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 
Riparian Property Licensing Open
Application Deadline June 1
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting applications for offshore waterfowl blind and shoreline licenses for riparian (waterfront) property owners. A license will establish offshore stationary blinds or blind sites for hunting waterfowl, or prevent others from licensing the shoreline at a later date. Read more
Preliminary Deer Firearm Season Results Announced
Hunters reported taking 36,088 deer during the statewide, two-week firearm deer season, which ended on December 8. This harvest represents a 13 percent decline compared to the 41,421 deer taken during the 2011 firearm season. DNR biologists believe the decline this year is primarily because of bad weather on key hunting days and an abundance of acorns that resulted in deer moving less.
More Deer on Roadways
Photo by Dwight Burdette
Deer activity is beginning to increase as these animals seek fall food supplies and enter their breeding season. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges motorists to be alert for deer and other wildlife during this time.
Canada Goose Hunting Dates Established for Tuckahoe State Park Complex
With the recent approval of the late Maryland waterfowl seasons and bag limits, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) finalized the dates for hunting migratory Canada geese for the facilities of the Tuckahoe State Park Complex. This area includes Tuckahoe State Park, Sassafras Natural Resource Management Area (NRMA) and Wye Island NRMA. All migratory goose hunting will be by permit only, which can only be obtained through the lottery drawing.
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DNR Reminds Hunters to Use New License and Game Check-in System
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters to use the new COMPASS system to purchase licenses or stamps and to check-in harvested deer or turkeys. DNR launched COMPASS as a pilot project in March 2012 and has now expanded it to include all hunting licenses, stamps and harvest check-in for deer and turkey. Hunters who take deer under the authority of a Deer Management Permit (crop damage permit) must also register their deer through the COMPASS system.
“Many hunters will find the shift to the COMPASS self service features extremely efficient,” said Len Singel, DNR’s chief information officer.
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Bidding Opens for Trapping Privileges on Select Eastern Shore Wildlife Management Areas
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is currently accepting bids for the 2012-2013 trapping seasons at LeCompte, Linkwood, Taylor’s Island, Fishing Bay, Idylwild, Ellis Bay,Wetipquin and Nanticoke River wildlife management areas.
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DNR Announces Changes To Chesapeake Forest Hunting Tracts
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has decided to open the Foster tract of the Chesapeake Forest to public hunting, after taking public input for a month. DNR also plans to move all of the 15 proposed tracts from public hunting to the leased hunting program. The Department will hold a joint Forest/Wildllife & Heritage Services informational meeting for the hunting community and similar stakeholders about this decision and to answer their questions in the near future.
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Waterfowl Hunting Seasons Announced
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has reviewed public input and finalized the State’s 2012-2013 late waterfowl hunting seasons.
“As always, public input helps guide our decisions,” said Paul Peditto, director of DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service. “The individuals who took the time to attend our public meeting or provide comments through our online forum should be commended.”
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