Citizens Encouraged to Help by Reporting Winter Flock Sightings This winter, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is kicking off the first comprehensive study of wild turkeys ever conducted in the state. The 3-year research project aims to answer many questions about factors potentially impacting turkey populations.
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. 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 Read the Rest…
Application Deadline August 31; Drawing Sept. 7 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is now accepting applications for the 2022 black bear hunt lottery. Successful applicants will receive a permit valid for the 6-day hunting season, which for the first time includes a Saturday. The hunt will be open October 24-29 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties. Read the Rest…
Hunters Bag 4,208 Turkeys; Five Counties Set Records Maryland hunters harvested 4,208 wild turkeys during the spring 2022 regular and junior turkey seasons, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported. This year’s harvest was 8% higher than the 2021 harvest and just 2% below the record harvest of 4,303 set in 2020.
Maryland Motorists Should Remain Alert for Deer Deer mating season is right around the corner, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds motorists to be vigilant. During this time deer travel across roads in often unpredictable patterns at all times of the day in search of a mate. Most wildlife species are also more Read the Rest…
Handling Fawns is Dangerous and Illegal The Maryland Department of Natural Resources cautions anyone who encounters a fawn to avoid disturbing it and resist the urge to feed or handle the animal. Removing deer from the wild and keeping them in captivity is against the law in Maryland, for both animal welfare and public safety. 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.
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.
Fall Breeding Season Has Deer on the Move Deer mating season is right around the corner and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges motorists to be on the lookout for these large animals as they increase their activity in search of partners. Other wildlife are also more active as they search for food going Read the Rest…
Handling Fawns is Usually Unnecessary, Often Dangerous, and Always Illegal Fawns are a sight to behold. Born helpless in late spring, they rely on their camouflage and virtual lack of odor to help them hide from danger. Fawns instinctively lie motionless when approached by potential predators. This behavioral adaptation has helped white-tailed deer survive for 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…
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…
Second Half of Season Runs Until Jan. 4 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the second segment of the muzzleloader deer hunting season will open Dec. 21 and run through Jan. 4, 2020. Hunters may use muzzleloading firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this season.
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…
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…
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…
Four Counties Report Record Harvests Maryland hunters reported harvesting 4,002 wild turkeys during the 2019 regular spring and junior hunt turkey seasons, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today. This year’s harvest was the second-highest on record, and reflects a 4% increase compared to the 2018 harvest of 3,861 birds.
More than 10,000 deer tested in Maryland since 1999 – only 52 returned as positive The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported today that 25 white-tailed deer sampled in Allegany and Washington counties during 2018 tested positive for chronic wasting disease, a neurological disease found in deer and elk.
Removing Wild Animals is Unnecessary, Dangerous and Illegal Late spring is the prime birthing time for white-tailed deer, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds anyone who encounters a fawn to avoid disturbing it. While young deer often appear to be orphaned, in most cases, the doe is nearby feeding and will return to Read the Rest…
Youth Hunters Get First Opportunity This Weekend The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the statewide spring turkey season will kick off Saturday, April 13 with Junior Turkey Hunt Day. All hunters can try to bag a bird during the regular statewide spring turkey season, April 18-May 23. For the first part of the regular Read the Rest…
Marylanders Urged to Keep Bears Wild After a long winter slumber, black bears are now emerging from their dens, and human residents of Maryland’s bear country should take steps to keep both species separate and safe. Adult and newborn bears will emerge hungry and seeking natural food sources, but many of their preferred foods — Read the Rest…
Public Meeting on March 6; Comment Accepted Until March 15 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting public comment on the proposed 2019-2020 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons. The comment period continues until noon on March 15. Proposed season dates for all migratory game birds can be viewed on the department’s website. The seasons Read the Rest…
Chance for Young Hunters to Hone Skills Young hunters have one more chance this season to hone their skills with the help of an experienced adult during a Youth Waterfowl Hunt Day Feb. 9, reports the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Youths up to 16 years of age may hunt coots, ducks, geese and mergansers on private and Read the Rest…
Four Public Comment Meetings Scheduled The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on the state’s management of white-tailed deer. The input will be used to help revise the state’s deer management plan for the next 15 years, establishing long-term goals, and identifying specific objectives and strategies for achieving them. Through Feb. 28 March 15, the Read the Rest…
Second Chance for Hunters to Take a Hen or Gobbler The Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers hunters who did not bag a turkey in the fall another chance, as the winter turkey season runs statewide Jan. 17-19. The department established the winter season in 2015 to increase opportunities while minimizing conflicts with other hunting seasons.
Hunters in Region B Have Another Opportunity for Deer The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the winter portion of the firearm deer hunting season opens Jan. 4, 2019, 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 Read the Rest…
Harvest Numbers Strong Despite Poor Weather The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that hunters reported taking 31,588 deer during the state’s most popular hunt, the two-week firearms season. The total was eight percent lower than last year’s official harvest of 34,502. Bad weather during the prime Saturday hunt days contributed to the decline in many Read the Rest…
Public Input Helps Inform Deer Management Plan The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the results of a public opinion survey, done in cooperation with the University of Delaware and Responsive Management on white-tailed deer. The telephone survey covered a range of topics and will be used to support revision of the department’s deer management plan. Read the Rest…
Second Half of Season Runs Until Dec. 29 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that the second segment of the muzzleloader deer hunting season opens Dec. 15 and runs through Dec. 29, 2018. Hunters may use muzzleloading firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this season. “The late muzzleloader season is a great Read the Rest…
Award Ceremony Nov. 13 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the Maryland Biodiversity Project and its founders, Bill Hubick and Jim Brighton, have been recognized as Conservationist of the Year by the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission. The Maryland Biodiversity Project is a nonprofit organization that has produced an online database and public information Read the Rest…
Maryland’s Most Popular Hunting Season Runs Through Dec. 8 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces that the two-week firearm hunting season for sika and white-tailed deer opens Nov. 24 and runs through Dec. 8. “The two-week firearms season remains our most popular hunting opportunity in the state,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. Read the Rest…
Split-Season Hunt for Migrating Waterfowl Maryland’s migratory Atlantic Population Canada goose hunting season begins Nov. 17, and is split into two segments: Nov. 17 through Nov. 23, 2018, and again from Dec. 14, 2018 through Feb. 2, 2019. The daily bag limit is two geese a day in the Canada Goose Hunting Zone.
Upcoming Days for Mentoring Nov. 3 and Feb. 9 Young Marylanders can hone their hunting skills with the help of an experienced adult during two Youth Waterfowl Hunt Days set for Nov. 3, 2018, and Feb. 9, 2019. On those days, anyone 16 years of age or younger may hunt coots, ducks and geese on private and public 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. 10 on private and designated public land in all counties, and Nov. 11 Read the Rest…
135 Bears Harvested in Four Counties Favorable weather conditions helped bear hunters enjoy success during Maryland’s 15th annual black bear hunt. Official results reported by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources show that 135 hunters harvested a bear during the five-day hunt held in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett and Washington counties. Several large bears were taken throughout the Read the Rest…
Hunting Available in Allegany, Garrett and Washington Counties The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that the fall turkey hunting season will open Oct. 27 and continue through Nov. 4 in Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties with a bag limit of one turkey per hunter. The fall season was extended to include an additional day, Sunday, Read the Rest…
Popular Season Coincides with Changing Fall Weather The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the first segment of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer season opens statewide Oct. 18. 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. 18-20 in Read the Rest…
Plastic Container Successfully Removed from ‘Buckethead’ After a three day pursuit, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service, with assistance from the Maryland Natural Resources Police, successfully tranquilized a 100-pound male black bear cub to remove a plastic jar that was stuck around its head. The rescued cub, affectionately known as “Buckethead,” was Read the Rest…
Residents Reminded to Take Common-Sense Precautions The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds residents and visitors that black bears are beginning a period of increased feeding activity in preparation for winter hibernation or torpor. Black bears in Maryland are concentrated in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett and Washington counties. During this time, bears may become more attracted to human-provided food Read the Rest…
Wildlife More Active in Fall Cooling temperatures, colorful foliage and unpredictable wildlife – all signs that the fall season is upon us in the Old Line State. As such, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources urges motorists to stay alert for deer and other wildlife this time of year as these animals seek food supplies and mates before Read the Rest…
Hunters May Now Claim a Tax Credit for Donated Processed Venison The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that archery hunting for white-tailed and sika deer opens statewide Sept. 7, and continues through Jan. 31, 2019. “Archery hunting remains an effective and important part of our deer management strategy,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “Archery Read the Rest…
Mourning Dove Season Opens Sept. 1 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the state’s 2018-2019 early migratory game bird hunting seasons. Bag limits, season dates and shooting hours can be found in the 2018-2019 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping. “The opening of dove season marks the traditional start of hunting activity in Read the Rest…
Apply by Aug. 31, Drawing Sept. 4 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting applications for this year’s black bear hunting lottery. Successful applicants will receive a permit valid for the five-day hunting season, taking place Oct. 22-26 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett and Washington counties. The department will issue 800 hunting permits that Read the Rest…
Public Comments Accepted Until July 9 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is now accepting public comment on proposed hunting and trapping seasons for 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. The proposed regulations were published in the Maryland Register June 8, and would establish hunting season dates and bag limits for deer, bear, wild turkey, and small game Read the Rest…
Five Counties Report Record Harvests The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that hunters reported harvesting 3,861 wild turkeys during the 2018 regular spring and junior hunt turkey seasons. This year’s harvest was 8 percent lower than the record 2017 harvest, but well above the 10-year average of 3,406. “Turkey populations continue to grow in a Read the Rest…
Removing Wild Animals is Unnecessary, Dangerous and Illegal Late spring is the prime birthing time for white-tailed deer and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds anyone who encounters a fawn to avoid disturbing it. While young deer often appear to be orphaned, in most cases, the doe is nearby feeding and will return to 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…
Junior Hunt Set for April 14; Regular Season Starts April 18 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites hunters to join the statewide spring turkey season kicking off in April. Young hunters can take aim April 14 for the Junior Turkey Hunt. All hunters can try to bag a bird during regular spring turkey season, April 18-May Read the Rest…
Annual Contest Brings Entries from Seven States 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 Read the Rest…
Public Comment Accepted Through March 14 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.
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