Natural Resources News
Harriet Tubman: The Ultimate Outdoorswoman
Harriet Tubman bust with a birthday bouquet by Ranger Angela Crenshaw
Harriet Tubman had many roles in her 91 years of life. She was most notably a conductor on the Underground Railroad, a nurse, scout, cook, and spy during the Civil War. But she was also a consummate caretaker, an attentive daughter, a devoted aunt, a thoughtful wife, a loving mother and of course a friend. As a young, enslaved girl in the swampy wetlands and upland forests of Dorchester County, Harriet Tubman learned to navigate inhospitable terrain, mimic the sounds of birds, trap animals, and utilize plants for both medicine and food–the ultimate outdoorswoman. Read more…
Rutherford’s Travels
Lt. Governor Rutherford at Hart Miller Island State Park
In late 2018, I read a newspaper article where Virignia’s then-governor, Terry McAuliffe, stated that his goal was to visit every park in his Commonwealth during his tenure as governor. I never found out if he actually completed his mission, but the idea caught my attention.
I was already planning to participate in Maryland State Parks’ annual “First Day Hike” on New Year’s Day 2019. That hike would eventually serve as the launch of my State Park Bucket List campaign, in which I officially set my own goal to visit every property managed by the Maryland Park Service during my four remaining years in office. My hope was to use this effort to open Marylanders’ eyes to the natural beauty of our state, and encourage everyone to lace up their boots and get outside to enjoy what our public lands have to offer. Read more…
Tools of the Trade: the Smartphone Camera
Photo of maize calligrapher fly taken with a smartphone camera by Edwin Guevara
“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” -Dr. Wayne Dyer
These days, most of us have a high-tech scientific instrument on hand at all times. Can you guess what it is?
The smartphone camera has revolutionized research and data collection in the field, lab, and classroom. New applications for high-powered cameras emerge daily. Maryland Department of Natural Resources biologists use these cameras to conduct their own field research. You can follow their lead, using your selfie-capturing devices to explore the world outside in a new and different way! Read more…
Outside Perspective
Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio and Lt. Governor Rutherford at St. Clements State Park
Congratulations to Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford, who completed his State Park Bucket List challenge, having officially visited all 75 Maryland Park Service properties with his October visit to St. Clement’s Island State Park in St. Mary’s County. We are grateful for his leadership in highlighting the importance of our public lands and outdoor recreation! Read more…
Marylanders Reminded to Hire Licensed Tree Experts
Make Sure Work is Legal, Safe, and Insured
Now that leaves are fallen, many Marylanders will prepare for winter by trimming live trees or removing dead trees. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has a few important suggestions that homeowners should follow before hiring a contractor to do the work. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report – November 17, 2022
Western Maryland the week of October 13 – Photo by Melissa Nash
Maryland Fishing Report – November 16
Photo by Travis Long
Colder temperatures have anglers bundling up to enjoy the good fishing available for a variety of species that are still being caught this fall. Anglers can now be seen dressed in duck hunting garb, gloves, knee boots, or similar warm clothing. Be prepared and have fun!
Final Chesapeake Bay Hypoxia Report for 2022
Bay Dissolved Oxygen Conditions Better Than Average
Water monitoring data collected by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Old Dominion University show that dissolved oxygen conditions in the Chesapeake Bay mainstem of Maryland and Virginia were better than average for May-October 2022.
The hypoxic water volume — waters with less than 2 milligrams per liter (mg/l) oxygen — averaged 0.65 cubic miles during May-October 2022, compared to the historical average (1985-2021) of 0.79 cubic miles. 2022 ranked 10th best of 38 years of monitoring. Additionally, a seasonal average of 0.15 cubic miles of anoxia (waters with less than 0.2 mg/l oxygen) was observed versus a historical average of 0.14. Read more…
Maryland’s Deer Firearms Hunting Season Opens Nov. 26
Popular Season Helps Significantly to Manage the Deer Population
Photo by Tim Ray, submitted to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the two-week firearms hunting season for sika and white-tailed deer opens Saturday, Nov. 26 and runs through Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022. The two-week season includes Sunday hunting in all but three counties, affording hunters more weekend opportunities to hunt and contribute to managing Maryland’s deer population. Read more…
Maryland Reports Strong 2022 Early Deer Season Results
Early Muzzleloader and Archery Harvests Increase 24%
Sika deer, photo by Brian Griffith
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reports that hunters harvested 20,220 deer during the early portion of the 2022 archery and muzzleloader seasons. The harvest was a 24% increase from last year’s official harvest of 16,314 deer for the same period. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report – November 10, 2022
The close of autumn is upon us in Maryland. The western and northern regions of our state are covered with fallen leaves, crackly forest floors, and bare trees indicating fall’s passing. However, there are still fall destinations and foliage worth a visit in other areas of Maryland, revealing some of fall’s last glory for us to savor.
Maryland Fishing Report – November 9
Kaelyn O’Hop has a good reason to smile as she holds up this great-looking striped bass she caught recently. Photo by Travis Long
Chilly nights and pleasant days are heralding late fall, and anglers are trading their lighter clothing for more substantial and warmer attire to enjoy the outdoors and the wonderful fishing opportunities of the season.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore has designed a 15-minute online survey with a goal of reaching at least 1,400 anglers and fish enthusiasts in Maryland. Your input would be valuable to this research effort to better understand recreational fisheries in Maryland.
Managed Waterfowl Hunt in Garrett County in Late November
Hunters Can Apply for Blind Sites at Deep Creek and Broadford Lakes
Canada geese flying over Deep Creek Lake, photo by Glenn Thompson, submitted to the 2021 Maryland Natural Resource Photo Contest.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces a waterfowl hunting opportunity on Deep Creek Lake and Broadford Lake in Garrett County on November 21, 22, and 23, 2022. Canada goose and waterfowl hunting on Deep Creek Lake and Broadford Lake is by permit and reservation only during select days of the season.
Hunters can apply to hunt one of three blind sites on Deep Creek Lake and one of four blind sites on Broadford Lake. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report – November 4, 2022
The red in our Fall Foliage map is inching its way across Maryland, picking up six additional counties and Baltimore City, all reporting peak conditions as we enter November. Perhaps most surprising this week are reports of peak conditions out of St. Mary’s County. Yes, far Southern Maryland has arrived early to the fall show, thrilling visitors with vibrant shades of burgundy and gold. Even the pawpaw trees are an especially bright mustard yellow this year.
Secretary’s Message – November 2022
Park Quests are Completed, but the Adventure Continues
Photo by Anthony DePanise, Maryland State House
The beginning of November marks the end of Park Quest, the Maryland Park Service’s annual program geared toward youth and families. Many thanks to our creative team members who have organized this fun and educational series for 15 years now! And thanks to everyone who participated. We hope it inspired you to continue your enjoyment of Maryland State Parks, which are open year-round.
I also want to congratulate Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford, who finished his own quest! Last month, he completed his State Park Bucket List challenge, having officially visited all 75 Maryland Park Service properties with a visit to St. Clement’s Island State Park in St. Mary’s County. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – November 2
Photo by Rich Watts
There is a wide variety of fishing opportunities this week for Maryland anglers. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has stocked trout in many put-and-take waters, including ponds that are ideal for our younger anglers. Striped bass fishing is at its zenith in the Chesapeake Bay, and extra-large crabs are being caught in the Bay and tidal rivers.
Maryland’s Junior Deer Hunt Opens November 12
Prime Time for Adult Hunters to Pass On the Traditions of Deer Hunting
Photo by Mathew Doged
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources encourages experienced deer hunters to take advantage of the upcoming Junior Deer Hunting Days to introduce youth to this time-honored cultural and sporting tradition.
The Junior Deer Hunt is open on private and designated public land in all counties on November 12. The season is also open on Sunday, November 13 on private land in all counties except Baltimore, Howard, and Prince George’s. Also on November 13, junior hunters in Allegany, Cecil, Garrett, St. Mary’s, and Washington counties, may hunt on designated public lands. Read more…
Maryland Hunters Harvest 103 Black Bears for 2022 Season
Hunt Success Bolstered by Good Weather, Additional Day
Photo by Bob Geary
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported that hunters harvested 103 black bears during the state’s 19th annual black bear hunt held Oct. 24-29 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties. The harvest comprised 41 male and 62 female bears. An additional 10 bears (3 male and 7 female) were harvested from Sept. 1 through Oct. 31 by farmers using their agricultural damage permits.
The significant increase in harvest from 54 black bears taken in 2021 was attributed to better hunting conditions, more hunter participation, and an added day to the season. The 2021 hunt was hampered by poor weather and abundant natural food sources, which slowed the harvest. This year, better weather and typical fall food conditions were more favorable for hunting. The harvest was slightly lower than the previous 5-year average of 116 bears. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report – October 27, 2022
The majority of our state is resplendent in fall color right now, with most of Maryland’s counties experiencing peak or near-peak conditions. Our resident photographers are capturing the moment, producing these gorgeous shots from Rocky Gap and Greenbrier State Parks and Thurmont, Maryland.
State Record Smooth Dogfish Caught in Atlantic Ocean
Pennsylvania Angler Reels in 18-Pound Shark at Ocean City
Fay Ganster with her record smooth dogfish. Photo by Captain John Forman
Fay Ganster of Reading, Pennsylvania has been officially recognized by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as the new state record holder for the Atlantic Division with an 18-pound smooth dogfish she caught off the coast of Ocean City on October 22. Read more…
Maryland State Tree Nursery Has Trees Available for Spring 2023
Multiple Species for Planting Ready to Order
Loblolly pine (pictured here) and many other species are grown at the John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery. Maryland DNR photo
Orders are being accepted for the spring 2023 planting season for shrubs and trees from the John S. Ayton State Tree Nursery, managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Trees benefit the environment as well as enhance natural habitat for birds, squirrels and other wildlife. Almost all trees and shrubs available for sale are native, and many are also pollinator-friendly. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – October 26
Reed Spires proudly holds up striped bass he and his dad each caught in Eastern Bay recently. Photo by Jason Spires
Summer temperatures are a distant memory, but the splashes of fall colors and excellent fishing opportunities throughout Maryland more than make up for it. This is a wonderful time to be out with family and friends fishing for everything from trout to striped bass.
Get Outside at Night: Experimenting with Light
During the autumn months the days begin to get shorter. Take advantage of our extra hours of darkness with these light-generating experiments. An outside place like your own backyard provides the perfect laboratory to learn about flammability, the piezoelectric effect, and triboluminescence. Read more…
Natural Heritage Program Spotlight: Fall Swamps
Cranesville Swamp in fall by Matt Tillett
At this time of year, leaf watchers are enthusiastically traveling the region to catch the best show of color on our deciduous trees (and you can too—follow our Fall Foliage Reports here)! Nature certainly puts on a show of a bedtime routine before the winter snooze, but fall beauty does not only lie in the falling leaves. Smaller plants and conifers go through transitions of their own, or sometimes just provide an enduring and welcome carpet of green in an otherwise browning landscape. Wetlands in particular are enjoyable in the fall, having lost the crowds and blood-sucking bugs that may be a summer nuisance. Wetlands are often split into four types, each defined by its own set of soil, water, and vegetation characteristics. Here in Maryland we are fortunate to have all four to appreciate. Read more…
Habitat Tip: Glow-In-The-Dark Backyards
King’s hairstreak biofluorescence by Jen Selfridge
As winter approaches, many of us dread the shortening hours of daylight and increasing darkness. In this spookiest of seasons, I like to focus on ways to appreciate the nighttime and the bits of unexpected light hidden in the natural world. Plenty of living things have unique ways to glow in the dark! Read more…
Native Animal Profile: Our BFFs, Bats
Tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus) by Dana L. Limpert
When people think of Halloween a few things may come to mind: pumpkins, ghosts, skeletons, candy, monsters, and of course, bats! As the only true flying mammals in existence, bats face a lot of misconceptions. You may have heard folks saying things like “blind as a bat” and mentioning that they could fly and get tangled in your hair. The truth is that bats can see out of their eyes but rely mostly on echolocation, a mechanism that works much like sonar. There are many species of bats around the world, and you may have heard of species like fruit bats, flying foxes, and even the spooky-sounding vampire bat. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report – October 20, 2022
Maryland has been called “America in Miniature” – you can find just about any kind of natural feature here, except a desert. This has extended to the weather in recent days, with snow falling in Western Maryland and sunny, 70 degree days and blue skies on the Eastern Shore. The snowfall caused the loss of a lot of leaves, leaving areas in western and northern Garrett County past peak conditions. In other areas of the state we’re seeing color changes in a pattern consistent with past years, just with the fall colors turned up a welcome notch.
Chesapeake Bay 2022 Young-of-Year Survey Results Announced
Striped Bass Reproduction Remains Low; Spot Abundance is Highest in Decade
Maryland Department of Natural Resources scientists conduct the annual young-of-year survey each summer. Maryland DNR photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced results of this year’s juvenile striped bass survey, which tracks the reproductive success of the iconic fish in the Chesapeake Bay. The 2022 young-of-year index is 3.6, which is slightly higher than last year’s result, but remains below the long-term average of 11.3. Read more…
Maryland Delivers $27 Million in Rural Legacy Program Grants
Funding Will Protect 7,100 Acres Statewide with Largest Appropriation in Decades
An expansion of Calvert Creeks Rural Legacy Area was among the grants approved this year. Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
The Board of Public Works on October 12 unanimously approved more than $27.1 million in Rural Legacy Program grants for conservation easement acquisitions, reflecting the highest annual amount appropriated since 2002. Funding from these grants will permanently protect 7,100 acres of working farms, forests, open space, shorelines, and wetlands — plus cultural and historical resources — throughout the state. Additionally, the Rural Legacy Board approved an expansion of more than 36,000 acres in six Rural Legacy Areas. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – October 19
Species like this northern pike caught at Deep Creek Lake by Angela Pitzer are active. Photo by Duffey Pitzer
Anglers are bundling up and enjoying fall fishing at its finest out on the Chesapeake Bay and in Maryland’s freshwater locations, which offer a variety of species. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources fall trout stocking program is in full swing.
DNR and the Maryland Sport Fisheries Advisory Commission are proud to announce Captain Bruno M. Vasta and the late Jim Gracie each as recipients of the Maryland Sport Fisheries Achievement Awards for 2022.
Maryland Natural Resources Police Graduates 13 New Officers
Members of 63rd Basic Recruit Class Complete 36-Week Training
Photo by Lauren Moses, Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police (NRP) welcomed 13 new officers following graduation of its 63rd Basic Recruit Class on October 14.
The ceremony at Sandy Point State Park was the culmination of 36 weeks of training and coursework at the Maryland Police and Corrections facility in Sykesville. Their coursework included Maryland conservation law, criminal procedure, vehicle and traffic laws, physical conditioning, firearms, wildlife identification, emergency vehicle operations, search and rescue, land navigation, and boating navigation. The recruits faced challenging tasks that tested their strength, such as enduring OC spray and undergoing water survival training. Read more…
Youth, Veteran, and Military Waterfowl Hunting Days Set for 2022-23
Two Dates Reserved in Fall and Winter
Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo
Maryland’s youth hunters, veterans, and military personnel will be afforded a unique opportunity to experience Maryland’s tradition of waterfowl hunting on two special hunt days: Nov. 5, 2022 and Feb. 4, 2023.
On these two days, hunting for ducks, geese, and coots on public and private lands in Maryland will be offered exclusively to eligible hunters 16 years of age or younger, military veterans of any age as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code, and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training). Read more…
Fall Foliage Report – October 13, 2022
This fall season is shaping up to be a memorable one, and if you’re lucky enough to live in or visit Western Maryland right now, you’ll soon know why. The fall foliage show is on in mountainous Western Maryland with a full spectrum of fall colors on display. This week we have an extended report from our park staff and foresters out west to help you figure out what’s happening where and plan your visits accordingly.
Maryland Fishing Report – October 12
Corey Brummel caught this 36-inch Northern snakehead in Higgins Meal Pond. Photo by Corey Brummel
Anglers returned to fishing with some relatively warm and sunny weather following the previous week’s storm. Across the state, cooling water temperatures should cause both freshwater and saltwater fish to feed more aggressively prior to the winter months. Many boats are seeking striped bass on the Bay, fall trout stocking is underway, and the invasive Northern snakehead continues to provide action.
Fall Foliage Report – October 6, 2022
“The sun after the rain is much more beautiful than the sun before the rain.”
–Bill Watterson
Last week we mentioned one of the biggest impacts on fall foliage – weather. Ian brought a lot of wind and rain to our region, resulting in a wet forest floor and cooler temperatures, and thankfully not a lot of leaf drop due to the early fall timing of the storm. And while the trails in our parks may be muddy, folks, weekends like this are made for the fall.
Secretary’s Message – October 2022
Find an October Treat in Maryland’s Outdoor Spaces
Photo by Patrick Siebert, Maryland State House
October is a time when the natural world puts on a spectacular show; and outdoor activities in Maryland provide a great opportunity to enjoy it! It is an ideal time to visit the public lands throughout our beautiful state. Lieutenant Governor Boyd K. Rutherford and I recently joined a group of veterans and staff from the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs for a wellness hike at Patuxent River Natural Resource Management Area in Hughesville. The hike was organized to raise awareness for suicide prevention and the new Veterans Crisis Line, which can be accessed by dialing 988 (then pressing 1) or texting 838255.
Similarly, DNR participated again this year in Maryland’s multi-agency Walktober campaign to highlight the health benefits of walking – our official state exercise – and to remind everyone of the responsibility we share regarding pedestrian safety on our roads and in our recreational areas. Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – October 5
This group of happy anglers each caught a striped bass prior to the big storm. Photo by Travis Long
Welcome to the great month of “Rocktober!” The recent wind and rain from the remnants of Hurricane Ian has created difficult conditions, but the weather should be improving soon. Anglers saw some exciting fishing action prior to the storm and are anticipating some good fishing in the coming days. Across the state, cooling water temperatures should cause both freshwater and saltwater fish to feed more aggressively prior to the winter months.
Federal Funds Available through DNR for Outdoor Recreation Space
Land and Water Conservation Fund Provides Up to $1 Million
Photo by Kristine Lochart
The Maryland Department of the Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting preliminary applications for the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant program. This process enables local governments to receive grant funding to create new outdoor recreation spaces, reinvigorate existing parks, and form connections between people and the outdoors. DNR is accepting applications through November 1, 2022. Read more…
Maryland Fall Turkey, Small Game Hunting Seasons Beginning
Numerous Opportunities to Hunt Statewide
Photo by Stephen Badger, Maryland Department of Natural Resources
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that squirrel, rabbit, fall turkey, and other seasons are either underway or set to open in the coming weeks. Hunters are also reminded that changes have been made to ruffed grouse and bobwhite quail seasons. Read more…
Muzzleloader Deer Season Opens in Late October
First Segment of Season Starts October 20
Photo by Reinhardt Sahmel
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the first segment of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer season runs from Oct. 20-22 statewide.
Hunters in Region B — the state’s central, southern, and eastern regions — can also use muzzleloaders from Oct. 24-29 for antlerless deer only.
The popular season typically coincides with pleasant fall weather and is one of many deer hunting opportunities offered in the state. Read more…
Maryland Black Bear Activity Increases Throughout Fall
Residents Reminded to Take Common-Sense Precautions
Photo by Black Bear by Ryan Van Nosdeln
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds residents that black bears are beginning a period of increased feeding activity in preparation for winter hibernation. As the leaves change and the weather cools, bears become more active as they search for food.
During this time, bears will travel across roads more frequently. They also can become more attracted to human-provided food sources and lose their natural fear of people, which can be dangerous for both people and bears. Read more…
Chesapeake Bay Hypoxia Report – August 2022
2022 Oxygen Conditions Remain Better than Average
Water monitoring data collected by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Old Dominion University show that dissolved oxygen conditions in the Chesapeake Bay mainstem of Maryland and Virginia were slightly better than average in August 2022, with early and late August having less hypoxia than usual.
The hypoxic water volume — waters with less than 2 mg/l oxygen — was 1.34 and 0.98 cubic miles during early and late August monitoring cruises, compared to historical early and late August averages (1985-2021) of 1.37 and 1.08 cubic miles. Read more…
Applications Open for 2023 Keep Maryland Beautiful Grants
$92,000 Available for Community Beautification, Greening, and Environmental Initiatives
“Trees Not Trash” is a community initiative for planting trees in urban areas, and was funded by a 2021 Keep Maryland Beautiful grant. Maryland Department of Natural Resources photo.
Applications are now being accepted for the Keep Maryland Beautiful grants program, managed by Forever Maryland in partnership with the Maryland Environmental Trust, a unit of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and the Maryland Department of Transportation.
Three different grants are being offered to help volunteer and nonprofit groups, communities, and land trusts to support environmental education projects, litter removal, citizen stewardship, and solve natural resource issues in urban and rural areas. The deadline to apply for funding is Nov. 15, 2022. Awards will be announced in spring 2023. Read more…
Fall Foliage Report – September 29, 2022
“Autumn leaves don’t fall, they fly. They take their time and wander on this their only chance to soar.”
-Delia Owens
The maples and black gums continue to lead the fall transition, however most of Maryland is still seeing little change. Three factors influence autumn leaf color: leaf pigments, weather, and most importantly, length of night. The timing of color changes is primarily regulated by the calendar, and as the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, biochemical processes in the leaves begin to reveal autumn’s palette of colors across Maryland’s landscape.
Nesting Platform Initiative for Endangered Birds in Maryland Coastal Bays is a Big Success
Conservation Partnership Celebrates Successful Breeding Season for Common Terns
The artificial island after deployment in May 2022, complete with bird decoys to attract nesting waterbirds. Photo by Archer Larned, Maryland Coastal Bays Program
The partnership of Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Audubon Mid-Atlantic, and Maryland Coastal Bays Program, announced another successful year for the innovative conservation project to preserve three of Maryland’s state listed endangered colonial nesting waterbirds — the Common Tern, Royal Tern, and Black Skimmer, The floating, wooden-framed platform deployed in Maryland’s Atlantic Coastal Bays produced a highly successful Common Tern colony this summer before volunteers safely returned it to shore this week.
The project, now in its second year, is providing a floating wooden-framed platform as a nesting site for endangered colonial waterbirds, which have declined by a staggering 90-95% since the mid-1980s due to sea level rise and the erosion of their natural barren sand nesting islands in the coastal bays. The second year of the project was a resounding success. The platform was successfully used for nesting by 155 pairs of Common Terns, an increase of 132 pairs over the initial year, and making it the largest breeding colony of this species in the Coastal Bays in 2022.
“This June I had the great pleasure to ride out with the partners to view this island from a safe distance, and I applaud the ingenuity behind this important effort,” Governor Larry Hogan said. “Watching as the birds adopt this island was an incredible experience, and offers hope for the future of these species.” Read more…
Maryland Fishing Report – September 28
Photo courtesy of Jeff Jacobs
Photo courtesy of Thomas Bodmer
As we reach the end of September, anglers are seeing some exciting fishing action – cooling water temperatures are transitioning some marine fisheries and spurring freshwater fish to feed more aggressively.
The end of summer brought some excitement to the Atlantic Coast. Two new state record fish were caught out of Ocean City – a 339-pound swordfish was caught by Jeff Jacobs and a 77- pound albacore by Thomas “Tad” Bodmer.
Fall Trout Stocking to Begin Across Maryland
Fishing Spots to Receive Allotments in October
Photo by John Mullican
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will begin fall trout stock in early October. The department will be stocking thousands of hatchery-raised brown, golden, and rainbow trout in select creeks, rivers, lakes, and ponds across the state.
Anglers are encouraged to sign up to receive stocking updates. Anglers can also call the trout stocking hotline at 800-688-3467 on Fridays starting in October for a weekly update on all locations stocked. DNR also publishes daily stocking updates on our website as well as on Facebook and Twitter. Due to several variables that can alter schedules, stocking sites and times are not announced in advance, but are available afterward. Read more…
Trapping Bid Packets Now Available for Eastern Shore Public Lands
Deadlines in October for Opportunities in 2022-23 Season
A muskrat den at Taylor’s Island Wildlife Management Area. Maryland DNR photo
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is currently accepting bids for the 2022-2023 trapping season at several Wildlife Management Areas and other public lands. Deadlines for submitting bid packages are in October. The individual with the highest bid for each area will be awarded annual trapping privileges. Read more…
Maryland State Record Albacore Caught in Atlantic Ocean
Montgomery County Resident Breaks Record Held 18 Years
Photo courtesy Sunset Marina.
Thomas “Tad” Bodmer of Poolesville has been recognized by the Maryland Department of Resources as the new state record holder Atlantic Division for albacore, or long-fin tuna (Thunnus alalunga), with his 77-pound catch. Read more…
Maryland State Record Swordfish Caught off Ocean City
Calvert County Angler Lands Fish After Five-and-a-half-Hour Fight
Photo courtesy Jeff Jacobs
Jeff Jacobs has been officially recognized by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as the new state record holder for the Atlantic Division with a 393-pound swordfish (Xiphias gladius) he caught in the canyons off the coast of Ocean City. Read more…
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