2007-2008 Maryland Late Waterfowl Hunting Seasons Proposed

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ANNAPOLIS, MD — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife and Heritage Service requests comments on the proposed 2007-2008 late waterfowl hunting seasons.

“We are pleased to offer waterfowl hunters a variety of waterfowl hunting opportunities and continue the great tradition of wildfowling,” said Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul A. Peditto. “We look forward to public input on the proposed late waterfowl hunting seasons so that we can continue to protect waterfowl populations while also enabling good hunting experiences.”

Overall duck populations increased 14 percent across U.S. and Canadian breeding grounds this spring, with an estimated 41.2 million breeding ducks on the surveyed area. Excellent brood-rearing habitat is present in many areas.

“Brood survival is expected to be above average,” stated Peditto.

In 2007, the estimated spring breeding population of canvasbacks was 865,000, 53 percent above the 1955-2006 average and the North American Waterfowl Management Plan goal of 500,000. This year’s proposed waterfowl hunting seasons includes an increase in the daily bag limit of canvasbacks to two per day. “The 2007 estimate for this species is the highest ever recorded,” said Peditto.

The 2007 spring breeding pair survey of Atlantic Population (migrant) Canada geese totaled 195,700 compared to 160,020 in 2006. Although the number of breeding pairs increased, cold weather and a delay in the spring snow melt led to a reduced nesting effort and as a result, gosling production is expected to be poor. The Atlantic Population Canada goose season will remain at 45 days with a daily bag limit of two geese.

For a table that lists the proposed Maryland 2007-2008 late waterfowl hunting season dates and bag limits visit the DNR website at www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide/lwfchart.asp.

Public comments about this year’s proposed waterfowl hunting season dates and bag limits may be submitted online at www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/lwfforum.asp, via fax at 410-260-8596, or over the phone by calling 410-260-8540.

On Thursday, August 16, at 7 p.m., DNR will hold a public meeting to collect comments on the proposed regulations at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills.

• DIRECTIONS FROM ANNAPOLIS AND POINTS WEST
  Take Route 50 East to the traffic light at the intersection of Routes 50 and 213, and turn right on Route 213. The Chesapeake College entrance is on the right. Park in Lot E. The meeting is in the Amphitheater (Room H117) in the Kent Humanities Building.
• DIRECTIONS FROM SALISBURY AND POINTS EAST
  Take Route 50 West to the traffic light at the intersection of Routes 50 and 213, and turn left on Route 213. The Chesapeake College entrance is on the right. Park in Lot E. The meeting is in the Amphitheater (Room H117) in the Kent Humanities Building.

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August 9, 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