News From Outdoors Forum - Hunting Proposals

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Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife and Heritage Division Director Mike Slatter announced today final hunting regulation proposals for both the 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 hunting license years for resident game species, and select migratory game species. DNR adopts hunting and trapping regulations for resident game species on a bi-annual schedule. Maryland^s hunting license year is August 1 to July 31. "Because Maryland^s game populations are such an important resource to Maryland citizens, the Department relies heavily on public comments to guide the hunting regulation process," Mr. Slattery said. "I would like to thank all those who took the opportunity to comment on the Department^s initial proposals. The final proposals have been modified in response to citizens^ comments." DNR^s Wildlife and Heritage Division held four public information meetings across the state this past March to provide an opportunity for interested persons to review and comment on DNR^s initial proposals. For those persons who were not able to attend one of the public meetings, comments were also received and posted on the Divisions^s website. The Wildlife Advisory Commission, which serves as a liaison with the general public, conservation organizations and the sportsmen and women of Maryland on wildlife related issues has approved this proposed regulation package. The final proposals will be published in the Maryland Register for a 30-day public comment period. Highlights of the final proposed regulations are as follows: Hunters Required to Carry Photo Identification While Afield - The primary reason for this regulation is to ensure that when an individual presents a hunting license to a law enforcement officer, landowner, or anyone else, there is a method to positively verify the individual^s identity. This regulation provides necessary protection for hunters as well as landowners, while providing a valuable investigative tool for law enforcement. This regulation would not only ensure that the person who possesses a hunting license is the lawful owner of the license when the individual is checked while hunting, but also enable law enforcement to verify if an individual hunting without a license is entitled to do so. Terminate Bonus Antlerless Deer Stamps in Deer Management Region A - In recent years the number of hunters applying for Bonus Antlerless Deer Stamps has been significantly less than the number of stamps made available by the Department. In addition, the number of antlerless deer harvested in Deer Management Region A during both the 1998-1999 and 1999-2000 deer hunting seasons was less than the Department^s harvest objective. In order to appropriately manage the white-tailed deer population in Deer Management Region A, DNR proposes to eliminate Bonus Antlerless Deer Stamps. Antlerless deer harvest will be managed by allowing hunters to continue to take antlerless deer during the Bow Season and on select days during the Firearm and Muzzleloader seasons. Deer Management Region A - Deer Bag Limit Changes - To include Allegany, Garrett, and Washington (Zone 2) counties - Saturday (Oct. 21, 2000) of the early segment of the Deer Muzzleloader season to be either sex on private lands only. The last two days (December 8 and 9, 2000) of the Deer Firearms season to be either sex on both DNR Public Lands and on private lands. The last eight days ( December 23 to December 30, 2000) of the late segment of the Deer Muzzleloader season to be either sex on private lands. The last two days ( December 29 and 30, 2000) of the late segment of the Deer Muzzleloader season to be either sex on DNR Public Lands. Legalize Telescopic Sights For Muzzleloader Deer Hunting For Deer Management Region A - DNR proposes to legalize telescopic sights for use during both the early and late segments of the Deer Muzzleloader season in Deer Management Region A. Increase Daily Deer Bag Limit For Carroll, Frederick, and Washington (Zone 1) Counties - Existing regulations allow hunters to take only one deer per day in Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett and Washington Counties. In all other counties, there is no restriction that applies to the number of deer that may be taken per day within the season bag limit. In order to provide for more consistent and understandable deer hunting regulations, DNR proposes to eliminate the one deer daily bag limit requirement for Carroll, Frederick, and Washington (Zone 1) counties. With this change, there will be no limit to the number of deer that may be taken per day within the season bag limit in all Deer Management Regions with the exception of Deer Management Region A. Only one deer may be taken per day in Deer Management Region A within the Combined Total Deer Season Bag Limit for each deer season. Deer Management Region B - Deer Bag Limit Changes - To include Carroll, Frederick (Zone 1), and Washington (Zone 1) - Expand Either Sex Deer Firearm Season From One Week To Two Weeks. Currently Region B either sex deer hunting during the Firearm season is limited to the first week of the Firearm season. Elevated crop damage associated with high deer populations indicates that private landowners need more flexibility in taking antlerless deer within Region B. DNR proposes to expand either sex deer hunting to encompass the entire two week Firearm season within Region B. Youth Turkey Hunt - DNR proposes to add one additional Saturday to the Spring Wild Turkey season for Youth only. DNR^s intent in establishing these special days of opportunity is to introduce youth to the concepts of wildlife conservation and to encourage youngsters and adults to experience the outdoors together. We view these special youth hunting days as a unique educational opportunity, above and beyond the regular season, which helps ensure high-quality learning experiences for those youth interested in hunting. Youth Hunting Day Age Requirements - DNR proposes to modify the age requirements for youth who participate in the Youth Deer Hunt and Youth Turkey Hunt seasons. This proposal provides that only an individual 16 years old or younger may hunt with firearms on Youth Hunting Days. This regulation will apply to both resident and non-resident youth who are required to purchase a hunting license and to those youth who are exempt from the hunting license requirement. This regulation will not apply to youth who participate in the Youth Waterfowl Hunt. Federal regulations require that youth participating in the Youth Waterfowl Hunt be 15 years old or younger. Statewide Rabbit, Quail, and Ring-necked Pheasant Season to Open Nov. 4, 2000 - Many hunters have asked the Department to consider scheduling opening days of hunting season on a Saturday when possible to allow more hunters the opportunity to participate on opening day. Opening all resident upland game species on the same date statewide is being proposed in order to simplify regulations for hunters, wildlife managers, and law enforcement personnel. Cottontail Rabbit Season Extended- DNR proposes to extend the statewide Cottontail rabbit season to February10, 2001 and February 9, 2002.

Uploaded: 6/15/2000