Department of Natural Resources
Larry Hogan, Governor
Boyd K. Rutherford, Lieutenant Governor
Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio, Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources
Paul A. Peditto, Director of the
Wildlife and Heritage Service
Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission
The Wildlife Advisory
Commission was created by legislation to advise the secretary of the Department of Natural Resources on wildlife matters.
All members are appointed by the governor. Contact the Wildlife Advisory Commission by writing to:
Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service
Tawes State Office Building, E-1
580 Taylor Ave. Annapolis, MD 21401
or email [email protected]
Commissioners
Luen N. Compton, Jr., Chairman
Tina R. Gregor, Vice-Chair
Stephanie L. Boyles Griffin
Erik T. Gulbrandsen
Joe L. Schroyer
Thurmond “TJ” L. Jenkins
Steven W. Keithley
Carl F. Wagner
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife and Heritage Service
Tawes State Office Building, E-1
580 Taylor Avenue
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-260-8540, FAX 410-260-8596
Toll free in Maryland: 877-620-8367
TTY users call via the MD Relay
dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife
Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration
Publication # DNR 03-050322-314
On the Cover
Lee Kjos / www.therawspirit.com
The Guide to Hunting and Trapping in Maryland is a publication of the Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Heritage Service. Ads promoting political advocacy or ads regarding alcohol, tobacco and/or ads of a sexual nature will not be accepted. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Heritage Service is not responsible for any advertising claims contained herein. The department disclaims any liability regarding product pricing, claims, descriptions, availability or condition. No warranty is expressed or implied concerning product errors, omissions or misprints.
This publication is intended as a guide only. For state laws and regulations, see the Natural Resources Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland and the Code of Maryland Regulations, Title 08 at the following web sites:
- Laws: lawlib.state.md.us
- Regulations: dsd.state.md.us/COMAR/ComarHome.html
The facilities of the Department of Natural Resources are available to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin or physical or mental disability. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities will be provided upon request. Seven days advance notice is requested. This document is available in alternative format upon request from a qualified individual with a disability.
This program receives Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability.
If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility, or if you need more information, please write to:
Office of Fair Practice
Department of Natural Resources
580 Taylor Ave., C-3
Annapolis MD 21401
Telephone: (410)260-8058
Email: [email protected]
The Civil Rights Coordinator for Public Access
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Mail Stop: WSFR-4020
Arlington, Virginia 22203
Attention Successful Deer Hunters!
- You can be eligible to take a tax credit for the qualified expenses of donating processed deer meat to a nonprofit venison donation program.
- An individual can claim a credit of up to $50 for the butchering and processing expenses for an antlerless deer.
- To qualify, a hunter must comply with applicable state hunting laws and regulations. The actual tax credit will be part of your annual Maryland tax filing.
Potomac River Boating Regulations
A person aboard a vessel, raft or tube shall wear a U.S. Coast Guard Approved Type I, II, III or V personal flotation device at all times while underway on the Upper Potomac River (that portion of the Potomac River and its tributaries above the Maryland/District of Columbia boundary near Little Falls) and its tributaries, during the period beginning at 12:01 a.m. each November 15, and ending at 12 midnight each succeeding May 15. At all other times a vessel, raft or tube shall be equipped with a U.S. Coast Guard approved Type I, II, III or V personal flotation device for each person aboard while underway on the Upper Potomac River and its tributaries.
An individual using a vessel, raft or tube upon any white water portion of any designated stream segment shall wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved Type III or V personal flotation device at all times; see COMAR 08.18.01.08 for a complete listing. Furthermore, an individual using a kayak or covered canoe vessel on a white water portion of a designated stream segment shall wear a safety helmet.
Additionally, no person may use a recreational vessel 16 feet or more in length unless one Type IV throwable personal flotation device is onboard in addition to the total number of wearable personal flotation devices required.
Black Bears in Maryland
Western Maryland (Allegany, Garrett, Frederick and Washington counties) is home to a healthy black bear population. Accordingly, people may find themselves encountering bears, especially in areas with natural or artificial food sources, such as berry patches, oak groves or in areas where bait, such as corn, has been left to attract wildlife. If you encounter a bear, the Department of Natural Resources recommends that you make your presence known by making noise. Clap your hands and speak with a firm voice to be sure the bear knows you are there. Remain upright and do not run. Back away slowly and leave the area. Although black bears are generally shy and run when confronted by people, they are wild animals that should be treated with respect.
For people wishing to carry a form of personal protection, the department recommends the use of bear pepper spray as an effective, legal and safe bear deterrent. It has a large volume and long shelf life and is discharged in an expanding cloud that will reach its target up to 35 feet away. There are a variety of bear pepper sprays on the market that can be purchased at local sporting goods stores or on the internet. When purchasing bear pepper spray, be sure that the label states that it is for use on bears and has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Stop All Poaching
To report a violation:
Call or text: 443-433-4112 or Email: [email protected]
For more information about Maryland Wildlife Crime Stoppers find us on Facebook: Maryland Wildlife Crime Stoppers
Natural Resources Police Career Opportunities
If you have what it takes and the desire to serve, we’re interested in talking to you.
To begin your career as a Maryland Natural Resources Police officer, please contact us at [email protected], or visit the Maryland Natural Resources Police Careers page at https://dnr.maryland.gov/nrp/pages/careers.aspx
Maryland Archery Hunter Survey Cooperators Needed
We need your help!
Archery hunters are among the most active outdoor enthusiasts in Maryland. The time you spend afield and the experiences you enjoy are of great value to us. The hunting observations you make, day after day and year after year, can be used as a powerful tool to effectively track fluctuations in many different wildlife populations (e.g. deer, bear, turkey, small game and furbearers). Therefore, we are asking you to take the time to become a cooperator and document information about each of your archery hunts. The data you provide will be added to the data already collected by over 300 other archery hunter cooperators and will make the results even stronger.
If you are interested in becoming an Archery Hunter Survey Cooperator, you can download a copy of the survey at dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/hunt_trap/bhsurvey.aspx or contact Brent Evans at 443-786-3656 or [email protected] Cooperators will receive an annual survey form to complete during the deer archery season and an annual report of the results after they are compiled. We appreciate your interest and cooperation.