Hunting squirrels in Maryland can be a fun and rewarding experience. But it’s important to know the regulations before you head out into the woods. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about squirrel hunting in Maryland. We’ll discuss the best time of year to hunt, what gear you’ll need, and the different methods you can use to take down your prey.
Squirrel Hunting Laws in Maryland
In Maryland, the hunting of squirrels is regulated by the Department of Natural Resources. Squirrel hunting is only allowed during the open season, which runs from October 1 through March 31. A hunting license is required for all hunters, and a special permit is required to hunt on state-owned lands.
The bag limit for squirrels in Maryland is six per day. There is no minimum size limit for squirrels, but all hunted animals must be properly tagged and reported. For more information on squirrel hunting laws in Maryland, visit the Department of Natural Resources website.
Related: Raccoon Hunting in Maryland: An Ultimate Guide
Do you need a license to hunt squirrels in Maryland?
In Maryland, you do not need a license to hunt squirrels. You can hunt them on your own property or with permission from the landowner. If you plan to transport your squirrels, you will need a permit from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Squirrel Hunting Seasons in Maryland
The squirrel hunting season in Maryland runs from October 1st through February 28th. There is a bag limit of six squirrels per day.
During the fall and winter, squirrels can be found in forests throughout Maryland. They are most active in the early morning and late afternoon but can be seen out during the day as well. The best time to hunt them is during the mating season in late fall when they are more visible and easier to track.
In order to hunt squirrels in Maryland, you must have a valid hunting license and follow all state laws and regulations. You also need to be aware of the different types of squirrels that live in the state so that you can identify them while you are out hunting. The two most common types of squirrels in Maryland are the gray squirrel and the fox squirrel.
Can you hunt squirrels at night in Maryland?
Yes, you can hunt squirrels at night in Maryland. There are no legal restrictions on hunting hours for this species. You will need a flashlight or headlamp to see and shoot the animals, however. Be sure to wear blaze orange so other hunters can see you, and take extra caution when walking in the woods at night.
Bag limits for hunting Squirrel in Maryland
In Maryland, the bag limit for squirrel hunting is six per day. The daily bag limit for squirrels applies to all species of squirrels combined. For example, a person could take six gray squirrels or four fox squirrels and two gray squirrels in one day. However, it is illegal to possess more than 24 squirrels at any given time, regardless of the number of days hunted.
Legal ways to hunt Squirrels in Maryland
In Maryland, there are four legal ways to hunt squirrels. They are:
- with a shotgun during the two-week regular firearms season in October;
- with a muzzleloader during the two-week early muzzleloader season in September;
- with a bow during the Archery Only season, which runs from the Saturday nearest September 15 through January 31; and
- with a crossbow during the Crossbow Season, which runs from the first Saturday in October through January 31.
Squirrels may also be taken incidentally while hunting other species during their respective seasons. For example, while deer hunting with a rifle during the November firearms season, a squirrel hunter may also harvest squirrels. The bag limit for squirrels is 10 per day. There is no closed season for hunting groundhogs on private land.
Can you use dogs to hunt squirrels in Maryland?
While dogs can be used for squirrel hunting in Maryland, it is important to know that there are some restrictions. First, only certain types of dogs are allowed and second, the use of dogs is only allowed during certain times of the year.
Certain types of dogs are allowed for squirrel hunting in Maryland and these include hounds, terriers, and dachshunds. The use of other types of dogs is not permitted.
The use of dogs for squirrel hunting is only allowed during certain times of the year. The season runs from September 1st until March 31st. During this time, hunters may use up to two dogs while hunting.
Can you hunt squirrels from a vehicle in Maryland?
In Maryland, you can hunt squirrels from a vehicle if you meet certain criteria. First, you must have a valid hunting license. Second, you must be properly registered with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Finally, you must be within the legal hunting hours.
If you meet all of these criteria, then you can hunt squirrels from a vehicle in Maryland. When doing so, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure that your vehicle is not blocking any roadways or public areas. Second, be sure to only shoot at squirrels that are on your own property or on property that you have permission to hunt on. Finally, always follow the safety rules of firearms and be sure to practice safe hunting habits.
Final Thoughts
Although squirrel hunting is often thought of as a simplistic activity, there are a few things that need to be kept in mind in order to be successful. First and foremost, it is important to know the areas where squirrels are most likely to be found. In Maryland, these areas include woods with a dense understory, acorn-producing trees, and areas near water sources. Secondly, hunters need to be aware of the bag limits set by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The daily bag limit for squirrels is six, with a possession limit of 18.
Lastly, it is important to choose the right equipment for the job. When it comes to firearms, shotguns are typically the best choice for squirrel hunting. Small game ammunition should be used, and hunters should avoid using lead shots if possible. With the proper knowledge and equipment, anyone can have a successful squirrel hunting trip in Maryland.
