ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland lawmakers are considering legislation that would limit when land surveyors may enter private property during deer firearms hunting season.
House Bill 716 and its cross-filed companion, Senate Bill 545, would prohibit licensed land surveyors and property line surveyors from entering private property to conduct surveys during deer firearms season without written permission from the property owner.
Supporters say the measure is aimed at addressing safety concerns during Maryland’s deer firearms season, when hunters are legally permitted to discharge firearms on private land.
Under the proposed legislation, surveyors could still perform work during the season if they first obtain written authorization from the landowner.
Violations would be considered a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $500, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. The Maryland Board for Professional Land Surveyors could also impose an administrative penalty of up to $5,000 per violation, taking into account factors such as the seriousness of the offense and any prior violations.
If approved, the law would take effect Oct. 1, 2026.
The House version has been referred to the Economic Matters Committee, while the Senate bill has been assigned to the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee. The measures remain under consideration during the 2026 legislative session.
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I don’t see how this changes anything