Natural Resources News
Black Bear and Migratory Game Bird Stamp Winners Announced
Annual Contest Brings Entries from Seven States
“Looking Back” by Steve Oliver
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that a Delaware resident won this year’s Maryland Black Bear Conservation Stamp Design Contest, while the award for top Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design went to a resident of Des Moines, Iowa.
The winners were chosen by a panel of judges March 17 at the 18th Annual Eagle Festival at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Cambridge.
Weekly Fishing Report: March 28
Photo courtesy of Sherry Bishop
It’s safe to say that more than a few trout fishermen will spend a restless Friday night glancing at their alarm clocks. Opening Day holds all the promise and anticipation one can imagine, like something out of our youthful fantasies.
A carnival-type atmosphere will greet most anglers as they arrive at the more popular and heavily stocked locations. There can hardly be a better time to gather up young anglers and have them take part in such a great fishing opportunity, and find success in catching some stocked trout.
Here’s hoping everyone enjoys their opening day experience.
Free Tree Seedlings Available for Carroll County Landowners
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to help improve water quality in Carroll County. Landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property are eligible for free trees through the department’s Backyard Buffers program.
Requests for seedlings must be received by April 3. Interested property owners should contact Watershed Forester Jamie Weaver at 410-848-9290 to reserve their packets. Quantities are limited, so reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Read more…
Coastal Resiliency Program Expands to Anne Arundel County
Total of Six Demonstration Projects Statewide
“Chesapeake Bay Sunrise” by Yvonne Navalaney
The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved dedicated funding of two Coastal Resiliency Grant Program projects in Anne Arundel County to help communities enhance their resiliency to the effects of climate change, extreme storms and weather.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is helping to design six shoreline improvement demonstration projects statewide to implement on-the-ground natural and nature-based restoration projects, including living shorelines, marsh enhancements and stormwater management systems in vulnerable areas throughout Maryland. Read more…
Pumpout Grants Available for Maryland Marinas
Deadline is April 15
Maryland marinas can now apply for Pumpout Operations and Maintenance grants through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
These grants reimburse marinas for the expense of operating and maintaining pumpout stations. Applications due April 15. Read more…
Maryland Environmental Trust Offers Volunteer Training April 17
Conservation Training Opportunity
Following their training, volunteer land stewards will assist the department with monitoring conservation easement properties statewide.
The Maryland Environmental Trust is offering a one-day volunteer training session for individuals interested in helping to monitor state conservation easements. The training session will be held 6 to 8 p.m. April 17 at Maryland Environmental Trust at 100 Community Place, Conference Room A, Crownsville.
The trust, a unit of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, works with citizen land trusts and landowners to protect the state’s most treasured landscapes and natural resources as a legacy for future generations. These preserved lands are monitored annually to ensure the conservation easement values are permanently maintained and protected. Read more…
Free Tree Seedlings Available for Washington County Landowners
Riparian Homeowners Can Help Improve Water Quality
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree and shrub seedlings to help improve water quality in Washington County.
County landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property are eligible for free seedlings through the department’s Backyard Buffers program. Read more…
New Department Award Recognizes Black Bass Conservation Efforts
Tournaments Recognized for Best Practices
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces a new award to help promote black bass conservation.
The Director’s Black Bass Conservation Award will recognize bass fishing tournament directors who exemplify conservation with special recognition from the department and eligibility to receive fishing supplies.
Free Tree Seedlings Available for Frederick County Landowners
Riparian Homeowners Can Help Improve Water Quality
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to help improve water quality in Frederick County.
County landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property are eligible for free trees through the department’s Backyard Buffers program. Read more…
Three Anglers Charged with Fishing Violations on Choptank River
A Prince George’s County man was charged Sunday with recreational fishing on a suspended license.
A Natural Resources Police officer on surveillance on the Dorchester County side of the Bill Burton Fishing Pier State Park saw Elser Roque Guerra, 35, of Hyattsville, fishing for striped bass.
When approached, Guerra told the officer that he was unable to buy a fishing license. A check of state records showed he received a one-year suspension by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, starting Sept. 15, 2017.
Fort Frederick State Park to Host Youth Fishing Rodeo
April 7 Event Open to Anglers Aged 15 and Under
Young anglers can catch stocked trout and other fish from 8 a.m. to noon April 7, during the Fort Frederick State Park annual youth fishing rodeo at Beaver Pond.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources works with local organizations to host youth fishing rodeos, providing fun and engaging educational opportunities for nearly 5,000 children statewide. Read more…
Volunteers to Help Maintain and Preserve Point Lookout State Park
Annual Park Day Event Held April 7
Park Day Volunteers at Point Lookout State Park
Marylanders can help preserve and maintain historic Civil War sites during the Civil War Trust’s annual Park Day event April 7.
Volunteers are needed at Point Lookout State Park in St. Mary’s County to work on the Historic Civil War Fort #3 and Prison Pen area from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Needs include general maintenance of the fort and surrounding area.
Weekly Fishing Report: March 21
Photo by John Bildahl
Most everyone in the fishing community has heard the news by now: an iconic figure has passed to what he referred to his “spirit spring.”
The world will not be the same without Lefty Kreh, the Maryland hometown boy who shook up the fly-fishing world like nobody else ever has or possibly ever will. Lefty was one of kindest guys you could ever meet, with a heart of gold and a country-boy sense of humor that never left him throughout his life.
Maryland Land Conservation Conference Set for May
The Maryland Environmental Trust is hosting the Maryland Land Conservation Conference May 17 at the Maritime Conference Center in Linthicum.
The annual conference brings together partners and stakeholders from agriculture, community and local government, conservancies, heritage organizations, land trusts and more for a comprehensive discussion about the future of land conservation in Maryland the broader mid-Atlantic region. Read more…
Free Tree Seedlings Available for Lower Eastern Shore Landowners
Available to Riparian Homeowners in Dorchester and Wicomico
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free trees to help improve water quality in targeted Lower Eastern Shore communities.
Dorchester and Wicomico County landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property are eligible for free tree seedlings through the department’s Backyard Buffers program. Read more…
Hunter Safety Education Class Offered at Herrington Manor State Park
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will offer a Hunter Safety Education Class April 3, 5 and 7 at Herrington Manor State Park in Oakland.
Class times will be 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. April 3 and 5, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 7. The class is limited to 30 students. Interested participants can register online. Read more…
Free Tree Seedlings Available in Howard and Montgomery County
Riparian Homeowners Can Help Improve Water Quality
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree plantings to help improve water quality in targeted communities in Howard and Montgomery counties.
Property owners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property are eligible for free shrub and tree seedlings through the department’s Backyard Buffers program. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: March 14
This happy girl was lucky enough to get out with her dad for a little yellow perch fishing. Photo by Rich Watts
We are less than a week from the official first day of spring, and the recent switch to daylight saving time gives us an extra hour of daylight to enjoy some fishing after school or work. Daffodils are blooming and so are the fishing prospects.
There is plenty of fun trout fishing to be had, and your favorite fishing hole has a variety of freshwater fish that are raising up their activity levels after a cold winter. There is still good fishing for post-spawn yellow perch and the white perch runs will start soon.
Muskrat Trapping Season Extended in Select Maryland Counties
Muskrat Munch by Martha Johnston
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, 2018, to make up for unfavorable weather conditions.
An extremely cold January 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 Partnership to Monitor Mallows Bay Water Quality
Long-Term Monitoring Site to Benefit Public, Resource Managers and Scientists
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation and Maryland Department of Natural Resources have announced a five-year partnership to monitor water quality at Mallows Bay on the Potomac River, a site being considered for designation as a national marine sanctuary.
The partnership plans for a long-term, continuous water quality monitoring site in the proposed Mallows Bay–Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary area providing real-time data to the public, resource managers and scientists via the department’s Eyes on the Bay program. Monitoring is expected to begin in spring. Read more…
Washington County Man Charged in Snake Case
Washington County man known as “VenomMan20” was criminally charged Friday by Maryland Natural Resources Police with 23 counts of illegal possession of venomous snakes, animal cruelty and reckless endangerment.
Brandon Joseph Boyles, 28, of Cascade, had six Western Diamondback Rattlesnakes, one seven-foot-long Forest Cobra, one Cape Coral Cobra and two Boomslangs in his apartment when officers conducted a search. All of the snakes had the potential to deliver a fatal bite to humans. Read more…
Free Tree Seedlings Available for Anne Arundel County Landowners
Riparian Homeowners Can Help Improve Water Quality
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree plantings to help improve water quality in targeted Anne Arundel communities.
County landowners who have a ditch, creek, stream, or other waterway on or near their property are eligible for free tree or shrub seedlings through the department’s Backyard Buffers program.
Trees and shrubs planted along waterways help enhance and improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, reducing sediment, stabilizing stream banks and lowering water temperatures.
Natural Resources Careers Camp Accepting Applicants for July 2018
Annual Weeklong Program Offered for Grades 9-12
Students observe stream wildlife at Casselman River Bridge State Park during the 2017 Natural Resources Career Camp.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites high school students with an interest in forestry, fisheries, wildlife or parks management to participate in Natural Resources Careers Camp, July 22-28 at Hickory Environmental Education Center in Garrett County.
Experts from a variety of conservation, environmental and natural resources fields will provide campers with a firsthand look at what it takes for a career in natural resources. Read more…
Maple Syrup Festival Returns to Cunningham Falls State Park
Mountain Maryland Tradition Continues March 17-18
Cunningham Falls State Park hosts its 48th Annual Maple Syrup Making Demonstrations for a second and final weekend of the year, March 17-18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The festivities will take place in the William Houck Area, located at 14039 Catoctin Hollow Road in Thurmont.
Maryland Park Service rangers and volunteers will demonstrate the traditional way to craft this sweet concoction, as it has been done in North American forests since before the arrival of European settlers.
Attendees are welcome to relax on a hayride and watch as sap is collected. Visitors are also invited to enjoy a hot pancake breakfast, join in children’s activities, and listen to live bluegrass and folk music in a large, heated tent.
Deer Poacher Sentenced in Kent County
Natural Resources Police Cite Others for Oyster, Striped Bass Violations
The deer poacher convicted of killing a massive deer known as “mega-buck” on someone else’s property was sentenced Monday in Kent County Circuit Court.
Ronald Wayne Roe, 29, of Worton was convicted in February 2017 of multiple poaching charges in district court and appealed the decision. This week, he pleaded guilty to trespassing on private property and hunting without written permission in a negotiated agreement.
Roe killed the 17-point buck—a potential state record—in September 2016. Read more…
Homeowners Should Check Tree Contractors’ Credentials
Only Maryland Licensed Tree Experts Should be Hired
After the recent late winter storms and high winds, property owners across Maryland are learning the extent of damage to their property.
In cases where the cleanup requires a professional to handle the work, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has a few important suggestions homeowners should follow before bringing in a contractor to clear tree branches, limbs and other debris.
Only Maryland Licensed Tree Experts should be hired to trim branches and remove damaged and downed trees – they are the only tree care professionals who lawfully can perform this work in Maryland. Read more…
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park Celebrates Anniversary
New Library, Audio-Visual Exhibits and Programs Mark Occasion March 10 – 11
The Maryland Park Service is celebrating the first anniversary of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center in Dorchester County March 10 and 11, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Special events are planned throughout the weekend, along with the debut of new audio-visual exhibit enhancements and a fully-stocked research library, dedicated to telling the story of the fabled American abolitionist and hero, born and raised in Maryland. Read more…
Maryland Warming up for Spring Trout Fishing
Crews Stocking Waters with 300,000 Fish in 2018
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources anticipates releasing more than 300,000 brown, golden and rainbow trout in lakes, rivers and streams over the next few months, as 2018 is shaping up to be an exciting year for trout fishing in Maryland.
The department’s hatchery team began preseason trout stocking late last year and will begin spring stocking starting this month, when some areas are closed to fishing. Although there is always some form of trout fishing allowed in the state year-round, the department considers it “preseason” until these March closures take place.
Land Preservation and Recreation Workshops
Public Invited to Provide Feedback on Outdoor Activities, Amenities and Services
Smiles for Miles by James Corbett
As part of updating the Maryland Land Preservation and Recreation Plan, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and its partner, GreenPlay, LLC, will be hosting a series of information sessions and workshops to solicit public comment and stakeholder feedback on land conservation and outdoor recreation.
Residents and nonresidents are invited to attend.
Park Advisory Commission Awards Outstanding Supporters
Governor Larry Hogan, Maryland Public Television and Mid Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts Receive Honors
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces individuals and organizations recently recognized by the Park Advisory Commission and Maryland Park Service as outstanding supporters of our state parks. The commission presents the awards annually.
Governor Larry Hogan received the Leadership Award of Excellence at Maryland Tourism Day as a champion of our state parks, promoting them as places of natural beauty and destinations to visit and enjoy. He was presented his award at the State House by Superintendent Nita Settina and Park Advisory Commission Chair Deb Carter. Read more…
Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Return is Sentinel of Chesapeake Bay Ecosystem Recovery
Department Researcher among 14 Co-Authors in National Academy of Sciences Report
A new research article published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences analyzes the positive impact of long-term nutrient reductions on an important and valuable ecosystem in the Chesapeake Bay. The research indicates that a resurgence of underwater grasses is due to nutrient reductions from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Total Maximum Daily Load along with conservation incentives which have resulted in a healthier Chesapeake Bay.
Jonathan Lefcheck of the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Science, along with 13 co-authors, showed that a 23 percent reduction of nitrogen and an eight percent reduction of phosphorus has resulted in more than a threefold increase in abundance of submerged aquatic vegetation in the Chesapeake Bay.
Florida Man Nabbed for Contraband Snakes and Lizards
Also, Officers Rescue Dog from Burning Boat, Make Arrests for Stuffed Owls and State Park Damage
A Florida man was fined and sentenced Thursday in federal court to probation and community service for illegally transporting snakes and lizards in a case investigated by Maryland Natural Resources Police.
William Carl Bartlett, 66, of Eastpoint, was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine, received three years of probation and was ordered to perform 300 hours of community service. U.S. Magistrate Judge William I. Garfinkel also prohibited Bartlett from entering any Maryland state park or forest.
Bartlett, a snake and reptile collector, pleaded guilty last December to two counts of illegally transporting protected wildlife. He is the fourth person prosecuted as part of “Operation Kingsnake,” an investigation spearheaded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service into individuals who trafficked hundreds of illegally collected snakes from 12 states and Canada.
Oldest State Police Department Welcomes Newest Recruits
Largest Academy Class in Maryland Natural Resources Police History
Thirty-four men and women yesterday took the first step to becoming Maryland Natural Resources Police officers when they were sworn in as the agency’s 59th basic recruit class.
The class is the largest in the department’s history and is beginning its training as the agency celebrates its 150th anniversary. Read more…
Secretary’s Message: March 2018
Seeking the Input of Maryland’s Experts – You
I have the privilege of working with a dedicated team of experts in the natural sciences. The staff of every unit at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is committed to constantly refining the management of public resources – fisheries, forests, public lands, waterways and wildlife.
But nothing we do can move forward without the most important member of our team – you!
Public comment and input are essential to our mission.
Right now, Marylanders have multiple opportunities to make their voices heard before we design or implement policies and practices that impact our shared natural resources. Read more…
Weekly Fishing Report: February 28
Photo by Brett Coakley
Most everyone has some observations they consider harbingers of spring. It could be as simple as crocus or daffodils popping up in the yard, geese flying north or even the sound of spring peepers in a nontidal wetland, singing the evening away.
For many anglers spring means fishing for yellow perch and white perch as they begin their annual spawning runs in Maryland’s tidal rivers – and they take center stage for the next couple of weeks. Both yellow and white perch are now being caught in various tidal rivers and creeks, but the best is yet to come.
Restoring Freshwater Mussels to Maryland Streams
Project’s Goal to Raise and Release Bivalves into Wild
The presence of freshwater mussels indicates a healthy stream, with the bivalves acting as natural filters – removing excess nutrients and sediment from the water and then slowly releasing food for other aquatic life. However, the once-plentiful mussels have been on a decline in Maryland streams due to a number of factors.
To help restore the state’s mussel population, Maryland Department of Natural Resources biologist Matt Ashton and Chesapeake Conservation Corps member Jennifer Tam are working to produce and rear freshwater mussels, with assistance of the Joseph Manning Hatchery in Brandywine.
Orchard Beach Marina Named Maryland Clean Marina
Annapolis Marina Met Department’s Voluntary Guidelines
Karen Fenwick of Orchard Beach Marina
Orchard Beach Marina in Annapolis recently passed inspection by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to become the latest Maryland Clean Marina, marking the 152nd marina to meet the state’s criteria.
Fourty-eight of the estimated 165 marinas in Anne Arundel County are certified as clean marinas. Read more…
Rosaryville State Park Completes Stormwater Project
Interagency Project Protects Bay, Improves Park
Three bioretention facilities have been completed at Rosaryville State Park in Prince George’s County, following a partnership between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration aimed at reducing the amount of nutrients and sediment entering the Chesapeake Bay.
The project is the first of several water quality projects on state land funded by the State Highway Administration. Other interagency projects include riparian tree plantings and stream restoration efforts.
Maryland Environmental Trust Offers Volunteer Training March 3
Opportunity to Get Directly Involved in Conservation
The Maryland Environmental Trust is offering a one-day volunteer training session for individuals interested in helping to monitor conservation easement properties. The training session will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 3 at Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center, 600 Discovery Lane, Grasonville.
The Maryland Environmental Trust, a unit of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, works with citizen land trusts and landowners to protect Maryland’s most treasured landscapes and natural resources as a legacy for future generations. These preserved lands are monitored annually to ensure the conservation easement values are permanently maintained. Read more…
Free Tree Seedlings Available for Allegany County Landowners
Riparian Homeowners Can Help Improve Water Quality
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree plantings to help improve water quality in targeted Allegany County communities.
County landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property are eligible for free tree seedlings through the department’s Backyard Buffers program. Read more…
Maryland Arbor Day Poster Contest Winners Announced
First Lady Yumi Hogan Participates as Special Judge; Top Entries’ Schools Receive Free Tree Plantings
Maryland First Lady Yumi Hogan with Arbor Day Poster Contest judges
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 Make Communities Healthy.”
Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons Proposed for 2018-19
Public Comment Accepted Through March 14
Photo by Larry Hindman
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comment on the proposed 2018-2019 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons. The public comment period will close at noon March 14.
The seasons will be finalized in early spring after the department reviews public input and obtains approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Read more…
522 Acres in Charles County Slated for New Wildlife Management Area
Board of Public Works Approves Program Open Space Acquisition
The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved a Maryland Department of Natural Resources acquisition of 522 acres in Charles County for the development of a new Wildlife Management Area that will provide both conservation and recreation benefits.
Adjacent to county managed land, the site will provide numerous recreational opportunities for Southern Maryland residents and visitors, including birding, hiking, hunting and trapping. The new property will be managed by the Wildlife and Heritage Service.
Ten Deer Test Positive for Chronic Wasting Disease
Samples Found Within Existing Management Area
Photo by Michael Douglas
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has received laboratory confirmation that 10 white-tailed deer sampled in Allegany and Washington counties tested positive for chronic wasting disease, a neurological disease found in deer and elk.
All of the positive samples came from within the existing Chronic Wasting Disease Management Area.
Free Tree Seedlings Available for Garrett County Landowners
Riparian Homeowners Can Help Improve Water Quality
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree plantings to help improve water quality in targeted Garrett County communities.
County landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property are eligible for free tree seedlings through the department’s Backyard Buffers program. Read more…
Two Florida Men Convicted of Hunting Violations
Two Florida men were convicted Wednesday of multiple counts of illegal deer hunting and were ordered to pay $6,000 in fines and restitution by a Cecil County District Court judge.
Lawrence Eugene Tatum II, 34, of Port Saint Lucie, received $2,000 in fines for four natural resources violations and a suspended $500 fine for trespassing. He was ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution to the state and perform 80 hours of community service. He also lost his Maryland hunting privileges for a year.
Chett Wade Cockrill, 46, of Boca Raton, was fined $2,000 for four natural resources violations and received a $500 suspended fine for trespassing. He had his Maryland hunting privileges suspended for a year and forfeited two rifles, a scope, a gun case and ammunition. Read more…
Maryland Hunters Harvest 86,542 Deer in 2017-2018 Season
Frederick County Led Statewide Totals
Photo by Paul Kane
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that hunters harvested 86,542 deer during the combined archery, firearms and muzzleloader seasons, from Sept. 8, 2017, through Jan. 31, 2018.
The harvest exceeded the 2016-2017 total by more than 1,000 deer. Included in the statewide total were 7,204 deer taken on Sundays.
“Sunday hunting continues to be an important component in managing Maryland’s deer population,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said.
Free Tree Seedlings Available for Talbot County
Riparian Homeowners Can Reserve by April 13
White pine seedlings are among the varieties available through the Talbot County Backyard Buffer program
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, in conjunction with the Talbot County Forestry Board, is offering free tree plantings to help improve water quality in targeted communities.
County landowners who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property are eligible for free tree seedlings through the department’s Backyard Buffers program.
Trees planted along waterways help improve water quality by absorbing nutrients, reducing sediment, stabilizing banks and lowering water temperatures. They also provide essential habitat for wildlife. Read more…
Public Input Sought for Hunting and Trapping Season Proposals
Comments Accepted until March 13
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comment on proposed changes to the 2018-2020 hunting and trapping seasons. The department evaluates possible changes every two years.
Over the past several months, the department has presented proposed management concepts to a variety of external and internal partners and stakeholders, including farmers, hunters, trappers and other outdoor enthusiasts.
Man Charged with Hunting Violations after Joint Investigation
A Cumberland man was charged Wednesday by Maryland Natural Resources Police with 14 hunting violations and faces additional charges in Pennsylvania after a joint investigation by wildlife officers from both states.
Christopher Alan Porter, 37, is due in Allegany County District Court May 8. If found guilty of all charges, he could be fined $5,500.
Late last year, a Maryland officer and a counterpart on the Pennsylvania Game Commission began following leads on complaints of illegal hunting activity and zeroed in on Porter after seeing photos circulating on social media of a dead nine-point buck extending from the trunk of a white sedan. Read more…
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