Muzzleloader Deer Season Reopens December 19

ANNAPOLIS, MD (December 2, 2009) — Maryland’s late muzzleloader season for deer opens on Saturday, December 19 and continues through January 2, 2010. The early winter season is popular with deer hunters and provides the opportunity to pursue their favorite game with a different type of firearm.

“Muzzleloader hunting is a great opportunity for hunters to enjoy more time in the woods with friends and family,” said Wildlife and Heritage Service Deer Project Leader Brian Eyler. “The season is important to our deer management program and for reaching our deer harvest goals. Over 20% of the annual deer harvest (22,515 last year) is now taken with muzzleloaders.”

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 remaining 21 counties.

Complete bag limits, season dates and other deer hunting information can be found at www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide.

The 2009-2010 Maryland Guide to Hunting & Trapping issued with each hunting license contains detailed information about all of Maryland’s hunting seasons.

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 reminded to always exercise the fundamental commandments of firearms safety while afield.

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