2007-2008 Early Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons Begin in September

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ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has set the schedule for the 2007-2008 early migratory game bird hunting seasons. The dove season, which marks the traditional start of hunting activity each year in Maryland, will open Saturday, Sept. 1, and continue through Oct. 13. The second and third split seasons will be Nov. 10-23, and Dec. 22-Jan. 3. Maryland’s woodcock season is split into two segments, Nov. 2-23 and Jan. 12-19.

The early resident Canada goose season will open Sept. 1 and run through Sept. 15 in the eastern zone. In the western zone, the season will continue through Sept. 25. The daily bag limit is eight geese per day. New this year – during the early resident Canada goose season, hunters are allowed to use shotguns capable of holding more than three shotshells and shooting hours are extended to one-half hour past sunset.

The dates for the September teal season are September 20-29. Hunters should note that the boundary for the September teal season zone has changed slightly, visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide/ewfchart.asp for the zone description. Shooting hours for the September teal season are sunrise to sunset.

All migratory game bird hunters, including landowners who are license exempt, are required to obtain the HIP (Harvest Information Program) permit and the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp in addition to a general hunting license. Hunters must possess the printed receipt showing proof of purchase of the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp while hunting migratory game birds. Migratory bird hunters are no longer required to sign and attach the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp to their hunting license. Hunters may now purchase licenses and stamps online at www.dnr.maryland.gov.

All waterfowl hunters age 16 and over must also possess a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp). Hunters are still required to sign the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp) and have it in their possession while hunting waterfowl. Hunters may obtain federal duck stamps at U.S. Post Offices, National Wildlife Refuges, and some DNR sport license agents.

Nontoxic shot is required for hunting rails, snipe, waterfowl, and coots. Hunters may not possess or use nontoxic shot larger than size No. T or use or possess any lead shot while hunting rails, snipe, waterfowl, and coots. Approved types of nontoxic shot and other information on migratory bird hunting is listed in the free booklet Hunting and Trapping in Maryland 2007-2008 on DNR’s website.

For a table that lists the dates and bag limits for Maryland’s 2007-2008 early migratory game bird hunting seasons as well as a quick reference to the early resident Canada goose and September teal seasons and bag limits, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/gamebird.asp.

Hunters are encouraged to report banded migratory game birds by calling 1-800-327-BAND (2263) or through the Internet at http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/.

Official shooting hours begin one-half hour before sunrise through sunset for all migratory game bird hunting EXCEPT for: (1) mourning dove during the first season segment, when shooting hours are from noon to sunset; (2) teal during the September teal season when shooting hours are sunrise to sunset; and (3) early (September) resident Canada goose season when shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

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August 6, 2007

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 449,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 12 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