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The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has drawn the winning lottery entries for the 2025 Maryland Black Bear Hunt. Lottery entrants were randomly selected and will receive a permit valid for the six-day bear hunting season open from October 20-25, 2025 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties. Entrants can check the black bear hunt webpage lottery results section Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has recently identified a new location of Hydrilla verticillata, an invasive aquatic plant, near Arrowhead Cove in Deep Creek Lake. This discovery is a significant concern as hydrilla poses a serious threat to the lake’s ecosystem by outcompeting native plant species and disrupting the natural balance of the environment. Read the Rest…
Conservation and job training program plans future without federal assistance The Maryland Department of Natural Resources honored members of the 2024-25 Maryland Conservation Corps during their graduation program at Sandy Point State Park on Aug. 26. The ceremony capped 10 months of job training, conservation work, and stewardship with the Maryland Park Service. This year’s Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is hosting “Women on the Water,” a free introductory workshop on boating and fishing for women and girls 12 and older, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 11, at Sandy Point State Park. While designed for women and girls, this program is open to anyone 12 Read the Rest…
Bowhunting continues through Jan. 31, plus primitive hunt The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will open the archery hunting season for white-tailed and sika deer on Sept. 5. The season runs through Jan. 31, 2026 with several breaks for muzzleloader and firearms season. In addition, the fourth annual Primitive Deer Hunt Days from Feb. 2 Read the Rest…
The Labor Day weekend is arriving and the traditional end to summer is upon us. Family vacations usually come to a halt when children head back to school, but there is always time for fishing after school or on weekends. The Department of Natural Resources’ Striped Bass Advisory Forecast also ends for the season this Read the Rest…
Funding approved for DNR’s Program Open Space Local, Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure Program, Community Parks and Playgrounds, and Rural Legacy programs The Board of Public Works today approved $13 million in grants to local governments and land trusts from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for community centers, playgrounds, and land conservation in Allegany, Read the Rest…
The oyster restoration projects–among the largest in the world–have been highly successful at helping bring back oyster populations and build habitat in the Chesapeake Bay Governor Wes Moore today announced that Maryland will formally meet its commitment to restore five oyster tributaries in the Chesapeake Bay by completing oyster restoration in the Manokin River Sanctuary Read the Rest…
Almost any angler would be thrilled to hold claim to a state record title, but few plan on it. A consistent theme among anglers who catch state records is their surprise when they land the fish, often thinking it was another species or even a snag because of the unexpected weight on their line. While Read the Rest…
Mourning dove, early resident Canada goose seasons begin Sept. 1 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the state’s 2025-2026 migratory game bird hunting seasons, the first of which begin Sept. 1. Bag limits, season dates, and shooting hours can be found in the 2025-2026 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is considering new regulations that will allow everyone to use pedal-assist electric bicycles on state bike trails, increasing accessibility and enjoyment of Maryland’s public lands. For years, all electric bikes have been treated the same as motorized vehicles in parks and public lands, prohibited from traveling on trails and Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and partners will bring displays, exhibits, and fun activities about birds, invasive fish, forestry, camping, hunting, and more to the Maryland State Fair in Timonium. Fairgoers are invited to visit the exhibits located inside the Mosner Miller Building at the fairgrounds to engage with field experts and learn more Read the Rest…
The coastal areas are seeing heavy surf and higher than normal tides, and perhaps strong winds will occur later this week. It’s a good time to fish in more protected waters or perhaps just stand on the beach and watch nature’s fury. A reminder to all Maryland anglers, please participate in DNR’s Volunteer Angler Surveys. Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has recognized Andrew Reier of Glen Arm, Ryan Kaler of Pasadena, and Jake Prior of Perry Hall for catching 10 different species of trophy-size fish to reach the FishMaryland Master Angler milestone. These three anglers bring the total number of Master Anglers in the program, now in its sixth Read the Rest…
Dissolved oxygen conditions increased in early July but decreased later in the month Data collected by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Old Dominion University show an above average volume of hypoxia—waters with less than 2 mg/l of oxygen—in the Chesapeake Bay mainstem of Maryland and Virginia in early and late July. Early July Read the Rest…
As we approach the halfway mark of August, fitting in a vacation before school starts is often on the mind of parents. Enjoying fishing adventures is a big part of family memories spanning the generations. With some hot days back in the forecast, remember to take care when catching and releasing any striped bass. Visit Read the Rest…
Overpopulation of deer can reduce a forest’s ability to regenerate Maryland is home to a diversity of native wildlife and plant species, and the balance between the two can sometimes be difficult to manage. Like rabbits overrunning a garden, an overpopulation of deer will have detrimental effects on the undergrowth and vegetation in a forest. Read the Rest…
Hunt clubs interested in obtaining a hunting lease agreement on Chesapeake Forest Lands can enter a lottery for available tracts in Wicomico and Worcester counties. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will accept online entries until August 21, 2025. The department advises entrants to visit the Chesapeake Forest tracts before making a selection, as some have limited access. Hunt clubs are expected to Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed Dominic Vuotto of Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania, as a new state record holder for blueline tilefish (Caulolatilus microps) in the Atlantic Division. Vuotto landed a 21.3-pound blueline tilefish July 26 while fishing offshore near Washington Canyon. The outing was Vuotto’s first time fishing. Vuotto was fishing aboard Foolish Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers more than 1,400 miles of trails on land and water for all kinds of uses: hiking and running, horseback riding, skiing and snowshoeing, paddling and kayaking, and bicycling. When the sport of mountain biking rose to prominence in the 1980s, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources embarked on Read the Rest…
The Maryland Biological Stream Survey offers training and certifications at Bowie State University In some ways, the Maryland Biological Stream Survey Summer Training resembles other education programs. Participants sit through presentations and take tests. But some of those presentations involve walking through the woods to a nearby stream to watch the process of netting, identifying, Read the Rest…
The summer fun continues across Maryland, as the White Marlin Open in Ocean City has begun and is attracting anglers from many distant ports. Many anglers are also seeking out more local and satisfying fishing such as Chesapeake Channa, AKA northern snakehead, in the Bay’s tidal rivers this week.
Funding approved for DNR’s Program Open Space Local, Community Parks and Playgrounds, Greenspace Equity, and Rural Legacy programs The Board of Public Works today approved more than $2.7 million in grants to local governments and land trusts from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for new ball fields, playground equipment, and the conservation of land Read the Rest…
Hunters can now apply for permits and check the schedule to hunt waterfowl at manmade lakes or ponds, or impoundments, at Deal Island and Fairmount Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) this season. Applications for the hunting permits at Fairmount WMA or Deal Island WMA are available on the Maryland DNR website and are due by Sept. Read the Rest…
Underwater grass abundance in Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay – a key indicator of water quality – fell from 38,188 acres in 2023 to 36,794 acres in 2024, according to data reviewed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. This acreage remains short of the state’s 2025 restoration goal of 79,800 acres. The annual Read the Rest…
Part of upgraded licensing system, new app replaces AccessDNR The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is introducing a new free mobile app – MD Outdoors – which will be the official app for the state’s outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and anglers. The MD Outdoors app replaces the AccessDNR app, which will no longer be supported. Users Read the Rest…
Proficiency test is required to participate in certain managed deer hunts The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has posted its schedule of shooter qualification sessions for the 2025 season, with more than 20 sessions at 10 locations across the state from June through December. These events allow hunters to take the necessary proficiency test required to obtain Read the Rest…
Maryland Natural Resources Police officers will visit communities throughout Maryland on Tuesday, Aug. 5 in support of National Night Out, an annual community-building campaign promoting partnerships between the police and the neighborhoods they serve. The National Night Out campaign was established in 1984 and has grown to include more than a million community members in Read the Rest…
Invasive Chesapeake Channa can be found in most of the Chesapeake’s tributaries The Chesapeake Channa, or snakehead, has developed a dedicated following in the sportfishing community–even though they’ve been an unwelcome addition to Maryland waterways. These invasive predators known primarily as snakeheads were coined Chesapeake Channa by the Maryland General Assembly in 2024. Whatever you Read the Rest…
Survey of Maryland anglers shows interest in microfishing When most people think about fishing, they envision a proud angler holding a trophy-sized bass for an attention-grabbing photo of a personal best catch. But a type of fishing with the opposite approach has been gaining traction in recent years—microfishing. As the name implies, anglers use a Read the Rest…
It may be hot out but there is plenty of great fishing to be had throughout Maryland. Be sure to pack some fishing gear or charter a fishing trip and make some lasting family memories. The 2025 striped bass season will reopen in Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay this coming Friday, August 1. Once Read the Rest…
New state mark for species set just eight days after 30-year-old record fell The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has officially recognized Jack Dorman of Mt. Airy as the new state record holder for false albacore (Euthynnus alletteratus) in the Atlantic Division. Dorman’s 26.0-pound catch surpasses the previous record of 23.5 pounds that was just Read the Rest…
On Tuesday, August 5, Maryland will host an open house in Annapolis to provide information for the public about the recently released draft revisions to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. The Agreement is the voluntary plan – signed by Maryland, New York, Delaware, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C., the Chesapeake Bay Commission, and the U.S. Environmental Read the Rest…
Marylanders are out enjoying the outdoors as we find ourselves in the peak of the summer vacation season. Anglers are finding good fishing in the tidal rivers for Chesapeake Channa. Anglers fishing the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries are reminded that all fishing and targeting of striped bass is closed from July 16 through July Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will provide $20 million in Waterway Improvement Fund allocations to communities and projects throughout Maryland in Fiscal Year 2026, which begins July 1. The funds will support new and improved public boating access facilities, dredging of navigable public waterways; emergency vessels and equipment for local first responders; and other important Read the Rest…
Photographers and nature enthusiasts have until August 1 to submit their most beautiful images of the state’s flora and fauna to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources 2025 Photo Contest. As in past years, winning entries will be featured on the next Maryland DNR nature calendar to be published in late fall, and all winners Read the Rest…
Maryland is celebrating the creation of four brand-new mountain bike trails in Savage River State Forest, including the first adaptive mountain bike trail on state forestlands. Tucked in the mountains of Western Maryland near Accident in Garrett County, the Margraff Plantation Trail System offers six miles of newly-constructed trails – a 1.4-mile beginner trail, a Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recognizes Timothy K. Shaarda of Clayton, North Carolina, as a new state record holder for false albacore (Euthynnus alletteratus) in the Atlantic Division. Shaarda’s 23.5-pound catch breaks a record that had stood for 30 years.
Dissolved oxygen conditions show mixed results in May and June 2025 Data collected by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Old Dominion University show an increasing volume of hypoxia—waters with less than 2 mg/l of oxygen—in the Chesapeake Bay mainstem of Maryland and Virginia from early to late June. No hypoxia was observed in Read the Rest…
We’re in the peak of summer and people across Maryland can be seen traveling the roads for family vacation destinations. For many, fishing and enjoying the outdoors will be part of the fun, and with school out our younger anglers get to indulge in fishing. Anglers fishing the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries are reminded Read the Rest…
Maryland DNR now accepting grant applications for Fiscal Year 2027 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Grants Gateway application is open for local governments and organizations for Fiscal Year 2027, which begins July 1, 2026. Through this process, DNR connects Maryland communities with funding for projects and programs that improve water quality in local waterways, Read the Rest…
Funding approved for DNR’s Program Open Space Local, Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure, Community Parks and Playgrounds, and Rural Legacy programs The Board of Public Works today approved more than $1.4 million in grants to local governments and land trusts from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The funding will be used for a new Read the Rest…
The Department of Natural Resources reminds Maryland recreational anglers that targeting striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries is prohibited from July 16 through July 31. This closure, now in its sixth season, is necessary to protect the species, because when water and air temperatures rise in the hottest part of summer, Read the Rest…
The Maryland Coastal Flood Explorer gives planners and decision makers access to the most current coastal flood data Maryland coastal residents can now explore local coastal flooding risks today and into the future. This month, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources released the Maryland Coastal Flood Explorer, a user-friendly and interactive mapper that allows users Read the Rest…
Hunters can now enter the lottery selection process for the annual six-day black bear hunt in Western Maryland. The cost to enter the lottery is $15 and applications can be purchased from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) through August 31. The 2025 bear hunting season will be open October 20-25 in all of Read the Rest…
Two Maryland organizations will receive support for education and stewardship programming to enhance environmental education in the state. Outdoor education and stewardship funding is made possible from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Chesapeake Bay Implementation Grant. Specific amounts will be contingent upon federal funding availability and approval.
Strengthened ‘Operation Dry Water’ patrols crack down on drunk boaters The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) charged nine impaired boaters and investigated nine reportable boating accidents during its annual Operation Dry Water “saturation patrol” campaign, conducted from July 4 to July 6. Statistically this time is the busiest and most dangerous boating holiday. No boating Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced more than $1.275 million in competitive grants for six climate resilience projects to help communities plan, design and construct solutions to withstand flooding and other weather-related events. The selected projects will reduce risk for vulnerable communities, incorporate climate change data into existing plans and policies, and develop nature-based Read the Rest…
The “Races at Fair Hill” horse racing event to take place Aug. 30 for first time since 2019 Horse racing will return this summer to the turf track at Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in Cecil County, providing new opportunities for economic development through outdoor recreation and equine events. The turf track inside the Read the Rest…
The peak of the summer season is here and a time for vacations, relaxing on the water, and of course, fishing. As a reminder, striped bass fishing of any kind will be off limits in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries from July 16-31. This annual summer break for our state fish helps protect them Read the Rest…
