Good news for Maryland’s hunting community…
The voice of Maryland’s hunting community has grown more influential with the recent decision by the Maryland Bowhunters Society (MBS) to join the Hunters of Maryland (HOM). Representatives from both groups met and conferred about hunting-related issues of mutual interest and found no consequential differences. A resultant pledge was made to stand together on the policy-front in Annapolis so the heritage and legacy of hunting in Maryland continues for future generations. One need only realize that less than 10% of Maryland’s 188 State lawmakers hunt…think of the unimaginable, detrimental outcomes absent this unified voice?
Evidence of the partnership’s value was made clear by MBS upon its official announcement of having joined HOM:
“Although the halls of Annapolis look a bit different since the pandemic, the political world never rests. Things are constantly happening that could potentially affect the existing rights of outdoorsmen and our future freedoms. It is daunting for the average person to look at the bills that are presented and the laws set before us and truly understand their impact and meaning. As with all things in life, when we aren’t sure how to handle something, we should seek advice from those who do. The Hunters of Maryland is a group that has stepped up to meet a major need in our state -- representation for the outdoors community in Annapolis.”
Of particular interest to MBS and HOM is the expansion of the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP). MBS led the charge to bring NASP to Maryland in 2005. Since then, MBS has donated over $50,000 to schools across Maryland having introduced recreational archery to thousands of school children. Envisioned will be a joint outreach effort to convince all local school Superintendents to adopt the NASP system within their respective school systems. And, HOM will work with MBS, local governments and the General Assembly in securing legislative approval to reduce the existing 150-yard safety zone for archery hunting to 50 yards, aka 8 counties to date have secured the 50-yard safety zone.
To learn more about the Maryland Bowhunters Society, check them out via the link shown below.
http://www.marylandbowhunterssociety.org/
In closing its official announcement, MBS stated the following to its Members:
“We are grateful that a few hunters realized the serious need for representation and have done everything in their power to make it happen. The groundwork has been laid out but now all of us must work together. Constant vigilance is required in order to not only preserve but further our hunting rights in the State; and, to ensure that for the present, and the future, MBS and all outdoorsmen and women across the State have a voice in Annapolis.”
