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

Listen Live to HOM’s Account of Hunting-related Legislation Passed by the 2021 Session of the Maryland General Assembly

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.

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.”

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.

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.