ANNAPOLIS (December 2, 2009) — Maryland’s late muzzleloader season for deer opens on Saturday, December 19 and continues through January 2, 2010. The early winter season is popular with deer hunters and provides the opportunity to pursue their favorite game with a different type of firearm.
“Muzzleloader hunting is a great opportunity for hunters to enjoy more time in the woods with friends and family,” said Wildlife and Heritage Service Deer Project Leader Brian Eyler. “The season is important to our deer management program and for reaching our deer harvest goals. Over 20% of the annual deer harvest (22,515 last year) is now taken with muzzleloaders.”
Deer hunting regulations vary between the two Deer Management Regions in Maryland. Region A consists of Garrett and Allegany counties and Region B includes the remaining 21 counties.
Complete bag limits, season dates and other deer hunting information can be found at www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide/.
The 2009-2010 Maryland Guide to Hunting & Trapping issued with each hunting license contains detailed information about all of Maryland’s hunting seasons.
Hunters are urged to inspect any permanent and portable tree stands before using them. Harness style safety belts should be used while climbing into or out of a tree stand, as well as while in the stand. Hunters are reminded to always exercise the fundamental commandments of firearms safety while afield.
Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR)