Maryland Opens Lottery For 2026 Black Bear Hunt Permits

Hunters can begin applying this week for a chance to participate in Maryland's 2026 black bear hunting season, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

A permit is required to hunt during the six-day season, which runs Oct. 26-31 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett and Washington counties.

The application period is open through Aug. 31.

The department said the annual hunt is intended to help manage Maryland's growing black bear population and reduce conflicts between bears and people, including vehicle collisions and property damage.

This year, the department will issue 950 permits through the primary lottery and 100 additional permits through a secondary lottery limited to Frederick and Washington counties, for a total of 1,050 permits.

Hunters can check whether they were selected beginning Sept. 3 on the DNR's black bear hunt website.

What's New This Year

The Department of Natural Resources announced one significant change for 2026: preference points will no longer expire if a hunter skips a year without entering the lottery or purchasing an additional point.

Hunters who are not selected in the primary lottery receive one preference point for each unsuccessful year, increasing their odds in future drawings. Applicants may also purchase a preference point for $15 without entering this year's lottery.

Hunters who choose to enter the secondary lottery will have their preference points applied there as well. Preference points reset to zero if a hunter is selected in either lottery.

How To Apply

Lottery entries and preference points can be purchased:

• Online through the MD Outdoors licensing website
• At Maryland hunting license agents
• By calling 866-344-8889 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Hunters participating in the bear season must also possess a valid Maryland hunting license unless exempt under state law.

Questions about the lottery can be directed to blackbear.dnr@maryland.gov.