My name is Maribeth Kulynycz, born and raised surrounded by a big family in Somerset County Maryland. My mother is a retired registered nurse, whose family can be traced back to some of the first settlers of Deal Island, MD. My father was born to two Ukrainian immigrants who knew how to live on the land and survive. I was born and raised on the Eastern shore of Maryland I work as a cosmetologist, writer, therapeutic horse back riding instructor. I am also an avid Bowhunter. I joined MBS and became the executive secretary in 2016 and was elected president of MBS in 2024. MBS has always been involved in representing hunters interest politically and have partnered with HOM, LLC since it's founding. We are so thankful to have HOM in our corner looking out for hunters and ensuring our hunting rights are protected.
How many years have you hunted and why did you start hunting?
I started in 1995 at the age of 9 but I was following my dad to the woods as soon as I was able to walk. In 2008 I began bowhunting and switched from the compound bow to traditional archery in 2018.
What are your favorite species to hunt and why?
That's a hard question, I love hunting whatever game is in front of me! Deer hunting is a long game, it takes so much time, practicing, preparing, and waiting, but I feel like it's hard to beat the reward of taking a good whitetail or Sika! But I love turkey hunting for the action, the sounds and sights of spring make the world come alive those early mornings! It's a game of cat and mouse and always has me longing for more.
.Do you travel out of state of maryland to hunt?
I am blessed to be on a lease in Texas so I travel down a few times a year to chase wild hogs, deer, and turkey. I have fallen in love with those open Texas skies and have found such a worthy adversary pursuing wild hogs.
What is your weapon of choice to hunt with and why.
I would choose bowhunting over any other option. I love allowing the animals to be able to use their instincts and skills to outwit me. It evens the playing field in a sense. There is no greater thrill than watching an arrow fly true. I use a Blacktail recurve bow.
Why did you get involved with the Maryland Bowhunters Society? How do you feel about being the president?
I was lucky enough to Sika hunt with Mr Lou Compton who was the president of MBS for over 20 years. He told me about MBS and urged me to get involved. After the first meeting I knew it was an organization I wanted to be a part of. After my first time testifying in Annapolis on a hunting bill I knew I found a passion for the political side of the outdoors.
What is your feeling on Sunday Hunting?
I feel that we should have the right to hunt on Sundays, especially on private land. These land owners put so much time, effort, and money into their hunting habitat. These hard working men and women deserve the chance to utilize it to benefit their families and in the process help farmers with crop damage and increase roadway safety. As someone who often works 6 days a week I feel the plight of not having the option to take to the woods on my only free day. MBS will continue to fight for all Sunday hunting opportunities as we have done since the early 2000's.
What is one thing you would like to improve about the MBS?
I would love to see MBS have more involvement and bring unity to the outdoors community. Our opposition in Annapolis will say that only 2% of the Maryland population buys a hunting license. We need to band together with other organizations and like minded people who understand this way of life. If we don't stand together we risk seeing this way of life vanish in future generations. MBS is dedicated to preserving the past and ensuring the future of hunting in Maryland for all who wish to enjoy it. This 2% can make a difference but only if we learn to stand side by side.
What is your favorite game meat to eat?
I love say Sika and whitetail are my favorite. I particularly like to marinate small chunks and wrap each piece with bacon, cream cheese, onion, and peppers. At the end of the cook coat in honey, or brown sugar and bourbon. I call it meat candy and it is addicting and works well for any type of game meat, dove, turkey, wild hog, goose, you can't go wrong!
What is one thing you do personally that brings joy to your life outside of hunting?
I love spending time with my nieces and nephews, taking them outside to climb trees, find tracks, shoot our bows. We just love being outdoors together!! I also enjoy working with horses. I did not grow up in the horse world but I have learned so much from them. We don't get to spend much time with prey animals, most of our pets like cats and dogs are predators! It is fascinating to watch the herd mentality and figure out their language and gain the trust of a 1000 pound animal who is geared for fight or flight.
What do you think about social media and it's impact on our current hunting climate?
Social media has brought so much disparity into the hunting community. I find myself even hesitant to post pictures for fear of judgment and the brutality of those who sit behind technology and choose to tear others down. Social media allows us to reach so many people and sharing a message of unity and commradery is so important. It can be used to bring us all together. But unfortunately so many choose to do the opposite. I wish people would take a moment to realize the person they are criticizing may turn away from hunting all together from their comments. We need to use it to build each other up and stop passing judgment! The 2% gets smaller when we have nothing but division amongst us.
