ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced a special day for youth, veterans, and military personnel to engage in waterfowl hunting on Saturday, February 7, 2026. This event offers a unique chance for eligible hunters to pursue ducks, geese, and coots, making it one of the último days of the hunting season.
This one-day event is the second of the 2025-26 hunting season, following a similar day held in early November 2025. It is open to youth aged 16 and under, as well as military veterans and active-duty members, including those in the National Guard and Reserves who are not in training. Participants are allowed to hunt on both public and private lands across the state.
Karina Stonesifer, the Director of the Wildlife and Heritage Service, remarked, “This day is one of the final chances for youth and veteran hunters to experience a waterfowl hunt before many hunting seasons conclude for the year. We strongly encourage young people, veterans, and military waterfowl enthusiasts to take advantage of this occasion to learn about the traditions of waterfowl hunting and pay tribute to the sacrifices made by our veterans.”
It is important to note that youth hunters must be accompanied by an unarmed adult who is at least 21 years old, or by eligible, licensed military personnel participating in the hunt. All hunters, along with their adult mentors, must have a valid Maryland hunting license or a suitable exemption. Additionally, adults are required to obtain both a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp and a Federal Duck Stamp. Conversely, youth hunters under 16, including those with apprentice licenses, need only the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp and are not obliged to have a Federal Duck Stamp.
The bag limits for this special day align with regular season regulations, with some exceptions. Hunters may take two scaup; additionally, one Canada goose is allowed in the Atlantic Population (AP) Canada Goose Hunting Zone while five Canada geese may be harvested in the Late Southern and Western Maryland Resident Goose Zones. For further details regarding public hunting lands and Wildlife Management Areas, hunters should refer to pages 60-63 of the 2025-26 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has also informed hunters about isolated instances of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) found in wild birds this season. However, the agency assures that hunting wild birds is still safe, with minimal risks to humans. To mitigate potential exposure, recommended HPAI guidelines for hunters are available on the agency’s website.
Licenses, stamps, and permits can be acquired online, by calling 855-855-3906, at Natural Resources Service Centers, or through over 250 Sport License Agents located throughout the state. The revenue generated from these sales plays a crucial role in supporting hunter recruitment and education initiatives, habitat acquisition and restoration efforts, maintenance and enhancement of Wildlife Management Areas, landowner technical assistance, and wildlife law enforcement.
Officials from the department encourage eligible hunters to embrace this dedicated day to develop their skills, pass down traditions, and actively participate in Maryland’s rich waterfowl heritage. For any inquiries, the Wildlife and Heritage Service can be reached at 410-260-8540.
This special hunting event aligns with ongoing efforts to recruit new hunters while also honoring military members and veterans through dedicated access to Maryland’s abundant natural resources. The February 7 date is particularly significant as it approaches the closure of most waterfowl seasons, making it a pivotal opportunity for youth and veterans to engage in the sport before the season wraps up.
