Dog Training

The owner of a hunting dog may run or train his/her dog on pheasant, quail, rabbit, ruffed grouse, woodcock, or any imported species at any time of the year (including Sundays) if the owner or another person attends the dog. The attendant may not carry firearms of any kind except a starter’s pistol and/or handgun with blanks while training dogs. Each attendant must possess a valid hunting license. The attendant may not kill any wildlife except during open season for the appropriate game species.

Raccoon and Opossum Chasing- No Kill season dates for training coon hounds. Unarmed fox chasing is legal all year, including Sunday, and does not require a hunting license. However, an individual or group Furbearer Permit is required to participate in unarmed fox chasing. See Furbearer Regulations. Individuals should check with the Area Manager for area specific regulations prior to participating in fox chasing on state owned or controlled lands.

Dog Training With Call Back Pens

A person may possess and recall pen-reared quail or chukar partridge for the purpose of training dogs with call back pens if they first obtain a Game Husbandry Permit/License*. The trainer, or anyone assisting in the training, shall possess a valid hunting license while training. A person may not use a call back pen on state owned or controlled lands.

Retriever Training

A person must obtain a $5 Retriever Training Permit to release and shoot or retrieve captive-raised mallard ducks, quail, chukar partridge, and pheasant for the purpose of dog training. The permittee, or anyone assisting in the training by shooting a firearm loaded with shotshell ammunition, shall possess a valid hunting license or Hunter Safety Certificate while training. If live birds are held for more than 72 hours, a Game Husbandry Permit/License* is also required.

Requirements, regulations, and application procedures for a Retriever Training Permit may be accessed online at http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/retpermit.asp. Retriever training permits can be obtained from any DNR Sport License Agent or by phone, mail, or online through the DNR Licensing and Registration Service.

Field Trials and Hunt Tests

Permits for conducting sanctioned field trials or hunt tests during closed seasons on both private and public lands must be obtained from DNR Regional Wildlife & Heritage Service Offices. Permit requests for state owned or controlled lands must be received at least 6 weeks, but not more than 6 months, in advance of the proposed field trial.

*For permit applications and information contact- Permits Coordinator, DNR Wildlife & Heritage Service, Tawes State Office Building E-1, 580 Taylor Ave., Annapolis, MD 21401, 410-260-8540.