Maryland Department of Natural Resources

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Waterfowl Processing Operation Permit/License

A person may not conduct a waterfowl processing operation in the State of Maryland unless the person has a Waterfowl Processing Operation License, issued by the Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Heritage Service.

A person desiring a waterfowl processing operation license shall apply on a form supplied by the Department. There is no fee charged for this license.

The Department may suspend or revoke the license of a licensee who is convicted of violating a provision of this title, a regulation issued under this title, or a federal game law or regulation.

Term of License

A Waterfowl Processing Operation License shall expire on June 30,following the date of issuance. The license may be renewed by providing a completed renewal application.

Responsibilities

A Waterfowl Processing Operation may not receive or have in custody any wild waterfowl that is not properly tagged as required by state and federal laws and regulations.

Reporting Requirements

A waterfowl processing operation shall keep on forms provided by the Department a record of:

  1. The number of each species of wild waterfowl processed, received by, or in the custody of the operation.

  2. The location (county and state) where each wild waterfowl received by the operation was taken.

  3. The date each wild waterfowl was received by the operation.

  4. The name and address of the person from whom each wild waterfowl was received.

  5. The date each wild waterfowl was disposed of by the operation.

  6. The name and address of the person to whom each wild waterfowl was delivered.

The licensee shall submit a copy of these records to the Department annually, prior to the March 1 immediately following the date of the issuance of the license.

Inspections

At any reasonable hour, a licensee shall allow any Natural Resources Police officer or any law enforcement officer to enter and inspect the premises where the operation is conducted and to inspect records.

How to Obtain an Application

  1. Submit an application, provided by the State of Maryland (see below).

  2. Furnish any information required by the Department on the application.

How To Apply

To apply for the Waterfowl Processing Operation Permit/License, click here to download and print the application, and mail to:

Wildlife Permit Coordinator
MD DNR- Wildlife and Heritage Service
580 Taylor Ave., E-1
Annapolis MD 21401

Remember, the application must be returned along with the Application Fee of Natural Resources.

Application for
pdf icon Waterfowl Processing Operation Permit

Request by E-mail:
(include US Mailing Address)
customerservice.dnr@maryland.gov

Request by Phone:
(410) 260-8540
Toll-free in Maryland:
1-877-620-8DNR [8367], Extension 8540
TTY: Maryland Relay via 1-800-735-2258 or 711

Request by Mail:
Wildlife Permit Coordinator
MD DNR- Wildlife and Heritage Service
580 Taylor Ave., E-1
Annapolis MD 21401