Natural Resources News
Offshore Blind and Shoreline Licensing Open for 2022
Applications Must Be Postmarked by May 31
Photo by Jake McPherson, Ducks Unlimited
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife and Heritage Service is now accepting offshore waterfowl blind and shoreline license applications for riparian (waterfront) property owners.
Riparian property owners, or anyone who has been granted permission from the riparian property owner, may license their shoreline. A license will establish offshore stationary blinds or blind sites for hunting waterfowl, and/or will prevent others from licensing and hunting the shoreline at a later date. Read more…
2022 Keep Maryland Beautiful Grants Total $320,000
Grants Supports Communities, Projects, and Schools
“Trees Not Trash” a community initiative funded by the 2021 Keep Maryland Beautiful Clean Up and Green Up Grant, focuses on beautifying city neighborhoods by planting street trees and removing litter within Sustainable Community Development areas, while engaging the residents on the benefits of urban trees. Photo courtesy Forever Maryland.
Forever Maryland is proud to announce that 85 grants totaling $320,000 have been awarded toward environmental education, community cleanup and beautification projects through the Keep Maryland Beautiful program.
These annual grants are funded by the Maryland Environmental Trust, Forever Maryland, Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). Read more…
Secretary’s Message – March 2022
Maryland is Invested in Our Natural Resources
Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford hands his trail-hiking stick to Governor Larry Hogan during an announcement Greenbrier State Park. Photo by Patrick Siebert, Maryland State House.
Spring is around the corner, and as usual, many of us have spring fever. The good news is that our amazing DNR staff have readied our parks and public lands to greet the millions of visitors we receive each year.
It is essential that we balance increased visitation with our responsibility to protect and care for the lands that have been entrusted to us. That is why I was so pleased to join Governor Larry Hogan and Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford a few weeks ago for a special announcement regarding funding for our public lands. Read more…
Wildfire Danger in Maryland Increases in Spring
DNR Stresses Preparedness, Prevention
Spring wildfire season has begun in Maryland, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges residents across the state to prepare and help prevent wildfires.
Wildfire occurrence is highest in the spring and fall when forest fuels are the driest and weather conditions — warm, dry, and windy — are most conducive for the spread of fire. On days when this threat is most likely, the department will issue a “red flag” status. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – March 16
Lucy Perez proudly holds up her stringer of yellow perch. Photo by Nick Perez.
Despite winter’s heavy hand last weekend, the harbingers of spring are all around us. The geese, swans, and most migratory ducks have headed north and are replaced by the arrival of the ospreys. Crocus and daffodils are blooming, and fishing opportunities abound. Anglers are enjoying the trout management waters that are open, all species of fish are awakening from their winter’s sleep, and spawning runs of yellow and white perch are underway.
Controlled Burn at Dan’s Mountain Wildlife Management Area Starts March 17
Smoke May Be Visible from Nearby Highways
Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will conduct a controlled burn on Dan’s Mountain Wildlife Management Area this week. Residents or drivers who see smoke in the area southwest of Rawlings should be aware that it may appear to be a forest fire, but is deliberate and controlled, and there is no need to report it to authorities. Originally planned for late fall, the burn was rescheduled due to weather.
The fire will create smoke, but it will be a controlled flame targeting underbrush and ground cover debris. Pre-burning is planned March 17 with the larger burn scheduled to take place March 18, and resume March 21 (weather permitting, rain may delay the burn). Read more…
Governor Hogan Announces Annapolis Waterfront Park Funding to Preserve Legacy of Historic Carr’s Beach
State and Local Partnership Will Preserve Open Space on Significant Historic Property
on Chesapeake Bay
Photo by Jody Couser, Chesapeake Conservancy
Governor Larry Hogan and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that the State of Maryland will provide more than $4.8 million toward the purchase of a historically significant waterfront property for the development of a new Annapolis public park.
The land has been identified as part of the property once owned by the Carr Family and is close to Carr’s Beach and Sparrow’s Beach, popular resorts on the Chesapeake Bay that served the Black community at a time when they were prohibited from using other beaches. Known as “the Beach,” Carr’s Beach hosted many prominent Black performing artists during the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, including Chuck Berry, The Temptations, Ike and Tina Turner, The Shirelles, Little Richard, and Billie Holiday. Read more…
Maryland DNR 2022 Photo Contest Now Open
Entries for Annual Contest Taken Until August 1, 2022
Photo “Short-eared Owl Hovering” by Mitch Adolph, submitted to the 2021 Maryland DNR Photo Contest
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting entries for its annual photo contest.
Photographers, novice or professional, can enter for the chance to win cash, park passes, and other great prizes. Read more…
Muskrat Trapping Season Extended in Select Maryland Counties
Weather Conditions Lead to Additional Week for Trapping
A muskrat den at Taylors Island Wildlife Management ARea. Maryland DNR photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has added a one-week extension to the muskrat trapping season in all counties except Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, and Washington. The revised season will now close March 22, 2022, to make up for unfavorable weather conditions.
An extremely cold winter and more recent tide fluctuations have limited trapper access to many waterways and wetlands, reducing the ability and opportunity to harvest this valuable furbearer. Read more…
New DNR Vessel Christened the M/V Eddie Somers
Boat Named After Long-Time Captain of Its Predecessor
Photo courtesy Blount Boats Inc.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has christened the newest boat in its Hydrographic Operations fleet, naming it after a long-time captain of the Crisfield-Smith Island route the boat will serve. The M/V Eddie Somers was christened this week by DNR officials and its namesake at shipbuilder Blount Boats Inc. in Warren, Rhode Island.
The boat is named after former DNR Capt. Eddie Somers, who retired in 2018 after 25 years as captain of the M/V J. Millard Tawes, the boat the new vessel is replacing. Read more…
Maryland DNR App Available to Locate Key Oyster Sites
Development of iShellfish Follows Legislation Signed in 2021
Maryland DNR photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the development of a new mobile app, iShellfish, to provide interactive maps for commercial watermen and other users to locate areas they need to find or avoid while on Maryland’s waterways. Read more…
Midwinter Waterfowl Survey 2022 Results Released
Annual Survey Estimates Number of Winter Ducks, Geese, and Swans
Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
In early January, aerial survey teams of pilots and biologists from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) made visual estimates of the ducks, geese and swans along most of the state’s Chesapeake Bay, Potomac River. and Atlantic Ocean coastal shorelines. This year, the teams counted about 563,800 waterfowl, lower than the 627,000 birds observed in 2020, and below the most recent five-year average of 718,600 birds. The 2021 Mid-Winter Survey was not flown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more…
Free Trees Available for Maryland’s ‘Backyard Buffers’
Waterfront and Streamside Landowners can Reserve Seedlings
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to landowners statewide who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream, or other waterway on or near their property through the Backyard Buffers program, now available in 23 counties. Read more…
Maple Syrup Festival Returns Live to Cunningham Falls State Park
Event Takes Place March 12-13 and March 19-20
Photo by Ranger Melissa Acuti
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites the public to celebrate the Maple Syrup Festival at Cunningham Falls State Park this March. This popular event takes place during two weekends, March 12-13 and March 19-20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day at the park’s William Houck Area. The event returns live after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Report — January 2022
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) issued citations for deer poaching and other hunting violations in January.
Governor Hogan Encourages Marylanders to Celebrate Harriet Tubman’s 200th Birthday
Weekend of Events Planned Next Month at Underground Railroad State Park
Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Governor Larry Hogan today announced that in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Harriet Tubman and the 5th anniversary of its opening, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center will host a series of free, family-friendly programs during the weekend of March 12 to 13.
“Harriet Tubman dedicated her life in selfless service to others and the cause of freedom,” said Governor Hogan. “This year, as we celebrate her 200th birthday, we hope that even more Marylanders and visitors from across the country will take time to learn about the most famous conductor of the Underground Railroad and her years-long struggle to lead countless slaves to their freedom.” Read more…
Maryland Arbor Day Poster Contest Winners Announced
First Lady Yumi Hogan Participates as Judge; Top Entries’ Schools Receive Free Tree Plantings
Judges of the 2022 Fifth Grade Arbor Day Poster Contest stand with the top three prize winners. Photo by Joe Andrucyk, Marlyland State House.
Fifth-grade students who submitted Arbor Day posters to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources had their work judged today by a panel of forestry experts and a special guest judge, Maryland First Lady Yumi Hogan, who is an accomplished artist and adjunct professor at Maryland Institute College of Art.
The posters were created using varied artistic techniques, including colored pencils, crayons, markers and paint, all illustrating this year’s contest theme, “Trees are Terrific…and Maryland Forests are Too.”
Original artwork focused on trees cleaning the air, creating shade and generally contributing to healthy outdoor living. Read more…
Board of Public Works Approves Program Open Space Funding for Baltimore City
More than $20 Million For Baltimore City Outdoor Recreation This Year
Maryland DNR photo
The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved 11 Program Open Space projects totaling $6.3 million in grants for Baltimore City. These projects include new and upgrades to existing park facilities across the city. In January, the board approved about $4 million in Program Open Space grant funding provided by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for Baltimore City.
In total, Governor Larry Hogan’s Fiscal Year 2022 Budget included $4.2 million through the Program Open Space Local program, and $6 million in direct grants to Baltimore City for its park projects. Additionally, Baltimore City is receiving $10 million through the Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure program. Read more…
Maryland Hunters Report Taking 70,845 Deer in 2021-2022 Season
Frederick County Leads State in Harvest Totals
Photo by Patricia Neal, submitted to the 2021 Maryland DNR Photo Contest
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported that deer hunters harvested 70,845 deer during the combined archery, firearms, and muzzleloader seasons, from Sept. 10, 2021 through Feb. 3, 2022.
The statewide harvest included 27,947 antlered and 39,498 antlerless white-tailed deer, plus 1,541 antlered and 1,859 antlerless sika deer. The harvest was 13% lower than the 2020-2021 total of 81,729 deer. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Winter 2022
Tommy O’Connell spent some time ice-fishing on Cunningham Reservoir with his buddy Oakley. Photo by Tommy O’Connell
While some retreat when winter temperatures drop and snow and icy conditions prevail, there are anglers who just cannot sit out the winter months. The reservoirs of Western Maryland are providing wonderful ice fishing opportunities for a variety of fish species, and the open waters of fast-moving streams and rivers are providing excellent trout fishing thanks to the pre-season stocking program.
Maryland DNR Seeks Public Input on Seasons and Bag Limits
Hunting and Trapping Proposals Posted for Review
Maryland DNR photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comment on proposed season and bag limit changes for the 2022-2024 hunting and trapping seasons, including proposed changes to the 2022-2023 migratory game bird seasons. Read more…
Secretary’s Message – February 2022
Public Input Essential to Our Mission
Fly fishing at Morgan Run Natural Environment Area. Photo by Patrick Siebert, Maryland State House
Our department recognizes and values the contributions of both anglers and hunters – especially when it comes to responsibly managing our natural resources. We also recognize the value in ensuring that these and other important outdoor recreation traditions continue long into Maryland’s future.
With support from the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF), we have been in extensive conversations with stakeholders on this topic. Our ultimate goal is development of a recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) plan for Maryland which will guide our efforts to recruit, retain, and reactivate anglers and hunters and diversify participation over the next three years. Read more…
Public Comment Sought for 2023 Maryland State Forest Work Plans
Forest Service Seeks Input on Proposals Through March 4
Maryland DNR photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the proposed fiscal year 2023 annual work plans for the following state forests: Chesapeake/Pocomoke, Green Ridge, Potomac-Garrett, and Savage River. The comment period concludes March 4, 2022.
Annual work plans help the department identify priorities within the scope of the forests’ long-range management. They address composition, establishment, growth, health, and quality along with construction and maintenance projects. Read more…
Free Environmental Seminars for Maryland Marinas Offered in March
DNR Clean Marina Program Now Taking Reservations
Maryland DNR photo
Marinas, boatyards, and yacht clubs are invited to attend a free seminar to learn about becoming certified Clean Marinas, hear about stormwater management projects and funding, and learn about proposed Maryland regulations. Vendors of the latest environmental marina products will also be on hand.
Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) staff will discuss the 2022 reissue of the General Discharge Permit for Marinas as well as new fuel tank storage regulations. Additionally, Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff will explain grant funding available for pumpout stations, stormwater management and more. Read more…
Drifting in the Stream: A Guide to Fly Fishing for Trout
Photo by John Mullican, DNR’s Fishing and Boating Services
The mystique of fly fishing often intimidates anglers, preventing them from trying this fun and productive method of fishing. Sure, expert proficiency with multiple casting and fishing techniques can take years to hone, but is not necessary to catch fish to enjoy the sport. Read more…
Rutherford’s Travels: Fly Fishing at Morgan Run Natural Environmental Area
On a beautiful autumn day in October Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio and I traveled to Carroll County, Maryland to explore the nearly 2,000-acre Morgan Run Natural Environment Area. Natural environment areas are typically 1,000 or more acres and are home to significant geological or ecological resources. Development is typically limited to trails, interpretive facilities, and limited support facilities. Like our state parks and natural resource management areas, they are managed by the Maryland Park Service. Read more…
Maryland Office of Outdoor Recreation is Up and Running
J. Daryl Anthony (left) with Lieutenant Governor Boyd K. Rutherford
In September 2021, Governor Larry Hogan created the Office of Outdoor Recreation within the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and I am honored and pleased to serve as its inaugural executive director. Read more…
Harriet Tubman in Baltimore
Today, Harriet Tubman is known for her heroic exploits on the Underground Railroad, where she rescued 70 people from slavery and guided them to freedom. While most of her time in Maryland was spent on the Eastern Shore, Baltimore figured centrally in several of her daring rescue missions. Read more…
Traveling in the Footsteps of Harriet Tubman: Celebrate Tubman’s Bicentennial in 2022
Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center mural. Photo courtesy of Dorchester County Visitors Center
Two hundred years ago, an American hero named Harriet Tubman was born in Dorchester County, Maryland. An Underground Railroad conductor, abolitionist, suffragist, veteran, and small business owner, Tubman overcame arduous odds to accomplish great feats. Today, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Scenic Byway follows in her footsteps from her home in Dorchester County to freedom in Philadelphia. There are 45 sites to explore in total, and nearly half of the byway’s sites are located in Dorchester County. Read more…
Tools of the Trade: Remote Easement Monitoring with Lens
Image of a Maryland Environmental Trust easement property in Upstream Tech’s Lens system
Maryland Environmental Trust (MET) had nearly finished preparations for its spring easement monitoring season. The pandemic put a serious dent in executing MET’s plans for monitoring, which usually involves visiting properties, meeting with the property owners, and observing the landscape and land uses, all to verify adherence to conservation easement requirements. In some limited circumstances, staff were still able to make visual assessments of land use from public roadways, but for the most part, our monitoring efforts were shut down to avoid the potential of spreading the virus. Read more…
Outside Perspective
This year Maryland commemorates the 200th anniversary of when experts believe that Araminta Ross–later to be known as Harriet Tubman–was born in Dorchester County.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resource is proud to partner with the National Park Service at our Harriet Tubman State Park and Visitor Center, which is also celebrating a milestone fifth anniversary since its opening on Harriet Tubman Day, March 10. Read more…
Youth, Veteran, and Military Waterfowl Hunting Day Held Feb. 5
Special Hunting Opportunity Offered Statewide
Photo by Larry Hindman, Maryland DNR
Maryland’s youth hunters, veterans, and military personnel can experience the thrills of hunting the state’s fields and wetlands during the winter special waterfowl hunting day on Feb. 5. Read more…
Maryland Reports 2022 Winter Turkey Season Harvest
Hunters Take Advantage of Cold Weather Opportunity
Photo by Tony Wheatley, submitted to the 2018 Maryland DNR Photo Contest.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that hunters reported taking 67 wild turkeys during the 2022 winter turkey season, which was open statewide Jan. 20-22. This year’s harvest was 24% lower than the 2021 winter total of 89 turkeys.
St. Mary’s, Baltimore, and Caroline counties reported the highest harvests respectively, although turkeys were reported from most counties across the state. Adult males, or “toms,” comprised 30% of the harvest with the remainder being females and juveniles. Eighty-one percent were taken with a shotgun, but some hunters harvested their bird with a crossbow or vertical bow. Read more…
Wildlife Professional’s Estate Bequeaths $1.7M to Department
Gift to Support Wildlife Education and Upland Habitat Projects
Marilyn Mause in 2017. photo courtesy Gregory Bartles.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife and Heritage Service recently received a $1.7 million gift from the estate of longtime employee Marilyn Mause specifically for wildlife education and upland habitat projects. Mause, who worked 34 years for the department’s wildlife unit primarily within the state’s central region, passed away in 2018. Read more…
Maryland’s Primitive Deer Hunt Days Run Feb. 1 – 3
Final Opportunity for Deer Hunters for the 2021-22 Season
Photo by Sizhu Liu, submitted to Maryland Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the state’s Primitive Deer Hunt will be open Feb. 1-3 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 long bows, recurve bows, flintlock, or sidelock percussion muzzleloaders. Hunters may not use compound bows, crossbows, drawlocks, and telescopic or other electronic aiming devices. However, fiber optic sights are permitted on otherwise legal primitive bows or muzzleloaders. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Report — December 2021
A Natural Resources Police Officer on patrol. Maryland DNR file photo.
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) cited numerous individuals for hunting and fishing violations throughout the state in December. Read more…
Secretary’s Message – January 2022
Resolve to Accessing Maryland’s Natural World
While it was a rainy start to 2022, I could not let a little rain get in the way of a great tradition. This year I joined Maryland Conservation Corps participants and visitors for a First Day Hike at Tuckahoe State Park, in Caroline County.
I certainly was not alone! About 3,000 hikers took to the trails for First Day Hikes at our state parks over three days, despite the rainy and wet conditions. We are pleased to see so many people continuing to enjoy this growing tradition!
In true Maryland fashion, following a warm and rainy New Year’s weekend, literally overnight, we turned a corner into winter weather! But snow and cold temperatures do not mean you have to stay inside. There are plenty of winter outdoor recreation opportunities on Maryland’s public lands from the mountains to the coast. Visit our website for activities near you, or plan a fun winter weekend getaway to one of these scenic destinations. Of the more than 19 million visitors in our state parks in 2021, 93 percent rated their experience as “excellent” or “above average” which speaks to the quality of our parks and our staff. Read more…
NRP Officer Prevents a Second Suicide in Two Months
He Previously Rescued a Woman Who Had Jumped into a River
Maryland Natural Resources Police Officer First Class Jacob Gerczak
A Maryland Natural Resources Police officer prevented a suicide for the second time in two months.
On Dec. 29 at about 6:30 p.m., Officer First Class Jacob Gerczak was on patrol near the Chesapeake City Bridge when he observed a woman leaning over the safety railing of the bridge. The five-year veteran, who in October had rescued another woman after she jumped into a river, recognized the signs that she might be suicidal and turned his patrol vehicle to approach the woman. Read more…
Maryland’s Winter Turkey Season Opens January 20
Hunters Get One More Chance to Bag a Bird
Photo by Isaac Bonneville
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the opening of the winter turkey season, which runs statewide from Jan. 20-22 for hunters who did not harvest a turkey during the 2021 fall season.
Hunting hours are from one half-hour before sunrise to one half-hour after sunset. The bag limit is one turkey of either sex. Read more…
Marylanders Kick Off 2022 with First Day Hikes
New Year’s Weekend Hikers Brave Rainy Conditions
Hikers at Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area head into the woods on Jan. 1, 2022. Maryland DNR photo.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) estimates that about 3,000 visitors took part in First Day Hikes in Maryland State Parks during the three-day period from December 31, 2021 through January 2, 2022.
More than 350 people self-reported that they hiked 1,223 miles in our state parks during the three-day weekend, in addition to 487 people that took part in ranger-led hikes, and 2,135 hikers who enjoyed self-guided options.
Rainy conditions may have dampened some attendance this year, but generally warmer temperatures through most of Maryland still provided plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun on the state’s public lands. Read more…
Maryland Deer Firearms Season Reopens January 7
Final Weekend of State’s Most Popular Hunt
Photo by Lori Bramble
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the January firearm deer hunting season opens Jan. 7, 2022, in Deer Management Region B, which includes all of the state except the westernmost counties. Hunters with a valid hunting license may use firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this season.
The season is open Jan. 7-8 in all of Region B. The season is also open through Sunday, Jan. 9 on private and designated public lands in Cecil and St. Mary’s counties, and on private lands only in Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Kent, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Washington (Zone 1), and Worcester counties. Shooting hours end at 10:30 a.m. in Kent and Montgomery counties. Read more…
First Day Hikes on Maryland Public Lands to Welcome 2022
Ranger-led and Self-guided Hikes Available Across Maryland
Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford and Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio take a First Day Hike at Patapsco Valley State Park on Jan. 1, 2021. Photo by Joe Andrucyk, Maryland State House.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites everyone to take a First Day Hike, Maryland’s annual tradition for a fun, healthy way to welcome the New Year.
The Maryland Park Service will once again make First Day Hikes a weekend-long event, with ranger-led and self-guided opportunities across the state from Dec. 31, 2021 through Jan. 2, 2022. Read more…
Maryland Hunters Take 26,569 Deer in Two-Week Firearms Season
Harvest 16% Lower, Population Remains Healthy
Photo by Olivia Wiley
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that hunters harvested 26,569 deer during the two-week firearms season from Nov. 27 through Dec. 11. The harvest was 16% lower than last year’s official count of 31,649. Read more…
Muzzleloader Deer Season Open Through Jan. 1, 2022
Second Half of Split Season Now Open
Photo by Brendan Wolf
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters the muzzleloader deer hunting season reopened Dec. 18 and will run through Jan. 1, 2022. This is the second half of Maryland’s split deer muzzleloader season; the first half was held in October. Hunters may use muzzleloading firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this time. Read more…
Winning Artwork Chosen for 2022-2023 Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design
Depiction of Snow Geese Wins Annual Contest
Towson resident Jim Taylor’s illustration will adorn the 2022-23 Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp.
Towson resident Jim Taylor won this year’s 48th annual Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest held by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Judges chose Taylor’s depiction of snow geese flying over a cornfield to be featured on the stamps hunters purchase to hunt all migratory game birds in the state. Read more…
Maryland Announces Winter and Spring Trout Stocking for 2022
Preseason Stocking Begins; Traditional Trout Opener is March 26
Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced plans to stock 300,000 trout in Maryland waters. Preseason trout stocking begins this week.
The annual stocking will be completed in three bursts, preseason from now through February and spring stocking March 14 –25 and April 18 – 29. Updates will be provided for all open locations once stocking is complete. Read more…
Natural Resources Police Report — November 2021
The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) charged numerous individuals in November for conservation law violations including striped bass poaching and illegal deer hunting. Read more…
Secretary’s Message — December 2021
Honoring our Past, Preserving our Future
Employee Appreciation celebration at Harriet Tubman State Park. Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
December is a great time to reflect on the year’s accomplishments, so I decided to dedicate this month’s message to our amazing partners, volunteers, and staff who make our accomplishments possible.
Earlier this year, I was pleased to host Employee Appreciation celebrations at various state park locations throughout the state. This offered us an opportunity to formally honor our team of dedicated staff and celebrate milestone anniversaries in their years of service to the State of Maryland and DNR.
These invaluable employees have provided 10, 20, 30, and even 40 years of service. Their depth of knowledge and dedication helps us excel at our mission and makes our state a better place. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – December 8
As the sun sets on the 2021 striped bass season, this photo sums up the message, “just one more fish, please.” Photo by Travis Long.
This will be our final Maryland Fishing Report for 2021 — look for our midwinter report in January. In the meantime, there are a number of fun adventures anglers and their families can enjoy together the next couple months. All of us at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources wish you peace and happiness over the holidays and in the New Year.
The 2021 Maryland striped bass season comes to a close on Friday, December 10. Anglers in southern Maryland will be able to fish for striped bass in the lower Potomac River until December 31.
Atlantic Population Canada Goose Season Begins Dec. 17
Split Season Ends Jan.1, Resumes Jan. 13
Photo by Larry Hindman, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that Maryland’s Atlantic Population Canada goose hunting season opens Friday, Dec. 17. The season contains two segments, Dec. 17 through Jan. 1, 2022, and again from Jan. 13 through Jan. 31, 2022. Read more…
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