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Spanish-Language Outreach on Safety and Stewardship Expands Access, Earns National Recognition
“Splash” the water safety dog joins a Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at Sandy Point State Park. Maryland DNR photo.
For many years, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recognized a disparity in relating laws, regulations, and safety information to one of the fastest-growing communities enjoying the outdoors. Spanish-speaking residents faced multiple barriers to access at the parks, particularly with customer service and community programming.
In 2016, DNR launched its program, Es Mi Parque – Spanish for “It’s My Park” – to better connect the Maryland Park Service to visitors of Hispanic descent, and for Natural Resources Police to more effectively communicate with an important constituency. The department has also created a full Spanish version of its online licensing system.
And today, Maryland is recognized as one of the first states in the country to produce its boating regulations in both English and Spanish.
“It’s important to reach all of our cultural communities in Maryland when it comes to boating safety,” Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz said. “Our agency has made it a priority to effectively engage with our Spanish-speaking population, and our outreach continues to provide a wealth of information to the Hispanic and Latino community interested in safely enjoying our state’s natural resources.”
Maryland Natural Resources Police Remind Marylanders to Practice Water Safety
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
Maryland’s boating and swimming season is in full swing and the Maryland Natural Resources Police is urging Marylanders to take proper precautions to ensure safe enjoyment of Maryland’s waterways this summer. Read more…
Safety Urged for Maryland Waterway Users This Holiday Weekend
Enhanced Enforcement to Target Impaired Boaters on the Waterways
Maryland Natural Resources Police patrol the waters off Sandy Point State Park. Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Maryland’s waterways are expected to be crowded this weekend, and officials from federal, state, and local law enforcement and water rescue are working to make sure the fun is not mixed with tragedy.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources joined with the U.S. Coast Guard and Anne Arundel County Fire Department to send this message during a news conference June 29 at Sandy Point State Park. The Maryland Natural Resources Police also announced plans for its annual participation in Operation Dry Water, a nationally coordinated effort to educate boaters about the dangers of boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Read more…
Maryland Urges Waterway Safety as Boating Season Hits Full Throttle
Safe Practices Can Help Avoid Tragedy
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
The outdoor temperature is rising, and Maryland’s waterways are about to get a lot busier. The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) reminds anglers, boaters, swimmers, and all waterway users to take proper precautions.
In 2021, Maryland had 145 reportable boating accidents; 51 of those accidents caused injuries, and six were fatal. These numbers are down from the previous year when Maryland saw 155 reportable boating accidents, 64 injuries, and six fatal accidents resulting in seven deaths. Read more…
May is Boating Safety Month
Maryland’s Waterway Users Get Ready
Maryland’s boating season is on the horizon, and the Maryland Natural Resources Police is encouraging Marylanders to take proper precautions to ensure waterway safety.
In 2020, Maryland had 155 reportable boating accidents; 64 of those accidents caused injuries and six were fatal, resulting in a total seven deaths. These numbers are down from the previous year, where Maryland saw 144 reportable boating accidents, 65 injury accidents and 16 fatal accidents resulting in 20 deaths. Read more…
Wear Your Life Jacket to Work May 17
Department Shows Marylanders How to Save Lives
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is proud to once again participate in National Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day on Friday, May 17.
Anyone driving along Taylor Avenue in Annapolis between 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. will see many department staffers suited-up with various styles of safety equipment as they use the crosswalk on their way to Tawes State Office Building. Read more…
Boating Safety Education Classes Offered in March
Required Courses for Maryland Boaters
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will host two free Boating Safety Education classes on March 16 and March 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bass Pro Shops, 7000 Arundel Mills Circle in Hanover. Attendees need only attend one class to get their certification.
Courses will be taught by Natural Resources Police and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary members and will be accessible for both English and Spanish speakers. Free life jackets will be awarded to all who pass the final exam. Read more…
Boating Safety Enforcement Kicks into High Gear
Simple Steps Save Lives
This year, the Fourth of July celebration falls midweek, giving many people an extended holiday. The goal over the next few days for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is simple: fewer boating accidents.
The game plan is direct: the Natural Resources Police will be going all-out on the state’s waterways, from Deep Creek Lake to the Atlantic Ocean, to ensure an enjoyable and safe boating experience.
Living Proof: Kayaker’s survival validates safety measures
From left: Mark Marra, Bill Walls, Sean Danielson, Lana Lohe, Robert Lohe; by Candy Thomson
With darkness approaching and the numbing cold of the Chesapeake Bay invading his bones, Sean Danielson knew his chances of seeing another dawn were slim.
Bobbing in the bay next to his swamped kayak, his eyes swept the horizon. Freighters on their way to Baltimore were too far away to hail and the pleasure boats that normally swarm the mouth of the West River in summer like bees around a hive were still swaddled in their winter shrink wrap.
“The sun was still above the horizon, but I knew it wouldn’t be long before it disappeared,” recalls Danielson of his predicament April 18, 2018. “I don’t know how much longer I could have gone on.” Read more…
On Duty: State park lifeguards
Guarding Sandy Point; courtesy of Chesapeake Bay Program
Maryland State Parks annually host more than 6 million visitors between Memorial Day and Labor Day. They come to enjoy the campgrounds, trails and playgrounds, and to cool off in the water. Many parks boast water attractions like lakes and beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, Chesapeake Bay and Deep Creek Lake, and even a couple of pools.
Natural Resources Police Urges Safety This Boating Season
With Memorial Day weekend and the start of summer right around the corner, the Maryland Natural Resources Police reminds swimmers, boaters and anglers to be water wise.
Governor Hogan Helps NRP Welcome New Water Safety Mascot
Gov. Larry Hogan and his dog Lexi help welcome Splash, NRP’s new water safety mascot, during a lighthearted weekend ceremony on the Government House lawn.
Two decades after arriving in Maryland from his native bamboo forest to help spread the water safety message for the Natural Resources Police, mascot PFD Panda has announced his retirement.
In a lighthearted weekend ceremony on the lawn of Government House, Governor Larry Hogan and his dog, Lexi, helped welcome Splash the Water Safety Dog, PFD Panda’s replacement. Read more…
NRP Urges Boating Safety as Striped Bass Season Kicks Off
While Memorial Day weekend traditionally marks the start of the boating season, thousands of Maryland anglers will get a jump on water activities Saturday with the opening of catch-and-keep striped bass season.
La Policía de Recursos Naturales de Maryland Organiza el 5 de Mayo un Curso de Seguridad para Embarcaciones en Español
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
La Unidad de Educación y Divulgación de Seguridad de la Policía de Recursos Naturales de Maryland organiza su evento comunitario inaugural de seguridad náutica en español desde las 8 de la mañana hasta el mediodía del domingo 5 de mayo en el Parque Estatal Sandy Point de Annapolis. Read more…
Maryland’s Two-Week Deer Firearms Season Opens Nov. 30
Popular deer hunting season inspires camaraderie with friends and family
Photo by Penny Ingles, submitted to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest.
Maryland’s two-week firearms hunting season for sika and white-tailed deer opens Saturday, Nov. 30 and runs through Saturday, Dec. 14.
The two-week season includes Sunday hunting in all but three counties, affording hunters more weekend opportunities to hunt and contribute to managing Maryland’s deer population. Read more…
Summer Waterway Users Should Follow Safe Swimming Practices
Swim near a lifeguard, stay sober on the water
Visitors to public swimming areas should observe signage for when locations and conditions are dangerous, such as this red flag at Assateague State Park. Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo.
As we reach the height of summer, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds residents and visitors to swim near a lifeguard, wear a life jacket, and to always swim and boat sober. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Conducting ‘Operation Dry Water’ to Combat Boating Under the Influence
Boaters should expect increased patrols and vessel checks
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo.
This holiday weekend, Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) anticipates more boaters on the water, and subsequently an increase in boating incidents and fatalities.
Because of the high volume of activity during the July 4 holiday, it’s statistically one of the most dangerous times on Maryland’s waterways. Boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a major issue not just in Maryland, but nationwide. In response, in partnership with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, NRP will once again participate in the national Operation Dry Water, which includes heightened awareness and enforcement from July 4-6. Read more…
Marylanders Urged to Follow Safe Boating Practices As Waters Warm, Holiday Weekend Approaches
Maryland Natural Resources Police officers patrol the Severn River. Department of Natural Resources photo.
As Marylanders become much more active on the state’s waterways, Maryland’s Natural Resources Police is reminding waterway users to understand the state’s boating laws and safety requirements. All boaters, paddlers, swimmers, and others should take steps to ensure their safety before heading out on the water.
In 2023, Maryland recorded 123 boating accidents, including 43 with injuries and 11 that were fatal. In four of the past five years, double-digit fatal boating accidents were reported, and more than 90 percent of victims were not wearing a life jacket. Read more…
Maryland’s Primitive Deer Hunt Days Run Feb. 1 – 3
Final Opportunity for Deer Hunters for the 2023-24 Season
Photo by Randall Gornowich, submitted to the 2022 Maryland DNR Photo Contest.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the state’s Primitive Deer Hunt will be open Feb. 1-3 statewide. Hunters with a valid hunting license, or those exempt from the hunting license requirement, may use primitive bows or muzzleloaders to hunt sika and white-tailed deer during these days.
Primitive hunting devices are defined as long bows, recurve bows, flintlock, or sidelock percussion muzzleloaders. Hunters may not use compound bows, crossbows, drawlocks, and telescopic or other electronic aiming devices. However, fiber optic sights are permitted on otherwise legal primitive bows or muzzleloaders. Read more…
Firearm Hunting for Deer Resumes in Maryland Jan. 5
Season open first weekend of 2024 in most counties
Photo by Sizhu Liu, submitted to the 2019 Maryland DNR Photo Contest.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will open the January firearm deer hunting season on Jan. 5, 2024 in Deer Management Region B, which includes all of the state except the westernmost counties. Hunters with a valid hunting license may use firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this season.
The season is open Jan. 5-6 in all of Region B. The season is also open through Sunday, Jan. 7 on private and designated public lands in Cecil, St. Mary’s, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties, and on private lands only in Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Kent, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, and Washington (Zone 1) counties. Shooting hours end at 10:30 a.m. in Kent, Montgomery, Talbot, and Wicomico counties. Read more…
Maryland’s Muzzleloader Deer Hunting Resumes December 16
Photo by Ranger Elena Gilroy, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The second half of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer hunting season will reopen Dec. 16 and run through Dec. 30. The first half of the split season was held in October. Hunters may use muzzleloading firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this time. Read more…
Maryland’s Deer Firearms Hunting Opens Nov. 25
Popular season helps significantly to manage the deer population
Photo by Steve Edwards, submitted to Maryland DNR photo contest.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the two-week firearms hunting season for sika and white-tailed deer opens Saturday, Nov. 25 and runs through Saturday, Dec. 9.
The two-week season includes Sunday hunting in all but three counties, affording hunters more weekend opportunities to hunt and contribute to managing Maryland’s deer population. Read more…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Gears Up for National Safe Boating Week, May 20-26
Natural Resources Police and Partners Remind All that Life Jackets Save Lives
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
As boating season kicks into high gear, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is encouraging all waterway users – whether boating, kayaking, swimming, or fishing – to take proper precautions on the water. The department and its partners will provide opportunities to promote the use of personal flotation devices and other lifesaving habits and equipment throughout May and into the summer.
All waterway enthusiasts can participate in the worldwide Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day on May 19, followed by National Safe Boating Week, a national awareness campaign that encourages waterway users to make the most of their adventure by being responsible. Given the importance of waterway recreation in our state, the Maryland Natural Resources Police is a long-time partner in these efforts. Read more…
Maryland’s 2023 Primitive Deer Hunt Runs Feb. 1-3
Final Opportunity for Deer Hunters for the 2022-23 Season
Photo by Brendan Wolf, submitted to the 2019 Maryland DNR Photo Contest
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the state’s Primitive Deer Hunt will be open Feb. 1-3 statewide. Hunters with a valid hunting license, or those exempt from the hunting license requirement, may use primitive bows or muzzleloaders to hunt sika and white-tailed deer during these days.
Primitive hunting devices are defined as long bows, recurve bows, flintlock, or sidelock percussion muzzleloaders. Hunters may not use compound bows, crossbows, drawlocks, and telescopic or other electronic aiming devices. However, fiber optic sights are permitted on otherwise legal primitive bows or muzzleloaders. Read more…
Maryland Firearm Deer Hunting Resumes Jan. 6
Weekend Hunt Provides Additional Opportunity
Photo by Randall Gornowich, submitted to the 2022 Maryland DNR Photo Contest.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today announced the January firearm deer hunting season opens Jan. 6, 2023, in Deer Management Region B, which includes all of the state except the westernmost counties. Hunters with a valid hunting license may use firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this season.
The winter firearm season is open Jan. 6-7 in all of Region B. The season is also open through Sunday, Jan. 8 on private and designated public lands in Cecil and St. Mary’s counties, and on private lands only in Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Kent, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Washington (Zone 1), and Worcester counties. Shooting hours end at 10:30 a.m. in Kent and Montgomery counties. Read more…
Muzzleloader Deer Hunting Resumes Dec. 17
Traditional Season Offers Outdoor Holiday Retreat
Photo by Ryan Deangler, submitted to the Maryland DNR 2022 Photo Contest
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the muzzleloader deer hunting season will reopen Dec. 17, and will run through Dec. 31, 2022. This is the second half of Maryland’s split deer muzzleloader season; the first half was held in October. Hunters may use muzzleloading firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this time. Read more…
Maryland’s Deer Firearms Hunting Season Opens Nov. 26
Popular Season Helps Significantly to Manage the Deer Population
Photo by Tim Ray, submitted to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the two-week firearms hunting season for sika and white-tailed deer opens Saturday, Nov. 26 and runs through Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022. The two-week season includes Sunday hunting in all but three counties, affording hunters more weekend opportunities to hunt and contribute to managing Maryland’s deer population. Read more…
Secretary’s Message – June 2022
By Land and Water, Maryland is Ready for the Summer
Fly-fishing at Morgan Run Natural Environment Area, Carroll County. Photo by Patrick Siebert, Maryland State House
June is Great Outdoors Month and we hope to see you out enjoying Maryland’s natural spaces, including our vast system of state parks and forests, and of course the state’s world-renowned waterways.
This is peak season for one of Maryland’s favorite pastimes, fishing, from the cold streams and rivers of Western Maryland to the Atlantic surf. If you want to try your hand at fishing in Maryland before deciding on getting your license, you can enjoy one of our license-free fishing days in June and July; and if you already know the joys of fishing in our waters, bring a friend! Read more…
Maryland’s Primitive Deer Hunt Days Run Feb. 1 – 3
Final Opportunity for Deer Hunters for the 2021-22 Season
Photo by Sizhu Liu, submitted to Maryland Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the state’s Primitive Deer Hunt will be open Feb. 1-3 statewide. Hunters with a valid hunting license, or those exempt from the hunting license requirement, may use primitive bows or muzzleloaders to hunt sika and white-tailed deer during these days.
Primitive hunting devices are defined as long bows, recurve bows, flintlock, or sidelock percussion muzzleloaders. Hunters may not use compound bows, crossbows, drawlocks, and telescopic or other electronic aiming devices. However, fiber optic sights are permitted on otherwise legal primitive bows or muzzleloaders. Read more…
Maryland Deer Firearms Season Reopens January 7
Final Weekend of State’s Most Popular Hunt
Photo by Lori Bramble
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the January firearm deer hunting season opens Jan. 7, 2022, in Deer Management Region B, which includes all of the state except the westernmost counties. Hunters with a valid hunting license may use firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this season.
The season is open Jan. 7-8 in all of Region B. The season is also open through Sunday, Jan. 9 on private and designated public lands in Cecil and St. Mary’s counties, and on private lands only in Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Kent, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Washington (Zone 1), and Worcester counties. Shooting hours end at 10:30 a.m. in Kent and Montgomery counties. Read more…
Muzzleloader Deer Season Open Through Jan. 1, 2022
Second Half of Split Season Now Open
Photo by Brendan Wolf
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters the muzzleloader deer hunting season reopened Dec. 18 and will run through Jan. 1, 2022. This is the second half of Maryland’s split deer muzzleloader season; the first half was held in October. Hunters may use muzzleloading firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this time. Read more…
Maryland’s Deer Firearms Hunting Season Set to Open Nov. 27
Another Chance for Hunters to Put Venison in Their Freezers
Photo by Ranger Elena Gilroy, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the two-week firearms hunting season for sika and white-tailed deer opens Saturday, Nov. 27 and runs through Saturday, Dec. 11. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Report — August 2021
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) announced charges for individuals throughout the state for illegal activities including boating while intoxicated, drunk driving, illegal fishing, and more. Read more…
Ahoy, Maryland! A Guide to Responsible Boating
Splashing Under The Bridge by Theressia Shoup
Anyone who lives in Maryland knows we are a water state. With 623 square miles of inland waterways plus the Chesapeake Bay, coastal bays behind barrier islands to the Atlantic Ocean, and three miles offshore of the ocean itself, it’s no wonder that 160,000-plus boats were registered in Maryland last year. Read more…
Maryland’s Operation Dry Water Commences for Holiday Weekend
Campaign Highlights Importance of Sobriety on the Waterways
As part of a nationally coordinated effort to educate boaters about the dangers of boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the Maryland Natural Resources Police will participate in the annual Operation Dry Water campaign. This campaign aims to reduce the number of alcohol and drug-related incidents and fatalities on the water.
Operation Dry Water weekend, July 2-4, includes amplified recreational boater outreach, education, and coordinated enforcement surrounding boating under the influence. Read more…
Know Before You Go: Boaters Should Always Check the Weather
An Eye to the Skies Can Avoid Disaster
Photo by Lisa Creamer, submitted to the 2019 Maryland DNR Annual Photo Contest
Boating in Maryland is an enjoyable and exciting experience, but it can quickly turn into disappointment or even disaster for boaters who fail to check the weather before departing shore.
Every summer, the Maryland Natural Resources Police responds to multiple boating accidents due to rough waves and inclement weather. During the season, the weather can change in an instant — which makes it essential that all boaters check the weather before leaving shore and remain watchful for ominous weather signs. Read more…
Maryland’s First Primitive Deer Hunt Runs Feb. 1 – 3
Photo by Brendan Wolf
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the state’s first Primitive Deer Hunt will be open Feb. 1-3, 2021 statewide. Hunters with a valid hunting license, or those exempt from the hunting license requirement, may use primitive bows or muzzleloaders to hunt sika and white-tailed deer during these days.
Primitive hunting devices are defined as long bows, recurve bows, flintlock, or sidelock percussion muzzleloaders. Hunters may not use compound bows, crossbows, drawlocks, and telescopic or other electronic aiming devices. However, fiber optic sights are permitted on otherwise legal primitive bows or muzzleloaders. Read more…
Deer Firearm Season Reopens Jan. 8 in Maryland
Last Opportunity of the Season for Most Firearms Hunters
Photo by Jan Branscome
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the January firearm deer hunting season opens Jan. 8, 2021, in Deer Management Region B, which includes all of the state except the westernmost counties. Hunters with a valid hunting license may use firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this season.
The season is open Jan. 8-9 in all of Region B. The season is open Sunday, Jan. 10 on private and designated public lands in Cecil and St. Mary’s counties, and on private lands only in Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Kent, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Washington (Zone 1), and Worcester counties. Shooting hours end at 10:30 a.m. in Kent and Montgomery counties. Read more…
Muzzleloader Deer Season Reopens Dec. 19
Season Runs Through Jan. 2
Photo by Brendan Wolf
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the muzzleloader deer hunting season will reopen Dec. 19 and run through Jan. 2, 2021. This is the second half of Maryland’s split deer muzzleloader season; the first half was held in October. Hunters may use muzzleloading firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during these dates. Read more…
Maryland Deer Firearms Hunting Season Opens Nov. 28
Hunters Can Use Straight-Walled Cartridge Rifles, Handguns Statewide
Photo by Reinhardt Sahmel
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces that the two-week firearms hunting season for sika and white-tailed deer opens Nov. 28 and runs through Dec. 12.
New this year, deer hunters may use rifles and handguns that employ straight-walled cartridges in all counties. Rifles and handguns that use bottleneck cartridges remain limited to those counties that permitted them previously. More information on this change, along with season bag limits and other deer hunting regulations, are available in the 2020-2021 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.
Sunday deer hunting is available in all but three counties for the deer firearms season and remains a critical component to deer population management, in addition to providing recreational opportunities for all resident and visiting hunters. Read more…
Open Water: Kayak Fishing Offers Pursuit of Sport and Serenity
Kayak Angler Bruce Kellman
It’s 5 a.m. The sun hasn’t yet ventured above the horizon. Just minutes ago, the last bits of waning moonlight flickered sparingly along the shoreline and gently lit the glassy calm waters that now await me. The rhythm of the waves pairs with a cooling sea breeze and my thoughts steady. Until this moment, my mind has been aflutter—intensely focused on pre-launch routines and equipment checklists.
I’m not even in the water yet—my fish box is empty—but I know already it’s going to be a spectacular day. Without question, kayak fishing has changed my life. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Enforcing ‘Operation Dry Water’
National Campaign Aims to Curb Impaired Boating
The Independence Day holiday weekend means more boaters on the water, which can also bring an increase in boating incidents and fatalities. From July 3-5, the Maryland Natural Resources Police partners with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and the U.S. Coast Guard in the Operation Dry Water campaign of awareness and enforcement to reduce boating under the influence.
During Operation Dry Water, Maryland boaters will notice an overall increase in police patrols on the water and at recreational boating checkpoints. The combined efforts of the participating law enforcement agencies will result in the removal of impaired operators from our waterways, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for boaters. Read more…
Maryland Honors National Safe Boating Week
Safety is Essential as Boating Season Ramps Up
In recognition of National Safe Boating Week, May 16-22, 2020, Maryland Natural Resources Police recommend boaters not only follow safe boating practices, but continue following updated guidance for social distancing and outdoor recreation to protect themselves against COVID-19 transmission.
Following the governor’s Roadmap to Recovery, the state has expanded opportunities for outdoor exercise and recreation in the state. With the kickoff of boating season in Maryland, the department urges boaters to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and others in order to have a safe boating experience.
Last year, Maryland had 144 reportable boating accidents; 65 of those accidents caused injuries and 16 were fatal, resulting in 20 deaths. These numbers are up from the previous year, where Maryland saw 132 reportable boating accidents, 58 injury accidents and 13 fatal accidents resulting in 17 deaths. Read more…
Firearms Hunting for Deer Reopens Jan. 10
Hunters in Most Counties Have Another Opportunity
Photo by Lori Bramble
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the winter portion of the firearm deer hunting season opens Jan. 10, 2020, in Deer Management Region B, which includes all of the state except the westernmost counties. Hunters with a valid hunting license may use firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this season.
The season is open Jan. 10-11 in all Region B counties. The season is open Sunday, Jan. 12, as follows:
On private and designated public lands – Cecil and St. Mary’s counties.
On private lands only – Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Kent, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Washington (Zone 1), and Worcester counties. Shooting hours end at 10:30 a.m. in Kent and Montgomery counties. Read more…
Hunters Harvest 27,000 Deer During Firearms Season
Weather a Factor in Final Numbers
Photo by John Gambriel
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that hunters reported taking 27,088 deer during the state’s most popular hunt, the two-week firearms season. The total harvest was 14% lower than last year’s official count of 31,631. Bad weather on key weekends contributed to the decline in many parts of the state.
More than 2,000 deer were taken on the two Sundays during the season, representing 8% the total harvest. Sunday hunting is currently permitted on select Sundays in 20 of 23 counties. Read more…
Muzzleloader Season for Deer Reopens Dec. 21
Second Half of Season Runs Until Jan. 4
Photo: Deer Herd at Monocacy Battlefield by Jan Branscome
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the second segment of the muzzleloader deer hunting season will open Dec. 21 and run through Jan. 4, 2020. Hunters may use muzzleloading firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this season. Read more…
Deer Firearms Hunting Season Opens Nov. 30
Maryland’s Most Popular Hunt Runs Through Dec. 14
Photo by Reinhardt Sahmel
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces that the two-week firearm hunting season for sika and white-tailed deer opens Nov. 30 and runs through Dec. 14.
Sunday deer hunting is available in all but three counties for the deer firearm season and remains a critical component to deer population management and provides recreational opportunities for all resident and visiting hunters. Read more…
Timeline: Our Story Begins
The units that make up today’s Department of Natural Resources mostly date back farther than 1969, many having gone through numerous names and structural changes before and even after becoming part of the department.
The earliest version of what is now a Department of Natural Resources function is the Maryland Geological Survey, which originated with a brief tenure from 1834-41 and resumed activity in 1896.
The oldest continuing unit is the Maryland Natural Resources Police, which was organized as the State Oyster Police force in 1868. Read more…
Fourth of July Weekend Sees Boating Incidents Decrease
Natural Resources Police Vigilance and Education Yields Results
Maryland Natural Resources Police stayed busy with heightened vigilance during the holiday weekend July 4-7, and are pleased to report a significant reduction of serious boating incidents.
During one of Maryland’s busiest times on the waterways, officers were out to prevent unsafe boating, conducting 1,860 boat safety inspections. Officers made nine arrests for boating under the influence, plus one for driving under the influence. Additionally officers conducted 4,434 recreational fishing checks and 184 commercial fishing checks. Read more…
Secretary’s Message: May 2019
Boating Safety is a Way of Life in Maryland
As an avid boater, I am very appreciative that Maryland’s boating season is (finally) underway. And as the daughter of a boat builder and the wife of a former merchant marine, the importance of boater safety has been instilled in me throughout my life. I want to encourage others to make it a way of life too – not just during the month of May, which is Boating Safety Month, but every day.
Maryland is one of the nation’s leading destinations for water recreation, which is a point of pride, but with that comes a huge responsibility. In 2018, Maryland reported 132 boating accidents. Tragically, 16 of those were fatalities — a 167 percent increase from the previous year. Read more…
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