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MARYLAND DEER HARVESTS DETERMINED STEADY
The Wildlife and Heritage Service of Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has recently confirmed a steady deer harvest for the 207-08 season year. A recent DNR press release notes that Maryland hunters harvested 92,208 deer during the 2007-2008 season. This equates to a less than 1 percent increase from the previous season year harvest, which totaled 91,930 deer. An area where there was a decreased harvest was in antlered deer which declined 3 percent from 33,114 deer (889 sika deer) in 2006-2007 to 32,221 deer (898 sika deer) during 2007-08. Contrasting this decline, antlerless deer harvests increased 2 percent from 58,816 deer (890 sika deer) in 2006-2007 to 59,987 deer (956 sika deer) in 2007-08. With emphasis by DNR wildlife biologists being on stabilizing the Maryland deer herd via increased antlerless harvests, these trends are not surprising and may indicate a successful strategy.
Strategy & Results
In the Mountains The mountainous counties of
Garrett and Allegany in Deer Management Region A, showed a slight
decrease in deer harvests during 2007-08. They went from 9,259 in
2006-2007 to 9,004 deer this season year. The antlered harvest of
5,208 deer this year was close to being the same as the 2006-2007
number of 5,246 deer. The antlerless harvest of 3,796 deer decreased
about 5 percent from the 2006-2007 harvest of 4,013 deer. The Maryland DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service is revising hunting and trapping regulations. To view proposed changes and obtain information on how to submit comments, visit the DNR website at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/dnrnews/pressrelease2008/022808.html.
Deadline for Comments
Maryland hunters and trappers have the opportunity to provide their comments on the next round of regulations for the Freestate. Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has scheduled three public meetings where they will receive comments on the proposed hunting and trapping regulations for game species and some migratory game birds for the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 hunting license year. This process continues the DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service strategy of adopting hunting and trapping regulations for resident game species and some migratory birds on a biennial schedule. This is your opportunity to go on record with any suggestions or questions concerning how the DNR intends to manage wildlife and migratory game birds over the next two years. While there are many talented and hard working field biologists and managers working these issues on our behalf, they cannot be everywhere all the time in the great outdoors. Thus, observations and opinions provided by hunters, trappers and those who enjoy the outdoors are extremely valuable to this process. DNR Welcomes Input Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul A. Peditto, was
recently quoted in a DNR press release as noting how his
organization benefits from receiving public comment and input on
proposed hunting and trapping regulations. "We look forward to
discussing our proposals with hunters, trappers and other citizens
interested in Maryland’s wildlife resources. We have been working on
these proposals with a variety of our stakeholders since early
February in an effort to keep our regulation changes relevant to the
needs and activities of Maryland’s citizens and visitors."
A bill in the Maryland Legislature which would have established a minimum age for hunting licenses has been withdrawn. Identified as "Good News for Maryland’s Rich Hunting Tradition" by the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus (MLSC), this legislative action was perceived by its opponents as one that would hinder entry of young Marylanders into the sport of hunting. Assisting the MLSC with this effort was the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Foundation (MLSF.) While the intentions of some in the Legislature may be in the spirit of good intentions, any action which limits our youth from enjoying the lawful tradition of hunting is not good news. That is the position taken by the MLSC and MLSF which resulted in this bill being withdrawn. HB 655 Known in the current Maryland Legislative session as HB655: The ‘Hunting License – Minimum Age’ Bill" this action if it had been approved, would have denied the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) from being able to issue a license to any youngster under the minimum age of thirteen. The impact and threat this bill had is that by the time youth are old enough to legally obtain a hunting license, other interests may have occupied their time. That is what some opponents of HB 655 believed the "anti-hunting crowd" wanted to happen. Battle Lines Drawn The Vice-Chairman of the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Foundation, Bill Miles noted the support and position he and the rest of his organization had in opposing HB 655. "Maryland is an urban–minded state. This was a legislative fight we have been anticipating for several years, but one we were committed to winning once the day arrived. The 2008 session was indeed that day. The bill’s demise speaks volumes to the influence and respect for the Caucus and the Foundation in the Halls of Annapolis. Tomorrow is a different day and we will remain ever-vigilant – on behalf of Maryland’s sportsmen’s community – in protecting our traditional rights as sportsmen… hunting young is one of those rights". Legislators as Hunting Advocates Efforts taken by the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus were what were required to defeat HB 655. This bi-partisan membership of the Maryland General Assembly is affiliated with the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC), an organization which includes membership in 34 state caucuses. The caucus leaders for Maryland include Senators John Astle and George Edwards and Delegates Richard Weldon and Susan Kullen. (Senator Astle is also the NASC Executive Council President.) Known as the, "...Sportsmen’s first line of defense to protect and defend Maryland’s rich traditions of hunting and fishing as well as the Second Amendment", is the MLSC and MLSF are advocates of hunting and the outdoors organizations. The MLSF emulates the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) based in Washington D.C. The MLSF Chairman and Vice-Chairman are David Sutherland and Bill Miles. NASC Info The NASC is a Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) Program, which provides umbrella membership for 34 affiliated state legislative sportsmen’s caucuses. NASC is a leader in providing information that protects and promotes sportsmen’s issues within state’s legislatures. It serves as a venue to focus interaction and the exchange of ideas among state caucus leaders, and the outdoors community. For NASC information, visit their website at www.statesportsmenslink.org or call 202-543-6907. Power Base and Impact A recent press release from the NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF SPORTSMEN’S CAUCUSES (NASC) notes that Maryland’s 521,000 citizens spend $2.4 million per day in pursuit of our hunting and outdoor activities. To learn more about our economic impacts and positive benefits as tracked by the NASC, visit the website, www.sportsmenslink.org.
Whether you call it an anniversary or birthday, an event of importance to anglers recently took place with Maryland’s Artificial Reef Initiative (MARI) passing the one year mark. Within its first year, 50 plus conservation, business and government partners raised more than $1.4 million in funding that supports creating and monitoring artificial reefs for fish habitat throughout Maryland’s waters. Fish reefs mean marine growth which attracts a wide variety of sea creatures with the top of the food chain attracted to them being the species of fish popular with Southern Maryland anglers. Environmental Benefits Chesapeake Bay Foundation Fisheries Program Director, Bill Goldsborough notes that artificial fish reefs also benefit the health of the Chesapeake Bay. "Creating fish habitat not only helps to restore the Chesapeake Bay, but also benefits recreational opportunities and our local economy." Goldsborough is also Chairman of the Maryland Artificial Reef Committee. Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Secretary, John Griffin, also sees a dual benefit to the fish reef efforts over the past year. "MARI’s efforts this past year placed more artificial reef base material to improve marine habitat than in the previous decade. We are thankful for the leadership and support of so many private businesses and conservation organizations partnering together on this effort." Design Concepts Working Artificial fish reefs that are three-dimensional help recreate marine life communities that can include oyster beds and coral reefs. These in turn support a wide range of fish species native to the Chesapeake Bay and Maryland’s Atlantic coast. Utilizing materials gleaned from the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project, MARI coordinated the relocation of over 50,000 tons of concrete material from the old Woodrow Wilson Bridge and used it to create four major reef sites: Point No Point off St. Mary’s County; Cedar Point at the mouth of the Patuxent River; Tangier Sound off Crisfield; and the Gooses Reef just west of the Little Choptank River. The DNR notes that these sites have been monitored by divers and fishery biologists who indicate that marine life communities and several fish species have begun to inhabit all four of the reefs. Point No Point Locale Working Capt. C.D. Dollar, who is a member of the state’s Artificial Reef Committee and a Chesapeake Bay fishing guide was recently quoted by the DNR to say, "Recreational anglers, charter boat captains and fishing guides have already reported catching striped bass, bluefish and croakers at Point No Point and other reef sites, which is a testament to the ecological and economic benefits of MARI. In a relatively short time, these reefs are quickly providing much needed quality fish habitat, and will only improve with time." Familiar Names Many of the corporate sponsors supporting the MARI effort are familiar names to those who watch either the business of the bay or the corporate world. They include, the Coastal Conservation Association of Maryland, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Legislative Sportsman’s Foundation and Caucus, Honeywell, Inc., Dominion Energy, Mitchell-Petersen Foundation, Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project, Shell Oil, and British Petroleum. Many more groups and individuals continue to work behind the scenes in the planning and coordinating of future reef sites. These include conservation organizations, businesses, foundations, outdoor recreational organizations. You can Help To help support artificial reef projects across Maryland, consider "buying a ton" via a tax-deductible donation to the Maryland Artificial Reef Initiative (MARI). The effort began in early 2007 to raise funds to facilitate development of marine habitat enhancement projects and could have a long productive future if others pitch in and help. For more information visit the website at, www.ccamd.org/MARI/MARI_home.htm.
Maryland’s popular blue crab populations may be taking a turn for the worst, based on recent data provided by Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Division. Data gleaned from crabbing reports indicates one of the more significant downturns in blue crab harvests across the Chesapeake Bay watershed, which includes many Southern Maryland tidal tributaries. While many find this troubling news as an impact on the price and availability of steamed crabs and crabmeat, anglers also have reason to worry. Crabs are an important link in the food chain of many gamefish we enjoy catching and eating. The data and statistics may prove to be bad news but the upside is that DNR Fisheries Biologists are aware of the problem and can be counted on as functional experts as to what should be done to turn the situation around. Dismal Estimates In a recent DNR press release, the DNR estimated the total 2007 blue crab harvest to be 21.8 million pounds. It was noted this number was, ".. approximately 6 million pounds below last year’s harvest and slightly above Maryland’s lowest recorded harvest of 20.2 million pounds in 2000." DNR Fisheries Biologist, Lynn Fegley qualified and explained the downturn in this manner. "The low 2007 blue crab harvest is the result of many factors including: low abundance due to poor reproduction of young blue crabs in late 2006; reduced fishing effort; and unusual climatic conditions that caused blue crabs to move further north up the Bay’s tributaries, making them less accessible to large crab pot fishing operations." Governor & DNR Concerned Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley has directed the DNR to develop management options that include consulting with stakeholders with interest in the blue crab fishery. This includes coordination with Virginia and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission that would compliment any management actions those jurisdictions are undertaking on behalf of faltering blue crab populations. DNR Secretary John Griffin also agrees that coordination with nearby fisheries management jurisdictions is a priority. The following quote from Secretary Griffin was made available through a DNR press release dated February 4, 2008. "Since 70 percent of the Bay’s female blue crabs are harvested from Virginia waters, we must work together to coordinate action toward a solution and both states must enforce their fair share of any necessary restrictions if we are to ensure the future of our blue crab population." Another important quote from the DNR Secretary on this subject states, "Every Maryland citizen and business has a role in helping to protect our blue crabs and restore the Chesapeake, and we all need to start taking actions in our daily lives to live more sustainably, to ensure a healthy future for our blue crabs, our children and our beloved Bay." Looking for Scientific Advice When it comes to defining and solving a fishery in distress, Maryland officials count on the expert advice of those with scientific backgrounds’. Their feedback and assessment on how differing management options could turn the blue crab population numbers around prior to implementation are among the most critical input professional fisheries biologists can provide. The DNR notes that new restrictions could be in place as early as April 2008. The annual Bay-wide blue crab winter dredge survey was underway when the DNR released their February 4, 2008 press release concerning the blue crab fishery. Once completed, this cooperative effort between Maryland’s DNR and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science will provide a comprehensive view of blue crab population numbers. Estimates for its completion are the spring of 2008. These surveys have taken place since 1990 and use dredges to sample blue crabs at 1,500 sites throughout the Chesapeake Bay between December and March. Wintertime sampling takes place when the crabs are in the mud and stationary and allows scientists to precisely estimate the number of crabs in the Bay, as compared to previous year survey numbers. Once the results of the 2008 blue crab winter dredge survey are provided, the DNR intends to reference them for potential management actions in 2008 and future harvest years. Habitat Impacts DNR Assistant Secretary for Aquatic Resources, Frank Dawson notes that, "Recently, the blue crab has been in the headlines because of reduced catches by commercial and recreational crabbers in the Bay. While harvesting is a major factor in affecting the crab population, impaired habitat — particularly the loss of bay grasses due to poor water quality — has also significantly contributed to the problems facing our state’s treasured blue crabs." Many who enjoy Maryland’s tidal waters share this concern. It will be interesting to see if the scientific community echoes Dawson’s concerns when their recommendations are provided to the DNR and Governor O’Malley. Information on what every Maryland citizens and business can do to help protect blue crabs and the Chesapeake Bay can be found at the website, http://www.dnr.state.md.us/bay/tribstrat/index.html. Wind Turbines Not Wanted, but Alternatives to Energy are Popular With the cost of energy sources such as natural gas and fuel oil going through the roof, much continues to be said about wind turbines. Like the long term interests in solar power, wind turbines have their detractors and supporters. For those who depend on air and water quality to enjoy the outdoors, cleaner more efficient energy sources are the preferred options. Use of wind and solar power reduces our dependence on foreign oil which is only a plus with the negative impact that imported oil brings our economy. So we wondered why there weren’t wind turbines springing up across the freestate where we could see them in our travels. It appears these unique energy generators work best in high elevation open spaces but there are also applications for open water locales. Thus, in researching some information sources provided by Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) we found a few answers to the Maryland wind turbine puzzle. Interests in Western Maryland In late January, a Western Maryland hearing was attended by about 500 people, many of which were there to protest a plan to build wind turbines in state forests. The turbine heights were said to incorporate a design height of 40 stories. U.S. Wind Force, a company from Pennsylvania is pursuing Maryland to permit their leasing about 400 acres in Garrett County to include sections of the Savage River and Potomac State Forests. Their plans would result in 100 wind mills (generators) being built. In considering this and other wind turbine options the Maryland DNR needs to determine whether policy allows the installation of wind turbines on public lands. Wind Turbines NIMBY During a recent public hearing on the topic of allowing wind turbines to be installed in Western Maryland, a majority of those attending the event in McHenry’s Garrett College auditorium spoke against the proposal. Their fear was that the high, profile wind turbine machinery would be a negative aesthetic to the forests and mountains of Western Maryland. Largely missing from the Western Maryland gathering were those speaking in favor of the "clean electricity" which has a twofold benefit; reduces global warming and dependance on foreign oil. One point of view recently offered was that if timber can be harvested from Maryland’s state forests, why can’t another entity such as U.S. Wind Force harvest wind power? Other public hearings are planned in other parts of the state; it will be interesting to see if the not in my backyard (NIMBY) opinion on wind turbines prevails there as well. Epilogue? Whether this recent majority opinion about wind turbine energy generation expressed during a recent Western Maryland public hearing expresses the prevailing winds of Maryland citizens, is still to be confirmed. Certainly, these devices are going to look out of place when surrounded by pristine rural settings, but we wonder if that were not the same opinions expressed when the very first windmills went up on farms hundreds of years ago. Proponents of wind turbine energy generation should expedite aesthetic design options that quell the negative feelings like those recently expressed in Western Maryland. Another issue that has been raised about wind turbines is the impact they have as the structure begins to deteriorate or components need service, inspection or fail and need replacement. These potential problems are not without resolution but wind turbine proponents need to be prepared with answers in this regard before the questions are asked. It is unlikely we will see many if any at all wind turbine generators along the Southern Maryland landscape, but certainly, stranger more dynamic things have happened. For more information about wind turbine proposals in Maryland, visit their website at, www.dnr.maryland.gov. or http://www.dnr.state.md.us/sustainability/wpm/.
The season may be over for Maryland's shotgun, rifle and muzzleloader deer hunters, but there is still opportunity available for those who hunt with archery tackle. The woods and field edges beckon those who enjoy the solitude of wintertime hunting. Deer archery time in Maryland continues through January 31, 2008. Crossbows can be used during the January 15 to 31, segment of the deer bow season. Weather and available free time determine how much of this late season archery hunt is pursued, but one thing is certain; in Maryland deer hunting belongs to the archer for the rest of the month. Cold, wet winter days may deter some hunters, but time in the woods during this invigorating time provides an edge to what hunting is all about. Archery hunting requires you to be up close and personal with the outdoors and wildlife and is a significant hunting challenge. Odor free clothes and maximum stealth are priorities while getting to and from the stand, during the course of your hunting time. Deer Management Zones Maryland has two management zones (A & B) for hunting deer. Only the far western counties of Allegheny and Garrett are in Zone A, with Southern Maryland and the rest of the state being zone B. Much of Zone B has an abundance of deer. Both antlered and antlerless deer can be taken in Region B during the January, 2008 deer archery time, but there are requirements prior to taking a second buck with archery tackle. Once you harvest a buck during the archery season, two antlerless (does) must be taken before you can harvest a second buck. A bonus antlered deer stamp is also required to take a second antlered deer with archery tackle. Except for counties within the Suburban Deer Archery Zone, the archery season antlerless bag limit for all other Region B counties is 10. In the Suburban Deer Archery Zone, an unlimited number of antlerless deer can be taken. Suburban Deer Archery Zone The Suburban Deer Archery Zone in Region B includes Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. During Maryland's archery season, bow hunters may take an unlimited number of antlerless deer within these counties. All antlerless deer taken with archery tackle within the Region B Suburban Deer Archery Zone must be recorded on the hunter’s Big Game Harvest Record. If additional Big Game Harvest Record forms are needed, they can be obtained from a Maryland Sports License Agent. Harvest Registration Requirements Hunters who harvest deer in Maryland have to register them within 24 hours by calling 1-888-800-0121 or via online at www.gamecheck.dnr.state.md.us. Prior to moving the deer from the place of harvest, hunters must immediately attach a completed field tag on the deer’s head. The tags are in the Maryland Big Game Harvest Record portion of the hunting license. There are two parts to the form must be completed in ink. Upon registering the deer, hunters are provided a confirmation number which is also recorded on the Big Game Harvest Record. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website at, www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/deerhunting.asp provides information about deer hunting in Maryland. Information on bag limits, season dates and other deer hunting guidance is also in the 2007-2008 Guide to Hunting & Trapping in Maryland and online at www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide. Crossbow Time The current deer archery season for Region B which includes all of the Southern Maryland Counties, continues through January 31, 2008. Crossbows can be used during this time. Proposed Striper Regulation Changes Striped Bass regulation changes proposed for 2008 by Maryland's DNR can be seen at, http://www.dnr.state.md.us:80/fisheries/regulations/proposedregulations.html. You can provide comments by either faxing them to 410-260-8310 or emailing Sarah Widman at, swidman@dnr.state.md.us .
STRIPED BASS REGULATORY Deer archery hunting began on September 15, 2007 and continues through January 31, 2008. Archery Hunters are an important part of how Maryland manages their deer population. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) notes in a recent press release that in 2006, license sales showed that 50,600 residents and 7,100 non-residents purchased archery stamps as required to bow hunt deer. When combined with the muzzleloader and firearms seasons, deer hunting contributes more than $150 million to Maryland’s economy. During the 2006-07 season, 21,991 deer which was comprised of 8,631 antlered bucks, 11,498 does and 1,862 button bucks, were harvested with archery tackle. Vertical bow hunters harvested 18,649 deer and crossbow deer hunters harvests were as follows: disabled hunters, firearm season, muzzleloader season, 4 week crossbow season)3,342 (1,375 antlered, 2,285 antlerless). Crossbow hunters also harvested 1,057 deer during the 2006-07 4-week crossbow season. Maryland’s DNR lists the top ten Maryland counties for the 2006-07 total bow harvest as follows: Baltimore (2,591); Montgomery (1,783); Washington (1,736); Harford (1,547); Frederick (1,350); Carroll (1,119); Garrett (1,104); Allegany (1,064); Howard (987); Charles (937). All but two Maryland Counties are in Deer Management Region B where archers may take 2 antlered white-tailed deer. 2 antlerless deer must be taken before attempting to hunt a second antlered deer. The bag limit for antlerless deer in Region B is 10 antlerless deer, but archery hunters in the Suburban Deer Archery Zone of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s Counties may take an unlimited number of antlerless deer. The white-tailed deer archery bag limit for Deer Management Region A which is comprised of Garrett and Allegany Counties is 2 deer, 1 antlered and 1 antlerless. Sika deer archery season is open from September 15, 2007 through January 31, 2008 in Caroline, Dorchester, and Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester counties. The sika deer bag limit is 1 antlered and 1 antlerless sika deer. An antlered sika deer is a deer with at least one antler visible above the hairline. Archery deer hunters check in their harvested deer by calling 1-888-800-0121 or online at the website, www.gamecheck.dnr.state.md.us . DNR instructions state that as soon as the deer is harvested, hunters are to immediately place a "…Field Tag" on the deer’s head and complete the Maryland Big Game Harvest Record." Hunters receive a confirmation number when they register by phone or the website. This number must be recorded on their Big Game Harvest Record. This must be done in ink. Instructions for the process of checking in a deer and recording the information are also on pages 32 – 33 of the "2007-2008 Guide to Hunting & Trapping in Maryland". Information on bag limits, season dates, deer registration procedures and bow hunting regulations is also available at DNR’s website, www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide/. On Sunday, November 4, 2007, bow hunting on private land is permitted in the following 12 counties: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Charles, Garrett, Kent, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, Talbot and Washington. Five Sunday deer bow hunting days are scheduled for private lands in Dorchester, St. Mary’s, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties on October 14, October 21, October 28, November 4 and November 11. Deer archery hunting with crossbows is permitted from October 1 – October 15, 2007 and January 15 – 31, 2008. Crossbows are also legal during the firearm and muzzleloader seasons. Any deer taken with crossbows counts toward the hunter’s appropriate Regional Bow Bag Limit. Both Crossbow hunters and those who hunt with vertical bows (including straight limb, recurve or compound) must possess a Bow Stamp with a valid hunting license in order to hunt deer during Maryland’s Bow Season. Bow hunters must purchase a Muzzleloader Stamp in order to hunt with a bow (vertical or crossbow) during the Muzzleloader Deer Season. Deer harvested with a straight limb, recurve or compound bow are registered as taken with a vertical bow. Deer harvested with a crossbow are recorded as taken with a crossbow.
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4/27/07
