Waterfowl Hunting in Maryland: The Ultimate 2025 Guide for Ducks & Geese
If you’re thinking about waterfowl hunting in Maryland, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. As one of the top states along the Atlantic Flyway, Maryland offers outstanding opportunities to hunt ducks and geese in a variety of habitats, from tidal marshes to open fields and rivers.
Whether you’re planning your first hunt or you’re a seasoned waterfowler, this 2025 guide breaks down everything you need to know to make your next Maryland waterfowl hunt a success.
2025 Maryland Waterfowl Season Dates
Note: Dates vary slightly each year. Always confirm with Maryland DNR for updates.
Duck Season (Regular)
Split Season Dates (Estimated):
- October (youth and veteran days)
- Mid-November through late January
- Includes: Mallards, Black Ducks, Pintails, Teal, Wigeon, Wood Ducks, and more
Canada Goose Season
Eastern Shore zones typically run:
- Mid-November through late January
- Daily bag limits may vary based on zone
Snow Goose Season
- Regular season + extended conservation order season (Feb–March)
- Great opportunity for high-volume action
What Waterfowl Species Can You Hunt in Maryland?
Maryland’s location on the Atlantic Flyway means a wide variety of waterfowl species pass through each season.
Puddle Ducks:
- Mallards
- Wood Ducks
- Black Ducks
- Pintails
- Green-winged and Blue-winged Teal
- Gadwall
- Wigeon
Diving Ducks:
- Canvasbacks
- Redheads
- Ring-necks
- Lesser Scaup
Geese:
- Canada Geese (big flocks, low flyers—classic Eastern Shore hunts)
- Snow Geese (especially late season)
Sea Ducks? Yes, you can find sea ducks in Maryland’s coastal waters, but Ruin Gun Club focuses on inland duck and goose hunts in Kent County—not layout boat sea duck hunts.
Where to Hunt Waterfowl in Maryland
From marshes to farmland, Maryland offers diverse waterfowl hunting grounds:
Eastern Shore (Top Choice for Serious Waterfowlers)
- Includes Kent, Dorchester, Talbot, Queen Anne’s Counties
- Rich wetlands, strong flyway traffic, and tons of tradition
- Kent County (our home turf!) offers a mix of marsh and field hunts, with less pressure than areas farther south
Public Land Options:
- Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge (non-hunting refuge but great flyway marker)
- State-managed Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)
- Note: Public land can get crowded and requires advanced scouting
Private Land / Outfitters:
- Booking with a guide gives you access to scouted, productive properties
- No need to bring decoys, blinds, or boats—just show up ready to hunt
Why Book a Guided Waterfowl Hunt in Maryland?
While Maryland has lots of DIY opportunities, a guided hunt simplifies everything and gives you a higher chance of success—especially if you’re new to the area or short on time.
At Ruin Gun Club, we offer:
- Expert guides with deep knowledge of Kent County flyways
- Access to private land, fields, and blinds along the Upper Eastern Shore
- Scouted locations for ducks and geese throughout the season
- Group-friendly hunts (perfect for families, friends, or corporate groups)
- Flexible hunt packages—we’ll help you build your perfect trip
What You Need to Hunt Waterfowl in Maryland
Before you hit the blind, make sure you’ve got:
- Maryland hunting license
- State and federal migratory bird stamps
- Proper shotgun (12-gauge ideal)
- Non-toxic shot (steel, bismuth, or tungsten)
- Waders, camouflage, and cold-weather gear (it gets chilly out here!)
Not sure what to bring? We’ll walk you through it when you book a hunt!
Hunt Maryland’s Upper Eastern Shore with Ruin Gun Club
We’re based in Kent County, right in the heart of the Upper Eastern Shore—a region known for great duck and goose hunting without the heavy pressure of some southern counties. Whether you’re a solo hunter or bringing a crew, we’ll get you on birds and handle the details.
Ready to hunt Maryland’s legendary waterfowl grounds? Contact Ruin Gun Club to book your duck or goose hunt today.
