Frederick County Leads State in Harvest Totals The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported that deer hunters harvested 81,729 deer during the combined archery, firearms, and muzzleloader seasons, from Sept. 11, 2020 through Feb. 3, 2021. The statewide harvest included 29,242 antlered and 49,033 antlerless white-tailed deer, plus 1,500 antlered and 1,954 antlerless sika deer. The harvest Read the Rest…
Waterfront and Streamside Landowners can Reserve Seedlings The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to landowners in several counties who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream, or other waterway on or near their property through the Backyard Buffers program.
DNR Soliciting Comment Now through Feb. 26 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has posted the proposed 2021-2022 Migratory Game Bird Seasons for public review and comment through Feb. 26.
Maryland Forest Service Seeks Input on 2022 Proposals The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the proposed fiscal year 2022 annual work plans for the following state forests: Chesapeake/Pocomoke, Green Ridge, Potomac-Garrett, and Savage River. The comment period concludes March 5.
Record Visitation Reflects Growing Interest in Outdoor Recreation Amid Pandemic Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced a 45 percent increase in final attendance for Maryland State Parks in 2020 compared to the previous record-setting visitation attendance in 2019. In 2020, Maryland State Parks welcomed 21.5 million Read the Rest…
Despite cold mid-winter weather, anglers across Maryland are enjoying fun fishing experiences ranging from the preseason stockings of trout, to chain pickerel and blue catfish, to tautog in the offshore waters off our coast.
Special Day to Share Maryland’s Time-Honored Traditions Maryland’s youth hunters, veterans, and military personnel can experience the thrills of hunting fields and wetlands on a special waterfowl hunting day Feb. 6.
Maryland Hunters Bag 89 Birds in January The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that hunters reported taking 89 wild turkeys during the 2021 winter turkey season, which was open statewide Jan. 21-23. This year’s harvest was slightly higher than the 2020 total of 82 turkeys.
Ranger Nita Settina Honored by National Association of State Park Directors Maryland Park Service Superintendent Nita Settina was presented with the Distinguished Service Award by a premiere national association of state park professionals. The National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD), an organization dedicated to supporting and promoting state parks, presented the award at its Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the state’s first Primitive Deer Hunt will be open Feb. 1-3, 2021 statewide. Hunters with a valid hunting license, or those exempt from the hunting license requirement, may use primitive bows or muzzleloaders to hunt sika and white-tailed deer during these days. Primitive hunting devices are defined as Read the Rest…
DNR Plans Stocking, Announces New Brook Trout Regulations The Maryland Department of Natural Resources plans to stock about 300,000 trout, which includes rainbow, golden, and brown trout, for statewide distribution between now and April 30.
Opportunity for Hunters to Bag a Bird This Season The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the opening of the winter turkey season, which runs statewide from January 21-23 for hunters who did not harvest a turkey during the 2020 fall season.
Annual First Day Hike Tradition Adapts and Grows The Maryland Department of Natural Resources estimates that 16,237 visitors took part in First Day Hikes in Maryland State Parks during the three-day period from January 1-3, 2021. Following safety provisions to prevent spread of COVID-19, and taking advantage of the long New Year’s weekend, hikers engaged Read the Rest…
Shooting Facilities Reopen Jan. 7 after One Month of Work The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the reopening of the Elk Neck State Forest rifle and shotgun ranges starting Jan. 7, after completing substantial upgrades and repairs at the complex.
Invasive Fish Weighed 57 Pounds A Cecil County resident has officially been recognized by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources as the first-ever state record holder for the invasive flathead catfish. Joshua Dixon caught the 57-pound, 50-inch long flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) on Dec. 27, 2020 fishing near the Lapidum Boat Ramp on the Susquehanna Read the Rest…
More than ever, local parks have become an essential part of everyday life for many people and critical space for communities. They provide a place to unwind after a long day, an alternative classroom for kids, a place to safely gather with family and friends, or just that special place to recharge one’s mental and Read the Rest…
Since beginning my bucket list quest to visit all 75 of Maryland’s state parks, I’ve had the opportunity to visit some of the most remote corners of our state, witnessing its magnificent beauty far off the beaten path. Other times, I’ve encountered natural oases a mere stone’s throw from a busy highway, quietly hidden in Read the Rest…
The North American beaver (Castor canadensis) was once ubiquitous throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Mostly trapped out by the close of the 19th century, beavers have been making somewhat of a comeback, and that is great news for the Chesapeake Bay.
Is it possible for police officers to be in two places at the same time? Although the Maryland Natural Resources Police is at a near-record size force and operates more than 100 patrol boats, it can be challenging to keep an eye on a large body of water such as the Chesapeake Bay. In inclement Read the Rest…
If we have ever looked forward to a new year, it has to be this one! 2020 was difficult, but Maryland’s amazing natural resources provided us with the safe recreation, solace, and quality time together that many of us needed to stay “Maryland Strong.”
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is proud to offer a sneak peak of its new cookbook, which will soon be available online. Wild Maryland includes recipes submitted by Maryland residents, featuring Maryland species. Recipes include waterfowl, seafood, deer, and other wild game. A section of recipes also features ingredients found while foraging in the Read the Rest…
