News
On Saturday, April 17th, Hunters of Maryland Founder, Steve Keithley, and HOM Advocate, Bill Miles, will join hosts Allan and Robynn Ellis on the Outdoorsman Radio Show. The show is broadcast live from 5AM to 7AM on WCBM 680 AM. You can listen and join the conversation from anywhere with the WCBM app. Call in with your comments and questions to 410-922-6680. www.ellisoutdoors.com
The WCBM 680 App can be downloaded to your mobile devise to listen from anywhere.
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.”
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
