Hunters interested in participating in Maryland’s 2026 black bear hunting season can now enter the state’s annual lottery, with applications open from July 15 through August 31.
The hunt is scheduled for October 26 through October 31 and will take place across Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties. According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the annual hunt is a key part of managing the state’s growing black bear population and helping reduce conflicts between bears and people, including vehicle collisions and property damage.
Hunters selected through the lottery will be announced on September 3. Applicants who are not selected will receive one preference point for each unsuccessful year, increasing their chances in future lotteries. New this year, preference points will no longer expire if a hunter skips entering the lottery or purchasing a preference point in a future year.
Those who are not planning to hunt this year but want to improve their odds for future seasons can purchase a preference point for $15 without entering the 2026 lottery.
Also new for 2026, hunters not selected in the primary lottery may choose to enter a secondary lottery for permits valid only in Frederick and Washington counties. Preference points will also apply in the secondary drawing, but any hunter selected in either lottery will have their preference point total reset to zero.
The state will issue 950 permits through the primary lottery and 100 additional permits through the secondary lottery, for a total of 1,050 bear hunting permits this year. DNR says permit numbers are based on population data to ensure the hunt remains sustainable. Hunters must also possess a valid Maryland hunting license, unless exempt under state law.
