TOMORROW’S HUNTERS EXPERIENCE HUNTING TODAY
Two recent events are giving hope to the future of hunting in Maryland; that is, in the eyes of the HUNTERS OF MARYLAND, LLC.
On November 12, 2023, we attended a youth deer hunt in Charles County… as previously noted on this website (huntersofmaryland.com). On February 3, 2024, we attended a youth waterfowl hunt in St. Mary’s County. Group pics from both outings are shown herein.
So, what does the participation in these two Southern Maryland youth hunts tell us? It tells us the future of hunting in Maryland looks promising. Our first-hand observation of the espirit de corps amongst the youth – inclusive of their family members and friends -- was heartening. The look of pride and sense of achievement on everyone’s faces tells us that – if supporting family members and groups akin to those who supported both the Charles County and St. Mary’s County hunts, respectively, stay the course – tomorrow’s youth will safeguard the tradition and legacy of hunting in Maryland.
This rewarding realization – coupled with our pursuit of enacting pro hunting policies and stopping anti-hunting policies emanating from Annapolis – is the foundation upon which the HUNTERS OF MARYLAND, LLC has been built. We must be vigilant on safeguarding the tradition and legacy of hunting in Maryland. The torch must be passed onto the next generation like it was passed onto us. The
HUNTERS OF MARYLAND, LLC will do its part and challenge everyone in Maryland’s hunting community to join us in this noble endeavor.
NOTE: To learn more about youth hunting in Maryland, visit
2024 GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONVENES
JANUARY 10, 2024, MARKS THE BEGINNING OF THE 446TH SESSION OF THE 90-DAY MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
With the 90-day annual legislative Session upon us, the HUNTERS OF MARYLAND, LLC stand steadfast in support of Maryland’s hunting community as State lawmakers debate hunting-related policies of a statutory, budgetary, and regulatory origin. Still too early to know which proposals will be forthcoming; but we do know some of them which will be identified herein. Moreover, the HUNTERS OF MARYLAND, LLC host a legislative luncheon at the start of each Session intended to enhance our standing with decision-makers before the long hours of policy debate begin.
LEGISLATIVE LUNCHEON: On January 18, 2024, the Hunters of Maryland, LLC, and the Association of Forest Industries hosted a legislative luncheon in Annapolis. This legislative luncheon has become a much anticipated and must attend hallmark event. Pictured herein are several State lawmakers, Administration officials and hunters.
DEER MANAGEMENT: The increased hunting license fee legislation enacted in 2023 directed (Chapters 543/544, Acts of 2023), among other things, that DNR and MDA pursue the following:
(a) On or before December 1, 2023, the Department of Natural Resources, in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, shall develop a plan to address the overpopulation of deer in the State.
(b) The plan shall include: (1) the feasibility of implementing a rotational closure hunting strategy on State land, including State park system lands and hunting on State land on Sundays; (2) any legislative, budgetary, or regulatory changes needed to implement a rotational closure hunting strategy on State–owned land; (3) subject to subsection (c) of this section, the feasibility of implementing a rotational closure hunting strategy on locally owned land; (4) proposals the Department of Natural Resources determines are viable for addressing the overpopulation of deer in the State; and (5) suitable uses for any increased federal funding to the State Wildlife Management and Protection Fund.
(c) The Department of Natural Resources shall consult with local governments regarding the feasibility of a rotational closure hunting strategy under subsection (b)(3) of this section.
The Report, issued on time, recommends the following (link provided):
1. Identify a funding source and PINs to hire department staff dedicated to supporting a Deer Management Assistance Program directed towards mitigating deer damage suffered by landowners. This program should have the authority to issue deer management harvest tags outside of the current agricultural/forest damage requirements.
2. Address legislation that prohibits or restricts Sunday deer hunting in order to provide more deer hunting opportunities. This should be addressed at the private and public land level, including state parks.
3. Work with local and county governments to develop county-specific deer management plans.
4. Expand cooperation between agencies, including MDA and UMD Extension.
5. Identify funding to support additional research and management concerning deer damage mitigation.
https://dlslibrary.state.md.us/publications/Exec/DNR/SB327Ch543HB983Ch544(2)(2023).pdf
The fate of the proposed Deer Management Assistance Program in 2024 is uncertain. Why? State lawmakers are facing a structural fiscal deficit whereby projected State revenues are falling short of anticipated State expenditures. Maryland’s Constitution requires adoption of an annual State budget that is balanced, aka revenues match expenditures. According to the General Assembly’s staff agency:
The State’s roughly $63 billion operating budget is projected to have a $761 million structural deficit in fiscal year 2025 (July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025), up from a previous estimate of $320 million. The shortfall is projected to hit $2.7 billion by fiscal year 2029, up from a previous estimate of $2.1 billion. The long-term spending gap is attributed, in large part, to the State’s roughly $40 billion plan to reform public education systems.
Currently being discussed – separate and distinct from the recommendations in the December 1 Report – is for MDA to designate a handful of farmers in certain counties willing to let certain DNR-selected hunters help reduce the deer population on those farms. Details are being worked out as of this writing. Moreover, one can clearly anticipate the introduction of expanded Sunday deer hunting proposals on private and public lands during the 2024 Session.
MARYLAND’S DUCK STAMP PROGRAM: On the eve of the November 2023 Easton Waterfowl Festival, DNR announced the end of Maryland’s 50-year Duck Stamp Program. Concerned individuals, groups and organizations appealed to the HUNTERS OF MARYLAND, LLC, to keep this Program alive…we anticipate announcement of a favorable outcome within weeks.
SUNDAY WATERFOWL HUNTING: A proposal in 2023 to enact statewide Sunday hunting of waterfowl failed. Whether a similar proposal will be pursued during the 2024 Session is unclear at this time.
IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS, It is important for Maryland’s hunting community to know the HUNTERS OF MARYLAND, LLC, remain the last line of defense in the Halls of Annapolis against those whose questionable well-intentions run contrary to the tradition and legacy of hunting in this great State of ours.
Maryland's State Senator Jack Bailey Receives National Recognition
Maryland's State Senator Jack Bailey -- who, among other things, currently serves as the Senate Co-Chair of the bi-partisan Maryland Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus -- was awarded the prestigious NASC Heritage Award for the Northeast Region at the 20th Annual National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses (NASC)Sportsman-Legislator Summit on December 8, 2023 in Dewey Beach, Delaware.
Senator Bailey's prestigious NASC recognition puts him in line with other past Members of the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus whose contributions to the sportsmen's agenda in the Halls of Annapolis have been duly recognized by the National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses.
On the Horizon
Autum winds bring whistling wings and whispers of what’s waiting for us in Annapolis come January 2024. Know this to be true Maryland’s hunting community: the HUNTERS OF MARYLAND, LLC are ever-present in Annapolis and ready to safeguard our iconic legacy against those who’d just as soon see it end…a legacy underscored by the historic enactment of the RIGHT TO HUNT & FISH ACT OF 2022.
BANNING LEAD AMMO: There are not- so- subtle talks in Annapolis about banning lead ammo for hunting purposes. No need to point fingers; but the talk is serious. When asked our opinion by the lawmakers involved in these talks, we make our opposition crystal clear. To strengthen our case and resolve, we turned to our friends at the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation for advice. Here is what they said and what we conveyed:
1. Any ban on the use of lead ammunition will likely have a significant negative economic impact on DNR’s revenue, and the state’s economy.
2. Nontraditional ammunition is also significantly more expensive than lead shot and is not as readily available for purchase as traditional ammunition and is not readily available in all hunting calibers. This bill would serve to reduce hunting participation, which would thus threaten the conservation funding system that supports the DNR.
3. The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a study of hunters and others that have consumed game, allegedly containing lead shot fragments, to determine whether they have an elevated level of lead in the blood that can be attributed to the ammunition used to harvest the game. Indications of the CDC study released by the North Dakota Department of Health (DOH), show none of those tested had unsafe blood lead levels. The readings were far below the level considered elevated for a child (10 micrograms er deciliter); let alone the level for an adult (25 micrograms per deciliter). North Dakota Lead Exposure Study
4. Fish and wildlife agencies in Arizona, Oregon, and Utah have adopted voluntary programs which provide hunters with incentives to utilize non-lead ammunition or carry entrails from harvested animals out of the field in certain areas. These programs have proven to successfully meet management objectives and reduce the amount of lead exposure to specific species. With the success of these voluntary programs being well-documented, a statutory ban is not necessary to achieve desired outcomes.
5. We encourage legislators to work with their respective fish and wildlife agencies to address any lead-related concerns through incentive-based programs that encourage the transition to non-lead products if valid scientific justification is found. Furthermore, any regulatory language should clearly specify that if it is scientifically determined that lead-based ammunition is having a negative population level impact on species, either locally or regionally, only reasonable regulations to that area, or for that species will be implemented.
The HUNTERS OF MARYLAND, LLC will work to prevent the introduction of a lead ammo ban during the 2024 Session of the Maryland General Assembly. If introduced, we will lead efforts to defeat it.
END OF THE MARYLAND DUCK STAMP PROGRAM: Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently announced the end of the State’s 50-Year Duck Stamp Contest.
https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2023/11/14/maryland-dnr-announces-2024-2025-migratory-game-
bird-stamp-design-contest-winner/
Not so fast DNR, says the HUNTERS OF MARYLAND, LLC…let’s talk this through to see if there’s an alternative way to keep this half-century Program alive. Maryland’s waterfowl community, et al, are denouncing this decision by DNR.
MANAGING MARYLAND’S DEER POPULATION: Legislation enacted by the 2023 Maryland General Assembly – Chapter 544 of the Acts of 2023 – requires, among other things, DNR to work with the Maryland Department of Agriculture “to develop a plan to address the overpopulation of deer in the State…on or before December 1, 2023.”
The HUNTERS OF MARYLAND, LLC has been asked to help in view of the clear nexus between the farming and hunting community. Wading into these turbulent waters is not for the faint of heart, but the HUNTERS OF MARYLAND, LLC deal with such issues all the time. Of course, we agreed.
Subsequently, we submitted a REQUEST FOR INFORMATION so we’d have the FACTS at hand when meeting with members of both communities. We are not in agreement Maryland has an overpopulation of deer; but there are certain pockets within the State where the existing deer population is reducing crop yields to the economic detriment of farmers. Is there a middle ground, one that can be amicably and mutually agreed upon by the farming and hunting community?
We shall see.
YOUTH DEER HUNT IN CHARLES COUNTY: The weekend of November 11-12, 2023, witnessed one of the largest participatory junior hunts we have ever witnessed…as evidenced by the group picture herein. Each youngster was accompanied by a supervisory adult guide. Many deer were taken that weekend. Just ask 11-year-old Owen Holcomb and his older 16-year-old sister Megan Holcomb about their top tier trophies!
IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS, we want to reassure Maryland’s hunting community the HUNTERS OF MARYLAND, LLC will continue to do its best in defending the hunting legacy in ways consistent with and responsive to THE RIGHT TO FISH AND HUNT ACT OF 2022.
https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2021RS/chapters_noln/Ch_295_hb1134T.pdf
2023 GENERAL ASSEMBLY ADJOURNS WITH PRO- HUNTING POLICIES ADOPTED
On April 10, 2023, the 2023 General Assembly adjourned, aka Sine Die.
This 90-day action packed legislative Session witnessed, among other things, (1) a two-
fold historic “shared” funding increase for DNR’s Wildlife & Heritage Service via
taxpayers and hunters; (2) expanded Sunday hunting in Wicomico and Worcester
counties; (3) adoption of a 50-yard archery hunting safety zone in three counties; (4) a
renewed commitment to enhance management of the Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary
(located in Prince George’s County) consistent with the original intent by which
Maryland assumed ownership from Edgar Merkle in 1982; and (5) passage of gun
legislation non-detrimental to hunting.
Highlighted below is a brief explanation.
Taxpayer Support for DNR’s Wildlife & Heritage Service (WHS)
in Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024
The HUNTERS OF MARYLAND, LLC (HOM) led an effort in the 2022 Session to secure
approval of a $250,000 general fund appropriation -- taxpayer $ -- for WHS. This was an historic first b/c Maryland hunters have always picked up the $ tab for wildlife
management, research and habitat improvement, aka & special funds & via their hunting
license/stamp purchases. This system of user pays is embodied in the American
System of Conservation Funding (link below). And, this $250,000 in general funds
translated into $1 million b/c of the $3 to $1 federal Pittman/Robertson match.
https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-
06/introduction_to_american_conservation_funding_.pdf
Fast forward to the 2023 Session.
Absent a detailed explanation of our behind-the-scenes-strategy, suffice to say HOM
was able to secure a $ repeat for WHS...$250,000 in general funds with a $3 to $1
federal PR match. Total for fiscal years 2023 and 2024 is $2 million ($250,000 X 2 X
4). No small achievement and one that HOM will continue to pursue in fiscal year 2025
(July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025) via the 2024 General Assembly.
Increased Hunting License Fees and Sunday Waterfowl Hunting Legislation
https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2023RS/bills/sb/sb0327E.pdf
Legislation was passed by the 2023 General Assembly which establishes the Wildlife
Conservation, Education and Outreach Program within DNR to – in general – increase
outdoor recreation and stewardship, hunting, and wildlife conservation. The bill also (1)
increases fees for several hunting licenses, stamps, and permits; (2) establishes a
resident and nonresident sika deer stamp and related fees; (3) authorizes qualified
nonresident college or university students to purchase a resident hunting license; and
(4) codifies furbearer permit fees. The bill also alters Maryland’s recreational use
statute, requires DNR to work with the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) to
develop a plan to address deer overpopulation in the State, requires DNR to establish a
cost-share program for farmers to plant forage crops under specified circumstances,
and establishes a new reporting requirement for DNR. The bill takes effect July 1, 2023.
Stripped from this Act was a proposed Sunday waterfowl hunting provision. This
provision would have repealed the attendant prohibition dating back in Maryland since
1723. Prevailing opponents to this provision argued – mainly from a migratory AP
Canada goose hunting perspective – that Sunday hunting would put too much pressure
on an already distressed AP Canada goose population conjuring up memories of the 7-
year moratorium. The $40 million-a-year Maryland goose hunting industry was shut
down in 1995 after the population of nesting pairs in Canada fell to an all-time low of
29,000.
The decline for the moratorium was blamed largely on overhunting, rightly or wrongly.
Expanded Sunday Hunting in Worcester and Wicomico Counties
HOUSE BILL 466 (WORCESTER COUNTY – NATURAL RESOURCES – HUNTING)
https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2023RS/bills/hb/hb0466T.pdf
Existing Sunday Hunting Law in Worcester County: Hunting of deer only and on
private land only with NO statutorily designated time frames (aka, NO 30 minutes before
sunrise until 10:30 am) during (1) deer firearms season; and (2) the last three Sundays
in October and the first two Sundays in November.
New Sunday Hunting Law in Worcester County: Repeals existing statutorily
designated Sunday hunting dates for deer only and on private lands only and, instead,
vests authority with DNR – through the annual regulatory process – to allow (1) Sunday
hunting of game bird and game mammals* with a 2-fold caveat: (a) that additional days
of Sunday hunting in Worcester County – beyond those Sundays currently guaranteed
by existing statute – will only be allowed from 30 minutes before sunrise to 10:30 am;
and (b) approval of a “hold harmless” provision that does not impose this same time
restriction on Sundays currently guaranteed by existing statute; (2) Sunday hunting on
public lands; and (3) a 50-yard archery hunting safety zone instead of 150 yards.
HOUSE BILL 1087 (WICOMICO COUNTY – SUNDAY HUNTING AND ARCHERY
HUNTING SAFETY ZONES)
https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2023RS/bills/hb/hb1087T.pdf
Existing Sunday Hunting Law in Wicomico: Hunting of deer only and on private land
only on (1) the first and second Sunday of deer firearms season (restricted from 30
minutes before sunrise to 10:30 am); and (2) the last three Sundays in October and
the first two Sundays in November (with no time restrictions).
New Sunday Hunting Law in Wicomico: Repeals existing statutorily designated
Sunday hunting dates for deer only and on private lands only and, instead, vests
authority with DNR – through the annual regulatory process – to allow (1) Sunday
hunting of game bird and game mammals* with a 2-fold caveat: (a) that additional days
of Sunday hunting in Worcester County – beyond those Sundays currently guaranteed
by existing statute – will only be allowed from 30 minutes before sunrise to 10:30 am;
and (b) approval of a “hold harmless” provision that does not impose this same time
restriction on Sundays currently guaranteed by existing statute; (2) Sunday hunting on
public lands; and (3) a 50-yard archery hunting safety zone instead of 150 yards.
*Section 10-101 of Natural Resources Article: “Forest game birds and mammals
means forest game birds (ruffed grouse and turkey) and forest game mammals (black
bears, deer, fox squirrels, excluding the Delmarva subspecies, and gray and red
squirrels) or any part, egg, offspring, or dead body of any of them. Definition of game
birds EXCLUDES waterfowl.
50-yard Archery Hunting Safety Zone in Howard County
https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2023RS/bills/hb/hb1005T.pdf
Like the Wicomico and Worcester County Sunday hunting bills, HOM worked with
lawmakers from Howard County to advance legislation this Session authorizing Howard
County to join the other existing 10 counties with a legal 50-yard archery hunting safety
zone: Allegany, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Montgomery, St.
Marys and Washington.
However, the original proposal for a County-wide 50-yard archery hunting safety zone
became too controversial for the Howard County Delegation to support. Instead, the bill
having passed – as shown above – only allows authorization for the 50-yard archery
hunting safety zone during County-sponsored deer management hunts and on farmland
whereby DNR issues a Deer Management Permit, aka “DMP”, via regulatory guidelines.
Legislative Initiative Requesting DNR to Enhance Management of the
Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary
At the request of the Senate Chair of the bi-partisan Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s
Caucus, HOM drafted language for the fiscal year 2024 budget (July 1, 2023 through
June 30, 2024) directing DNR to manage the Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary -- Maryland
only wildlife sanctuary located in Prince Georges County on the upper Patuxent River --
consistent with the 1982 agreement between conservationist Edgar Merkle (who
donated the initial acreage) and the State.
In short, the agreement -- though no one can find the original agreement, meaning it
must have been a handshake deal (days forgone for sure) -- stipulated the donated
property would be managed, almost exclusively, to attract Atlantic Population (;AP)
migratory Canada geese to the Western Shore.
The language was not included in the budget; but, instead, was reflected in a March 24,
2023 written statement from Senator Michael Jackson, whose District includes the
Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary, to DNR Secretary Josh Kurtz which reads as follows:
“I have recently received constituent concerns related to the management of
migratory Canada geese in the Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary located in Upper
Marlboro.
For decades, the Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary has been a wintering ground and a
breeding area for Canadian geese subsequently serving as a key cog in
preserving a healthy population for the species throughout our region. In
keeping with the intentions of the original benefactor for the sanctuary (Edgar
Merkle), I’d like to take every requisite step in ensuring that the sanctuary
serves its purpose and is successful as possible in managing and maintaining
a healthy population of migratory Canadian geese in our region. As such, I’m
hoping that we can take every necessary step to do so including cultivating food
plots designed to attract and retain these geese on the Upper Patuxent River
while minimizing visitor disturbance (especially during the typical yearly October
to March window in which these geese are present).
I’d welcome the opportunity to discuss the matter with you at your earliest
convenience and hope that we can find a way to work together to ensure the
most successfully possible outcome in this matter.”
Reconstituting Maryland’s Wildlife Advisory Commission (“WAC”)
https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2023RS/bills/hb/hb0188T.pdf
Legislation was passed that increases the number of members of the Wildlife Advisory
Commission – from 9 to 10 – and requires the Governor to appoint one member to the
commission who is an academic researcher with expertise in wildlife biology, wildlife
conservation, wildlife management, or ecology. The additional member must serve for a
term of four years – beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2028 – and serve until
a successor is appointed and qualifies. The bill also establishes that the terms of the
commission members are staggered so that three end in 2023, three end in 2024, three
end in 2025, and one ends in 2028; however, the bill may not alter the term of a
member serving as of the effective date of the bill. The bill also requires that the
commission include representation from the hunting, wildlife preservation, and passive
wildlife recreation communities.
HOM worked with the sponsor on amending the bill. Of concern to us was the odd
numbered Members of WAC @ 9 – b/c Chairs of such bodies regularly do not vote per
se thus affording a possible tie vote stalemate at times – and that a “fishing
representative” was to be included on WAC. We were able to convince both parties –
plus the General Assembly – that 10 Members, instead of 9, should be approved as well
as eliminating a “fishing representative.”
For the record, HOM was asked by a handful of pro-hunting lawmakers why we would
support the bill. The primary reason is because we did not want to be perceived in
Annapolis as only wanting hunter representation on WAC. Why? B/c wildlife is owned
by everyone, not one individual or group, so says the Public Trust Doctrine.
Gun Legislation Non-Detrimental to Maryland’s Hunting Community
https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2023RS/bills/sb/sb0001E.pdf
Unbeknownst to many, HOM strategically monitors all proposed gun legislation that
could adversely impact our hunting rights…a right bestowed by the 2021 Maryland
General Assembly as shown in the link below which we are most proud to have
accomplished:
https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2021RS/chapters_noln/Ch_295_hb1134T.pdf
The 2023 General Assembly passed Senate Bill 1, the primary gun control legislation of
the Session which did NOT restrict use of firearms for hunting.
Entitled, Criminal Law - Wearing, Carrying, or Transporting Firearms - Restrictions
(Gun Safety Act of 2023) Senate Bill 1, as passed: (1) prohibits, with specified
exceptions, a person from wearing, carrying, or transporting a firearm in specified areas;
(2) prohibits, with specified exceptions, a person from wearing, carrying, or transporting
a firearm onto specified real property under certain circumstances; and (3) establishes
penalties for violations. In addition, the bill modifies and expands the requirements and
procedures relating to the issuance and renewal of a permit to wear, carry, and transport
a handgun (handgun permit).
IN CLOSING, the HUNTERS OF MARYLAND can state
without reservation that approved hunting-related
budgetary/statutory policies by the 2023 Maryland General
Assembly were favorable to the hunting community.
Absent judicious oversight/knowledge of the legislative
process in Annapolis begs the question of the resultant
impact on our rights to continue hunting in Maryland.
2023 MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY
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
HUNTERS OF MARYLAND WELCOME MEMBERS OF THE 2023 GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND MOORE ADMINISTRATION
January 19, 2023
Legislative Luncheon in Annapolis
On January 19, 2023, the HUNTERS OF MARYLAND, LLC hosted a much-anticipated meet/greet with Administration officials, State lawmakers, et al, at Harry Browne’s Restaurant on State Circle, Annapolis. For the two past years, this luncheon has been cancelled b/c of the pandemic.
To say we were surprised by the actual turnout – often, RSVP’s are made with no shows – would be an understatement. We met with dozens of State and local lawmakers, including top officials within the Moore Administration and NGO’s, courtesy duly afforded the presiding Senate Co-Chair of the bi-partisan Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus (The Honorable Jack Bailey) and the Senate Vice Co-Chair of the Caucus (The Honorable Katie Fry Hester). The Caucus is critical to the success of hunters’ policy agenda in the Halls of Annapolis as it has been since its inception in 2002.
Among those in attendance were: (1) the Senate President (The Honorable Bill Ferguson); (2) the new Chairman of the new Senate Education, Energy and Environment Committee (The Honorable Brian J. Feldman); (3) the new Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (The Honorable Josh Kurtz); (4) Gubernatorial Deputy Chief-of-Staff (Shaina Hernandez); and (5) the field representative for The Honorable Benjamin L. Cardin (Jessica Cook).
Notably present also was former State Senator John Astle, who not only served with distinction as Senate Co-Chair of the Sportsmen’s Caucus since its inception, but, also served as the “First” Chairman of the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (2004-2007); thus, bringing national notoriety to Maryland.
https://congressionalsportsmen.org/caucuses/nasc-state
Other attendees included lawmakers from local governments to representatives from the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and animal rights groups to the environmental community. The HUNTERS OF MARYLAND believe it is imperative to remind the public, at every opportunity, that hunters were the original conservationists and remain so today.
In the immortal words of President Theodore Roosevelt:
“WILDLIFE AND ITS HABITAT CANNOT SPEAK, SO WE MUST AND WE WILL”.
We articulated these sentiments on January 19th along with our recognition of the AMERICAN SYSTEM OF CONSERVATION FUNDING whereby hunters, not taxpayers, underwrite virtually 100% of the attendant cost to wildlife management, research, and habitat preservation, including here in Maryland.
Without reservation, we can say the positive feedback about hunting in general at our well-attended luncheon rivaled that of attendance, thankfully.
WE’RE OFF TO AN IMPRESSIVE/HOPEFUL BEGINNING FOR 2023 AND BEYOND!
Pictured from left to right: Ryan D. Showalter, Esq; George Nitzel, HOM Member; Ed Kramer; Senate President, The Honorable Bill Ferguson; Dale Gertz, HOM Member; James Winn, Wicomico County Councilman; Beth Hill, HOM Member; Bill Miles, HOM Advocate; Steve Keithley, HOM Founder; and Joe Beuchert, HOM Member.
MARYLAND RETAINS PRESTIGIOUS SEAT
National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses Executive Council
December 6, 2022
An historic event occurred this past week in Bozeman, Montana at the 19th Annual NASC Sportsman-Legislator Summit where Maryland State Senator Jack Bailey, Co-Chair of the bi-partisan Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus (MLSC) within the Maryland General Assembly, was elected by fellow lawmakers from across America to serve on the prestigious Executive Council of the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC). Those attending lawmakers hailed from 26 different states.
https://congressionalsportsmen.org/caucuses/nasc-state
The NASC Executive Council helps develop national pro-sportsmen’s policies for consideration by individual states and articulated by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. And, Maryland has adopted numerous NASC policies over the last 20 years.
The vote to elect Senator Bailey to replace Maryland State Delegate Wendell Beitzel on the NASC Executive Council, Co-Vice Chair of the Caucus who stepped down from public service this year (and to whom all Maryland sportsmen/women owe a great debt of gratitude for his many years of service to the Caucus), represented another crowning achievement for Maryland, known nationally for its pro-sportsmen’s policy achievements realized during its 20-year history of being the last line of defense for pro-sportsmen’s/women policies in the Halls of Annapolis. Equally noteworthy is the fact that Senator Bailey made his inaugural appearance at this 19th Annual NASC event and convinced attending fellow lawmakers – the race for this seat was very competitive – he was the best choice for this prestigious seat. Truly, a celebratory achievement and a testament to the conviction of this good man who stands for our conservation ideals.
With a new General Assembly in 2023, many in the sportsmen’s/women community are hopeful these incoming lawmakers will continue to be supportive of the legacy, and tradition of hunting in the State of Maryland…indeed the critical role played by the HUNTERS OF MARYLAND, LLC. Notably, the HUNTERS OF MARYLAND, LLC, will remain the “eyes and ears” of the bi-partisan Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus which has achieved a record of policy-related accomplishment worthy of emulation by other states…just ask the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation.
SAVING MARYLAND’S ONLY STATE-RUN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The HUNTERS OF MARYLAND, LLC has been tasked with one of the most important initiatives in its history, aka, saving Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary.
Maryland has only one State-run wildlife sanctuary. It’s the 1,000-acre plus Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary located in the northern part of the Patuxent River, in Prince George’s County. A truly remarkable wildlife jewel.
In 1982, Edgar Merkle – a waterfowl conservationist – donated 400 plus acres plus $400,000 to plant grain and construct an interpretative center, respectively, to the State of Maryland known today as the Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary. There was only one condition in exchange for this philanthropic gesture: plant non-harvestable crops to attract AP migratory Canada Geese to the Western Shore and leave them undisturbed for a 6-month period, aka, October through March, with the fervent hope they’d return year after year.
Today, that 400-acre plus gift to the State has been expanded to over 1,000 acres.
Word has come to us this Gentlemen’s Agreement is not being honored. Why do we call it a Gentlemen’s Agreement? It seems this was a hand-shake deal between Edgar Merkle and the State reminiscent of days gone by…some say the “good ‘ole days” when a man’s word was his bond. Maryland’s staff agency (Department of Legislative Services) was asked to locate the formal agreement reached between Merkle and the State in 1982. An exhaustive search by DLS came up with nothing; thus, leaving us to conclude it could only have been such an arrangement.
What to do?
We recently toured the Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary to see for ourselves whether it’s being managed consistent with and responsive to the intent of this honorable man. And, we found that it is clearly not being managed for migratory AP Canada geese. Our guide told us in years past, the Sanctuary would be teeming with thousands of geese this time of year b/c food was there and no one was bothering them. Today, this Sanctuary is being operated NOT by DNR’s Wildlife & Heritage Service as one might surmise; but, by DNR’s Park Service. We saw joggers and vehicles during our early morning visit.
Anyone who knows anything about resting migratory AP Canada geese knows they are skittish. The slightest presence of human activity spooks them and they look for respite elsewhere, sometimes never to return.
The long and the short of this disclosure to Maryland’s hunting community is the HUNTERS OF MARYLAND, LLC will do its absolute best to convince the incoming Administration and/or the 2023 General Assembly that it’s time to honor the legacy of Edgar Merkle and manage this Sanctuary as the Sanctuary it was intended.
