National Hunting & Fishing Day

Held annually on the 4th Saturday in September, this family-oriented day offers fun and educational hands-on activities that everyone will enjoy. It is a great way to introduce young people and newcomers to outdoor sports, while teaching them about the important role that hunting and fishing play in Maryland’s wildlife conservation programs. There will be displays for hunting and fishing equipment and demonstrations of outdoor skills. This event is FREE to the public. Click here to learn more about Maryland's Celebration of National Hunting & Fishing Day.

Junior Hunter and Family Outdoor Days

Held several times a year at different locations throughout Maryland, these day-long events are FREE and open to young people, ages 8 to 16, and their families (depending on the event and location). Under the guidance of wildlife professionals, J these events provide safe, enjoyable, hands-on activities to learn about hunting and trapping and their important role in Maryland’s wildlife conservation, as well as try their hand at archery, handling a shotgun, casting a fishing line and more. Activities may vary by location and event, but all equipment is provided for the activities offered. Pre-registration is typically required and additional information will be provided as part of the registration process. Click here to learn more about our events.

Junior Hunt Days

These are days set aside during the deer, turkey, and waterfowl hunting seasons where only youth are allowed to hunt. All hunters participating in these Junior Hunt Days must be accompanied in the field by an individual who is 21 years old or older; possesses a valid Maryland hunting license, or is exempt from hunting license requirements; and is not afield with a firearm, bow or other hunting device.

Hunters 16 years of age or younger may participate in the Junior Deer Hunt and the Junior Turkey Hunt if the individual possesses a valid hunting license or is exempt from Maryland hunting license requirements.

Any licensed hunter 15 years old or younger may participate during the 2 hunting days of the Youth Waterfowl Hunt. Youth of this age who are exempt from Maryland hunting license requirements may also participate. Youth waterfowl hunters must possess a receipt showing they purchased a $9 Maryland Migratory Game Bird Hunting Stamp. Click here to learn more about Junior Hunt Days.​

Special Junior Hunter Opportunities

For places where junior hunters get to hunt that no one else can, check the managed hunt application section of the Guide to Hunting & Trapping.

Maryland Junior Hunter Certificate Program

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife & Heritage Service will provide Junior Hunters (age 16 and under) with a free certificate commemorating their deer, turkey, or bear taken during the current hunting seasons. Photographs of Junior Hunters and their game can be included on the certificate and will also be posted on the department's online Junior Hunter Photo Gallery. Click here to learn more about the Maryland Junior Hunter Certificate Program.

Maryland Envirothon

If you are a teenager who is wild about nature and the great outdoors, consider joining your school's Envirothon team. Envirothon is a fun and exciting way for high school students in grades 9-12 to learn about the natural world around us and earn scholarship money for college. As an Envirothon team member, you will learn first hand from the experts about the many ways that all living things are connected and the complex environmental issues affecting the world today. Click here to learn more about the Maryland Envirothon.

National Archery in the Schools Program

Students are taught how modern archery equipment works, shooting techniques, steps to archery success, and how to improve their skills. The act of shooting the bow improves upper body strength, grip strength, muscle endurance and flexibility. Archery also develops hand-eye coordination, dexterity and the importance of learning how to focus or concentrate. Click here to learn more about Maryland's Archery in in the Schools Program.

For more information contact

Christopher Markin
410-260-8587​
christopher.markin@maryland.gov
MD DNR – Wildlife and Heritage Service
Cambridge Field Office
828B Airpax Road
Cambridge MD 21613