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Crop damage deer removal in Maryland
In shortA Maryland landowner or farm lessee with deer damage can get a Deer Management Permit to shoot deer outside the regular seasons, using agents approved by DNR and named on the permit. Maryland also licenses Deer Cooperators, who run planned operations with certified shooters on farms and other lands, including at night with county approval.
What is a Deer Management Permit?
- For economic loss or serious ecological damage to commercial crops, pasture, orchards, nurseries, Christmas trees, ornamentals, managed woodlands or native plant communities.
- Request an investigation; DNR decides within 15 days.
- The permit sets the weapon, the number of deer and antlered or antlerless.
- Agents must be approved by DNR and named on the permit, and carry a copy signed by the permittee and the shooter.
- Every deer is reported within 24 hours.
- In Baltimore, Calvert, Charles, Harford and St. Mary’s Counties, centerfire rifles may be approved year-round on private land.
What is a Deer Cooperator operation?
- Agricultural and General Deer Cooperator licenses, each requiring a written exam, a shooting proficiency test and a Maryland hunting license.
- Certified shooters work under the cooperator after passing the proficiency test.
- An operational plan is filed 45 days ahead. Agricultural operations run January 15 to April 15.
- Night shooting and centerfire rifles need letters from the county office of law. The plan lists shooters, equipment and venison handling.
- Venison is processed for food, and local police and Natural Resources Police are notified before work begins.
How do we help Maryland landowners?
We help you request the Deer Management Permit and list our qualified agents, and for larger properties we plan a cooperator operation with the community support and county approvals it needs.
Where can I read the Maryland law?
- Maryland Code, Natural Resources Article (Title 10, Wildlife)
- COMAR 08.03.03, Open Seasons, Bag Limits and Hunting Hours
- COMAR 08.03.09, Wildlife Possession (Deer Cooperator License)
Last updated October 18, 2026. Reviewed by DelChester Wildlife Conservation Group.
Frequently asked questions
Who can shoot under a Maryland Deer Management Permit?
The permittee and agents approved by DNR and named on the permit. Agents need a Maryland hunting license when shooting during the bow, firearms or muzzleloader seasons.
When do Maryland agricultural Deer Cooperator operations run?
January 15 to April 15, under an operational plan filed at least 45 days ahead.
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