Maryland Muzzleloader Returns December 16, 2023
Maryland’s two-part muzzleloader seasons begins it’s second half this weekend and will run through December 30, 2023.
“The late muzzleloader season is a vital part of the successful management of Maryland’s deer population,” Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Karina Stonesifer said. “It is a great time of year to get out into the woods and to introduce someone new to the traditions of hunting.”
Muzzleloading firearms may only be used to hunt deer during the Muzzleloader Season, Firearms Season, Junior Deer Hunt Days and Primitive Deer Hunt Days. Hunters may only use flintlock or sidelock percussion muzzleloaders during the Primitive Deer Hunt Days.
Maryland Muzzleloader Regulations as of 2023
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.
Only flintlock or sidelock percussion muzzleloaders may be used during the Primitive Deer Hunt Days. Muzzleloading revolvers are prohibited during the Primitive Deer Hunt Days
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.
Muzzleoaders that use smokeless powder are legal for deer hunting. These muzzleloaders must use the equivalent of 60 grains of black powder in rifles or shotguns, and the equivalent of 40 grains of black powder in handguns. Hunters are encouraged to exercise caution when using these types of muzzleloaders, and never use smokeless powder in a muzzleloader not designed for its use.
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.