Waterfowl Hunting

During the winter, the Chesapeake Bay is home to various species of Migratory Waterfowl. During this time period we will primarily be hunting for Sea Ducks and Divers. The description of Sea Ducks includes Long Tailed Ducks (Oldsquaw), Common Scoters (Black Scoters), Surf Scoters, White-Winged Scoters, and Eiders. Divers are associated with the species of Canvasbacks, Redheads, Bluebills, Buffleheads, and additional species of open water ducks.

As a reminder, a typical hunt on the Chesapeake Bay open water is primarily Sea Ducks in the Gunning Zone. This can be a fun and fast paced hunt that involves a lot of shooting. This is an exciting time to be on the Chesapeake Bay and we look forward to reserving trips for the 2024-2025 hunting season!

We will be reserving private hunting trips based on most recent customer interest this season from December 16th until January 31st. Hunting for Sea Ducks and Divers is extremely seasonal and we have chosen to only hunt later this year to provide the best opportunity for you to have a successful hunt on the Chesapeake Bay!

Sea Duck Hunt with us this Winter!

December 16th- January 31st

• The daily bag limit for Sea Ducks is 4 in the Special Sea Duck Zone.
• Hunters may only harvest up to 4 Sea Ducks: No more than 3 Long Tailed Ducks, 3 Eiders (only 1 hen), or 3 Scoters.
• Additional species of ducks may be harvested in the Gunning Zone while in season.
• All other species of ducks may be taken up to the six daily duck limit.
• No Sunday Hunting.

Note: Follow the link below to view current regulations for Migratory Game Bird Seasons and Limits for Sea Ducks.

• http://www.eregulations.com/maryland/hunting/migratory-game-bird-seasons-limits/

Hunting on the Chesapeake Bay

To participate in a hunt with Maryland Fishing and Hunting, all hunters must follow all laws and regulations in accordance with Federal Waterfowl Hunting and laws and regulations outlined by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). We want all of our hunters to have an enjoyable and SAFE hunt! If you have any questions about regulations, we have included some of the applicable links to Maryland DNR’s website. Please feel free to ask any questions prior to your hunt.

• http://dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide/Pages/default.aspx
• http://www.eregulations.com/maryland/hunting/migratory-game-bird-hunting/

Rate:

• Groups in size of 1-3 hunters the cost per hunt is $900.00
• Groups in size of 4-6 hunters the cost is $300 per hunter. There is a maximum of 6 hunters allowed per hunt.

Gratuity is not required for our hunts but is always appreciated!

Trip Times: Trip times will be scheduled prior to the date of your hunt and are dependent on the scheduled sunrise. It is customary to leave the pier an hour before sunrise on the day of your hunt.

Recipes For Waterfowl:

• https://honest-food.net/eating-sea-ducks/

Mandatory Guidelines:

• A liability waiver will be signed prior to the trip by each Hunter or Passenger.
• In the unlikely event of injury, damage, or death, Maryland Fishing and Hunting, LLC and its associates will NOT be responsible.
• Each Hunter is responsible for his/ her actions and the actions of the hunting party during their hunt. This includes fines and violations.
• Each Hunter must have a valid Maryland Hunting License with Maryland and Federal Stamps for each hunter. They must be signed and in their presence the day of their hunt.
• Alcoholic beverages are not to be permitted, consumed, prior or during your hunt.
• It is up to the Guides discretion to determine the length of your hunt. There will be no refunds given to violators of the Mandatory Guidelines, Maryland, or Federal Law if a hunt is terminated. We want you to have a lifetime of SAFE and fun hunting!
• Each Hunter must follow the instruction of the Guide. The Guide will instruct you when is acceptable to have a loaded firearm, handle a firearm, and fire your firearm at a legal target.
• When your firearm is loaded or unloaded, your safety must be ON at All times. The only time your safety may be Off is when shouldered, firing at your target with your Guides consent. All firearms are to be unloaded when not actively hunting or in direct contact with your firearm. Loading and unloading of your firearm will done in the direction of open water or field and NOT under a structure, pointed at a person, or object.
• Each hunter must provide a legal firearm (Shotgun) to hunt with and must have proper caliber ammunition for your hunt (minimum of No. 2 shot). As a reminder, please bring a minimum of 3 boxes of ammunition per hunter.
• NOTE:
  • ALL FIREARMS MUST BE CHECKED IN WITH YOUR HUNTING GUIDE PRIOR TO YOUR TRIP BEFORE BOARDING.
  • ALL FIREARMS, AMMUNITION, & HUNTING GEAR WILL BE INSPECTED BY THE HUNTING GUIDE PRIOR TO YOUR HUNT BEFORE BOARDING.
  • ALL FIREARMS ARE TO BE UNLOADED UNTIL INSTRUCTED.
  • OPERATION OF FIREARMS WILL BE GRANTED BY YOUR HUNTING GUIDE TO EACH INDIVIDUAL HUNTER.
  • IT IS PARAMOUNT THAT SAFE OPERATION OF A FIREARM MUST BE ACCOMPLISHED AT ALL TIMES.
  • YOUR HUNT MAY BE TERMINATED AT ANY TIME IF NOT FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS FROM YOUR HUNTING GUIDE OR IF OPERATING YOUR FIREARM IN A UNSAFE OR UNLAWFUL MANNER.
  • YOU MUST ANSWER ALL RADIO COMMUNICATIONS WHILE SEA DUCK HUNTING FROM OUR BOAT BLIND.
  • ALL HUNTERS WILL CEASE FIRE WHEN A DUCK IS BEING RETRIEVED BY THE CHASE BOAT. YOU MUST FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS OF YOUR GUIDE.
  • YOU MAY NOT DISCHARGE YOUR WEAPON AT OR TOWARDS ANOTHER INDIVIDUAL OR ANOTHER VESSEL. ALL DAMAGES ARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE HUNTER IN QUESTION AND WILL BE SUBJECT TO ALL CONSEQUENCES. YOUR GUIDE DOES NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACTIONS.

Things to Bring

• Cooler- For your food, drink, & day’s harvest!
• Ice
• Water
• Food and drink. Note: No alcohol will be allowed on board while hunting.
• Rain Gear
• Camera/ Phone
• Motion Sickness Preventative
• Sunglasses
• Extra Clothing
• Soft Soled Shoes (for Cold Weather)
• A Legal Firearm appropriate for Game Hunted during your reserved hunt.
• Ammunition: A minimum of 3 boxes of shotgun shells should be brought per hunter.
• Warm clothing (preferably camouflage and water proof).

Deposits & Trip Cancellations

• A mandatory deposit of 50% of the total trip cost is due when booking.
• Deposits are due within 7 days of verbal confirmation.
• We require 30 days prior notice for cancellations. Cancellations within 30 days of the reserved trip forfeit the deposit amount of 50% of the total trip cost. Cancellations within 14 days of the reserved trip are charged the full amount of the reservation.
• We accept Cash, Check, Visa, Master Card, Discover, & Venmo!
• We charge an additional 4% for all credit card transactions.
• Deposits are non-refundable for hunters that are dismissed prior to their hunt that are not in accordance with Federal or State laws.

Inclement Weather

Your safety, the safety of the crew, and the vessel are of the highest priority when booking a trip aboard The Marylander. Inclement weather may cause your trip to be canceled by the Captain before your trip. In this case a full refund will be awarded or your trip may be rescheduled for an available date.