2024 Maryland Black Bear Hunt Lottery Now Open: DNR

MARYLAND — The lottery to obtain a permit for Maryland's six-day black bear hunt is open.

Hunters can enter the lottery selection process for the annual hunt in western Maryland. The cost to enter the lottery is $15 and applications can be purchased from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources now through Aug. 31.

The 2024 bear hunt will be held Oct. 21-26 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties.

This year, 950 bear harvest permits will be issued through the lottery. Hunters who have entered multiple years in a row receive “preference points,” one additional entry for each consecutive year they have applied.

Anyone who is not seeking a permit this year but may do so another year can buy a preference point for $15. They will not be entered in the 2024 lottery, but will not lose their advantage for next year.

The hunt is an important part of managing Maryland’s expanding black bear population, the DNR said.

Lottery entries and preference points may be purchased now through Aug. 31 through the DNR online licensing website, a license agent, or by calling 866-344-8889 between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

After the lottery deadline closes, hunters should check the DNR black bear hunt website on Sept. 4 to see if their DNRid was selected.

For information about the application process, email blackbear.dnr@maryland.gov.