Wicomico County Hunter Wins Grand Prize in 2008 Maryland Hunter Contest

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Annapolis, Md. — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service congratulates 2008 Maryland Hunter Contest grand prize winner Ben Taylor of Salisbury, Md. and 40 other contestants, receiving complimentary 2009-2010 Maryland Hunting Licenses, for their participation in this year’s contest. Taylor entered the contest at Off the Neck, Inc. in Mardela Springs and will receive a $500 gift certificate courtesy of the Maryland Sportsmen’s Association to use at a participating vendor.

“The contest encourages hunters to visit local businesses who have served as long-standing hunting and wildlife management partners with DNR,” said Bob Beyer, Associate Director of the Wildlife and Heritage Service. “We appreciate local outdoor retailers and hunters for their long-standing support of wildlife management programs in Maryland.”

Wendy Donahoo, President of the Maryland Sportsmen’s Association, randomly drew the name of the grand prize winner and announced that he would also receive a complementary one year membership to the statewide sportsman’s group.

“The Maryland Sportsmen’s Association is proud to sponsor the grand prize for this contest as we aim to attract and retain hunters in Maryland,” said Donahoo. “This is our way to help support local businesses that contribute to the hunting community in our State.”

Junior hunters are reminded to continue to visit one of the participating agents through spring turkey season to receive a personalized junior hunter certificate and have their picture posted on DNR’s website. For more information about the junior hunter certificate program, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide/Junior_Hunter_Agents.pdf

For a complete list of 2008 Maryland Hunter Contest winners, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife.

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January 26, 2009

Contact: Kara Turner 410-260-8018 katurner@dnr.state.md.us

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.