Updated as of 10/14/2025 - "Deer may be hunted with a muzzleloading rifle, muzzleloading shotgun or muzzleloading handgun (both single shot and revolvers) in all Maryland counties. To be considered a muzzleloader, a rifle, shotgun or handgun must be loaded from the muzzle and a revolver must be loaded from the front of the cylinder. Flintlock, percussion cap and inline ignition muzzleloaders are legal hunting devices for deer. Muzzleloading rifles or shotguns used for deer hunting must be at least .40 caliber in size and must use 60 grains of black powder or more (a black powder equivalent is acceptable) and propel one all lead, lead alloy or copper soft-nosed or expanding bullet or ball at a single discharge. Muzzleloading handguns used for deer hunting must be at least .40 caliber with a barrel length of at least 6 inches and must use 40 grains of black powder or more (a black powder equivalent is acceptable) and propel one all-lead, lead alloy or copper soft-nosed or expanding bullet or ball at a single discharge. Sabot loads are legal for use in muzzleloaders used for deer hunting. Muzzleloaders are considered unloaded if the ignition system is disabled by removal of the cap, primer, battery or primer powder. It is unlawful to have a loaded firearm in, on or leaning against any vehicle. This includes a muzzleloader ready to fire."
MARYLAND MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASONS
Muzzleloader Deer Hunts
| Season | Season Dates | Region | Species |
| Muzzleloader |
Oct. 16–Oct. 18, Dec. 27–Jan. 3 |
A | Antlered White-tail |
| Muzzleloader | Oct. 16–Oct. 18, Oct. 20–Oct. 25, Dec. 20–Jan. 3 | B | Antlered White-tail |
| Muzzleloader | Oct. 16–Oct. 18 and Dec. 20–Jan. 3 | Any | Antlered or Antlerless Sika |
| Muzzleloader | Oct. 20–Oct. 25 | B | Antlerless Only Sika |
MARYLAND MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASON REGULATIONS
- Muzzleloaders must load from the muzzle
- Muzzleloading rifles and pistols must be .40 cal or larger
- Muzzleloading rifles must use a 60-grain minimum powder charge
- Muzzleloading pistols must use a 40-grain minimum powder charge
- Muzzleloading weapons must fire a single discharge at one time
This information is subject to change, for more information visit: Maryland Hunting Regulations
HAVE MARYLAND MUZZLELOADER HUNTING SEASON QUESTIONS?
Muzzleloader Hunting season is the best for low-pressure hunting and plentiful wildlife. If you are new to muzzleloaders or would like more information on your state's muzzleloader hunting regulations, make sure to give us a call. Muzzle-Loaders.com is focused on promoting black powder hunting in all 50 states and can help you determine when your particular state's hunting season starts. If you have questions about Maryland Muzzleloader Hunting Season, please call us at 1-855-236-5000 or email us at sales@muzzle-loaders.com.
