Muzzleloader Deer Season to Reopen December 19

The second portion of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer season begins on Saturday, Dec.19 and runs through Jan. 2, 2016. Hunters who possess a valid hunting license and a Muzzleloader Stamp, or those exempt from the hunting license requirements, may use muzzleloading firearms to hunt white-tailed and sika deer during this season.

The bag limits for the season, which also includes the already completed October dates, are:

• Statewide: One antlered white-tailed deer.

In Region B, a hunter may also take one bonus antlered white-tailed deer per license year in the weapon season of their choice after purchasing a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp and taking two antlerless white-tailed deer during any weapon season in Region B.

• Region A: One antlerless white-tailed deer.  The antlerless muzzleloader season is Dec. 31, 2015 through Jan. 2, 2016 on private land; and Jan. 2, 2016 only on public land. Hunters may only take two antlerless deer total for the license year in Region A.

• Region B: Ten antlerless white-tailed deer.

• Sika deer: Three deer, no more than one antlered.  Sika may be harvested in Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester counties.

The Department of Natural Resources advises hunters to carefully inspect all tree-stands and always wear a full-body safety harness while climbing. The department strongly recommends using a sliding knot, commonly known as a prussic knot, attached to a line that is secured above the stand that allows the hunter to be safely tethered to the tree. For more information on tree-stand safety, click here.

Hunting dates, regulations and deer registration procedures are located in the 2015-2016 Maryland Guide to Hunting & Trapping. Additional information may be found on the Hunting in Maryland webpage.

Successful deer hunters are encouraged to donate any extra deer they may harvest to the Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry program. The deer are processed at participating butchers without charge to the hunter and the venison is given to local food banks.

Citizens with questions may contact the Wildlife & Heritage Service at 410-260-8540.