Late Muzzleloader Deer Season Opens December 18

Annapolis, Md. (December 9, 2010) — Maryland’s late muzzleloader season for deer opens on Saturday, December 18 and continues through January 1, 2011. The early winter season is popular with deer hunters and affords them 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 DNR’s Deer Project Leader Brian Eyler. “Last year approximately 35 percent of our muzzleloader hunters were successful in harvesting at least one deer.”

Deer hunting regulations vary between the two Deer Management Regions in Maryland. Region A consists of Garrett and Allegany counties and, new this season, the western half of Washington County. Region B includes eastern Washington County and the remaining 20 counties. Bag limits, season dates and other deer hunting information can be found on the DNR website at http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide and in the 2010-2011 Maryland Guide to Hunting & Trapping issued with each hunting license.

Hunters are reminded to carefully inspect all permanent and portable tree stands before each use. Harness style safety belts should always be used while climbing into or out of a tree stand and while in the stand. The DNR website has tips and a video on tree stand safety that all hunters are encouraged to become familiar with at http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide/ts.asp. Hunters are reminded to always exercise the fundamental commandments of firearms safety while afield.

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