National Junior Waterfowl Hunting Day November 6, 2004
ANNAPOLIS, MD — In conjunction with the National Junior Waterfowl Hunting Day, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has scheduled a one-day waterfowl-hunting season for junior hunters on Nov. 6.This junior waterfowl-hunting day is part of a national effort by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and state wildlife agencies to increase participation in the tradition of waterfowl hunting.
“This junior hunt provides a valuable opportunity for youth to receive the undivided attention of an adult teaching the tradition of hunting, including proper techniques, safe firearm handling, enjoyment of the outdoors, and appreciation of our natural resources,” DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul A. Peditto said.
Junior hunters may hunt during this one-day waterfowl season if they possess a valid Maryland resident junior hunting license; or they are 15 years old or younger and are exempt from Maryland hunting license requirements; or they possess a valid Maryland nonresident hunting license and are 15 years old or younger. Junior waterfowl hunters must possess a receipt demonstrating they purchased a $9 Maryland Migratory Game Bird Hunting Stamp.
An individual who is 21 years old or older must accompany each junior hunter in the field. The adult may not possess a firearm, bow, or any other hunting device while accompanying a junior hunter on this day. The adult must also possess a valid Maryland hunting license or be exempt from hunting license requirements. The accompanying adult may call waterfowl, assist with waterfowl identification, assist with decoys, and retrieve downed birds.
Junior Waterfowl Hunting Day regulations apply only to ducks, coots, mergansers, Canada geese, snow geese, and brant. The daily bag limits for the Junior Waterfowl Hunting Day are: 5 ducks per day which may include no more than: 4 mallards (max. 2 hen mallards), 2 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 3 scaup, 4 scoters, 1 fulvous tree duck, 1 black duck, 1 pintail, 1 canvasback, and 1 mottled duck. Junior hunters may take 1 additional teal (blue-winged or green-winged teal). Junior hunters may also take 2 Canada geese, 15 snow (white or blue color phase) geese, 2 brant, 15 coots, and 6 mergansers per day (which may include not more than 1 hooded merganser) on Junior Waterfowl Hunting Day. The hunting season is closed for harlequin duck.
Junior hunters are also reminded that nontoxic shot is required for hunting waterfowl and coots. Hunters may not possess or use nontoxic shot larger than size No. T or use or possess any lead shot while waterfowl hunting. Approved types of nontoxic shot and other information on migratory bird hunting is listed in the free booklet Hunting and Trapping in Maryland 2004-2005 and on the DNR Web site: www.dnr.maryland.gov Hunters are encouraged to report banded migratory game birds by calling toll-free 1-800-327-BAND (2263). Banded birds can also be reported online at: http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to Maryland citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 435,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, as well as Maryland's wildlife and fishery species for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, the department manages natural, historic and cultural resources that attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov