September Teal Hunting Season Announced

Annapolis, Md. (August 16, 2010) — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today that the September teal hunting season will be open September 16-30.

“The September teal season provides a unique opportunity for hunters to pursue these early migrants before the regular duck season opens in mid-October,” said Larry Hindman, DNR’s Waterfowl Project Leader. “In 2010, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Breeding Waterfowl and Habitat Survey recorded about 6.3 million blue-winged teal, which is 36 percent above the long-term average of 4.7 million birds.”

The daily bag limit during the September teal season is four (blue-winged or green-winged teal singly, or in aggregate). The special teal season will be held only in the following areas: Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Harford, Kent, Queen Anne's, St. Mary's, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester counties; part of Anne Arundel County east of Interstate 895, Interstate 97 and Route 3; part of Prince George’s County east of Route 3 and Route 301; and part of Charles County east of Route 301 to the Virginia line.

Only teal may be taken during this season. Shooting hours have been set from sunrise to sunset to avoid the period when non-teal species, particularly wood ducks, are most active.

All waterfowl hunters age 16 and over must possess the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (federal duck stamp). Hunters may obtain the federal stamp at U.S. Post Offices, National Wildlife Refuges, some DNR sport license agents and online at www.duckstamp.com.

All waterfowl hunters regardless of age, including landowners who are license exempt, are required to obtain the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp, which includes the HIP (Harvest Information Program) Permit.

Hunters can purchase their hunting license and Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp/HIP Permit online through DNR’s website, https://www3.wildlifelicense.com/md/ or over the phone at 1-800-918-2870. They are also available at DNR sport license agents and DNR Regional Service Centers.
 

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million 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 11 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