Two Junior Deer Hunt Days Set for November

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources encourages experienced deer hunters to introduce youth to this time-honored tradition during two Junior Deer Hunt Days: Nov. 14 on public and private land in all  counties; and Nov. 15 on private land  in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Kent, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, St. Mary’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester counties. In Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties, the  junior deer hunt is open on Nov. 15 on private and designated public lands.

Youths 16 years of age or younger who possess a valid hunting license may use firearms to hunt white-tailed and sika deer on these days. Junior deer hunters must be accompanied by an adult at least 21 years old who holds a valid Maryland hunting license or is exempt from the license requirements. Adults may not possess a hunting device while accompanying a junior hunter.

The bag limits for the Junior Deer Hunts are:

• One antlered or antlerless white-tailed deer in Region A;
• Three white-tailed deer in Region B, with no more than one antlered; and
• One antlered or one antlerless sika deer.
• Deer taken by youth hunters during the Junior Deer Hunting Days do not count toward the regular bow, muzzleloader or firearm season bag limits.

Adult hunters may participate in other open seasons during a Junior Hunt Day if they are not acting as the mentor for a junior hunter.

New this year: Hunters in Frederick County should be aware of changes to the Shotgun Deer Hunting Zone.

For complete hunting bag limits, season dates, regulations and deer registration procedures, visit the 2015-2016 Maryland Guide to Hunting & Trapping. Hunters with any questions may contact the Wildlife & Heritage Service at 410-260-8540.