MARYLAND GUIDE TO & 2021-2022 Regular Duck Season is now divided into Eastern and Western Zones Pages 7 & 44 Page 16 Page 52 Deer Hunting with Do-It-Yourself Stocked Pheasant Straight-Walled Cartridges Hunts available again this year. Switch to GEICO and see how easy it could be to save money on motorcycle insurance. Simply visit geico.com/cycle to get started. geico.com/cycle | 1-800-442-9253 | Local Office Some discounts, coverages, payment plans, and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, DC 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2021 GEICO 21_ 550729928 dnr.maryland.gov 54 36 50 43 page 16 52 60 CONTENTS 38 59 Messages ����������������������������������� 4 Wild Turkey Hunting ������������ 36, 37 Natural Resources Deer and Turkey Police Offices ����������������������������� 6 Tagging and Checking �������� 38–42 Wildlife and Heritage Migratory Game Service Offices ��������������������������� 6 Bird Hunting ����������������������� 43–49 Licensing and Registration Black Bear Hunting ��������������50, 51 Service Centers �������������������������� 6 Small Game Hunting ����������� 52, 53 New Opportunities and Regulations for 2021–2022 ��������� 7 Furbearer Hunting and Trapping ��������� 54–58 Hunting Licenses, Stamps and Permits ����������������������������������8–12 Falconry Hunting ��������������������������� 58 Hunting Regulations and Junior Hunter Requirements ��������������������������� 14 Certificates ������������������������������� 59 Hunting Safety Tips������������������� 15 Public Hunting Lands ��������������������������������� 60–63 Deer Hunting ���������������������� 16–35 Sunrise and Sunset Table ��������� 65 The Guide to Hunting and Trapping in Mary- land is a publication of the Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Heritage Service. Ads promoting political advocacy or ads regarding alcohol, tobacco and/or ads of a sexual nature will not be accepted. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Heritage Service is not respon- sible for any advertising claims contained herein. The department disclaims any liability Williamstown, MA | Birmingham, AL Larry Hogan, Governor regarding product pricing, claims, descrip- tions, availability or condition. No warranty Boyd K. Rutherford, Lieutenant Governor is expressed or implied concerning product errors, omissions or misprints. Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio, Secretary of the About This Guide Department of Natural Resources This publication is intended as a guide only. Paul A. Peditto, Director of the For state laws and regulations, see the Natural Wildlife and Heritage Service Resources Article of the Annotated Code of This high-quality guide is offered to you Maryland and the Code of Maryland Regula- by the Maryland Department of Natural Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission tions, Title 08 at the following web sites: Resources through its unique partnership The Wildlife Advisory • Laws: lawlib.state.md.us with J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC. Commission was created by legislation to • Regulations: The revenue generated through ad sales advise the secretary of the Department of dsd.state.md.us/COMAR/ComarHome.html significantly lowers production costs and Natural Resources on wildlife matters. generates savings. These savings translate All members are appointed by the governor. The facilities of the Department of Natu- into additional funds for other important Contact the Wildlife Advisory Commission by ral Resources are available to all without agency programs. writing to: regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission orientation, age, national origin or physical If you have any feedback or are inter- Maryland Department of Natural Resources ested in advertising, please contact us at or mental disability. Accommodations for Wildlife and Heritage Service 413.884.1001 or at www.JFGriffin.com Tawes State Office Building, E-1 individuals with disabilities will be provided 580 Taylor Ave. Annapolis, MD 21401 upon request. Seven days advance notice is Graphic Design: or email [email protected] requested. This document is available in Jon Gulley, Dane Fay, John Corey, alternative format upon request from a quali- Evelyn Haddad, Chris Sobolowski Commissioners fied individual with a disability. Luen N. Compton, Jr., Chairman Tina R. Gregor, Vice-Chair This program receives Federal financial assis- Stephanie L. Boyles Griffin tance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Erik T. Gulbrandsen Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Joe L. Schroyer Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Rand D. Weinberg Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act Steven W. Keithley of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Carl F. Wagner Joseph Michael and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior Maryland Department of prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, Natural Resources color, national origin, age, sex, or disability. Wildlife and Heritage Service Tawes State Office Building, E-1 If you believe that you have been discrimi- 580 Taylor Avenue nated against in any program, activity, or Annapolis, MD 21401 facility, or if you need more information, 410-260-8540, FAX 410-260-8596 please write to: Toll free in Maryland: 877-620-8367 TTY users call via the MD Relay Office of Fair Practice dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife Department of Natural Resources 580 Taylor Ave., C-3 Annapolis MD 21401 Telephone: (410)260-8058 Email: [email protected] This guide is also available online at Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration The Civil Rights Coordinator for Public Access U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Publication # DNR 03-040821-273 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Mail Stop: WSFR-4020 Arlington, Virginia 22203 2 2021–22 Maryland Guide to Hunting & Trapping MESSAGES Greetings Hunters and Trappers: I am pleased to welcome you to another season of hunting and trapping in Maryland! Maryland remains one of the most remarkable and varied landscapes in the country. Our unique geography offers a wonderful variety of habitats which means world-class outdoor recreation and hunting opportunities. From the salt marshes of the Lower Eastern Shore, a hunter can find ducks in the morning and listen to sika deer bugle in the evening. A short drive to the Upper Shore and our fabled Canada geese are king. Central Maryland puts you in a treestand with access to some of the largest whitetail deer in the eastern United States. While our Southern Maryland counties boast furbearers and upland game, Western Maryland is home to mountain ter- rain where hard work will land you a gobbler on the roost or perhaps even the chance to pursue a black bear. Whether your interest is in the marsh, field or forest, Maryland has many things to offer! Please enjoy your time Jeannie afield this season and remember to share your stories with us and others. And consider introducing someone Haddaway-Riccio new so we can keep this important heritage alive for years to come. Have a wonderful and safe season and enjoy your travels across our great landscape! Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Greetings Maryland Hunters and Trappers: The 2021–2022 hunting year greets us with the usual excitement associated with pursuing our favorite outdoor opportunities. However, the arrival of this season is no-doubt punctuated by the fact that we are now able to share hunting camp with friends and family. History and our annual hunter surveys prove that one of the primary reasons many of us engage in outdoor pursuits is the chance to spend time with family and friends. Indeed some of the richest relationships we enjoy today were borne of past days in the field and nights in camp. Sitting around a camp listening to the crackling fire and tales of the hunt create memories that heighten the anticipation of future hunts. This year should be one of the most anticipated in recent history. We remain fortunate to have some of the finest public and private land hunting opportunities in the region. Despite Paul A. Peditto the difficult circumstances of the past year, our team successfully completed those land management and habitat projects that provide hunting opportunities and support wildlife populations on our public lands. We also implemented new programs to allow hunters safe and convenient ways to access hunting opportunities across the state. One of the highlights of that effort was the development of the virtual riparian blindsite program. This project allowed thousands of waterfowl hunters the chance to reserve a waterfowl hunting site without the risk of meeting in-person and the convenience of booking a site from home. Nothing was easy about the past year but our team pressed on and I am personally proud of their efforts and successes. The difficult days of the past year are behind us and a season of fun and excitement awaits. Make the time to get out and enjoy the remarkable opportunities offered in Maryland. I wish you a safe and successful season afield! THE SIMPLE ACT OF FISHING, PRESERVES FISHING. Every time you purchase a fi shing license or register your boat, a portion of the proceeds go toward preserving Paul A. Peditto, our nation’s coastlines, lakes, rivers and streams. Protecting our memories on the water for generations to come. Director of the Maryland Wildlife & Heritage Service