Two Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days Announced

Young Maryland hunters can hone their skills with the help of an experienced adult during two Youth Waterfowl Hunt Days on Nov. 7, 2015 and Feb. 6, 2016. On those days, hunters 15 years of age or younger may hunt ducks, geese, mergansers and coots on public and private land when aided by a qualifying adult.

All junior hunters and their adult mentors must possess a Maryland hunting license. Youth waterfowl hunters must purchase a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp, but do not need to purchase a federal duck stamp if under 16 years of age.

Adults may take more than one young person on the hunt. The adult can help by calling waterfowl, placing decoys and retrieving downed birds, but may not possess a firearm or other hunting device.

The bag limits for the Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days are the same as the regular seasons except:

• One black duck may be taken;

• Two Canada geese may be taken when hunting within the Atlantic Population Canada Goose Hunting Zone; and

• Five Canada geese may be taken when hunting within the Atlantic Flyway Resident Population Canada Goose Hunting Zone.

Licenses, stamps, and permits may be purchased online by phone at 855-855-3906, at a  Natural Resources Service Center or at any one of the more than 250 Sport License Agents statewide.

Hunters with questions may contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service at 410-260-8540.