Popular deer hunting season inspires camaraderie with friends and family Maryland’s two-week firearms hunting season for sika and white-tailed deer opens Saturday, Nov. 30 and runs through Saturday, Dec. 14. 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.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) advises hunters that Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) has been confirmed in Maryland and is the likely cause of death for white-tailed deer reported in numerous counties across the state. EHD is a naturally occurring disease that affects white-tailed deer and, rarely, domestic livestock. The disease poses no threat Read the Rest…
Bowhunting opportunities continue into February The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will open the archery hunting season for white-tailed and sika deer on Sept. 6. The season runs intermittently through Jan. 31, 2025. Archers may use vertical longbows and vertical recurve bows Feb. 1 and Feb. 3-4, 2025 during the third annual Primitive Deer Hunt Days. Read the Rest…
The state’s chronic wasting disease management area has expanded to include two additional counties The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported today that 52 white-tailed deer sampled within Allegany, Baltimore, Frederick, Montgomery and Washington counties in 2023 tested positive for chronic wasting disease, a neurological disease found in deer, elk, and moose. Of the positive samples, 49 came from within the existing Read the Rest…
More than 10% were harvested on Sundays The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reported that deer hunters harvested 72,642 deer during the combined archery, firearms, and muzzleloader seasons, from Sept. 8, 2023 through Feb. 3, 2024. The statewide harvest included 30,025 antlered and 38,511 antlerless white-tailed deer, and 1,912 antlered and 2,194 antlerless sika deer. The harvest Read the Rest…
Season open first weekend of 2024 in most counties The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will open the January firearm deer hunting season on Jan. 5, 2024 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 deer during Read the Rest…
Hunters take 28,236 deer during two-week season The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that hunters harvested 28,236 deer during the two-week firearm season from Nov. 25 through Dec. 9. The firearms season harvest was 3% lower than last year’s official count of 29,160 deer.
The second half of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer hunting season will reopen Dec. 16 and run through Dec. 30. The first half of the split season was held in October. Hunters may use muzzleloading firearms to harvest sika and white-tailed deer during this time.
Popular season helps significantly to manage the deer population The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the two-week firearms hunting season for sika and white-tailed deer opens Saturday, Nov. 25 and runs through Saturday, Dec. 9. The two-week season includes Sunday hunting in all but three counties, affording hunters more weekend opportunities to hunt and contribute to managing Read the Rest…
Hunt offers prime time for adult hunters to pass on traditions The Maryland Department of Natural Resources encourages experienced deer hunters to take advantage of the upcoming Junior Deer Hunting Days to introduce young people 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 Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the first segment of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer season runs from Oct. 19-21 statewide. Hunters in Region B — the state’s central, southern, and eastern regions — can also use muzzleloaders from Oct. 23-28 for antlerless deer only. The popular season typically coincides with pleasant fall weather and is one Read the Rest…
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the archery hunting season for white-tailed and sika deer opens statewide Sept. 8 and ends Jan. 31, 2024. Archers may also use vertical longbows and vertical recurve bows Feb. 1-3, 2024 during the second annual Primitive Deer Hunt Days.
Management Area Expanded into Additional Counties Following 2022 Report The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported today that 38 white-tailed deer sampled within Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, and Washington counties in 2022 tested positive for chronic wasting disease, a neurological disease found in deer and elk. The Department of Natural Resources works with neighboring states to monitor chronic wasting Read the Rest…
Statewide Harvest Increased 8% from Previous Year The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reported that deer hunters harvested 76,687 deer during the combined archery, firearms, and muzzleloader seasons, from Sept. 9, 2022 through Feb. 3, 2023. The statewide harvest included 29,682 antlered and 42,872 antlerless white-tailed deer, and 1,908 antlered and 2,225 antlerless sika deer. The Read the Rest…
Early Muzzleloader and Archery Harvests Increase 24% 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.
Bowhunting Open Through Jan. 31, Plus Primitive Hunt The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that archery hunting for white-tailed and sika deer opens statewide Sept. 9, and continues through Jan. 31, 2023. Archers may also use vertical longbows and vertical recurve bows Feb. 1-3, 2023 during the annual Primitive Deer Hunt Days.
Positive Samples Were Entirely Within Existing Management Area The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported that 53 white-tailed deer sampled within Allegany and Washington counties in 2021 tested positive for chronic wasting disease, a neurodegenerative disease found in deer and elk. All of Maryland’s positive samples were found within the existing Chronic Wasting Disease Management Area.
Frederick County Leads State in Harvest Totals The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported that deer hunters harvested 70,845 deer during the combined archery, firearms, and muzzleloader seasons, from Sept. 10, 2021 through Feb. 3, 2022. The statewide harvest included 27,947 antlered and 39,498 antlerless white-tailed deer, plus 1,541 antlered and 1,859 antlerless sika deer. The harvest Read the Rest…
Final Weekend of State’s Most Popular Hunt The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the January firearm deer hunting season opens Jan. 7, 2022, 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 deer during this season. The Read the Rest…
Harvest 16% Lower, Population Remains Healthy The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that hunters harvested 26,569 deer during the two-week firearms season from Nov. 27 through Dec. 11. The harvest was 16% lower than last year’s official count of 31,649.
Hunters Find Success Despite Windy Conditions The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that hunters reported 10,419 deer taken on the opening weekend of the 2021 Maryland firearm season, Nov. 27-28. The overall harvest was 6% lower than last year’s official opening weekend harvest of 11,123 deer, as windy conditions prevailed. The harvest total included 4,780 antlered Read the Rest…
Another Chance for Hunters to Put Venison in Their Freezers The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that the two-week firearms hunting season for sika and white-tailed deer opens Saturday, Nov. 27 and runs through Saturday, Dec. 11.
Muzzleloader Season Sees Increase; Slow Start for Archery The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reports that hunters harvested 16,281 deer during the early portion of the archery and muzzleloader seasons. The harvest was a 17% decrease from last year’s official harvest of 19,616 deer for the same period.
Popular Hunting Opportunity Continues Through Jan. 31 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that archery hunting for white-tailed and sika deer opens statewide Sept. 10, and continues through Jan. 31, 2022. Archers may also use vertical longbows and vertical recurve bows Feb. 1-3, 2022 during the second annual Primitive Deer Hunt Days.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
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.
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.
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…
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…
Suburban deer sightings are so common that few of us pay much attention anymore. White-tailed deer are everywhere – along the roadways, throughout our parks, and in our very own backyards. Many people incorrectly presume that these animals belong in the deep woods, and the ones wandering into our neighborhoods are refugees displaced by residential, 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…
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…
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 of deer hunting during two Junior Deer Hunting Days in November. The hunts will be held Nov. 16, on private and designated public land in all counties, 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…
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…
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…
Public Meeting March 13; New Deadline March 15 The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has rescheduled the last of its public meetings regarding white-tailed deer management, and also extended the deadline for accepting public comment on the state’s deer management plan. The meeting in Wye Mills, which had been previously postponed due to weather, will now Read the Rest…
Sunday Hunting Accounts for More than Ten Percent of Total Harvest The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported today that deer hunters harvested 77,382 deer during the combined archery, firearms and muzzleloader seasons, from Sept. 7, 2018, through Jan. 31, 2019. The statewide harvest included 29,699 antlered and 44,249 antlerless white-tailed deer; and 1,609 antlered 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…
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…
Sunday Hunting Salvages Opening Weekend The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced today that deer hunters reported harvesting 10,008 deer on the opening weekend of the 2018 Maryland firearm season, a decline from last year’s official total of 13,622 deer for the same period. Significant rain across the state Saturday was largely responsible for the 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…