Annapolis, MD (JK) – Hunters can now apply for Maryland’s 2026 black bear hunt lottery, with entries being accepted through August 31.
The six-day bear hunting season will run October 26-31 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett and Washington counties. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources says the annual hunt is an important wildlife management tool that helps control the state’s growing black bear population while reducing conflicts with people, including vehicle collisions and property damage.
This year, DNR will issue 950 permits through the primary lottery and another 100 through a secondary lottery for Frederick and Washington counties, for a total of 1,050 permits.
New for 2026, hunters’ preference points will no longer expire if they skip a year of entering the lottery or purchasing a preference point. Lottery results will be posted September 3. Participants must also have a valid Maryland hunting license unless exempt.
Hunters can check the DNR black bear hunt website on September 3 to see if they were selected. Unless exempt from the hunting license requirement, participating in the black bear hunt also requires a Maryland hunting license, which can be purchased online at MD Outdoors, at DNR service centers, or at sport license agent retailers.
Anyone with questions about the application process should email blackbear.dnr@maryland.gov.
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