2023 MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Hunting License Fee Increase and Sunday Waterfowl Hunting

A “generational” hunting-related bill is being considered by the 2023 Maryland General Assembly.  If enacted, the proposed legislation would, among other things, authorize the first hunting license fee increase in 34 years, dollars desperately needed for wildlife management, research, and habitat
improvement; plus authorize Sunday waterfowl hunting for the first time in 300 years, aka 1723
prohibition.

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2023RS/bills/sb/sb0327F.pdf

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2023RS/bills/hb/hb0983F.pdf

The bills – Senate Bill 327 and House Bill 983 (companion bills) – were heard before the Senate
Education,   Energy   and   Environment   Committee   and   House   Environment   and   Transportation Committee on February 15 and March 3, respectively.  

Since these companion bills are still being debated within both Chambers, suffice for this update is
to share the written testimony submitted by Maribeth Kulynycz, Executive Director for the Maryland Bowhunter’s Society (MBS).  Both MBS and the HUNTERS OF MARYLAND, LLC support the bill.

Ms. Kulynycz speaks with experience and credibility re the issues addressed by the legislation,
entitled   “   Hunting, Wildlife, Conservation, and Outdoor Recreation – Funding, Promotion,
Management, Licenses, Permits, and Stamps  ”.

MBS has been advocating for hunters across Maryland since 1977. We pride ourselves on bringing a voice to the hunting community. Being from Somerset county myself and hunting Wicomico and Worcester counties as well, the overwhelming outcry from the people has been that they want more Sunday hunting opportunities. As you've heard most people work and go to school Monday-Friday, allowing this extra day would be a huge benefit to the working class hunters, students, and families across Maryland.

I am not only a hunter, I am also an avid equestrian, as well as a CHA certified riding instructor and trail guide. I am a part of several trail rides a week on public land. During the hundreds of rides I've been a part of we have never once had a dangerous or unfriendly encounter with a hunter. Especially not a waterfowl hunter. Waterfowl hunters usually hunt very early mornings and are typically focused more around water on blustery winter days. This allows us the best weather and warmest parts of the day to take our rides undisturbed. And when in doubt we wear fluorescent orange vests for an added measure of safety.

MBS also stands behind the increase in hunting license fees, which has not happened since 1989. For us on the shore we have seen a major increase in out of state hunters with sika deer being one of the biggest draws. A few years back there was a segment done on a nationally recognized hunting show that focused on sika deer and has brought people from all over the country to our marshes. The sika community is very vocal about wanting an increase, especially for out of state licenses. This increase is just one step in the right direction. All money raised through license fees goes directly back to the hunting community and helps to ensure the future of all the amazing animals we share the landscape with. In the long run it will be a benefit to all outdoorsmen and women.

Maribeth Kulynycz

MBS Executive Secretary

November 16, 2021 Meeting with Senator Michael Jackson and Others

The HUNTERS OF MARYLAND want Maryland’s hunting community to recognize two influential allies within the Maryland General Assembly: the Honorable Michael A. Jackson (Prince George’s, Charles and Calvert Counties) and the Honorable Rachel Jones (Prince George’s and Calvert Counties). Both State lawmakers voiced their strong support of upholding the legacy/tradition of hunting at a special event held on November 16th in Dunkirk, Maryland.

Such support is critical to Maryland’s hunting community when one faces the fact the prevailing urban mindset in Annapolis is far from friendly to pro-hunting policies, aka statutory, budgetary and/or regulatory. When only a handful of Maryland’s 188 lawmakers pursue game afield, this fact should not be a surprise to anyone.

It is the mission of the HUNTERS OF MARYLAND, among other things, to (1) help educate State lawmakers about hunting in general -- aka, legacy/tradition – and hunters in particular – aka, the 2% of Maryland's citizenry who underwrite virtually 100% of the cost’s attendant to wildlife management/research; and (2) advocate for pro-hunting policies, especially from the perspective of promoting recruitment, retention and re-activation

MBS host the Co-Chairs of The Maryland Legislative Sportsman’s Caucus, Senator Jack Bailey (St Mary’s Co) and Delegate Ned Carey (Anne Arundel co).

With the financial support of several, an effort to found a Maryland hunting lobbying group “Hunters of Maryland” (HoM) was formed. We have made an impact in Annapolis for protecting hunting rights in Maryland. This past weekend, Maryland Bowhunters Society (MBS) held their annual Banquet in Pasadena. It was a pleasure to host the Co-Chairs of The Maryland Legislative Sportsman’s Caucus, Senator Jack Bailey (St Mary’s Co) and Delegate Ned Carey (Anne Arundel co). We thank them in their efforts to promote/protect hunting in Maryland.

Legacy of Hunting Recognized by the 2021 Maryland General Assembly

Hunting and fishing in Maryland will soon no longer be considered privileges, but Rights under State law. 

The 2021 General Assembly did the unthinkable.  It debated and concurred to bestow the right to hunt and fish on its citizenry as evidenced by its passage of Senate Bill 318/House Bill 1134 in the final hours of the 2021 Session, aka Sine Die on April 12, 2021.  Enactment into law now awaits the Governor’s signature which is expected.

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2021RS/bills/sb/sb0318T.pdf

Space and time constraints preclude a detailed accounting of the legislative battles waged in securing passage during the 90-day Session.  Suffice to say it was not pretty.  The Hunters of Maryland (HOM) did ultimately unmask, however, the anti-hunting element within and outside the General Assembly.  And this element is alive and well.   For Maryland’s hunting community to think otherwise would be to its peril.  These individuals, groups and organizations are well organized and deep pocketed.  They tried frantically to defeat the measure at the 11th hour with drastic tactics but to no avail.  It was a landmark victory for all those who hunt and fish in Maryland…an everlasting legacy.

Two questions come to mind:  (1) what arguments were given in favor; and (2) what does such recognition mean?  The former is explained in the attached testimony from HOM and the bi-partisan Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus and the latter simply means lawmakers acknowledge that hunting and fishing are deemed worthy of an elevated status in the eyes of the public.  In essence, a statutory right found outside the Declaration of Rights enumerated by Maryland’s Constitution.  

WHAT ELSE DID HOM ACCOMPLISH-OR FAIL TO ACCOMPLISH-THIS SESSION ON BEHALF OF MARYLAND’S HUNTING COMMUNITY?

Defeat of the Required Criminal Background Check on Purchasing Ammunition:  House Bill 175 would have required a NICS Index background check on the purchaser of any ammunition within the State of Maryland.  The NICS Index, which was established under the federal Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993, is a national system that checks available records on persons who may be disqualified from receiving firearms under federal or state law. Under federal law, federal firearms licensees may initiate a NICS background check only in connection with a proposed firearm transfer; they are strictly prohibited from initiating a NICS background check for any other purpose.

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2021RS/bills/hb/hb0175F.pdf

Defeat of Restricted Access to Firearms by Minors:  House Bill 200 would have prohibited access to a firearm by a minor, defined as someone under the age of 18.  Enactment would have ended anyone under the age of 18 from hunting with a firearm. 

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2021RS/bills/hb/hb0200F.pdf

Defeat of the Commercialization of Venison:  A long-term goal of the agriculture community is the commercialization of venison as an alternative means of curtailing Maryland’s deer population.  In 2015, legislation was considered by the General Assembly to authorize such commercialization and it failed.  However, the hunting community has stood alone in opposing the sale of coveted and finite wildlife for remuneration purposes.  It re-surfaced during the 2021 Session via House Bill 594.

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2021RS/bills/hb/hb0594F.pdf

Imagine returning to the dark days of market hunting in Maryland.  What would happen?  Poaching, black markets and the extirpation of wildlife owned by the citiznery.  And, who led the effort this year with the underlying support of the agricultural community?  Surprisingly, it was the Montgomery County Legislative Delegation.  Officials there have grown tiresome of purported failed efforts by DNR to help them curb the growing population of deer there.  Figuring such a proposal would trigger DNR to commit to a strategy to help them, the legislation was submitted.  And, it worked.  DNR committed, in writing, to a year-long statewide study – along with stakeholder reps – of creative ways to thin Maryland’s deer herd so the proposal was withdrawn. Clearly to HOM, this would have kept the venison commercialization dream alive for the agricultural community.  

Without delving into all the sorted details, the issue was put to rest – with a strategy put forth by HOM – with the adoption of budget language, via the Budget Bill shown below.  This means that DNR will study the deer population issue ONLY in Montgomery County, not a statewide study.  Consequently, the possibility of statutory approval of a venison commercialization program emanating from this restricted study is minimized.  This does not mean, however, the agricultural community will not try again.  And, when they do, the agriculture community and the General Assembly have been put on notice that HOM will oppose them then too.

KOOA

Department of Natural Resources

Committee Narrative

WILDLIFE AND HERITAGE SERVICE

K00A03.01 Wildlife and Heritage Service

Montgomery County Enhanced Deer Management Strategy: The budget committees are concerned that Montgomery County is experiencing uncontrollable deer population growth and that existing methods of lawfully mitigating the detrimental impact of this growth have proven ineffective. Therefore, the budget committees request that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in cooperation with and approval by Montgomery County officials, develop an enhanced deer management strategy to reduce the Montgomery County deer population by a measurable amount. The report shall be submitted by November 1, 2021. 

Approved Study of Maryland’s Coyote Population:  Unlike the 2020 Session of the Maryland General Assembly, the 2021 General Assembly approved legislation banning organized killing contests for prizes or monetary awards, aka coyotes, foxes, and raccoons.   The rationale for this bill – per the animal rights groups – was akin to the prohibition on killing cownose rays for prizes and monetary awards enacted by the 2019 General Assembly.  They called these contests “barbaric”.

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2021RS/bills/hb/hb0293e.pdf

Realizing the court of public opinion clearly opposes the practice of killing animals for prizes/monetary awards – which HOM truly understands and appreciates as evidenced by our opposition to the killing of deer for remuneration purposes  – the fact Maryland has a coyote population problem requires a different kind of strategy.  And, this strategy was supported via the adoption of budget language – not unlike that shown below re the Montgomery County enhanced deer management strategy – which reads as follows:

KOOA

Department of Natural Resources

Committee Narrative

WILDLIFE AND HERITAGE SERVICE

K00A03.01 Wildlife and Heritage Service

Impact Assessment Study of Maryland’s Coyote Population: The budget committees are concerned that the coyote has fully colonized Maryland and that the coyote population is threatening both domestic and wild animals as well as public health, safety, and welfare. Therefore, the budget committees request that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in cooperation with stakeholder groups, conduct an impact assessment study of Maryland’s coyote population and report on the findings. The study shall include the following: an assessment of the coyote population statewide in terms of range and subspecies, including fertile hybrids; a determination of the socioeconomic impact of unchecked growth in the coyote population; and identification of strategies and policies to control coyote population growth and mitigate attendant ecological impacts. The report shall be submitted by December 1, 2021. 

Annual Report to the Comptroller re Income Tax Credits Claimed for Processing Costs re Deer Harvested and Donated to the Needy/Mandated DNR Report on Chronic Wasting Disease:  This bill requires a venison donation program to report annually to the Comptroller by January 31 of each year the name, address, and number of deer donated by individuals in the preceding tax year. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) must report to the General Assembly by December 31, 2021, on the testing of deer brought to deer processors for chronic wasting disease. The bill takes effect July 1, 2021, and applies to tax year 2021 and beyond.

NOTE:  Until 2023, hunters who harvest deer and donate to bona fide charitable organizations – aka, Farmers & Hunters Feeding the Hungry – are eligible for $50 per deer, not to exceed 4 deer capping at $200 for the taxable year, to offset the costs for processing pursuant to legislation enacted in 2018.

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2021RS/bills/hb/hb1017T.pdf

Failure to Secure Passage of Restricted Harvesting of Resident Canada Geese:  This emergency bill would have required that during the migratory Canada goose (Atlantic population) hunting season, the bag limit for all Canada geese harvested in Maryland, including geese found in the Atlantic Flyway Resident Population Hunt Zone and the Atlantic Population Hunt Zone, must conform to the bag limit set for Atlantic population Canada geese that is adopted annually by the Department of the Interior’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).  The intent of the proposed Act was to safeguard against the inadvertent harvesting of migratory birds (“AP” Atlantic Population of Canada Geese) mingled with resident birds.  This was viewed as a conservation measure intended to help return AP breeding pairs to their Canadian breeding grounds in view of the depressed AP season of what will be 3 consecutive seasons of 1 bird for 30 days in 2021/2022…in contrast to a daily bag limit of 5 resident geese during a 3-way split season encompassing parts of September, November and December through March.

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2021RS/bills/sb/sb0899F.pdf

IN CLOSING, it is important to note the 2021 Session was dominated by social justice and climate related issues.  It is truly a borderline miracle anything else passed at all.  Suffice to say the Hunters of Maryland were successful beyond measure.  Securing one’s legal right to fish and hunt in Maryland – deepest of blue states – coupled with stopping commercialization of venison through protecting hunting opportunities and studying deer/coyote impact issues are achievements not envisioned by many within Maryland’s hunting community.  The Hunters of Maryland take pride in having helped lead approval of pro-hunting issues and defeat of anti-hunting issues, respectively.  And it took daily vigilance by HOM every day for the 90-day period starting on January 13, 2021 through April 12, 2021.

A final note about local Sunday hunting issues.  There were several local Sunday hunting bills – bills, except one, that would have expanded upon existing Sunday hunting opportunities in certain counties – that passed the House but failed in the Senate.  The one exception was the Prince George’s Sunday hunting bill (shown below) which also passed the House but failed in the Senate.  Enactment would have allowed Sunday hunting there for the first time since 1783 – Prince George’s, Baltimore and Howard counties are the only 3 remaining counties in Maryland which still prohibit Sunday hunting of any kind.

Since 2003, all local Sunday hunting bills have been introduced by and supported by the respective jurisdictions having secured local input and approval via their local governing bodies over a 9-month period.  The single, most visible opponent to these expanded local Sunday hunting bills is the equine community.  Looking forward the Hunters of Maryland believe that – despite the 2021 Session was borderline hostile on so many fronts, including hunting – those local Sunday bills having failed this Session will secure enactment in the future, starting with the 2022 General Assembly.  And, the Hunters of Maryland will intervene to the extent so requested by the sponsors of future local Sunday hunting bills.

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2021RS/bills/hb/hb0615T.pdf

HOM INVITES YOU TO DOWNLOAD AND READ THE FOLLOWING PDFS

THE MARYLAND BOWHUNTERS SOCIETY JOINS HOM

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.”

OPENING DAY WITH FIRST-TIME EVER YOUNG HUNTERS

We often talk about the rightful importance of introducing hunting to youth, aka 16 years of age and under.  But, what about young men – and women – being afield for the very first time in their lives?  It’s true.  There are so many young people out there who have never been introduced to hunting.  Why?  Because no one ever took them.  And, that is unfortunate.  And, one can make the argument there is a moral obligation to pass on the legacy afforded you when you were young.  If you do, the reward will stay with you forever.

On opening day of migratory Canada goose hunting season this past Friday, the advocate for the Hunters of Maryland brought with him his two son-in-laws (Chad Youngblood and Mark Thomas) and nephew (Ryan Cuccia) following their successful completion of DNR’s online hunter safety course, aka Apprenticeship Hunting License.  Here’s how DNR explains the intent and purpose of this unique license on its website:

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Low-Cost Apprentice Hunting Licenses Now Available

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering a new hunting license for first-time hunters. The Apprentice Hunting License is available to residents and nonresidents of any age who never held a Maryland hunting license.

The apprentice license is $10 for residents and $20 for nonresidents, and provides the same privileges as other Maryland hunting licenses. It allows anyone interested in hunting a one-time chance to try the sport before committing to the more lengthy process of obtaining a traditional hunting license.

“Our hope is to provide the apprentice an opportunity to experience hunting in Maryland at a reduced rate and have them become lifelong hunters,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “Hunters remain the primary source of revenue for conservation initiatives and are critical to the state’s wildlife management efforts.”

Individuals can get only one Maryland apprentice hunting license per lifetime and applicants must first pass a short, online hunter safety course offered by the Maryland Natural Resources Police.

When hunting, apprentice license holders must be accompanied and directly supervised by a fully-licensed Maryland resident, 18 years old or older, who must be close enough to take control of an archery device or firearm. An apprentice hunter can only hunt unaccompanied after successfully completing the full hunter safety course and receiving a Certificate of Competency in Firearms and Hunter Safety.

Licensed apprentice hunters can hunt deer, rabbit, squirrel, turkey and waterfowl. Appropriate stamps are needed to hunt migratory birds, deer and waterfowl with a bow or muzzleloader. Additionally, anyone 17 year old or older needs a Managed Hunt Permit to hunt in certain state parks.

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These 3 young men – all in their 30’s – were so excited that none of them hardly slept the night before.  Thankfully too, my overflowing closet of hunting apparel provided each with their own outfit so no one was out any money.  Plus, each used one of my shotguns following a day at my place showcasing their skills under my supervision.  No one wants to risk gun-related negligence in a goose hunting blind.

Since it was opening day, we set up by 7:30 am.  We had two volleys before 10 am.  Providence intervened and each of them were able to take one bird per these two volleys.  Hallelujah!!  When the bird drops, you know whether or not it was you.  And, each of them loudly proclaimed “I got one!”.  This individual proclamation – something seasoned waterfowlers are not-so-keen on when one of their own boasts of the individual taking – was recognized by all.  I had my long-time goose hunting friend – Ken Lyons – with me and he was the first to legitimize their claim.  It was truly a great day afield and it was cold too with overcast skies, a good thing!

Went to the pickers afterwards and each brought home their own Christmas goose. 

And, yes, I’m taking them all again as many times as their jobs and wives allow.  And, yes, they are now hunters for life.  Giving back is priceless.  Every seasoned hunter reading this should make an effort to find someone – no matter what his/her age – to take hunting.  Odds are they won’t be hard to find.  The joyful experience of seeing them drop their first bird…well, you’ll see and you’ll never forget.  No doubt those above who took you hunting for the first time are smiling from ear to ear.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL FROM THE HUNTERS OF MARYLAND.

Advocate for the Hunters of Maryland just returned from Kansas

Advocate for the Hunters of Maryland just returned from Kansas after a long dove and blue-winged teal hunting trip with his brother, Mike.  Dove there are like locusts and the blue-winged teal are like ghosts from above, says Bill Miles.  And having  man’s best friend afield makes it all that much better.

Caucus Leadership Letter to MGA

Fellow General Assembly Members,

As the leadership of the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus we wanted to ensure that we provided some information that may be helpful to your constituents who may be reaching out to you in regard to hunting licensure. We have recently been contacted by some constituents who have shared their confusion and frustration in regards to fulfilling the hunter safety requirement needed to purchase a hunting license for this year.  It is my suggestion that if they meet the requirements for a resident apprentice hunting license that they pursue that option first. The apprentice hunter must be accompanied and directly supervised by a Maryland resident who is at least 18 years old and possesses a valid Maryland non-apprentice hunting license.  More information is available through the Department of Natural Resources’ website: https://dnr.maryland.gov/Pages/service_hunting_license.aspx.  

The second option applies to hunters who held an apprentice license last year, based on the Governor’s executive order from June 19th which extended the expiration date of licenses, they may continue using last year’s hunting licenses.  The Governor’s order is effective until the 30th day after the termination of the State of Emergency.  The Governor’s order can be found here: https://governor.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/2089_001.pdf.  Please note there are still federal requirements for some forms of hunting, such as the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp and the HIP Permit purchased through the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp that require purchasing a stamp, which have not been extended.  

The third option is to take the hunter safety class online through another state that does not have a waiting list or require you to travel long distances to take the course.  Examples of other states that offer an online class that do not have a residency requirement for taking the course include Idaho, North Carolina, and Nebraska. Once obtaining a certificate of competency in firearms and hunters safety a number will be provided that can then be used to obtain a license in Maryland.  

I strongly encourage all of my colleagues to take the online hunter safety course in Maryland as it is very educational with regards to the laws and practices that we discuss regarding hunting in Maryland and how we train Marylanders to use and store firearms safely.

As always, we are encouraging everyone to hunt safely and use all appropriate caution when hunting.  We do not want any Marylander to miss the opportunity to hunt with their friends or family due to the unforeseen circumstances caused by this pandemic. We hope this information is helpful to you and your constituents.

Maryland Deer Archery Season Opens Sept. 11

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that archery hunting for white-tailed and sika deer opens statewide Sept. 11, and continues through Jan. 30, 2021.

New for the upcoming deer season, archery and muzzleloader hunters may participate in Primitive Deer Hunt Days from Feb. 1-3, 2021. During this special season, hunters may use vertical longbows, vertical recurve bows, flintlock, or sidelock percussion muzzleloaders only. Telescopic and electronic aiming devices are prohibited during this hunt. More information on these special hunt days is available in the 2020-2021 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.

For the 2020-21 season, the statewide bag limit for white-tailed bucks is two deer (no more than one per weapon season). Hunters have the option to take one additional bonus buck in Region B (the state’s central, southern, and eastern regions) after purchasing a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp.

The antlerless archery deer bag limits differ between deer management regions. In Region A, no more than one antlerless deer may be harvested during the regular archery season. An additional antlerless deer may be harvested in Region A during the Primitive Deer Hunt Days. 

In Region B, the antlerless archery limit is 15, except for in the Suburban Deer Management Zone, where the archery antlerless limit is now unlimited. This newly re-established zone comprises Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties.

An antler-point restriction remains in effect. Deer hunters may harvest one antlered white-tailed deer within the yearly bag limit that does not meet the requirement of having at least three points on one antler. Any additional antlered deer taken within the established bag limit must meet the minimum point restriction. Licensed junior hunters and apprentice license holders, 16 years of age or younger, are exempt from this restriction.

The sika deer archery season bag limit is three with no more than one being antlered. An antlered sika is defined as a deer with at least one antler visible above the hairline. The sika deer archery season is open in every county.

Multiple Sundays are open to archery hunting in most counties, including on some public lands.

“We are excited to expand our archery hunting opportunities this year with the new Primitive Deer Hunt Days and re-established Suburban Deer Management Zone,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “Archery hunting has become increasingly important for effective deer management in Maryland, and is especially needed in urban and suburban areas.”

Hunters should carefully inspect all tree-stands and always wear a full-body safety harness while in the stand and while climbing in or out. The department strongly recommends using a sliding knot, commonly known as a prusik knot, attached to a line that is secured above the stand that allows the hunter to be safely tethered to the tree as soon as they leave the ground.

When checking in their deer, hunters should report deer taken with a long, compound, or recurve bow as harvested with a vertical bow. Crossbow hunters should register their deer as taken with a crossbow. This information helps biologists collect information on preferences and trends in how deer are harvested.

Maryland hunters are encouraged to donate any extra deer they may harvest to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry. Last year, the program provided more than 650,000 venison meals to community food banks and other efforts.

Interest to some Maryland hunters is permitting the use of straight-walled rifle cartridges to hunt deer

As the Senate Chair of the bi-partisan Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, one of my priorities is to protect and expand the right of Marylanders to hunt and fish in our State.  One issue that I know is of interest to some Maryland hunters is permitting the use of straight-walled rifle cartridges to hunt deer.  Prior to the 2020 Legislative Session, I prepared to introduce a bill that would have allowed straight-walled rifle cartridges to be used during the deer firearms season.  In discussing this proposal with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Department assured me that this could be better accomplished through changes to their regulations.

The Department has recently enacted regulations to permit the use of straight-walled rifle cartridges.  Now that these regulations are in effect, straight-walled rifle cartridges may be used to hunt deer during the Firearms Season and Junior Hunt Days in all counties of Maryland.

Below are links to the two regulations that have been changed to permit the use of straight-walled rifle cartridges by Maryland hunters:

http://www.dsd.state.md.us/comar/comarhtml/08/08.03.01.01.htm

http://www.dsd.state.md.us/comar/comarhtml/08/08.03.04.05.htm

As we look towards the 2021 Legislative Session, I will continue to work with the members of the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, other Senators and Delegates, and the HUNTERS OF MARYLAND to protect and expand hunting and fishing rights in our state.  Your advocacy is critical towards accomplishing this goal.

Senator Jack Bailey

District 29 - Calvert & St. Mary’s Counties

Senator Jack Bailey, DNR Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio and HOM Advocate Bill Miles.