2021 Session of the Maryland General Assembly- Perspective-Hunting-related Legislation

The Hunters of Maryland will be working with State lawmakers, et al, on hunting-related legislation introduced for consideration by the 2021 General Assembly.  Below are the hunting-related proposals that are deemed “Pre-Filed” b/c they have been drafted before start of the 2021 Session and are ready for introduction on the opening day of the 2021, aka, January 13, 2021.  It is important to understand that working with State lawmakers is a give and take relationship.  One does his/her best to influence a vote – a position based on facts and reasoning, thus rendering it defensible – and trusts that position converts to a favorable vote, albeit up or down.  Win or lose it’s NEVER acceptable to get ugly with a lawmaker about a proposal where you both differ.  Doing so is disrespectful with potential haunting and perpetual-negative consequences.  A loss today can mean a win tomorrow, aka keep your powder dry,

Maryland’s hunting community is fortunate to have an ally in the bi-partisan Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus within the General Assembly.  These pro-sportsmen/sportswomen Senators and Delegates understand the significance of their standing together, especially given the fact that only one State Senator amongst the 47 State Senator actually hunts while one could probably count on one hand the number of Delegates within the House who actually hunt.  Simply put, our ranks are thin.  When one considers the math, one understands the importance of the policy-related role of the Hunters of Maryland – a dedicated few who recognize that hunting in Maryland could be a thing of the distant path within two generations.

So, here we go as we kick off the 442 Session of the General Assembly.  Remember, the bills shown below are only Pre-Filed bills, many more to be introduced during the upcoming 90-day Regular Session.  The Hunters of Maryland will do its best to educate Maryland’s hunting community about those policy-related hunting issues deemed of significance.  Since our ranks are thin – and, measurably dwindling – if you read on this website the time-sensitive urgency to contact your local State Senator and/or Delegate about a specific statutory proposal (“bill”),  you are encouraged to act post haste. 

Public Safety – Access to Firearms – Storage Requirements (Jaelynn’s Law)

(House Bill 200)

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2021RS/bills/hb/hb0200F.pdf

Explanation:  This issue emanates from two students being killed at Great Mills High School (St. Mary’s County) in March 2018, one victim (Jaelynn Willey, age 16) and the shooter himself.  Purportedly, the shooter had earlier completed a firearm competency test, presumably in order to obtain a hunting license.  Lawmakers reacted last Session with a bill to limit minors’ access to firearms, aka Jaelynn’s Law.  As introduced the bill would have prohibited, if enacted as introduced, anyone under the age of 16 years from being able to hunt.  Why?  Because the proposed legislation would have deleted from the law an existing provision allowing minors to hunt if they had successfully completed a firearm competency test as a prerequisite for obtaining a hunting license in Maryland.  When we caught this and called it to the sponsor’s attention, he said we were “misreading” the bill b/c that was not the intention. Ultimately, the Attorney General concurred with the interpretation by the Hunters of Maryland and the Committee did not delete this section.  The bill was moving until it collied with COVID.   This year’s bill has included last year’s amendments per the timely intervention of the Hunters of Maryland in 2020.  In short, if the bill passes this Session with this section in tact, youth hunting in Maryland will continue.  And the Hunters of Maryland will move heaven and earth to ensure this legacy is retained on our watch. 

Queen Anne’s County – Sunday Hunting

(House Bill 225)

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/hb0225?ys=2021RS

Explanation:  This bill affords DNR complete regulatory authority to select specific days to hunt Sundays for any species – except waterfowl – in Queen Anne’s County, thus joining the following counties which have likewise deferred such decisions to DNR’s annual regulatory decision-making:  Allegany, Cecil, Garrett, St. Mary’s and Washington.  All other counties have thus far opted to retain Sunday hunting for certain species – again, except waterfowl – through a statutory guarantee. 

Organized Killing Contests – Restrictions

(House Bill 293/Senate Bill 200)

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2021RS/bills/hb/hb0293F.pdf

Explanation:  This bill is a reintroduction of the prohibition to hold remunerated-contests for the killing of coyotes, fox and raccoons with a $25 per head species penalty provision.  Last year’s bill (House Bill 863)  was moving until it collided with COVID.  Important to note the Hunters of Maryland played an intervening role last Session – on behalf of and request by our Western Maryland brethren – in amending the bill to mitigate its impact.  This year’s bill (House Bill 293/Senate Bill 200) is identical to the amended version from 2020.  Like last year, this year’s bill also makes clear that landowners and dog trainers are still allowed to kill all 3 species.

Talbot County – Deer & Turkey Hunting – Sundays

(House Bill 325)

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2021RS/bills/hb/hb0325F.pdf

Explanation:  This bill expands Sunday hunting of deer and turkey in Talbot County – by statute, not regulations annually promulgated by DNR – in the following ways:  (1) lets Talbot County join Carroll, Dorchester and Frederick counties to hunt deer on each Sunday of the deer hunting seasons from the first Sunday in October through the second Sunday of January, thus lifting the existing statutorily guaranteed days in Talbot County for Sunday hunting; (2) allows a person who is 16 years old or younger to on hunt turkey on one Sunday of the Spring turkey season if participating in a junior hunt established by DNR; and (3) lets Talbot County join Allegany, Cecil, Garrett, St. Mary’s, Washington and Dorchester counties – for allowing, by statute --  deer hunting on public lands for deer from the first Sunday in October through the second Sunday in January plus turkey hunting during a junior hunt.

Natural Resources – Fishing and Hunting Rights

(Senate Bill 318)

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2021RS/bills/sb/sb0318F.pdf

Explanation:  This bill is the next best thing to guaranteeing the right to fish and hunt in Maryland other than a Constitutional amendment.  Maryland likely will never secure approval of a Constitutional amendment guaranteeing Marylanders the right to fish and hunt like about the other 20 plus states which have adopted such an amendment to their State Constitution.  Such a move was actually tried once before and was never even brought up for a vote in its assigned Committee.  Enactment would send a clear message to the citizenry and the courts that hunting and fishing in Maryland are time-honored traditions duly recognized by State law.

Calvert County – Sunday Hunting

(Senate Bill 356)

http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2021RS/bills/sb/sb0356F.pdf

Explanation:  This bill would accomplish the same thing as noted above for Queen Anne’s County (House Bill 225) with the exception it would add Calvert County to the following counties authorizing Sunday hunting on public lands (in addition to private lands) – per guarantee statute or via annual regulatory decision-making by DNR: Allegany, Cecil, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, St. Mary’s, Washington counties.

Winter Duck Hunting in Dorchester’s Marshes

All duck hunters know the rigors of their pursuit.  Cold, windy and birds suddenly appearing out of nowhere.  Sometimes they drop, most often they keep on flying.  But duck hunting the marshes of Dorchester County is Nirvana for any die-hard duck hunter.  Do so and be prepared for falling in holes, tripping over grasses and getting humbled by ducks flying at Mach 1.  Best also you have a shoulder to lean on as you navigate from boat to blind and Argo to blind.  And, you’ll love every minute of it.  Even more rewarding are your much-earned bragging rights:  seeing your fellow brethren grimace whilst you recall every toll, wing shot and splash.  They hate you for it b/c they weren’t there with you.  “Can you take me next time?” is the perpetual question.

The Hunters of Maryland recently hosted such an outing for its Members and friends.  Pictures and text are still being exchanged days afterwards.  What does that tell you?  Well, it tells you those hunting that day – all day – means they simply can’t stop thinking and talking about it, emblematic of a memorable day afield.  And what a day!

It all started with beverages and dinner the night before at the Hyatt in Cambridge.  Wake-up call was brutal.  Arrived at the lodge o’dark thirty and called into The Outdoorsman Radio Show – WCBM 680 AM – hosted by Allan Ellis.  Amongst our group this day was Senator Jack Bailey from St. Mary’s County who serves as the Senate Chair of the bi-partisan Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus.  The good Senator informed Allan’s audience about the importance of the Hunters of Maryland representing the policy-related interests of Maryland’s hunting community in the Halls of Annapolis.  The fact that Senator Bailey is the ONLY Senator amongst Maryland’s 47 State Senators who hunts – and those in the House of Delegates could probably be counted on one hand – underscores, accordingly, the “absolute necessity” of having a strong voice for Maryland hunters. Stand by for a PERSPECTIVE on this website of anticipated hunting-related legislation during the 2021 Session of the Maryland General Assembly which begins on January 13, 2021.

We divided into two groups this day.  One group hunted open water while the other hunted deep inside the marsh.  It was 30 degrees and 30 knot winds.  Perfect conditions!  The exchange of text reports and pics were never-ending.  One of the positive things about social media.  Following our respective hunts, it was breakfast time at the lodge.  Some had to leave while others couldn’t be dragged out of there before the afternoon hunt.  So many blind sites to choose…so, the two afternoon groups were treated to different sites within the marsh.  Sitting on buckets in the mud and pulling the trigger…well, it ain’t easy.  But, then when is anything about duck hunting ever easy?

When the day was over, we feasted on shucked oysters, ahi tuna, jalapeno duck poppers and grilled Sika deer burgers as we listened to the sounds of Sika deer bugling all around us.  Senator Bailey said it best:  “This was a world class duck hunt” and he was not wrong. By the time each of us got home late that night, it was good night Irene. Remember how Ralphie in “The Christmas Story” is lying in bed on Christmas night dreaming of shooting ducks on the wing with his Red Ryder BB Gun…well, that was each one us that night reflecting on what an incredible experience we had that day winter duck hunting in Dorchester’s marshes.

In closing, our sincere appreciation to Sean Fritzges for helping make this memorable day one for the ages! Thank you Sean!

BEING AFIELD

Just a thought from the Hunters of Maryland for 2021

Only afield can a man truly know himself

He who sees first light afield sees most clearly

Being afield is like a dream that one prays will never end

The drive to be afield keeps a man alive beyond his years

If not afield where else would one want to be?

Etched forever are the sights and sounds of being afield

No cure exists that transcends self-healing afield

Sorrow and sadness cannot be found afield

A day afield ends with a spiritual bliss that cannot be explained

A man’s ending should be afield for never will he be closer to the Almighty.

~Anonymous

OPENING DAY WITH FIRST-TIME EVER YOUNG HUNTERS

We often talk about the rightful importance of introducing hunting to youth, aka 16 years of age and under.  But, what about young men – and women – being afield for the very first time in their lives?  It’s true.  There are so many young people out there who have never been introduced to hunting.  Why?  Because no one ever took them.  And, that is unfortunate.  And, one can make the argument there is a moral obligation to pass on the legacy afforded you when you were young.  If you do, the reward will stay with you forever.

On opening day of migratory Canada goose hunting season this past Friday, the advocate for the Hunters of Maryland brought with him his two son-in-laws (Chad Youngblood and Mark Thomas) and nephew (Ryan Cuccia) following their successful completion of DNR’s online hunter safety course, aka Apprenticeship Hunting License.  Here’s how DNR explains the intent and purpose of this unique license on its website:

---

---

Low-Cost Apprentice Hunting Licenses Now Available

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering a new hunting license for first-time hunters. The Apprentice Hunting License is available to residents and nonresidents of any age who never held a Maryland hunting license.

The apprentice license is $10 for residents and $20 for nonresidents, and provides the same privileges as other Maryland hunting licenses. It allows anyone interested in hunting a one-time chance to try the sport before committing to the more lengthy process of obtaining a traditional hunting license.

“Our hope is to provide the apprentice an opportunity to experience hunting in Maryland at a reduced rate and have them become lifelong hunters,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “Hunters remain the primary source of revenue for conservation initiatives and are critical to the state’s wildlife management efforts.”

Individuals can get only one Maryland apprentice hunting license per lifetime and applicants must first pass a short, online hunter safety course offered by the Maryland Natural Resources Police.

When hunting, apprentice license holders must be accompanied and directly supervised by a fully-licensed Maryland resident, 18 years old or older, who must be close enough to take control of an archery device or firearm. An apprentice hunter can only hunt unaccompanied after successfully completing the full hunter safety course and receiving a Certificate of Competency in Firearms and Hunter Safety.

Licensed apprentice hunters can hunt deer, rabbit, squirrel, turkey and waterfowl. Appropriate stamps are needed to hunt migratory birds, deer and waterfowl with a bow or muzzleloader. Additionally, anyone 17 year old or older needs a Managed Hunt Permit to hunt in certain state parks.

---

These 3 young men – all in their 30’s – were so excited that none of them hardly slept the night before.  Thankfully too, my overflowing closet of hunting apparel provided each with their own outfit so no one was out any money.  Plus, each used one of my shotguns following a day at my place showcasing their skills under my supervision.  No one wants to risk gun-related negligence in a goose hunting blind.

Since it was opening day, we set up by 7:30 am.  We had two volleys before 10 am.  Providence intervened and each of them were able to take one bird per these two volleys.  Hallelujah!!  When the bird drops, you know whether or not it was you.  And, each of them loudly proclaimed “I got one!”.  This individual proclamation – something seasoned waterfowlers are not-so-keen on when one of their own boasts of the individual taking – was recognized by all.  I had my long-time goose hunting friend – Ken Lyons – with me and he was the first to legitimize their claim.  It was truly a great day afield and it was cold too with overcast skies, a good thing!

Went to the pickers afterwards and each brought home their own Christmas goose. 

And, yes, I’m taking them all again as many times as their jobs and wives allow.  And, yes, they are now hunters for life.  Giving back is priceless.  Every seasoned hunter reading this should make an effort to find someone – no matter what his/her age – to take hunting.  Odds are they won’t be hard to find.  The joyful experience of seeing them drop their first bird…well, you’ll see and you’ll never forget.  No doubt those above who took you hunting for the first time are smiling from ear to ear.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ONE AND ALL FROM THE HUNTERS OF MARYLAND.

Leaders of the Hunters of Maryland and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation Spend a Day Afield Together Hunting Sika Deer

Recently, our own Beth Hill spent a day afield on her property in Dorchester County with Jeff Crane – President of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation – hunting Sika deer. Jeff was successful that day!

Hunters of Maryland Invited to Meet/Confer with Potential Contributors

We are often invited to meet/confer with individuals and groups of individuals to explain our mission. What few in Maryland’s hunting community realize is that very few of the 188 State lawmakers actually hunt. For this reason, et al, it is imperative the hunting community have a strong voice and standing within the Halls of Annapolis. Policies impacting our continued privilege to hunt rest with largely with an urban-minded dominated General Assembly which neither understands and/or wants to openly support the harvesting of wildlife. Those on the consumptive side of the policy debate are always at a disadvantage. Key to our purpose is ensuring such privileges continue – through educational outreach -- plus provide opportunities afield for the next generation of hunters.

Hunters of Maryland Work Hand-in-Hand with the bi-partisan Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus on “Right to Fish & Hunt”

Legislation will be introduced during the 2021 Session of the Maryland General Assembly that will make it a statutory right to fish and hunt in Maryland. This will be a major initiative of the bi-partisan Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus. No need to elaborate upon the importance of setting forth such a right in State law. The Hunters of Maryland have not only been directly involved in developing this legislation, but, will play the lead role in January 2021 to secure its enactment. Below is the actual legislation that will be considered by the 2021 Maryland General Assembly.

Hunters of Maryland Submit Op Ed to the Capital Gazette

The Hunters of Maryland have submitted an Op Ed to the Capital Gazette in opposition to Anne Arundel County’s Venison Food Relief Program – a program which provides $50 cash for every deer legally harvested and donated to the County’s food banks.  It became effective November 1, 2020 as we have previously noted on this website.  The source of taxpayer dollars:  federal COVID $$.  This Program has been ruled illegal by the Attorney General but is reportedly being ignored by the County.  How can this be?  What jurisdiction defies the Attorney General and why would they?  Why have laws if not to be enforced? 

We are doing our best to stop this illicit scheme to kill deer for cash before something similar spreads statewide, no matter how laudable.  For years hunters have willingly donated harvested deer to the needy without being paid or seeking any form of remuneration, aka Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry (fhfh.org).  The General Assembly, with help from Maryland’s hunting community, even passed a bill in 2018 providing a $50 tax credit for each deer harvested, with an annual cap of $200 (4 deer) that terminates on June 1, 2023 (http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2018RS/bills/hb/hb0007T.pdf).   Suffice to say the County’s Program has unimaginable unintended consequences.  It must be stopped.  We’re hopeful our Op Ed inspires the good citizens of Anne Arundel County to seek the Program’s time-sensitive termination.

---

---

Anne Arundel County’s Recently Announced Venison Food Relief Program Ruled Illegal

Anne Arundel County recently announced a $50 cash payment to any hunter who legally harvested a deer and donated it to one of the County’s food banks.  The source of funding is a share of the County’s federal COVID payment.  When the Hunters of Maryland learned of this Program – effective November 1, 2020 – we sounded the alarm.  How can it be legal to use public dollars to harvest a publicly-owned resource, aka Public Trust Doctrine?  Inquiries were made to the Attorney General, et al, and the result of our efforts is reflected in the statement dated today from DNR’s Secretary Haddaway-Ricco to the County Executive of Anne Arundel County (shown below).  In short, it is illegal to harvest deer for money.

One could surmise the next step would be for proponents to pursue legislation authorizing such a practice during the 2021 Session of the Maryland General Assembly.  If introduced, the Hunters of Maryland will vehemently oppose the legislation in the court of public opinion.

2020-2034 Draft Deer Management Plan