ANNAPOLIS (Dec. 12, 2007) – Muzzleloader deer season reopens on Saturday, December 15 in Maryland. An estimated 62,000 resident and 7,500 nonresident deer hunters enjoy pursuing deer with muzzleloaders annually. Last year, muzzleloader hunters took 6,924 deer (1,777 antlered and 5,147 antlerless) during the late season.
In Region A (Garrett and Allegany County), the total muzzleloader season bag limit is two deer – 1 antlered and 1 antlerless. On public lands in Region A, only antlered deer may be taken from December 15 through December 28. Either sex deer may be taken on December 29, 2007 in Region A. On all other lands in Region A, only antlered deer may be taken from December 15 through December 26 and either sex deer may be taken from December 27 through December 29, 2007.
In Region B (all counties except Garrett and Allegany), the total muzzleloader season bag limit is 2 antlered deer and 10 antlerless deer. Two antlerless deer must be taken before a second antlered deer is pursued. In Region B, the two-week season runs from December 15 through December 29.
Sika deer muzzleloader season is from December 15 through 29 in Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester counties. The total muzzleloader sika deer bag limit is 2 deer, 1 antlered and 1 antlerless.
“Muzzleloader season is an integral part of our deer management strategy in Maryland,” said Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul A. Peditto. “Maintaining a deer herd in balance with the environment and the residents of Maryland remains a priority and is also an important component in achieving healthy waterways. It’s also a great time of year to be afield, whether you’re carrying a primitive side-lock or a modern inline.”
Muzzleloader deer hunting combined with archery and firearm deer hunting seasons provides outdoor recreation for over 74,000 Maryland citizens, and manages white-tailed deer and sika deer numbers. Hunting contributes more than $200 million annually to the state’s economy.
Successful Maryland deer hunters must register their deer within 24 hours of harvest by calling 1-888-800-0121 or online at www.gamecheck.dnr.state.md.us. Before moving the deer from the place of kill, hunters must immediately attach a field tag on the deer’s head and record the harvest on their Maryland Big Game Harvest Record portion of their hunting license. Both forms must be completed in ink. Upon registering the deer, hunters will be given a confirmation number that is to be recorded on the Big Game Harvest Record. See pages 32 – 33 of the 2007 – 2008 Guide to Hunting & Trapping in Maryland for detailed registration instructions.
For complete bag limits, season dates, and other deer hunting information, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide.
Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR)