DNR to Hold Public Meeting on Waterfowl Regulations August 13

Annapolis, Md. (July 26, 2012) ─ The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a public meeting to discuss the proposed late season waterfowl hunting regulations, starting at 7 p.m. on August 13 at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills. The proposed seasons and bag limits will be announced in early August after DNR receives the season framework from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“Establishing our migratory game bird regulations is a collaborative, scientifically sound process involving federal and state agencies throughout the Atlantic Flyway,” said DNR Game Bird Section Leader Bill Harvey.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, via the Service Regulation Committee, establish migratory game bird regulations. The Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service offers the final rule and states are then provided with the framework, which includes the maximum season length, bag limits and hunting dates.

“Public input is one of the most important elements in our season and bag limit selection process,” said DNR Waterfowl Project Leader Larry Hindman. “We look forward to the informed input we will receive from interested citizens at this meeting.”

Citizens who are unable to attend the meeting may comment by email, letter, fax, phone and an online forum available on the DNR Website after the proposals are announced ─ details on providing public comment will be included in the early August announcement. Finalized season dates and bag limits will be announced in early September.

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. 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