The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced the early portion of the muzzleloader deer hunting season opens on Oct. 22. The October season is one of several deer hunting opportunities DNR offers each year to provide outdoor recreation and meet deer management goals.

“The muzzleloader deer hunting season is an important component of our deer management approach,” said DNR Deer Project Leader Brian Eyler. “Last year the October muzzleloader harvest totaled 13,435 deer (4,796 antlered and 8,639 antlerless), a 38% increase over the previous year’s harvest of 9,734 deer.”

“Mild weather and beautiful fall scenery have made this portion of the muzzleloader season popular for family outings,” said DNR Associate Director for Game Management Pete Jayne. “It is a great time to mentor youth or introduce a new hunter to the challenges and rewards of deer hunting.”

Deer hunting regulations vary between the two Deer Management Regions. Region A, which consists of Garrett and Allegany counties, runs October 22- 24. Region B includes the remaining 21 counties and includes two portions: antlered or antlerless deer may be taken October 22- 24 and antlerless deer only may be taken October 26-31.

The sika deer early muzzleloader season is open in Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester counties October 22 -24.

Hunters are reminded that they need to meet the hunting license requirements and possess a muzzleloader stamp to hunt during the muzzleloader season.

Complete bag limits, season dates and other hunting information can be found online at http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide/index.asp. The 2009-2010 Maryland Guide to Hunting & Trapping issued with each hunting license contains detailed information about all of Maryland’s hunting seasons.