Maryland’s Eastern Shore is well known for its beaches, goose hunting and white marlin , but it’s also a hotspot for white-tailed deer and a haven for the elusive Sika deer . With deer season in full swing, here are the Eastern Shore’s top public lands for deer hunting. The Chesapeake Forest With more than 30 different tracts of land scattered over the lower Eastern Shore, the Chesapeake Forest offers an abundance of deer hunting[...]

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[...]

Are you whiling away the hours until deer season comes back around? Here are some ideas to put that time to good use until opening day rolls around again. Why not try hunting something different? Spring turkey season can be a blast, literally and figuratively. If you’ve never been, get ready for an action-packed morning in the woods where you can enjoy the sounds of the forest as it awakens, interrupted by some gobblers who[...]

History In the early 1900’s Clement Henry released 5 or 6 deer on James Island. Maryland biologists and deer managers first worried that the “miniature elk” would expand into the upland territory of native white-tailed deer. This resulted in higher bag limits being set so that hunters would be encouraged to harvest and control the sika deer population. However, over the years, managers have learned that the sika predominantly lives most of its life in[...]

Maryland has long been a favorite to many sportsmen across the nation. The woods, waterways and heavens bring a smorgasbord of game to the table, year in and year out. Maryland’s deer season runs the first week of September to the last week of January. It is hard to resist by any savvy woodsman. The January late gun season in Maryland is a second to last chance to put some meat in the freezer. It[...]

The pursuit of white-tailed deer during hunting season is a blend of science and skill. Success relies on understanding deer biology, habitat and behavior patterns. Armed with this knowledge, you can anticipate their movements and position yourself for a rewarding hunt. Let’s dive in! Deer Biology 101 The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is one of the most common and prized game species in North America, especially in Maryland. To outsmart them, understanding their physiology and[...]

From tips on the best places to find your game of choice, to hooking you up with top charters in the area, Fish & Hunt Maryland is the one-stop planning resource for your next adventure . Our diverse state has big sportsman opportunities, holding two notable titles: the Decoy Capital of the World and the White Marlin Capital of the World. Our world-class white-tailed deer, striped bass, and trout populations aren’t so bad either! We[...]

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[...]

The State’s Most Popular Hunting Season Runs Nov. 25 – Dec. 9 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that the two-week firearm deer season opens Nov. 25 and runs through Dec. 9. Hunters may use firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this hunting season. “The two-week firearms season is our most popular hunting opportunity in the state,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “Not only is the harvest during[...]