Photo by Lisa Mayo, submitted to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has added a one-week extension to the muskrat trapping season in all counties except Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, and Washington. The revised 2025 season will now close March 22 to make up for unfavorable weather conditions.
The Maryland Annotated Natural Resources Code grants the department authority to extend the muskrat trapping season for up to seven days in the event weather has severely impacted trapping opportunities. Inclement weather conditions, including extensive ice coverage in January, have hindered access such that an extension is deemed necessary at this time to avoid economic loss.
The extension was not necessary statewide because some county seasons started earlier, which allowed for ample trapping opportunities. No other hunting or trapping seasons have been extended.
A Maryland Furbearer Permit is required for individuals that chase, hunt, trap or otherwise pursue furbearers. Those that wish to trap furbearers and did not possess a permit or certificate of trapper education before Aug. 1, 2007, must also complete mandatory trapper education requirements. Additional information about hunting and trapping can be found in the Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.
