Proficiency Tests Necessary to Participate in Lottery for Hunts The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has released the 2021-2022 Shooter Qualification Schedule, which includes 20 qualification sessions at 10 locations across the state. Additional events are available upon reservation.
Three Garrett County men were convicted of multiple counts of deer poaching and had their hunting privileges suspended following charges filed by the Maryland Natural Resources Police for the illegal killing of an albino deer in fall 2020.
Online Lottery, Virtual Appointments To License Blind Sites The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now offering an online-only process for Maryland hunters to apply for a 2021-2022 waterfowl blind site license. From now through July 26 at 11:59 p.m., hunters may enter the lottery for the opening days of blind site licensing through the department’s Compass portal. Hunters Read the Rest…
Application Deadline Aug. 31; Drawing Sept. 3 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting applications for the 2021 black bear hunt lottery. Successful applicants will receive a permit valid for the five-day hunting season which will take place Oct. 25-29 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties. The department will issue 950 hunting permits this year.
Applications Must Be Submitted or Postmarked by May 31 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting offshore waterfowl blind and shoreline license applications for riparian (waterfront) properties. Anyone who owns such property, or someone granted permission by the owner, may license their shoreline to establish offshore stationary blind sites for hunting waterfowl, and/or Read the Rest…
May in Maryland – Time for Boats, Birds, and Cicadas! Spring weather means boating season — and I am among the thousands of Marylanders eager to get out on the water. Heavy traffic is expected again on our waterways as outdoor recreation continues to increase. Keep an eye out for our boater safety reminders this Read the Rest…
Junior Hunt Precedes Full Season in April and May The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the statewide spring turkey season will kick off April 17 with Junior Turkey Hunt Day. All hunters can try to bag a bird during the regular statewide spring turkey season, April 19-May 24.
Frederick County Leads State in Harvest Totals The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported that deer hunters harvested 81,729 deer during the combined archery, firearms, and muzzleloader seasons, from Sept. 11, 2020 through Feb. 3, 2021. The statewide harvest included 29,242 antlered and 49,033 antlerless white-tailed deer, plus 1,500 antlered and 1,954 antlerless sika deer. The harvest Read the Rest…
DNR Soliciting Comment Now through Feb. 26 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has posted the proposed 2021-2022 Migratory Game Bird Seasons for public review and comment through Feb. 26.
Opportunity for Hunters to Bag a Bird This Season The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the opening of the winter turkey season, which runs statewide from January 21-23 for hunters who did not harvest a turkey during the 2020 fall season.
Shooting Facilities Reopen Jan. 7 after One Month of Work The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the reopening of the Elk Neck State Forest rifle and shotgun ranges starting Jan. 7, after completing substantial upgrades and repairs at the complex.
Last Opportunity of the Season for Most Firearms Hunters The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the January firearm deer hunting season opens Jan. 8, 2021, in Deer Management Region B, which includes all of the state except the westernmost counties. Hunters with a valid hunting license may use firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed Read the Rest…
Charges Filed During Two-Week Deer Firearms Season Maryland Natural Resources Police charged several individuals throughout the state for illegal hunting practices during the two-week deer firearm season, Nov. 28- Dec. 12.
Hunters Harvest Over 31,000 Deer during the Two-Week Season The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that hunters harvested 31,571 deer during the two-week firearms season from Nov. 28 – Dec. 12. The harvest was 16% higher than last year’s official count of 27,121. Hunters enjoyed good weather compared to the 2019 season, which was Read the Rest…
Hen and Drake Redhead to Adorn 2021-2022 Hunting Stamps The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce Scott Calpino has won the 47th Annual Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest with his lifelike rendering of a hen and a drake redhead, complete with a beautiful reflection in the water
Following an extensive investigation, Maryland Natural Resources Police charged three men with illegally hunting multiple deer in Garrett County. In November and December, Natural Resources Police investigated reports of deer illegally killed near the Blakeslee community. On December 3, officers learned of an additional incident where an antlerless albino deer was illegally hunted, and received Read the Rest…
Season Runs Through Jan. 2 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the muzzleloader deer hunting season will reopen Dec. 19 and run through Jan. 2, 2021. This is the second half of Maryland’s split deer muzzleloader season; the first half was held in October. Hunters may use muzzleloading firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed Read the Rest…
Excellent Weather Contributed to Strong Harvest The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that hunters reported 11,054 deer taken on the opening weekend of the 2020 Maryland firearm season, Nov. 28-29. The harvest was 19% higher than last year’s official first weekend harvest of 9,272 deer. The harvest total included 4,932 antlered and 5,799 antlerless Read the Rest…
COMPASS Portal Expands Outreach The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces its online COMPASS portal is now available in Spanish. The new COMPASS portal will provide Spanish speakers access to the department’s catalog of recreational licenses, permits and stamps, and other products and services. A button at the top of each page within COMPASS allows Read the Rest…
Archery Totals See Increase; Muzzeloaders Offset by Weather The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that hunters harvested 19,571 deer during the early portion of the archery and muzzleloader seasons. The harvest was a 7% decrease from last year’s official harvest of 21,098 deer for the same period.
State Forest Facility Begins Temporary Closure Dec. 7 The rifle and shotgun ranges at Elk Neck State Forest will be closed to the public beginning Dec. 7 for critical maintenance projects. The closure, announced by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, is scheduled for 60 calendar days.
Respondents Share Views on Hunting Issues The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today released results of a survey of Maryland hunters’ attitudes towards a variety of topics related to hunting in Maryland. The survey was conducted on behalf of the department by Responsive Management, a leading survey research firm specializing in natural resource and outdoor Read the Rest…
Hunters Can Use Straight-Walled Cartridge Rifles, Handguns Statewide The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces that the two-week firearms hunting season for sika and white-tailed deer opens Nov. 28 and runs through Dec. 12. New this year, deer hunters may use rifles and handguns that employ straight-walled cartridges in all counties. Rifles and handguns that Read the Rest…
117 Bears Harvested in Four Counties Hunters harvested 117 black bears despite challenging conditions during Maryland’s 17th annual black bear hunt. Official results have been compiled and reported by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources following the five-day hunt held Oct. 26-30 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties.
Three-County Hunt Runs Through Nov. 8 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that the fall turkey hunting season will open Oct. 31 and continue through Nov. 8 in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties, with a bag limit of one turkey per hunter.
Public Comments Taken on Draft Plan through Nov. 27 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has produced a draft 2020-2034 White-tailed Deer Management Plan. The plan establishes long-term goals for white-tailed deer management in Maryland, and identifies specific objectives and strategies for achieving those goals.
Conservation Nonprofit Provides Funding Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) announced a nearly $7,000 donation from the nonprofit Wildlife Conservation Enforcement Fund Inc. (WCEF) to support the Maryland Wildlife Crime Stoppers in its mission to enforce conservation laws in Maryland.
I’ve heard that certain languages have more than 50 words to describe snow. Looking back on my first hunt, I feel like I need a whole new vocabulary to convey my thanks for the entire experience of my first crossbow hunt. Every moment was profound and life changing.
Season Offers Opportunity to Enjoy Fall Woods The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the first segment of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer season runs from Oct. 22-24 statewide.
Department Initiative Connects Novices with Experienced Hunters The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to introduce the Maryland Mentored Hunt Program, a statewide program aimed to pair new, novice, or lapsed hunters of any age with skilled veteran hunters. The mentors will help guide new hunters throughout the process of building their skills, culminating Read the Rest…
New Primitive Deer Hunt Days in February The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that archery hunting for white-tailed and sika deer opens statewide Sept. 11, and continues through Jan. 30, 2021. New for the upcoming deer season, archery and muzzleloader hunters may participate in Primitive Deer Hunt Days from Feb. 1-3, 2021. During this Read the Rest…
Mourning Dove Season Opens Sept. 1 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the state’s 2020-2021 migratory game bird hunting seasons. Bag limits, season dates, and shooting hours can be found in the 2020-2021 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.
Deadline for Hunt Clubs to Enter Lottery is Aug. 25 Hunt clubs interested in obtaining a hunting lease agreement on Chesapeake Forest Lands can now enter a lottery for individual, non-leased tracts in Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will accept online entries until 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 25, 2020.
Lottery Open for Wildlife Management Area Impoundments The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced a new schedule and process for annual permit-only waterfowl hunting at Deal Island Wildlife Management Area and Fairmount Wildlife Management Area impoundments, located in Somerset County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The changes are being made to reduce crowding and improve the Read the Rest…
Proficiency Tests Necessary to Participate The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has released the 2020-2021 Shooter Qualification Schedule which includes 20 qualification sessions at 15 locations across the state. Additional events are available upon reservation. Hunters should note that several shooter qualification sessions are conducted by appointment only and that many charge a minimal fee Read the Rest…
Applications Taken Online Until Oct. 12 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites all junior license holders, apprentice license holders, and lapsed hunters to apply to participate in this year’s stocked pheasant hunts. These do-it-yourself hunts will take place on 12 Maryland wildlife management areas and two state forests. A lapsed hunter is someone who Read the Rest…
Safety Protocols Must Be Followed for Boating, Hunting, and Trapping Courses Beginning in August and September, the Maryland Natural Resources Police will resume in-person safety education and certification classes. For all classes, face coverings and social distancing will be required to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and assure the safety of students and instructors. Online Read the Rest…
Online Lottery, Virtual Appointments Replace In-Person Meetings The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is introducing a new online-only process for Maryland hunters to apply for a 2020-2021 waterfowl blind site license. The department is using this virtual process to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. From now through July 28 at 11:59 p.m, hunters may Read the Rest…
Record-high Harvests Reported in Nine Counties Maryland hunters reported harvesting 4,303 wild turkeys during the 2020 regular spring and junior hunt turkey seasons, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced. This year’s harvest surpassed the previous high of 4,175, set in 2017, and was 8% higher than the 2019 harvest of 4,002 turkeys.
Department’s 2020-2021 Proposal Includes Hunting Days for Veterans After receiving and reviewing public input, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has selected the state’s 2020-2021 migratory game bird hunting seasons. These selections are now awaiting final approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Applications Must Be Submitted and Postmarked by May 31 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting offshore waterfowl blind and shoreline license applications for riparian (waterfront) property owners. Riparian property owners, or anyone granted permission by the owner, may license their shoreline allowing them to establish offshore stationary blinds or blind sites for Read the Rest…
Extra Six Months Granted for Completing Course Continuing Governor Larry Hogan’s emergency actions to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maryland Natural Resources Police is adjusting requirements for the state’s hunter education course, effective May 11, 2020 and until further notice. Any Maryland hunter education student that has completed an online field of Read the Rest…
Governor Larry Hogan has issued an executive order on March 30, 2020, which institutes a Stay at Home directive and says that no Maryland resident should be leaving their home unless it is for an essential job or reason, such as obtaining food or medicine, seeking urgent medical attention, or for other necessary purposes. While Read the Rest…
Information for our Patrons, Customers, and Friends Governor Larry Hogan and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources are taking proactive steps to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Maryland. Following Governor Hogan’s emergency actions to protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources will remain operational, but we Read the Rest…
Three-Session Class Begins March 31 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering a Hunter Safety Education class on March 31, April 2, and April 4, 2020 at Herrington Manor State Park in Oakland, Garrett County. Classes on March 31 and April 2 will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and class on Read the Rest…
Oh, how I love to turkey hunt! Now I love to guide as well, having run my first paid guided turkey hunt. I’d been asked in the past and was always too busy with my own hunting, or scheduling other shooting and hunting events for my business. I decided I’d try it; after all, nothing Read the Rest…
Anglers, Hunters Sought for Cookbook Contributions The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is putting out a call to all wildlife and cooking enthusiasts to submit their favorite recipes featuring Maryland species for possible inclusion in a cookbook.
Maryland Hunters Bagged Birds in 22 Counties Hunters reported taking 82 wild turkeys during Maryland’s 2020 winter turkey season, which was open statewide Jan. 23-25. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reports turkeys were harvested in 22 of the state’s 23 counties, with St. Mary’s and Garrett counties reporting the highest numbers. The harvest was Read the Rest…
Great Opportunity to Mentor Young Hunters The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters of all ages that Feb. 8 is a Youth Waterfowl Hunt Day. This is a great chance for qualified mentors to take a young or aspiring waterfowler into the field to teach hunting skills, reinforce the safety lessons of hunter education classes, Read the Rest…
Input Taken Beginning Feb. 3; Public Meetings Scheduled The Maryland Department of Natural Resources in February will accept public comment on proposed changes to the 2020-2022 hunting and trapping seasons. Included in the proposals are concepts related to the 2020-2021 Migratory Game Bird Seasons. Through the past several months, the department has presented a variety of Read the Rest…
Another Chance to Bag a Hen or Gobbler The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the opening of the winter turkey season, which runs statewide from January 23-25 for hunters who did not harvest a turkey during the 2019 fall season. Hunting hours are from one half-hour before sunrise to one half-hour after sunset. The bag limit is one Read the Rest…
Hunters in Most Counties Have Another Opportunity The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the winter portion of the firearm deer hunting season opens Jan. 10, 2020, in Deer Management Region B, which includes all of the state except the westernmost counties. Hunters with a valid hunting license may use firearms to harvest sika and Read the Rest…
Weather a Factor in Final Numbers 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 Read the Rest…
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 Read the Rest…
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 Read the Rest…
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 Read the Rest…
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 Read the Rest…
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.
Favorable Weather Improves Deer Harvest 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 Read the Rest…
Benefits, Discounts Provided for Those Who Serve 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 Read the Rest…
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 Read the Rest…
Opportunities for Young Hunters to Hone Skills Young Marylanders can hone their hunting skills with the help of an experienced adult during two Youth Waterfowl Hunt Days Nov. 2, 2019 and Feb. 8, 2020.
Higher Turkey Population Anticipated This Year The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces that the fall turkey hunting season will open Oct. 26 and continue through Nov. 3 in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties with a bag limit of one turkey per hunter. “Although many hunters are focused on deer this time of year, the Read the Rest…
Traditional Firearms Hunt Remains Popular The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the first segment of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer season opens statewide Oct. 17. This is one of many deer hunting opportunities offered in the state and typically coincides with pleasant fall weather. The early muzzleloader season runs from Oct. 17-19 statewide. Hunters in Read the Rest…
Taking The Lead on Protecting Our Natural Resources I recently had the honor of swearing in Colonel G. Adrian Baker as the new Superintendent of the Maryland Natural Resources Police. Colonel Baker has an impressive track record and a wealth of relevant experience – both of which will serve the department and Maryland well. The Read the Rest…
Eligible Hunters Can Apply Until Oct. 18 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites junior, apprentice, and lapsed hunters to apply to participate in this year’s stocked pheasant hunts, which take place November 23-24. These do-it-yourself hunts will take place on nine wildlife management areas across the state and two state forests in western Maryland. Read the Rest…
Public Meeting Scheduled in Salisbury Sept. 24 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has developed a new, revised proposal for administering hunting leases on Chesapeake Forest Lands. A copy of the new revised proposal and place for comment is available on the department’s website. Additionally the department is hosting a public meeting from 6 p.m. Read the Rest…
New Public Opportunities in Charles and Queen Anne’s Counties The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is pleased to announce two new public hunting opportunities in state wildlife management areas. Browns Branch Wildlife Management Area in Queen Anne’s County and Popes Creek Wildlife Management area in Charles County are now open to regulated hunting and trapping.
Hunting Continues Through Jan. 31 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that archery hunting for white-tailed and sika deer opens statewide Sept. 6, and continues through Jan. 31, 2020. For the 2019-20 season, the statewide bag limit for white-tailed bucks is two deer (no more than one per weapon season). Maryland hunters in Region B (the state’s Read the Rest…
Mourning Dove Season Opens Sept. 2 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the state’s 2019-2020 migratory game bird hunting seasons. Bag limits, season dates, and shooting hours can be found in the 2019-2020 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.
Deadline for Hunt Clubs to Enter Lottery is Aug. 27 Hunt clubs interested in obtaining a hunting lease agreement on Chesapeake Forest Lands can enter a lottery for individual, non-leased tracts in Dorchester, Wicomico, and Worcester counties. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will accept online entries until Aug. 27.
Maryland Dedicates Annual Event to Those Who Served The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites all current and former service members and their families to Patriot Point in Dorchester County Sept. 21 to celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day. The annual event includes fishing, archery, shooting sports, and other activities centered on the outdoors and Read the Rest…
Entries Judged at Easton Waterfowl Festival The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites artists to submit their original works for the 46th Annual Migratory Game Bird stamp design contest by Nov. 1. The winning entry will appear on the 2020-2021 Migratory Game Bird Stamp hunters purchase to hunt migratory game birds in Maryland. New this Read the Rest…
Applications Taken for Somerset County Impoundments Hunters can now submit applications for the annual permit-only waterfowl hunting days on Deal Island Wildlife Management Area and Fairmount Wildlife Management Area impoundments, located in Somerset County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Permits will be issued through a lottery drawing, with assignments based upon a hunter’s stated preference for Read the Rest…
Application Process Begins Aug. 6 Throughout State Beginning Aug. 6, Maryland resident hunters can apply for a 2019-2020 waterfowl blind site license. On opening day, applicants will be entered into a lottery for a chance to select their sites. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources assigns a license for each blind site, a designated location Read the Rest…
Public Input on Proposed Changes Now Accepted Through Aug. 19 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has extended the time in which staff will accept public comment on a proposal for restructuring the Chesapeake Forest Lands lease program for hunting clubs. Following requests from the department’s active and engaged stakeholders, comments will be accepted online through Read the Rest…
Comments Taken on Proposed Changes Through July Aug. 19 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comment on a proposal for restructuring the Chesapeake Forest Lands lease program for hunting clubs.
Forest Service to Review Proposed Changes June 18 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will host a public meeting June 18 to present a newly developed proposal for restructuring the Chesapeake Forest Lands lease program for hunting clubs. Maryland Forest Service staff will be on hand to answer general questions about the proposal and provide Read the Rest…
Maryland Was Made for Great Outdoors Month June marks the official start of summer — although it feels like it really began weeks ago — and June also marks National Great Outdoors Month. While this is a national celebration, no one does outdoors better than Maryland! The State of Maryland features a unique array of Read the Rest…
Turkeys usually conjure images of colorful leaves and crisp fall days, but with the arrival of spring comes the start of turkey hunting in Maryland. The 2019 season begins April 18 and lasts through May 23, with a special youth turkey season scheduled the weekend of April 13-14. Found across Maryland, eastern wild turkey populations Read the Rest…
Public Input Complete, Federal Approval is Final Step After receiving and reviewing public input, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has selected the 2019 – 2020 migratory game bird hunting seasons. These recommendations are now awaiting final approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In addition to close consultation with Governor Hogan’s Wildlife Advisory Read the Rest…
Applications Must Be Submitted by May 31 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting offshore waterfowl blind and shoreline license applications for riparian, or waterfront, property owners. A license allows the shoreline owner, or anyone who has the owner’s permission, to hunt waterfowl from their own blind in state waters or to prevent other waterfowl hunters Read the Rest…
Class Size Limited, Register Now The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will offer a Hunter Safety Education Class March 26, 28 and 30 at Herrington Manor State Park in Oakland. Classes will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on March 26 and 28, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 30. The class Read the Rest…
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