Maryland Hunters Record 84,201 Deer for 2024-2025 Season

Statewide harvest 10-percent higher than the five-year average

posted on March 4, 2025
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Whitetail Deer Looking Back

Maryland deer hunters harvested 84,201 deer during the combined archery, firearms and muzzleloader seasons from Sept. 6, 2024 through Feb. 4, 2025.

The statewide harvest reported to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources included 32,148 antlered and 47,271 antlerless white-tailed deer, and 2,143 antlered and 2,639 antlerless sika deer. The harvest was 15.9-percent higher than the 2023-2024 total of 72,642 deer and 10.4-percent higher than the five-year average of 76,272.

“Deer hunters across Maryland enjoyed another year in the field as snow and cooler temperatures made for many successful hunts later in the season,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Karina Stonesifer said. “Maryland’s deer population remains healthy and we thank hunters for their assistance in managing the state’s deer population.”

Hunters harvested 9,459 deer on Sundays, comprising 11.2-percent of the total harvest. Hunting deer on Sunday is only permitted during certain weeks in 20 of Maryland’s 23 counties.

The harvest in deer management Region A (Western Maryland) increased 12.1 percent, from 9,169 deer last year to 10,275 this year. Hunters in the western counties reported 5,836 antlered and 4,439 antlerless deer.

Hunters in Region B—the remainder of the state—harvested 73,926 deer, up 16.5 percent from 63,473 deer harvested last year. A total of 28,455 antlered and 45,471 antlerless deer were reported in this region.

Frederick County had the highest reported whitetail harvest again this year, with 6,869 deer reported: a 4.9-percent increase from last year. Carroll County followed with 5,988 and Garrett County was third with 5,613 deer. Baltimore and Washington counties rounded out the top five with 5,239 and 5,066 deer, respectively.

Latest

Photo 03 Ammo On Buffalo
Photo 03 Ammo On Buffalo

Behind the Bullet: .450/400 3” Nitro Express

Among the lot of Nitro Express cartridges—a term coined by James Purdey to compare the power of these cartridges to a locomotive and newly loaded with smokeless powder—the .450/400 3” N.E. represents one the best blends of hunting power and ease of shooting. Curious? Read on, as Phil Massaro goes in-depth on this classic, though esoteric, favorite.

TriStar Arms to Exhibit at 2026 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits

TriStar Arms will exhibit at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, taking place April 17–19, 2026, in Houston, TX. Attendees are invited to visit TriStar Arms at Booth #3103 to explore the newest firearm offerings and learn more about the brand's continued commitment to the shooting sports community.

New for 2026: Left-Handed Ruger American Gen. II

Ruger has introduced left-handed models of the Ruger American Rifle Generation II. The first of these models will be released in the Ranch configuration, with six chamberings available: 7.62x39mm, 450 Bushmaster, 400 Legend, 350 Legend, .300 Blackout and 5.56 NATO.

New for 2026: Swhacker #307 Mechanical 2-Blade Broadhead

Swhacker Broadheads has launched its #307 100-grain Mechanical 2-Blade Broadhead. This latest addition to Swhacker's lineup promises precision engineering with reliable deployment, coupled with accuracy and devastating field performance.

Keys to the Eastern Turkey Hunt

A turkey is a turkey regardless of subspecies, sure, but best hunting tactics often vary depending on geographical location due to the birds’ varying behavior. Translated, killing turkeys back East is different than killing them out West. Check out some Eastern-specific tips below, and stay tuned for a follow-up targeted at our Western readers.

Montana and Utah Celebrating 125th Anniversaries

Two 125th Anniversaries are occurring this year, the first being for the entire Montana FWP, and the second being a key piece of property in the history of the Utah DWR.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.