Muzzleloader Deer Season to Reopen December 20

The second portion of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer season begins on Saturday, December 20 and runs through January 3, 2015. Hunters who possess a valid Maryland hunting license and a Muzzleloader Stamp, or are exempt from the hunting license requirements, may use muzzleloading firearms to hunt white-tailed and sika deer during this season.
The bag limits for the season are:

• Statewide: One antlered white-tailed deer.
• Region A: On private land, one antlerless deer January 1 through 3. On public land, one antlerless deer on January 3. New this year, hunters may only take two antlerless deer total for the license year.
• Region B: Ten antlerless white-tailed deer. A hunter may take one bonus antlered white-tailed deer per year, but only after taking two antlerless white-tailed deer during any season and (before taking a second antlered deer) purchasing a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp. Three sika deer, no more than one antlered.

Sunday hunting is permitted on December 21 and 28, 2014 in Carroll and Frederick counties on private lands, and in Allegany, Garrett and Washington counties on private and designated public lands.

Also new this year, an antler point restriction has been established for white-tailed deer hunting. Per license year, hunters may harvest up to two antlered deer with two or fewer points on each antler. Any additional antlered deer taken within the legal seasons and bag limits must have at least three points on one antler. Youth holding a Junior Hunting License are exempt from the antler point restriction.

These, and other changes, may be found in the 2014-2015 Guide to Hunting and Trapping in Marylandor online in the What’s New section. Complete bag limits, season dates, deer registration procedures and hunting regulations can be found on the DNR’s website.

DNR reminds hunters to carefully inspect all tree stands and always wear a full-body safety harness when entering, leaving or in the stand. The Department strongly recommends using a sliding knot, commonly known as a prussic knot, attached to a line that is secured above the stand that allows the hunter to be safely tethered to the tree as soon as they leave the ground. Hunters are urged to view the tree stand tips and safety video.

Deer hunters are encouraged to donate any extra deer they may harvest to the Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry program. The deer are processed at participating butchers and processors free of charge and the venison is then given to local food banks.

Hunters with any questions may contact the Wildlife & Heritage Service at 410-260-8540.

Keep up to date with the DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service on Facebook and Twitter @MDDNRWildlife.