Maryland Announces New Schedule for Selecting Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons

Blind at Millington Wildlife Mgt. Area

Beginning with the 2016-2017 hunting season, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources will be following a new schedule for selecting dates and bag limits for migratory game birds. The move was adopted to allow for more public comment and input, and to conform to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s schedule.

“Under the old process, the timeline between collection of data, crafting regulations and allowing time for adequate public comment was very tight,” Department Game Bird Section Leader Bill Harvey said. “The new process should provide the hunting community more timely information on the hunting season dates so they can better plan accommodation, transportation and vacation schedules.”

The course for selecting 2016-2017 Maryland hunting seasons will begin in late February 2016, when the department releases the proposed dates and bag limits for public comment and review. Comments may be submitted at a public meeting in March, or by email, fax, letter, online or phone. Details on the proposed seasons, public meeting schedule and how to comment will be available on the Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service’s website in late February.

After reviewing comments and consulting with the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Advisory Committee and Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission, the department will release the finalized seasons in April 2016.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service establishes hunting regulations for migratory game birds after a process that includes consulting with state biologists and flyway representatives, evaluating migratory game bird populations and reviewing hunter interests. The service then provides states with season framework, which includes the maximum season length, bag limits and the earliest and latest possible hunting dates. States are obligated to make selections within those parameters.

Citizens with questions can contact the Wildlife and Heritage Service at 410-260-8540.