Natural Resources News
Native Plant Profile: Inkberry (Ilex glabra)
Inkberry by Siddarth Machado CC by NC 2.0
Inkberry (Ilex glabra) is one of our native, compact shrubs in the holly family (Aquifoliaceae) that keeps its leaves year-round. It is a relatively slow growing species that maxes out at heights of 5- 8 feet tall. It sometimes will form clumps with numerous sprouts, making it a great plant to use as a low hedge or border. The leaves are evergreen, finely toothed and can get up to 2.5 inches long. They appear dark green and shiny above with a lighter, duller appearance below.
Read more…
Winter Greens for Wildlife
Inkberry by Philip Bouchard CC by NC ND 2.0
Woody plants are essential for wildlife. In the winter, evergreen plants can provide much-needed shelter and food for local animals. Consider adding one or more of these native plants to your backyard landscape to provide for local wildlife. Read more…
Habitat Project: Eastern Screech-owl Boxes
Screech owl by Roy Niswanger CC by NC 2.0
Did you know? Maryland is home to eight species of owls, several of which are year-round residents while others visit during migration. The smallest resident owl in Maryland is the Eastern Screech-owl, which is often under 10 inches in length. Eastern Screech-owls are formidable hunters and are adapted to survive in both suburban and rural areas where the owls quietly pick off rodents and other small mammals with ease. Unlike larger owls, Eastern Screech-owls will readily take to nesting in boxes if the conditions are right. Read more…
Hunters Harvest 27,000 Deer During Firearms Season
Weather a Factor in Final Numbers
Photo by John Gambriel
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that hunters reported taking 27,088 deer during the state’s most popular hunt, the two-week firearms season. The total harvest was 14% lower than last year’s official count of 31,631. Bad weather on key weekends contributed to the decline in many parts of the state.
More than 2,000 deer were taken on the two Sundays during the season, representing 8% the total harvest. Sunday hunting is currently permitted on select Sundays in 20 of 23 counties. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Will Return in 2020
Maryland Fishing Report is on break for the winter, and will resume in early 2020. For the latest information on fishing and water conditions in Maryland please sign up for our email newsletters at dnr.maryland.gov. Read more…
First Day Hikes Offer a Fresh Start to 2020
Maryland Public Lands Hosting 40 Hikes Across State
New Year’s Day 2019 saw attendance triple for First Day Hikes in Maryland’s state parks.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites everyone to join a First Day Hike, Maryland’s annual tradition for a fun, healthy kickoff to the New Year.
On Jan. 1, 2020, the Maryland Park Service will offer 40 guided hikes on 33 state lands and parks, as part of a nationwide event sponsored by America’s State Parks. The earliest of the hikes starts at 8 a.m. while the latest has been planned to take advantage of year’s first sunset.
Among the new hikes planned are a “Year of the Woman” hike at Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park in Dorchester County, and a First Day Birding Hike at Chapman State Park in Charles County. Read more…
Muzzleloader Season for Deer Reopens Dec. 21
Second Half of Season Runs Until Jan. 4
Photo: Deer Herd at Monocacy Battlefield by Jan Branscome
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the second segment of the muzzleloader deer hunting season will open Dec. 21 and run through Jan. 4, 2020. Hunters may use muzzleloading firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this season. Read more…
2019 ‘Conservationist of the Year’ Awarded to Thomas DiGregorio of Dorchester County
From left to right: Jacob Peregrim, Paul Peditto, Thomas DiGregorio;, Lou Compton, and Greg Schenk
On behalf of the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce that Thomas DiGregorio has been recognized as the 2019 Conservationist of the Year. The award was presented at the Nov. 20 meeting of the Wildlife Advisory Commission at the Tawes State Office Building in Annapolis.
“Tom DiGregorio’s dedication to the ideals of conservation and habitat management for the betterment of wildlife is apparent to all who meet him,” Wildlife Advisory Commission Chairman Lou Compton said. “For this continued perseverance of conservation and appreciation for the results he has produced, we are proud to honor Tom DiGregorio with the 2019 Maryland Conservationist of the Year award.” Read more…
Police Deer Decoy Struck by Suspect
Natural Resources Police Target Hunting Violations
Maryland Natural Resources Police charged a Carroll County woman for driving while intoxicated after she struck a deer decoy and led officers on a chase. Police on Nov. 30 were patrolling for illegal spotlighting and using a decoy deer along Flag Marsh Road in Mt. Airy. Officers reportedly saw a vehicle stop in the road, turn on its headlights, drive off the road into the field, and strike the decoy deer.
When officers approached the vehicle, it sped away through several fields before finally stopping. Police say the driver, Melinda Marie Platt, 46, was intoxicated and admitted to drinking several beers. A passenger, James Platt, 55, was also intoxicated, according to police. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Dec. 11
Photo by Keith Lockwood
This is the final weekly Maryland Fishing Report of 2019 — we will return in 2020.
While everyone is caught up in the pre-holiday rush, those looking for a little respite will find plenty of fun fishing opportunities this month. The pre-season stocking of trout has begun and walleye, chain pickerel, yellow perch and catfish are all eager to entertain those who fish for them. The Chesapeake Bay striped bass season will come to a close on December 15, and the past couple weeks have been like the grand finale at a fireworks display. As the sun sets on the 2019 season, we look ahead to 2020.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has produced a fact sheet, available online, to address the many questions recreational anglers may have concerning future striped bass regulations and management.
The Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission recently created an annual recreational fisheries achievement award, to be given once a year. This is a great opportunity to recognize someone you know who goes that extra distance in volunteering their services to aid in promoting and conserving our recreational fisheries resources in Maryland. For more information and to nominate someone, find everything you need on the department’s website.
Save the Bay: Eat Invasive!
Biologist holds blue catfish caught by electrofishing, courtesy of Branson D. Williams
Maryland’s infamous invasive fishes — blue catfish, northern snakehead, and flathead catfish — were introduced to bay waters without Maryland Department of Natural Resources authorization. These species now pose an array of potential problems for the ecosystems of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.
Even with increased fishing pressure, controlling the abundance of invasives after they’ve become established can be difficult. While the department is investigating other ways of controlling the spread and abundance of these fish, we encourage the method that has been tried and true for centuries – eating them! And the good news is that the illegally introduced invasive fishes in Maryland are not only edible but delicious! Read more…
The Nature of Change
Maryland is abundant with natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resources that contribute significantly to our economy and quality of life. I have long held that conservation and economic growth need not be at odds with one another, and we are making great strides to that end. Read more…
Home on the Fringe: White-tailed Deer Thrive in Suburbs
Photo by Ken Mullinix
Suburban deer sightings are so common that few of us pay much attention anymore. White-tailed deer are everywhere – along the roadways, throughout our parks, and in our very own backyards.
Many people incorrectly presume that these animals belong in the deep woods, and the ones wandering into our neighborhoods are refugees displaced by residential, commercial, or agricultural development. In fact, development actually creates better habitat for deer. White-tailed deer are a fringe species, exploiting the benefits of forested land for cover and open areas for food, requiring a substantial portion of each to survive. Read more…
Outside Perspective
Fall is one of my favorite seasons, a time to enjoy the cooler weather and changing leaves. One thing never changes, though — the stewardship that Maryland citizens show in support of our natural resources. In this edition of our magazine, we feature the work of our 2019 Natural Resources Photo Contest winners, which captures that spirit — along with the variety and beauty of Maryland’s landscapes, waterways and wildlife — in a remarkable way. Read more…
Ask an Expert: Moon Names
Photo by Christopher Brown
I’ve heard full moons referred to as Harvest Moon, Hunter’s Moon, and others – where do these names come from and what do they signify?
Jack in Frostburg
Nicknames for full moons have an ancient history, and it is closely tied to the cycle of natural resources. In North America, native tribes and later early European settlers identified full moons by important happenings or activities related to hunting, fishing and agriculture. This was obviously important knowledge to societies that quite literally lived and died by knowing how to work with nature. Read more…
Atlantic Population Canada Goose Season Begins Dec. 20
Hunters Can Bag One Goose Per Day
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the state’s migratory Atlantic Population (AP) Canada goose hunting season will take place in two segments, Dec. 20, 2019 through Jan. 4, 2020 and Jan. 14, 2020 through Jan. 31, 2020. Hunters can bag one goose per day in Maryland’s AP Canada Goose Hunting Zone. Read more…
Recipe: Venison Steaks with Chimichurri
Photo by James R. Mackey
Herby and colorful, chimichurri is a traditional Argentinian sauce. It’s great on venison but can also nicely complement grilled fish, chicken, and beef. Alternatively, use this chimichurri as a marinade and let the venison marinate for a few hours or overnight. Read more…
Way Cool: Cranesville Swamp Offers a Glimpse into a Different Time and Climate
Photo by Ashley Stimpson
Most people come to western Maryland for the mountains — but Garrett County visitors who venture off the beaten path will find a remarkable and rare treasure tucked between the hills.
Cranesville Swamp Preserve is one of the last boreal bogs in the southeastern United States. In this small, bowl-shaped bog, a phenomenon known as a “frost pocket” creates a habitat more reminiscent of Alaska than Maryland. As weather patterns move east across the region, the hills surrounding Cranesville Swamp channel precipitation and chilled air into the valley, making the preserve one of the coolest locations in our state. Thanks to this unique climate, visitors can find lots of unusual plant and animal species in this out-of-place ecosystem and see what the landscape looked like 15,000 years ago as the last ice age receded. Read more…
From the Field: Natural Resources Police Captain Tracy Campbell
When Captain Tracy Campbell first joined the Maryland Natural Resources Police in 1995, newly minted officers were assigned to a boat, to which they reported for patrol or response duties.With her assignment in St. Michaels, the Baltimore native quickly felt at home on the Eastern Shore.
Those days, officers didn’t have their own state vehicles—or cell phones. “You would get a call on your home phone in the middle of the night, get in your personal car, drive down the road to the boat and then turn the boat radio on to find out the status of the call,” Campbell remembers. Read more…
A Voice in the Wilderness: After 75 Years, Smokey’s Message Still Looms Large
Courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service Smokey Bear collection, U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Library
One presence has stood tall spreading the word to prevent human-caused wildfires throughout the nation — Smokey Bear. For generations of Americans Smokey Bear and his message of “only you can prevent wildfires” has reminded us of the consequences of being careless with fire outdoors. Read more…
A Hunter’s Story: Maryland’s Mentored Hunt Rejuvenates Childhood Dream
Hunting turkey. Photo by Maribeth Kulynycz.
My passion for hunting began when I was a young girl, listening raptly to my dad’s bedtime stories about his childhood spent stalking birds with only a slingshot and a pouch of pebbles on his family’s farm. Read more…
Maryland Deer Firearms Opening Day Harvest Up 29%
Wind, Rain Hamper Overall Weekend
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that hunters reported 8,061 deer taken on opening day of the 2019 Maryland firearm season, Nov. 30. This represents a 29% increase over last year’s Saturday opener. The overall weekend harvest of 9,201 was down 9% from 2018 due to nearly non-stop rain and wind across the state on Sunday.
The harvest total includes 4,248 antlered and 4,953 antlerless deer, including 147 antlered and 126 antlerless sika deer. The two-week deer firearm season runs through Dec. 14. Read more…
Secretary’s Message: December 2019
Winter is Coming – Perfect for Maryland Outdoors Fun!
Celebrating Downrigging Weekend at the Port of Chestertown Marina
As we rake up the last of the fall leaves and the weather turns colder, some may think that winter’s arrival means less time spent outside, but Maryland has many cold-weather outdoor recreation opportunities.
Western Maryland – or Mountain Maryland as some call it – is a true winter wonderland. We have 23 state parks and three state forests in the westernmost counties, plus access to the national Appalachian Trail, all of which provide wonderful wintry vistas. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Dec. 4
Mike Crocetti made the trip to Tuckahoe Lake to enjoy a beautiful day and a chance to catch and release a nice chain pickerel. Photo courtesy of Mike Crocetti
There is no doubt the hand of winter is passing over Maryland. Despite colder weather, there is plenty of fun fishing to be had from the sheltered shores of the many ponds, lakes, reservoirs, creeks, and rivers throughout Maryland. The preseason stocking of trout has begun, and other fish such as chain pickerel are active and waiting for you.
The Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission recently created an annual recreational fisheries achievement award, to be given once a year. This is a great opportunity to recognize someone you know who goes that extra distance to volunteer their services to help with the promotion and conservation of our recreational fisheries resources in Maryland. For more information and to nominate someone, find everything you need on the Department of Natural Resources website.
Department Launches New Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Award
Nominations Accepted Through Jan. 31, 2020
Photo: “Native Brook Trout” by Michael Eversmier
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission announce the creation of the Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Award, a celebration of conservation, education, and sportsmanship. This prestigious honor will recognize an individual who has provided sustained efforts in habitat management, conservation, education, research, or other meaningful contributions that benefit fish and recreational fishing in Maryland. Read more…
‘Gift of Trees’ Can Last for Generations
Orders Taken Now for the Holidays
White oak seedlings at John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers holiday shoppers the opportunity to give a lasting legacy. The Gift of Trees is a program where Marylanders purchase native trees — either a single tree or a grove of 10 trees — for planting in honor of a celebration, commemoration, or observation.
A Gift of Trees certificate suitable for framing will be issued and mailed out within a week or two of an order. All trees will be planted in the next growing season – either spring or fall – to promote optimal growth and survival. Orders must be placed by Dec. 17 to ensure certificate delivery in time for the holidays.
For orders received through Dec. 6, additional savings apply. Read more…
Forever Maryland Foundation Launched
New Nonprofit Created to Advance Land Conservation
Forever Maryland Foundation and Maryland Environmental Trust, a unit of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, jointly announce the launch of a new statewide venture in land conservation. Forever Maryland has been created to undertake a bold agenda to meet the need for a nongovernmental organization with a Maryland-specific focus on land conservation.
Forever Maryland will work closely with the 40 local land trusts in Maryland and state and federal government agencies to find new ways for people to better connect with Maryland’s beautiful landscapes, scenic vistas, farmlands, and natural resources. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Nov. 27
Nick Long spent a quiet evening on the bay fishing with his dad and holds up a beautiful fall striped bass as the sun sets. Photo by Travis Long
Although the mornings can be a bit nippy, good fishing opportunities exist from the mountains of western Maryland to the waters of the Atlantic. The Chesapeake Bay striped bass season has a little more than two weeks to go before it closes, and anglers are bundling up and enjoying the fun.
Maryland Fifth-Graders Invited to Submit Arbor Day Posters for 2020
Annual Contest Taking Submissions until Jan. 17, 2020
Winning entry of the 2019 Arbor Day Poster Contest, by Lydia Secrist of Garrett County
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Forest Conservancy District Boards invites all Maryland fifth-graders in private and public schools to participate in the annual Arbor Day Poster Contest.
The theme for 2020 is: “Trees Are Terrific…in All Four Seasons!”
All entries must be delivered to a local Maryland Forest Service office by noon, Jan. 17, 2020. Read more…
2020-2021 Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest Winner Announced
Indiana Artist’s Blue-Winged Teal to Adorn Hunting Stamps
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce that Jeffrey Klinefelter of Etna Green, Ind. won the 46th Annual Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest. Judges selected his stunning depiction of a hen and a drake blue-winged teal, complete with leg band and mirror-like reflection in the water, aptly named “Quiet Waters.”
The artwork will be featured on the stamps that hunters purchase to hunt all migratory game birds in the state, with the proceeds funding migratory game bird research and habitat enhancement on public lands.
The winner was chosen by a panel of judges on Nov. 10 at the 49th Annual Waterfowl Festival in Easton in front of art enthusiasts, as well as some of the entrants and their families.
Read more…
Natural Resources Police Put Spotlight on Illegal Hunting Practices
Maryland Natural Resources Police recently charged individuals throughout the state for illegally using spotlights for hunting — known as “jacklighting” — along with bear-baiting and other outlawed practices. Read more…
Sea Turtles, Marine Mammals At Risk From Low Temperatures
Anglers, Boaters, and Beachcombers Should Report ‘Cold-Stunning’
Photo courtesy NOAA Fisheries
When water temperatures decline, sea turtles and some marine animals can be caught off guard. Since sea turtles are cold-blooded animals, a dramatic decline in water temperatures can cause hypothermia or cold-stunning. The immediate impacts can cause some species to become slow and unresponsive, making them dangerous to themselves and boaters.
Cold-stunning can also be lethal to marine mammals such as the Florida manatees. While rare, some manatees will trek northward into the Chesapeake Bay during the summer months and stay until fall. As with sea turtles, cold snaps can cause severe hypothermia in manatees and could even be fatal. Last year alone, marine animal rescue organizations responded to nearly 1,000 cold-stunned animals along the east coast.
“Cold-stunning to sea turtles and marine mammals can occur from late October to early winter,” said Amanda Weschler, coordinator of Maryland’s Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Response Program. “While cold-stunning is a natural occurrence, it’s very important to report any sightings to the department.” Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Nov. 20
Photo courtesy of Eric Packard
The chill of late November is beginning to lay its hand upon the Maryland landscape. Freshwater species such as trout, walleye, and chain pickerel seem to love the cold. Our blue crabs are seeking the perfect mix of deep water sand and mud to take a winter’s nap.
White perch and resident striped bass are moving into the deep waters of the Chesapeake to snooze out the cold winter months. The late fall offers plenty of good fishing as fish feed heavily to build up winter stores, so don’t miss it.
Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary Hosts ‘Greeting of the Geese’
Department, Tribal Leaders Welcome Winter Migration
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Piscataway-Conoy Tribe present the annual Greeting of the Geese at Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23. This event celebrates the return of Canada geese to Maryland as part of their winter migration, and the role the Prince George’s County sanctuary plays in it.
The event features demonstrations of traditional Native American dances and crafts, and a presentation of ancient oyster roasting techniques. Activities will also include a guided hike through the sanctuary, hayrides, and a visit from Scales & Tales. Read more…
Grants Gateway Open for Community Resiliency and Environmental Restoration
Department Accepting Grant Applications from Governments, Nonprofits
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today announced that up to $30 million is available for local governments and organizations seeking to restore local waterways, increase their resilience to climate and storm impacts, strengthen local economies, and develop the next generation of environmental stewards.
The department’s Grants Gateway provides a streamlined, single point of entry to several state and federal programs, maximizing the resources available to restore the Chesapeake Bay and help coastal communities. The system, now in its second year, enables communities better access to financial resources and a more intuitive reporting and management process. Read more…
Maryland Reports Early Season Deer, Turkey Hunt Results
Favorable Weather Improves Deer Harvest
Photo by George Hook
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that hunters harvested 21,073 deer during the early portion of the archery and muzzleloader seasons.
The harvest was a 12% increase from last year’s official harvest of 18,839 deer for the same period. More favorable hunting conditions this year contributed to the increased harvest. Read more…
‘Boatload of Toys’ Getting Underway for 2019
Natural Resources Police Starts Annual Toy Drive
The Maryland Natural Resources Police invites everyone aboard for its annual “Boatload of Toys” drive, collecting donations of new and unopened items for children in need. As part of the drive, a Natural Resources Police patrol boat will be set up outside several retailers in Maryland beginning Nov. 23, with the goal of filling the entire boat.
Officers and other staff manage this program each year as part of the national Marine Toys for Tots program, which was created at the behest of the U.S. Marine Corps to collect and distribute toys to less fortunate children during the holiday season. Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report for Nov. 16-17, 2019
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for November 16 and 17 brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Nov. 13
This fine looking crappie is held up by a proud Henry Gessford who was fishing in a lower Dorchester County river recently. Photo by Jody Gessford
The colder weather has descended upon the Maryland landscape and few know it better than our furry, finned, and feathered friends who call the outdoors their home. All are on a bit of a feeding binge to prepare for the cold winter months ahead.
Deer Firearms Hunting Season Opens Nov. 30
Maryland’s Most Popular Hunt Runs Through Dec. 14
Photo by Reinhardt Sahmel
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces that the two-week firearm hunting season for sika and white-tailed deer opens Nov. 30 and runs through Dec. 14.
Sunday deer hunting is available in all but three counties for the deer firearm season and remains a critical component to deer population management and provides recreational opportunities for all resident and visiting hunters. Read more…
‘One Fort, Three Wars’ at Fort Frederick State Park Nov. 9-10
Explore the Life of America’s Soldiers Through History
Historic Fort Frederick State Park offers visitors a look at life in the fort this Veterans Day weekend as volunteers exhibit the varied roles the fort played during the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the Civil War. Events run 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
The program takes a deeper look at the uses of the fort and the roles of the people serving in the wars that shaped our nation. Highlights of the weekend will include live firing of vintage 18th and 19th century weapons, demonstrations of percussion vs. flintlock firing, volunteer company drills, and demonstrations of life of the soldier at Fort Frederick from 1756-1865, including a look at 18th century medicine, soldiers’ rations of the two centuries, and more. Read more…
Maryland Department of Natural Resources Offers Resources to Veterans
Benefits, Discounts Provided for Those Who Serve
Members of the Maryland Veterans of Foreign Wars State Honor Guard present the colors Nov. 6 at a Veterans Day commemoration in Tawes Garden.
In recognition of Veterans Day, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces its numerous resources available to veterans.
In February 2019, joined by more than 100 veterans, Governor Larry Hogan proclaimed 2019 as the Year of the Veteran in Maryland. This yearlong observance honors United States veterans and military families and celebrates their contributions to Maryland and our country.
“We can never do enough to raise awareness of the brave service and sacrifice our United States veterans and families have made for Maryland for our nation,” said Governor Hogan. “Our state is proud to be home to 380,000 veterans, including 8,000 World War II veterans and an additional 30,000 active military, 19,000 reservists, and more than 6,000 members of our National Guard. These heroes serve as a reminder every single day of the immeasurable cost of war and the immense price of freedom.” Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report for Nov. 9-10, 2019
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for November 9 and 10 brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Nov. 6
Photo courtesy of Mike Glyphis
November has started off with lots of exciting fishing opportunities. Maryland Department of Natural Resources crews have stocked generous amounts of trout in waters throughout the state, as our fall stocking program comes to an end. Chesapeake anglers are enjoying fishing for striped bass and coastal anglers are experiencing excellent fishing for sea bass. Mike Glyphis was fishing 16 miles off Ocean City when he hooked up with a 5.6-pound gray triggerfish, which is now recognized as a new state record inching out the previous record of 5.2 pounds set in 2014.
Secretary’s Message: November 2019
A Natural Expression of Gratitude to Our Veterans
Governor Larry Hogan declared 2019 the Year of the Veteran, a yearlong observance to raise awareness of the brave service and sacrifice our United States veterans and families have made for Maryland and our country. While our nation will celebrate on Veterans Day, the governor’s declaration is an important reminder that we should appreciate our veterans every day. It also inspired us at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to reaffirm our commitment to Maryland’s 380,000 veterans.
At DNR we directly benefit from the dedication of approximately 90 individuals that served our country and have chosen to continue their public service through full-time careers at our department. I was proud to host a special ceremony on Nov. 6 with Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary George Owings at our Annapolis headquarters to honor these distinguished individuals and all who have served. Read more…
Ocean City Angler Catches Record Gray Triggerfish
Maryland State Record Stood for Five Years
Ocean City resident Mike Glyphis set a new Maryland state record for gray triggerfish. Glyphis caught the 5.6-pound fish Oct. 30 while fishing 16 miles offshore in the Atlantic Ocean. Read more…
Prescribed Burn Planned for Dan’s Mountain Wildlife Management Area
Action to Improve Wildlife Habitat, Protect Trees
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources plans to conduct a prescribed burn on Dan’s Mountain Wildlife Management Area between Nov. 4 and Nov. 21, weather permitting.
Access to the east side of the wildlife management area — at the primitive camping area and at Middle Ridge Road — will be limited during the burn, but will reopen as soon as the project is complete. The burn will involve a low, controlled flame targeting underbrush and ground cover debris, and smoke is expected to be minimal.
The purpose of the burn is to improve habitat for wildlife and to restore a stand of pitch pine and table mountain pine that is more than 90 years old. Read more…
Fall Foliage and Festival Report for Nov. 2-3, 2019
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for November 2 and 3, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – Oct. 30
Herb Floyd takes one last look at this Choptank River striped bass being carefully released to fight another day. Photo by Herb Floyd
As October comes to a close, Maryland anglers will find there are plenty of treats and no tricks awaiting them. The fall stocking program has released a very generous amount of trout across Maryland; Chesapeake Bay anglers are enjoying some of the season’s finest light-tackle action; and sea bass fishing off Ocean City has been excellent.
Black Bear Hunt Concludes in Western Maryland
145 Bears Harvested in Four Counties
Painting by Rebecca Latham
Favorable weather conditions helped bear hunters enjoy success during Maryland’s 16th annual black bear hunt.
Official results reported by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources show that 145 hunters harvested a bear during the five-day hunt held in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties.
The largest bear taken weighed 539 pounds and was harvested in Garrett County by Carl Lee of Swanton. Other notable bears included a 529-pound bear, also taken in Garrett County, by Tyler Minnick of Grantsville, and a 422-pound bruin taken in Washington County by Robert Droneburg of Rohrersville. Read more…
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