ANNAPOLIS—The first segment of Maryland’s muzzleloader deer season opens on October 18. This segment serves as one of many seasons the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers from September to January each year to provide recreation and help meet deer management goals.
The early muzzleloader season will run from October 18-20 statewide. Additionally, in Region B only, hunters can harvest antlerless deer from October 22-27.
New this year, there is now a statewide bag limit for antlered white-tailed deer. Hunters may harvest up to four: One deer may be taken statewide during each of the three weapon seasons; and one bonus buck may be taken in Region B by hunters who possess a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp and have previously taken two antlerless deer in that region (with any weapon).
The early muzzleloader season is open for sika deer in Caroline, Dorchester,Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester counties. Hunters may take one sika deer (of either sex) from October 18-20 and one antlerless sika deer from October 22-27.
DNR urges hunters to carefully inspect all treestands before using them. Treestand safety tips, along with an instructional video are available at dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide/ts.asp. DNR encourages deer hunters to donate any unwanted harvest to the Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry program, http://www.fhfh.org/ .
Complete bag limits, season dates, deer registration procedures and hunting regulations are in the 2012-2013 Maryland Guide to Hunting & Trapping or online at http://dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide/ .