Maryland wildlife officials have granted a one-week extension to the 2026 muskrat trapping season in most counties after harsh winter conditions disrupted normal trapping activities. The season will now run until March 22 in affected areas to help offset economic losses caused by ice coverage in January and February.
Wildlife officials in Maryland have announced a seven-day extension to this year’s muskrat trapping season after harsh winter weather disrupted normal trapping activities across much of the state.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources made the decision to extend the season until March 22 in most counties, excluding Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard and Washington counties. Officials cited severe weather conditions during January and February, particularly widespread ice coverage, that prevented trappers from conducting normal operations and caused financial hardships.
Maryland law provides wildlife officials with the power to extend muskrat trapping seasons by as many as seven days when severe weather significantly disrupts trapping activities and creates economic hardships for trappers. The extension was not applied statewide because some counties had earlier season start dates. Officials noted that no other hunting or trapping seasons received extensions.
Wildlife officials are reminding those interested in trapping that they must obtain a Furbearer Permit before pursuing, hunting, trapping or chasing furbearers. Anyone who did not hold a permit or trapper education certificate prior to August 1, 2007, must also fulfill mandatory trapper education training. Complete details about hunting and trapping regulations can be found in the Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.