ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Our department recognizes and values the contributions of both anglers and hunters – especially when it comes to responsibly managing our natural resources. We also recognize the value in ensuring that these and other important outdoor recreation traditions continue long into Maryland’s future.
With support from the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF), we have been in extensive conversations with stakeholders on this topic. Our ultimate goal is development of a recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) plan for Maryland which will guide our efforts to recruit, retain, and reactivate anglers and hunters and diversify participation over the next three years.
At the same time, we continue to promote opportunities for Marylanders to get outside and experience our natural resources for themselves. Our 2022-23 Maryland Guide to Fishing and Crabbing which details how to engage in our state’s unparalleled fishing opportunities, is a great example of that.
We also welcome your input on these matters in the following ways:
The department reviews its hunting regulations every two years, and 2022 is a review year. Soliciting input from the general public, which will begin mid-February, is an important part of that review. We encourage hunters and others to provide feedback during that process. Please look for further information to be posted on our website.
Maryland’s forests also provide great recreational and ecological benefits to Marylanders. The Maryland Forest Service is seeking public comment on our proposed fiscal year 2023 annual work plans for state forests in Western Maryland and on the Eastern Shore. We are dependent on your input to help us develop the most comprehensive and effective management practices for these forested lands and tracts so we encourage you to weigh in.
Last but not least, if you receive a survey asking about your outdoor recreation activities, preferences, and views, or have the opportunity to give input for any of our conservation programs, please take some time to provide your honest feedback to help us in these efforts – we truly value your opinion.
Thank you for your strong support of DNR’s mission, as we work together to enhance, preserve, and protect our natural resources.
Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio is Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
I guess I’m going to try to view my point as a long time Maryland Resident avid waterfowl hunter!!!
I have been hunting since I was 7 years old and I am 54 now ! The hunting for waterfowl is not like it used to be it would be cold back in October through February , March .Now it doesn’t get cold until January so the birds are not moving until later . This has been going on for years now the number of birds that get killed in Maryland are low because of this !!! I have spoken with plenty of hunters and we all feel that the early season should be dropped and put on 2nd half into or all February!!! We pay a lot of money for our equipment decoys licenses stamps !!! And when you hunt all year and still don’t get one days bag limit that’s ridiculous we are really fed up with this I speak for a lot of water fowlers and you all know and heard this for years now !!! What happens nothing kick the can down the road !!! What if we all stop buying the licenses and stamps and went other states to hunt ???
I must say I agree with Mike Murphy also
What I wanted to comment on was the deer herd in Maryland. I am 50 and have been in the woods most of my life. My dad used to say there was no deer around here in the 1960’s. (He grew up in aquasco/Calvert ). But for me. I have never seen the deer herd this bad and have watched it decline for the last 10 years. It is very disturbing to see the 2 week deer harvest reports down 10%_40%. Then to see some guy with the DNR (maybe Paul) say the deer herd in MD I strong 🤔🤔🤔🤔. I am sure there are small pockets in the state with some deer BUT. The last thing anyone can say is the deer herd in Maryland in strong. Please review the numbers. Manage the deer herd. Don’t listen to the lobbyists. Please