Registration Open to Budding Outdoor Enthusiasts The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites young Marylanders with an interest in fishing, hunting, shooting sports or wildlife management to a free Junior Hunter Field Day at the Western Maryland 4-H Center in Garrett County May 19. The event is designed for youth aged 8 to 16. Participants will have Read the Rest…
A Dorchester County man caught illegally harvesting oysters inside a state sanctuary November by Natural 1, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources helicopter, was found guilty and fined $1,000. Jody Daniel Jackson, 18, of East New Market pleaded guilty in Dorchester County District Court to a single count of harvesting oysters about 2.5 miles inside Read the Rest…
Marylanders Urged to Keep Bears Wild Now is the time when black bears are emerging from their dens, after a long winter slumber, in a search for food and sustenance. However due to the fact that natural food sources, such as berries, insects and plants are still in short supply in early spring, bears may become more Read the Rest…
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 Read the Rest…
Annual Weeklong Program Offered for Grades 9-12 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 Read the Rest…
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 Read the Rest…
Samples Found Within Existing Management Area 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.
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.
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. Read the Rest…
Frederick County Led Statewide Totals 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 Read the Rest…
Fourth Annual Season Sees Harvest in 22 of 23 Counties Hunters reported taking 87 wild turkeys during Maryland’s 2018 winter turkey season, which was open Jan. 18-20 statewide. Turkeys were harvested in 22 of the 23 counties, with St. Mary’s, Dorchester, Garrett and Washington counties reporting the highest numbers, according to the Maryland Department of Read the Rest…
A West Virginia man was convicted Tuesday in Allegany County Circuit Court of setting three fires earlier this year that damaged 57 acres in Green Ridge State Forest. Brian Chad Twigg, 20, of Paw Paw, pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree malicious burning, a felony. He was sentenced to four years in prison, with Read the Rest…
Officers on saturation patrol for illegal deer hunters in southern Caroline County charged a Delaware man Saturday night with spotlighting a field. An observer aboard Natural 1, the Maryland Natural Resources Police helicopter, saw a vehicle slowly approach the intersection of Gregg and Ellwanger roads near the Maryland and Delaware state line. The vehicle then Read the Rest…
Diverse Group Graduated from Ranger School Nov. 10 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to welcome a new group of Maryland Park Service rangers. The 19 graduated Nov. 10 from Maryland Park Service Ranger School, which took place at New Germany State Park in Garrett County.
Reservations Taken for Nov. 20-22 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that it is continuing the Canada goose hunt on Deep Creek Lake and waterfowl hunt at Broadford Lake. Canada goose and waterfowl hunting is by permit and reservation only during select days of the season (Nov. 20-22). Interested hunters can apply for a permit Read the Rest…
Complimentary Benefit Extends to Residents and Nonresidents In honor of Veterans Day, Governor Larry Hogan announced today that all military veterans, including residents and nonresidents, will be granted free admission and entrance to the network of 72 state parks managed by the Maryland Park Service. The governor’s announcement directly impacts over 414,000 veterans living in Read the Rest…
Turkey Hunters Take 105 Birds The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that hunters harvested more deer during the early hunting season compared with last year. Maryland hunters wrapped up the early portion of the archery and muzzleloader seasons by harvesting an estimated 22,199 deer in September and October, an 11 percent increase from Read the Rest…
Young Hunters Can Learn Sporting Skills and Traditions The Maryland Department of Natural Resources encourages experienced deer hunters to introduce youth to the time-honored cultural and sporting tradition this month during two Junior Deer Hunting Days. The hunt will be held Nov. 11 on private and public land in all counties, and Nov. 12 on Read the Rest…
The fall months offer some exciting fishing opportunities for anglers across Maryland, from the trout management waters of Garrett County to the shores of Ocean City. Daylight is getting sparser and this weekend the clocks fall back an hour, making it a little harder to get some fishing time after work and school. We’re all Read the Rest…
Results Indicate 131 Bears Harvested Unpredictable weather conditions in “Mountain Maryland” didn’t hamper hunters from enjoying time afield this week during the state’s 2017 Black Bear Hunting Season. Results of the 14th annual hunt reveal that 131 hunters successfully harvested a bruin over the four-day hunt in western Maryland despite battling heavy rains, reduced daylight Read the Rest…
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Oct. 28 and 29, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Office of Tourism. Well, this is the weekend for ghosts, goblins and other fright-worthy tricks and treats, and there are lots of Halloween events for everyone to enjoy!
Hunters Encouraged to Wear Fluorescent Orange The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that the fall turkey hunting season will open Oct. 28 and continue through Nov. 4 in Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties, with a bag limit of one turkey per hunter. The 2017 Wild Turkey Observation Survey Summary shows turkey reproduction in Read the Rest…
Residents Reminded to Take Common Sense Precautions The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds residents that black bears are beginning a period of increased feeding activity in preparation for winter hibernation. During this time, bears may become more attracted to human-provided food sources and lose their natural fear of people, which can lead to potentially dangerous Read the Rest…
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Oct. 21 and 22, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Office of Tourism. The Mid-Atlantic region is basking in the glow of an Indian summer, and if you’re planning to head west this weekend, you should meet with good Read the Rest…
Hunters Reminded to Practice Tree Stand Safety The first segment of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer season opens statewide Oct. 19. This is one of several deer hunting opportunities offered in the state and typically coincides with pleasant fall weather. The early muzzleloader season runs from Oct. 19-21 in Deer Management Regions A and B. Region A Read the Rest…
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Oct. 14 and 15, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Office of Tourism. Garrett County’s biggest event of the year, the Autumn Glory Festival, is underway in Oakland and other locations throughout the county. Highlights of the festival Read the Rest…
Grants Permanently Protect 6,500 Acres Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the Board of Public Works, including Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy Kopp, unanimously adopted a Maryland Department of Natural Resources recommendation approving 17 Rural Legacy Program grants – totaling over $23 million. Funding from these grants will permanently protect over 6,500 acres of working farms, forests and Read the Rest…
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Oct. 7 and 8, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Office of Tourism. In Garrett County, oaks are just starting to change and there are pockets of brilliant color, mostly maples, sassafras and sumac. The wet areas and swamps continue Read the Rest…
Department Provides a Record $102,548 to 45 Departments in 17 Counties The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that a record number of volunteer fire departments applied for and received Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants in 2017, resulting in the most funding distributed in state history. “Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants allow us to support our first Read the Rest…
Nice Weekend for the Calvert County Fair, National Public Lands Day and Apple and Pumpkin Festivals Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Office of Tourism. October arrives this weekend and soon the full Read the Rest…
Ecologically-Important Area Conserved and Preserved; Public Access and Recreation Expanded The Board of Public Works today unanimously approved the Maryland Department of Natural Resources acquisition of 2,009 acres in Western Maryland for the development of a new state park. This acquisition in Garrett County consists of three parcels near Kitzmiller, with two of the parcels being adjacent Read the Rest…
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for the weekend of Sept. 23 and 24, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Maryland Office of Tourism. It’s official! It’s autumn in Maryland. When this weekend rolls in, thoughts will begin to turn to the sights, sounds and scents of Read the Rest…
Historic Friends Property in Garrett County Recognized The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce that the property formerly known as Friends Delight will be officially opened and renamed Sang Run State Park. The celebration will coincide with the ninth annual Fall Fest and Open House at the Friends Store Sept. 30, which Read the Rest…
Natural Resources Police Investigate Boating Accident, Charge Deer Poacher, Cite Fishing Violators A St. Mary’s County man whose Maryland commercial waterman’s license was revoked in 2015 for oyster harvesting violations has been banned from any oystering activity on the Potomac River for the coming season. James Phillip Nelson, 41, of California, was convicted in St. Read the Rest…
Welcome to the Fall Foliage and Festival Report for Sept. 16 and 17, brought to you by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Office of Tourism. You know summer’s almost over when local county fairs fill up with farm animals, 4-H kids, arts and crafts, fall harvest exhibits, midways and cotton candy. This weekend, you can Read the Rest…
The Maryland Natural Resources Police are investigating the drowning of a Silver Spring man who was swimming at Swallow Falls State Park Sunday afternoon.
Five Garrett County men were arrested after officers uncovered deer poaching activities that began in 2016 and continued into this year. Acting on tips from the public and social media posts, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers were able to connect a string of illegal hunting incidents. Last month, officers served search warrants on homes in Read the Rest…
Growing Access to Public Lands One of the key objectives in our mission at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is to provide diverse outdoor recreation opportunities for our citizens and visitors. This has been an exciting year for our department’s efforts to expand recreational access, opportunities and options within our beautiful public lands.
Hunters Can Apply by Aug. 31; Lottery Held Sept. 5 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting applications for this year’s black bear lottery. Successful applicants will receive a permit valid for the four-day hunting season, taking place Oct. 23-26 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett and Washington counties. The department will issue 750 hunting permits Read the Rest…
Reservations Now Being Accepted for the St. John’s Rock ORV Trail and Campground Off-road vehicle enthusiasts can get ready to take on a new trail as the Maryland Department of Natural Resources opens St. John’s Rock ORV Trail and Campground in Garrett County. Riders can now make advanced reservations for day use and overnight camping through Read the Rest…
A Dundalk man was found guilty Thursday in district court of stealing Maryland state park passes and waterfowl hunting stamps, and selling them online. Charles Edward Ruddlesden Jr., 22, was sentenced to 90 days in the Baltimore County Detention Center and was ordered to pay $150 in restitution to the state.
Garrett County Leads State with 429 Birds The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that hunters reported harvesting 4,175 wild turkeys during the 2017 regular spring and junior hunt turkey seasons. This year’s harvest was 8 percent higher than 2016 (3,874) and marked the third consecutive record harvest in the state. It is also well above Read the Rest…
49 Recipients Get Funds for Local Cleanup and Conservation Activities The Maryland Environmental Trust has awarded 49 Keep Maryland Beautiful grants totaling over $160,000 to municipalities, nonprofits and schools for beautification projects, community cleanup activities and environmental education programs throughout the state. Nineteen counties and Baltimore City received the grants, an annual program funded by the Maryland Environmental Trust, Maryland Department Read the Rest…
Sunday Hunting Now Permitted on Private Lands in Kent County Spring turkey hunting season starts statewide April 18, and a growing number of Maryland counties now allow hunting on Sundays. Governor Larry Hogan signed legislation from the 2017 General Assembly permitting turkey hunting on private land in Kent County on all remaining Sundays during the 2017 Read the Rest…
Homeowners, Campers Should Avoid Attracting Ursine Guests Black bears are starting to leave their dens after a long winter slumber in a search for food. With a scarcity of their natural food sources – plants, berries and insects – this early in the season, bears are particularly attracted to human-provided sources. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Read the Rest…
Cases Localized to Existing Management Area in Western Maryland The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recently received laboratory confirmation that six white-tailed deer sampled in Allegany County tested positive for chronic wasting disease. All of the cases were found within the existing Chronic Wasting Disease Management Area.
Frederick County Leads State in Harvest Totals Maryland hunters harvested 85,193 deer during the combined archery, muzzleloader and firearm seasons (Sept. 9, 2016-Jan. 31, 2017), according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The harvest exceeded the 2015-2016 total by more than 1,000 deer. Included in the statewide total were 7,684 deer taken on Sundays open Read the Rest…
Over 300,000 Fish Stocked Between January and June The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has begun stocking about 338,000 brown, golden and rainbow trout throughout the state ahead of the 2017 fishing season. “The trout stocking program raises several hundred thousand trout at our hatcheries, which are stocked for anglers of all ages and skill levels,” said Read the Rest…
