The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife and Heritage Service (WHS) announced today that Saturday, Nov. 12, marks the 11th Annual Maryland Junior Deer Hunt. Hunters 16 years of age and younger who are accompanied by an unarmed licensed adult of at least 21 years of age can hunt white-tailed deer and sika deer.
Each young hunter can take one antlered or antlerless white-tailed deer in Deer Management Region A. In Region B, the hunter can take up to three (3) white-tailed deer with no more than one (1) being antlered. Each young hunter can take one (1) antlered or antlerless sika deer in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico or Worcester counties.
This special hunting Saturday continues to grow in popularity with 2,567 deer taken last season. It also provides an opportunity for experienced adult deer hunters to pass on the knowledge required to be a safe, effective and ethical deer hunter.
Deer hunting requires diverse skills and acquired knowledge. Deer hunters must understand white-tailed deer and sika deer biology and behavior. Deer hunting requires skilled marksmanship and safe firearm handling techniques. Successful deer hunters must comprehend deer anatomy in order to properly dress the deer and make the venison ready for the kitchen. These skills, techniques and conservation ethic have been passed down through generations of deer hunters.
All young hunters participating in the 11th Maryland Junior Deer Hunt have passed Maryland’s Hunter Education Course. The course includes instruction in the following topics: hunter responsibility; firearms and ammunition; firearm handling and safety; marksmanship and shooting fundamentals; principals of wildlife management; bow hunting; muzzleloader hunting; safety and first aid; water safety; Maryland legal requirements. All youngsters have passed a written Hunter Education test, demonstrated their knowledge during a practical test and live firing.
Successful young hunters must register their deer by calling 1-888-800-0121 or through the internet www.gamecheck.dnr.state.md.us. Hunters must immediately attach a tag on the deer’s head and record the harvest on their Maryland Big Game Harvest Record portion of their hunting license before moving the deer from the place of harvest. Both forms must be completed in ink. Hunters will receive a confirmation number to be recorded on the Big Game Harvest Record. Detailed instructions for this process can be found on page 28 – 29 of the 2005-2006 Guide to Hunting & Trapping in Maryland.
Successful Junior Deer Hunters are encouraged to visit any of Maryland’s Junior Hunter Game Certification Agents to receive a special certificate for each deer. This certificate is available during all of Maryland’s deer hunting seasons. Participating Game Certification Agents are listed on page 55 of the 2005-2006 Guide to Hunting & Trapping in Maryland or online at http://www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide/yh.asp.
Complete bag limits, season dates new deer registration procedures and other deer hunting information can be found at the DNR website, www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide. The Hunting & Trapping in Maryland 2005-2006 guide, issued with each hunting license, contains detailed information about all of Maryland’s hunting seasons.