Hunting On Private Property

Permission Required to Hunt or Trap

In all counties, written permission is required from the property owner to hunt on private property. Written permission is required from the property owner to trap on private and public lands in all counties. Click here for Permission to Hunt or Trap form.

Liability

Any person hunting on private property shall be liable for any damage caused by that person to private property while hunting. The landowner may not be liable for accidental injury or damage to the hunter, whether or not the landowner or the landowner’s agent or lessee has given permission to hunt. For additional information regarding landowner liability in Maryland read Bulletin EB357 (Recreational Access and Landowner Liability in Maryland) at the Maryland Cooperative Extension’s website (http://extension.umd.edu/publications/PDFs/EB357.pdf).

Controlling Hunter Use of Private Property

Posting property boundaries in a conspicuous manner makes it illegal to trespass or for any person to enter without the landowner’s permission. Maryland law allows the use of blue paint stripes, as well as signs, to indicate private property boundaries. Vertical paint marks at least 2 inches in width and 8 inches in length must be centered at least 3 feet, but no more than 6 feet, from the ground or water surface. The paint must be oil-based and bright blue.

Reporting Violations

While hunting on private property, watch for trespassers and game law violations. If you see a violation, don’t confront the person yourself. Get as much information as possible, write it down and call the Maryland Natural Resources Police Office at 410-260-8888 or the Catch A Poacher Hotline- 1-800-635-6124. Also, report all trespassers to the landowner. The future of hunting rests with ethical, law-abiding hunters. Hunters must police their ranks to minimize hunting law violations. Remember that every hunter pays for the improper actions of a few.