Janis Reeser
The Herald-Mail
July 17, 2026, 5:02 a.m. ET
Maryland black bear hunt lottery application details
Maryland hunters can now enter the lottery for a chance to participate in the state’s black bear hunting season scheduled for Oct. 26-31.
The application period opened July 15 and runs through Aug. 31, according to a community announcement. Entry into the lottery is required for anyone seeking to hunt black bears during the season in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett and Washington counties.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources said in the announcement that the hunt is used to help manage the state’s growing black bear population and reduce conflicts involving bears, including vehicle collisions and property damage.
Applicants can check lottery results Sept. 3 through the DNR black bear hunt website at dnr.maryland.gov.
Hunters who are not selected receive one preference point for each year they enter the lottery without being chosen. Each preference point provides one additional chance in a future permit drawing.
Those who do not want to apply for a permit this season but may seek one later can purchase a preference point for $15.
Preference point rules change
A new policy takes effect this season that changes how preference points are retained.
Preference points will no longer expire if a hunter does not enter the lottery or buy a preference point during a given year.
Hunters who are not selected in the primary drawing may also choose to enter a secondary lottery for a permit valid only in Frederick and Washington counties.
If a hunter opts into the secondary selection process, existing preference points will be applied. Preference points return to zero if a hunter’s DNRid number is selected in either lottery.
More than 1,000 permits available
The department plans to issue 950 permits through the primary lottery and another 100 through the secondary drawing, making 1,050 permits available in total.
DNR said in the announcement that it uses black bear population data when determining permit levels to help ensure the hunt remains sustainable.
Lottery applications and preference points can be purchased through mdoutdoors.maryland.gov, through a license agent at dnr.maryland.gov, or by calling 866-344-8889 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Questions about the application process can be directed to blackbear.dnr@maryland.gov.
Participation in the black bear season also requires a Maryland hunting license unless the hunter qualifies for an exemption. Licenses are available through MD Outdoors, DNR service centers at dnr.maryland.gov and sport license retailers at dnr.maryland.gov, according to the announcement.