The following Junior Hunt Days are special days just for hunters under a certain age to hunt accompanied by a mentor.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources does not provide specific hunting sites or mentors for these hunting days.

Junior Deer Hunt Days 2024​

Junior Deer Hunt Days are for hunters age 16 or younger only.
To hunt during these days:

• Junior hunters must have a hunting license or be exempt from the license requirement (see Who May Hunt Without a License, Hunting Licenses).
• They must be accompanied in the field by an individual who:
  • is 21 years old or older.
  • possesses a valid Maryland hunting license (an Apprentice Hunting License does not meet this requirement) or is exempt from hunting license requirements.
  • is unarmed.
• Junior Deer Hunt Days have a separate bag limit. Deer taken by junior hunters during these days do not count towards the regular Archery, Muzzleloader or Firearms seasons bag limits.
• Daily deer shooting hours for Junior Hunt Days are one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset.
• Junior hunters are NOT required to comply with the antler point restriction during any of the deer seasons (see White-tailed Deer Antler Point Restrictions).​

Junior Turkey Hunting Days 2024​

The Junior Turkey Hunting Days are for hunters age 16 or younger only.
To hunt during these days:

• Junior hunters must have a Hunting License or be exempt from the license requirement (see Who May Hunt Without a License, Hunting Licenses).
• Junior turkey hunters must be accompanied in the field by an individual who:
• Is 21 years old or older;
• Possesses a valid Maryland hunting license (an Apprentice Hunting License does not meet this requirement) or is exempt from hunting license requirements; and is unarmed.
• Only bearded turkeys may be harvested in the Junior Turkey Hunting Days and Spring Season.
• Turkeys taken by junior hunters during these days count toward the entire Spring Season bag limit.
• The Junior Turkey Hunting Days bag limit is one bearded turkey per day.
• Daily shooting hours are one half hour before sunrise to sunset for Junior Turkey Hunting Days.
• Hunting Devices for the Junior Turkey Hunting Days are only shotguns (loaded with #4 shot or smaller), crossbows, vertical bows or air guns that shoot arrows or bolts.
• Dogs and organized drives may not be used.

​Junior Waterfowl Hunting Days (2024-2025)

• Nov. 2, 2024
  
• Feb. 8​, 2025​
  

Hunters 16 years of age or younger may participate in the Junior Waterfowl Hunt Days if the individual possesses a valid hunting license or is exempt from Maryland hunting license requirements. The individual must possess the printed receipt showing proof of purchase of the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp. Click here for details​.

Junior Hunters!

Commemorate your Deer, Turkey or Black Bear Harvest this year with a Junior Hunter Certificate!

Managed Hunt Programs for Junior Hunters

 Ayton Tree Nursery Junior Dove Hunt Application