Governor O’Malley Signs Bills Expanding Sunday Hunting Opportunities in Carroll, Dorchester and Queen Anne’s Counties
Signing of HB 214. Top: Matt Teffeau, Maryland Farm Bureau; Del. Michael Smigiel; Del. Steve Hershey; Del. Jay Jacobs; Bottom: President of Senate Mike Miller; Governor O’Malley; Speaker Michael Busch
Governor Martin O’Malley signed the final two of three bills passed during the 2013 legislative session that allow for increased Sunday hunting opportunities in Carroll, Dorchester and Queen Anne’s counties, on May 16 in Annapolis. Read more
DNR Secretary Honored by Maryland Sportsmen
MLSF presenting Griffin with the Sportsmen’s Best Friend of the Year Award
The Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Foundation (MLSF) presented DNR Secretary John R. Griffin with its prestigious Sportsmen’s Best Friend of the Year Award at its 12th Annual Banquet and Auction. More than 200 people attended the event, which was held on May 15 in Annapolis.
“Hunting is a time-honored tradition in Maryland, and the State’s sportsmen are among our most committed environmental stewards and conservationists,” said Griffin, who takes on a new role as Governor Martin O’Malley’s Chief of Staff on May 20. “I am honored to accept this award on behalf of the department’s extraordinary team of dedicated natural resource professionals, who work to manage our fish and wildlife populations and provide extraordinary opportunities for sportsmen and women.”
Learn more about foundation’s work at www.mdsportsmensfoundation.org.
Marylanders Reminded to Keep Fawns Wild
With late spring being the prime birthing time for white-tailed deer, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds anyone who encounters a fawn to avoid disturbing it. While young deer often appear to be orphaned, in most cases the doe is nearby protecting and feeding their offspring as needed. Removing these animals from the wild for care is unnecessary, dangerous and illegal. Read more 
DNR to Host Junior Hunter Field Days in June
Events in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Queen Anne’s and Somerset counties
Who: Youth ages 8-16
When & Where: Saturdays in June, Across the State
Cost: Free
Youth with an interest in hunting, shooting sports and wildlife management are invited to participate in a regional summer Junior Hunter Field Day event. Staff from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and representatives from sporting and conservation groups will use hand-on activities to teach participants about natural resources stewardship, wildlife biology, shooting safety and ethical conduct in the field. Read more
Maryland Deer Test Negative for Chronic Wasting Disease
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports that all of the 278 samples taken from white-tailed deer this season tested negative for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Read more
Western Marylanders Urged to Be Mindful of Bears
Bears are beginning to leave their dens and prowl for food now that their long winter slumber has come to an end. Since natural foods are scarce in the early spring, they often seek out human-provided sources. Those living in, or visiting bear country can help keep Maryland’s black bears wild by being proactive and exercising good judgment. Read more
Citizens Asked to Report Stranded Marine Animals
Loggerhead Sea Turlte
Boaters and beachgoers are reminded to keep their eyes open for sea turtles and marine mammals while enjoying the outdoors this spring. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources asks anyone who sees a dead, visibly injured, entangled or stranded sea animal to call 1-800-628-9944 immediately. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Read more
Junior Hunter Field Day Set for Allegany County
Who: Youth ages 8-16
When: Saturday, May 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Midland Sportsman’s Club, 8825 Sturgeon Ave., Midland (Allegany County)
Cost: Free
Contact: 301-777-2136
Youth with an interest in hunting, shooting sports, and wildlife and fisheries management are invited to participate in this year’s spring Junior Hunter Field Day event. Staff from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and representatives from sporting and conservation groups will use hands-on activities to teach participants about natural resources stewardship, wildlife and fisheries biology, shooting safety, and ethical conduct in the field. Read more
Elk Neck State Forest Rifle and Shotgun Ranges to Close April 15-17
The rifle and shotgun ranges at Elk Neck State Forest will be closed on April 15, 16, and 17 so staff can replace safety baffles destroyed by a fire in February. If repairs are completed ahead of schedule, the ranges will resume with their normal hours. The pistol and archery ranges will not be affected. For more information call the forest office at 410-287-5675.
Spring Turkey Hunts to Open Mid-April
Jermaine Johnson, Jr. with his 22-pound wild turkey from last year’s junior hunt.
Youth hunters will kick-off Maryland’s spring turkey season with Junior Turkey Hunts on April 13 on public or private land statewide, and April 14 on private land in Caroline, Dorchester, Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties. Spring turkey season will run from April 18 through May 23 statewide. Read more
