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

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.

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.”