition from hunting casually for a week a year for elk or mule deer to someone who does not stop hunting. That journey started with a sika deer hunt with Muddy Marsh Outfitters through the Sisterhood of the Outdoors. I started hunting 13 years ago after moving to Colorado from Maryland. Now as an avid hunter, I often kick myself for not enjoying the bounties of hunting[...]

Protected by multiple state parks and conservation areas during its journey through Harford County on the way to the Susquehanna River, Deer Creek offers fly fishers three seasons of three very different fly fishing experiences. Spring brings hickory shad swimming all the way up the Chesapeake Bay and the lower Susquehanna River and entering Deer Creek to spawn well upstream. Once you hook into one of these silver sided jumpers, you will need to take[...]

With the summer months just around the corner, one thing on most deer hunters’ minds, other than how soon they can get back in their tree stand, is the buck that slipped out of bow range or the one just across the fence line during gun season. Never mind the hardships and anticipation of deer hunting, here are some activities to pass the time that might help make you become a better deer hunter for[...]

Plan Your Next Experience Hunting sika deer is a true “Only in Maryland” experience that every serious sportsmen and sportswomen needs to add to their bucket list. The best way to bag one of these deer is to find a guide with the insight, and land, needed for a successful hunt. Guides like Muddy Marsh Outfitters (featured in this video) offer your best chance for bagging your first sika deer. Before coming to Maryland, contact[...]

Sam is a Wildlife Response Technician with the Department of Natural Resources- Wildlife & Heritage Service. She hunts whitetail deer, small game, and waterfowl. Sam also loves the challenge that comes with it and knowing where the meat in the freezer is coming from. Q&A with Sam: What makes Maryland unique? Maryland is unique when it comes to hunting because we are the only state in North America where you can hunt sika deer in[...]

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that archery hunting for white-tailed and sika deer opens statewide Sept. 8, and continues through Jan. 31, 2018. “Archery hunting continues to be an effective part of our comprehensive deer management plan and is often the most effective control method available in densely-populated suburban areas of Maryland,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. For the 2017-18 season, the bag limit for white-tailed bucks is one per[...]

Late season deer are not the kind you’re used to when the season opens. For one, they’ve likely been chased, shot at, and generally pursued for a few months by now. The remaining bucks and does have learned new behaviors and movement patterns to stay alive. That means this is the worst time to slip up by hunting on a wrong wind or making noise on your access trail. Be particularly smart and stealthy about[...]

An Interesting Challenge Late season deer are not the kind you’re used to when the season opens. For one, they’ve likely been chased, shot at, and generally pursued for a few months by now. The remaining bucks and does have learned new behaviors and movement patterns to stay alive. That means this is the worst time to slip up by hunting on a wrong wind or making noise on your access trail. Be particularly smart[...]