Deer firearm season underway on Saturday; Rockfish season full blast now even on Potomac.

 

MARYLAND DEER FIREARM SEASON UNDERWAY

Deer hunters have their favorite time of year underway as the 2007 deer firearms season began on Saturday November 24 and continues through December 8. Another deer firearms opportunity takes place on January 4 and 5, 2008, and before that there is another muzzleloader season opportunity. There is even a Sunday hunting day (today) on November 25 which includes the Southern Maryland Counties of Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's. This Sunday hunting day is limited to private lands only. Archery hunters practicing their sport during either the Deer Firearms or Muzzleloader Seasons are required to wear fluorescent orange, as are all who hunt during these seasons. Wearing fluorescent (blaze) orange is an important law which protects everyone when adhered to. Antlered or antlerless deer can be taken during the current Maryland deer firearms season, with a total bag limit of 2 antlered and 10 antlerless. Before a second antlered deer can be taken, 2 antlerless deer must be harvested. A Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp is required to take a second antlered deer. For information about public hunting areas in Southern Maryland call (301) 743-5161.

Tagging Requirements

Maryland deer hunters are required to register their deer by calling 1-888-800-0121 or online at www.gamecheck.dnr.state.md.us. Hunters are to immediately attach a completed field tag on the deer’s head and record the harvest on their Maryland Big Game Harvest Record portion of their hunting license before moving the deer from place of harvest. Both forms must be completed in ink. Hunters receive a confirmation number that is then recorded on the Big Game Harvest Record. Detailed instructions for this process are located on pages 32 – 33 of the 2007-2008 Guide to Hunting & Trapping in Maryland.
                                                   Maryland Hunter Contest

Hunters across the Freestate are invited to enter the 2007 Maryland Hunter Contest sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife and Heritage Service (WHS). Those participating have the chance to win a free 2008-2009 hunting license. The grand prize winner will receive a $500 gift certificate. The Maryland Hunter Contest takes place during the 2-week firearm season, November 24 through December 8, 2007. Contest entry cards are available at participating stores. After filling one out, just drop them off in the collection box at that locale.  After the close of the Maryland deer firearms season, one winner will be selected per each store location and will receive a complimentary Maryland hunting license for the 2008-2009 hunting season. All of the winners will also be entered in a statewide grand prize drawing for the $500 gift certificate, in late December. The certificate is donated by the Maryland Sportsman’s Association. For more information about the 2007 Maryland Hunter Contest and participating agents visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide/mdhuntercontest.asp

                                                    Dodge That Deer

The whitetail deer rut is well underway across much of Maryland, so deer are on the move. Maryland's Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides the following tips to help avoid a deer and vehicle collision:

• A deer standing near the road may suddenly leap onto the road. Slow down and sound your horn to scare the deer away from the road.
• If you see a deer crossing the road ahead, slow down and scan for more deer. Deer travel in groups, so other deer may be nearby, but out of view.
• Slow down and brake to avoid hitting a deer, but do not swerve. Swerving can cause a driver to lose control and strike another vehicle. Drivers may lose control of their vehicle, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and strike a tree or roll over.
• Throughout the year, increase your awareness for deer in the early morning hours and late afternoon hours. Deer commonly move between daytime resting areas to evening feeding locations.

Rockfish Time Continues

The current recreational striped bass season in Maryland Chesapeake Bay and tributary continues through December 15. Anglers may keep two fish per person per day between 18 and 28 inches, or one fish between 18 and 28 inches and one fish over 28 inches. Call 1-800-688-3467 for fishing information provided by the DNR Fisheries Service. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website can be access at; www.dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/fishingreport/frmapindex.asp .

Potomac Striper Season