Hunting License Fee Increase and Sunday Waterfowl Hunting
A “generational” hunting-related bill is being considered by the 2023 Maryland General Assembly. If enacted, the proposed legislation would, among other things, authorize the first hunting license fee increase in 34 years, dollars desperately needed for wildlife management, research, and habitat
improvement; plus authorize Sunday waterfowl hunting for the first time in 300 years, aka 1723
prohibition.
https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2023RS/bills/sb/sb0327F.pdf
https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2023RS/bills/hb/hb0983F.pdf
The bills – Senate Bill 327 and House Bill 983 (companion bills) – were heard before the Senate
Education, Energy and Environment Committee and House Environment and Transportation Committee on February 15 and March 3, respectively.
Since these companion bills are still being debated within both Chambers, suffice for this update is
to share the written testimony submitted by Maribeth Kulynycz, Executive Director for the Maryland Bowhunter’s Society (MBS). Both MBS and the HUNTERS OF MARYLAND, LLC support the bill.
Ms. Kulynycz speaks with experience and credibility re the issues addressed by the legislation,
entitled “ Hunting, Wildlife, Conservation, and Outdoor Recreation – Funding, Promotion,
Management, Licenses, Permits, and Stamps ”.
MBS has been advocating for hunters across Maryland since 1977. We pride ourselves on bringing a voice to the hunting community. Being from Somerset county myself and hunting Wicomico and Worcester counties as well, the overwhelming outcry from the people has been that they want more Sunday hunting opportunities. As you've heard most people work and go to school Monday-Friday, allowing this extra day would be a huge benefit to the working class hunters, students, and families across Maryland.
I am not only a hunter, I am also an avid equestrian, as well as a CHA certified riding instructor and trail guide. I am a part of several trail rides a week on public land. During the hundreds of rides I've been a part of we have never once had a dangerous or unfriendly encounter with a hunter. Especially not a waterfowl hunter. Waterfowl hunters usually hunt very early mornings and are typically focused more around water on blustery winter days. This allows us the best weather and warmest parts of the day to take our rides undisturbed. And when in doubt we wear fluorescent orange vests for an added measure of safety.
MBS also stands behind the increase in hunting license fees, which has not happened since 1989. For us on the shore we have seen a major increase in out of state hunters with sika deer being one of the biggest draws. A few years back there was a segment done on a nationally recognized hunting show that focused on sika deer and has brought people from all over the country to our marshes. The sika community is very vocal about wanting an increase, especially for out of state licenses. This increase is just one step in the right direction. All money raised through license fees goes directly back to the hunting community and helps to ensure the future of all the amazing animals we share the landscape with. In the long run it will be a benefit to all outdoorsmen and women.
Maribeth Kulynycz
MBS Executive Secretary
