Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons Proposed for 2017-18

Public Comment Accepted Through March 8

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comment on proposed 2017-2018 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons. The seasons will be finalized in early spring after the department reviews public input and obtains approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The public comment period will close at noon March 8.

“We look forward to reviewing public feedback from our waterfowl hunters and other citizens,” Wildlife and Heritage Services Director Paul Peditto said. “This input is always vital to helping us provide the best waterfowling opportunities in Maryland.”

The proposed youth waterfowl hunting days are Nov. 4, 2017, and Feb. 10, 2018. These days are part of a national effort by federal and state wildlife agencies to increase participation in the rich tradition of waterfowl hunting.

The proposed regular duck season opening split season would run Oct. 14-21, 2017. The second and third split seasons would be Nov. 11-24, 2017 and Dec. 12, 2017-Jan. 27, 2018. The proposed bag limit for black ducks has been increased to two birds per day during the black duck season.

The proposed special sea duck season would run from Nov. 4, 2017, to Jan. 12, 2018. Federal regulations for the special sea duck season call for a maximum season length of 60 days for the 2017-2018 season.

The proposed Atlantic Population (migrant) Canada goose season will be split into its traditional two segments, Nov. 18-24, 2017 and Dec. 15, 2017-Feb. 3, 2018.

The proposed mourning dove season will run from Sept. 1-Oct. 14, 2017, followed by two additional splits, Oct. 26- Nov. 18, 2017, and Dec. 16, 2017-Jan. 6, 2018.

The department will host a public meeting March 1 at 7 p.m. on the campus of Chesapeake College (Building No. 13) to review the proposed seasons. Citizens who are unable to attend may comment online, by phone at 410-260-8540; by fax at 410-260-8596; or by writing: Maryland Department of Natural Resources – Wildlife and Heritage Service, 580 Taylor Avenue, E-1, Annapolis, Maryland, 21401.