Deer Firearm Season Opens November 28

Annapolis, Maryland (November 16, 2009) - The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the two-week deer firearm season opens statewide on Saturday, November 28. This popular season is a Maryland tradition for deer hunters with nearly half of the annual deer harvest taken during this period.

“The two-week deer firearm season is the main event for many Maryland hunters”, said DNR Deer Project Leader Brian Eyler. “Deer hunters look forward to sharing time with family and friends in the woods and having venison on the table. The sizeable harvest we expect during the hunt is also a critical part of DNR’s deer management program and will help reduce deer-related conflicts and habitat damage.”

Deer hunting regulations vary between the two Deer Management Regions in Maryland. Region A consists of Garrett and Allegany counties and Region B includes the remainder of the state.

Complete bag limits, season dates and other deer hunting information can be found by visiting www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide. The 2009-2010 Maryland Guide to Hunting & Trapping is issued with each hunting license and contains detailed information about all of Maryland’s hunting seasons and regulations.

Hunters are urged to inspect any permanent and portable tree stands before using them. Harness style safety belts should be used while climbing into or out of a tree stand, as well as while in the stand. Hunters are also reminded to always exercise the fundamental commandments of firearms safety.

Deer hunting provides outdoor recreation for over 68,000 Marylanders and contributes more than $150 million to the state’s economy each year.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 461,000 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