Critters

SMOKEPOLE THUNDER TIME

That time of year which Maryland deer hunters look forward to is coming this week. The powder, patch, ball and hammerlock flash may split time with sabot rounds and inline muzzleloader rifles, but the one shot challenge is still the same. Muzzleloader thunder makes it’s annual debut across the Southern Maryland Region and other counties, on Thursday, October 21, 2004. Cold snaps and fall chill are in the air so the rut could soon be underway. With it, will be increased deer movement and bucks beginning their annual doe chase. The excitement of bagging a big buck goes through the thoughts of many hunters, ours included. As responsible and ethical hunters we should also harvest does to do our part in maintaining a healthy deer herd and stable regional populations.

Times & Bag Limits

From Thursday October 21 through Saturday, October 23, 2004 Maryland deer muzzleloader hunters can harvest one antlered deer and as many as 10 antlerless ones. The second 2004 deer muzzleloader season runs from October 25 through October 30. During this season only antlerless deer can be harvested. From December 18, 2004 through January 1, 2004, either antlered or antlerless deer can be harvested. The total 2004-05 muzzleloader bag limit is 2 antlered deer and 10 antlerless. Two antlerless deer must be harvested before a second antlered deer can be taken. A Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp is required to take a second antlered deer.

Wearing blaze or florescent orange is required while hunting during the Maryland deer muzzleloader seasons. This is more than just a law; it is important protection for those hunting. Florescent (hunter orange) is a color which is not normally seen in nature, so it works well in getting attention focused by those afield and in the woods. Those who accompany or assist a hunter, such as while dragging a harvested deer out of the woods, must also wear fluorescent orange. Caps or hats with a solid fluorescent orange color are popular among many hunters. Another option is wearing a fluorescent orange vest or jacket. Wearing a jacket containing front and back panels with at least 50 percent fluorescent orange color is another choice and option. When we drag a harvested deer out of the woods, we also tie a wide strip of fluorescent orange cloth around or on the deer.

The Region A archery bag limit is 2 deer. Only one 1 of these can be antlered. Region B, which includes the Southern Maryland Counties of Calvert, Charles and St. Marys, has a bag limit of two antlered white-tailed deer. Within Region B, two antlerless deer must be harvested before taking the second antlered deer. A Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp is required to take a second antlered deer. Region B archery hunters can harvest up to 10 antlerless deer. Archery hunters within the Suburban Deer Archery Zone of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties have the option of harvesting an unlimited number of antlerless deer.

Archery License RequirementsThose hunting deer during Maryland’s archery season, whether with crossbow or straight limb, recurve or compound bow, must purchase and have with them a Bow Stamp and valid hunting license. Hunters pursuing deer with archery tackle during the muzzleloader season must also have a Muzzleloader Stamp. When purchasing your hunting license, consider checking the box for the voluntary contribution of $1 to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (FHFH). This organization accepts harvested deer donated by hunters and gets them processed and distributed to the needy across the state. Your donation helps cover the cost of processing and delivering venison to Maryland’s less fortunate.

Checking Harvested Deer

Harvested deer must be checked into a DNR Official Deer & Turkey Checking Station. This can be within the county of harvest or of an adjacent county but must be within 24 hours after the kill. Deer harvested with straight limb, recurve or compound bow are registered as taken with a vertical bow. Crossbow harvests are recorded as taken with a crossbow.

An information booklet about the Maryland 2004-05 hunting seasons is provided when you purchase your License. You can also access information by visiting the DNR website at;

www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide.

The NWTF Southern Maryland Chapter is holding their second annual Super Gun Blast Banquet and Art Auction this Friday, October 22, 2004 from 7:00 P.M. to 11:00 PM . The event takes place at Middleton Hall which is located at 4045 Renner Road, in Waldorf. Cost to attend is $125 per person or $150 per couple. Pre-registration and payment is required, so call Bobby Boarman at (301) 259-2830, to see if tickets are still available..