Mourning dove, early resident Canada goose seasons begin Sept. 1
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the following dates for the state’s 2026-2027 migratory game bird hunting seasons, which begins Sept. 1.
Bag limits, season dates, and shooting hours can be found in the 2026-2027 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.
“September marks the beginning of the fall migration period, and with that comes opportunities for hunters as seasons open for mourning doves and early resident Canada geese,” said Wildlife and Heritage Director Karina Stonesifer. “The department encourages experienced hunters to share their experience with a novice hunter, so more people can experience all that Maryland’s outdoors has to offer.”
Unless otherwise noted, official shooting hours begin 30 minutes before sunrise and end at sunset for all early migratory game bird hunting seasons. Season dates are as follows:
Dove, split season
First Season: Sept. 1 – Oct. 17 (note: shooting hours for this segment are noon to sunset)
Second Season: Oct. 24 – Nov. 27
Third Season: Dec. 19 – Jan. 9, 2027
The DNR website includes a list of public dove hunting fields.
Woodcock, split season
First Season: Oct. 24 – Nov. 27
Second Season: Jan. 11 – 27, 2027
Early resident Canada Goose Season
Eastern zone: Sept. 1–15
Western zone: Sept. 1–25
For Early Canada goose season, hunters are allowed to use shotguns capable of holding more than three shells. Shooting hours are extended to a half-hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset.
Teal, September Season
Sept. 17–26
Shooting hours will be a half-hour before sunrise to sunset. The daily bag limit is six teal.
All migratory bird hunters, including landowners who are license-exempt, must purchase a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp/Harvest Information Program Permit and possess the printed receipt while hunting. All waterfowl hunters, ages 16 and older, must possess a printed receipt of the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (federal duck stamp). Licenses, permits, and stamps can be purchased online, by phone at 855-855-3906, at a department service center or any of the 250 sport license agents.
Hunters are encouraged to report banded migratory game birds online. After reporting the banded bird, hunters will receive a certificate of appreciation that includes all known biological information on the bird they harvested.
An interactive map of Maryland’s waterfowl hunting zones is available on the DNR website.
Hunters with questions may contact the department at 410-260-8540.
