Department of Natural Resources

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.