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.
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…
Comments Accepted until March 13 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comment on proposed changes to the 2018-2020 hunting and trapping seasons. The department evaluates possible changes every two years. Over the past several months, the department has presented proposed management concepts to a variety of external and internal partners and stakeholders, Read the Rest…
Maryland Midwinter Waterfowl Survey Shows Increase from 2017 Each winter, aerial survey teams of biologists from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service make visual estimates of ducks, geese and swans along the state’s coast and shoreline. This year, teams counted about 1,023,300 waterfowl, well above the 812,600 birds observed Read the Rest…
Chance for Young Hunters to Hone Skills with Adult Mentor The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering a Youth Waterfowl Hunt Day statewide Feb. 10. Hunters 16 years of age or younger may hunt coots, ducks, geese and mergansers on both private and public land this day when aided by an unarmed adult, at Read the Rest…
Hunters Get another Chance to Bag a Wild Turkey The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering another opportunity for hunters this winter. Winter turkey hunting season runs Jan. 18-20 statewide, giving hunters that did not bag a turkey in the fall another chance. The department established the winter season in 2015 in an effort to Read the Rest…
Additional Hunting Opportunities Begin Jan. 5 in Region B The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that the winter portion of the firearm deer hunting season opens Jan. 5 in Deer Management Region B, which includes all the state but its westernmost counties. Hunters with a valid hunting license may use firearms to harvest Read the Rest…
Nonprofit Recognized for Partnership in Natural Resources Mission The Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission recently awarded the Harford County-based Susquehannock Wildlife Society the Maryland Conservationist of the Year award. The local nonprofit was recognized for accomplishments in conservation, education, research and restoration, and for the group’s partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and others in Read the Rest…
Sunday Hunting Contributed to Total Maryland hunters reported taking 34,412 deer during the state’s most popular hunt, the two-week firearm season. The total was similar to last year’s official harvest of 35,002. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported that more than 4,000 deer were taken on the two Sundays during the season, more than 10 percent of Read the Rest…
Second Half of Season Runs Until Dec. 30 The second portion of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer hunting season is set to open Dec. 16. Hunters who possess a valid hunting license and a muzzleloader stamp from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources may use muzzleloading firearms to hunt white-tailed and sika deer during the season, which concludes Dec. 30. “Muzzleloader hunting Read the Rest…
Western Maryland Harvest Sees Jump; Junior Hunt Weekend Also Successful Hunters reported harvesting 13,514 deer on the opening weekend of the 2017 Maryland firearm season, the state’s most popular hunting season. The total includes 6,242 antlered and 7,272 antlerless deer, with sika deer comprising 201 of the antlered and 188 of the antlerless totals.
State’s Most Popular Hunting Season Starts Nov. 25 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that the two-week firearm deer season opens Nov. 25 and runs through Dec. 9. Hunters may use firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this hunting season. “The two-week firearms season is our most popular hunting opportunity in the 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…
Two Dates Offer Introduction to Maryland Tradition The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites young hunters to hone their skills with the help of an experienced adult during two Youth Waterfowl Hunt days: Nov. 4, 2017, and Feb. 10, 2018. Anyone 16 years of age or younger can hunt coots, ducks, geese and mergansers on 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…
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…
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…
Deer Breeding Season Means Added Danger Cooling temperatures, colorful foliage and unpredictable wildlife are all signs that the fall season is upon us. 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. During this time of Read the Rest…
Poult Production Lower Than Average, But Turkey Population Resilient The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recently completed the annual Summer Wild Turkey Observation Survey. The reproduction index of 2.3 poults per adult hen was below the 15-year average of 3 poults per hen, but slightly higher than the record-low 2016 index of 2 poults per Read the Rest…
Maryland Bowhunters Have New Access Opportunities, Guidelines The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that archery hunting for white-tailed and sika deer opens statewide Sept. 8, and continues through Jan. 31, 2018.
Mourning Dove Season Opens Sept. 1 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced the state’s 2017-2018 early migratory game bird hunting seasons. Bag limits, season dates and shooting hours can be found in the 2017-2018 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping. “These seasons mark the traditional start of hunting activity in Maryland,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Read the Rest…
Low-Cost Apprentice Hunting Licenses Now Available The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering a new hunting license for first-time hunters. The Apprentice Hunting License is available to residents and nonresidents of any age who never held a Maryland hunting license. The apprentice license is $10 for residents and $20 for nonresidents, and provides the same Read the Rest…
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…
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…
Removing Wild Animals is Dangerous, Illegal and Unnecessary With late spring being the prime birthing time for white-tailed deer in the state, 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 protecting and feeding her offspring. Read the Rest…
Artwork to Support Conservation and Wildlife Initiatives 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 Wicomico County resident. The winners were chosen by a panel of judges April 28 Read the Rest…
Public Input Submitted for Final Approval After receiving and reviewing public input, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has selected the 2017-2018 migratory game bird hunting seasons. As the last step in the process, these recommendations are now pending final approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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…
Youths Offered Preseason Hunting Weekend The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites young hunters to kick off the spring turkey season with a statewide Junior Turkey Hunt Day April 15. The regular spring turkey season for all hunters will run from April 18 through May 23 statewide.
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.
Public Comment Accepted Through March 8 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comment on proposed 2017-2018 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons. 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. The public comment period will close at noon March 8.
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…
Annual Survey Estimates Number of Dabblers, Divers, Ducks & Waterfowl Each winter, aerial survey teams of pilots and biologists from Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service make visual estimates of the ducks, geese and swans along the state’s Chesapeake Bay shoreline and Atlantic coast. This year, the teams counted about 812,600 waterfowl, higher Read the Rest…
Anyone up to 16 Years Old Can Participate Young Marylanders can hone their hunting skills with the help of an experienced adult Feb. 11 during the second of two Youth Waterfowl Hunt Days scheduled for the 2016-2017 hunting season. Anyone 16 years of age or younger can hunt ducks, geese, mergansers and coots on public Read the Rest…
Hunters reported taking 109 wild turkeys during Maryland’s third annual winter turkey hunting season, which was open statewide Jan. 19-21. The harvest was significantly higher than the 61 birds taken last winter, which was hampered by severe weather, and slightly higher than the inaugural 2015 season.
Turkeys Can be Harvested Statewide Jan. 19-21 Maryland’s winter turkey hunting season will be open Jan. 19-21 statewide, allowing hunters that didn’t bag a turkey in the fall another opportunity. The season was established in 2015 to provide hunters an opportunity to harvest turkeys outside the traditional spring season.