A Message from the Director
of the Maryland Wildlife and Heritage Service

A new year of opportunity for hunters and trappers is upon us. With each year comes renewed hope for the opportunity to make a first-time memory . . . that first trophy buck, first gobble responding to the yelp of a novice box call, first point of a young dog or first toll to the decoys coupled with a pup’s first retrieve. Opportunities to enjoy those “firsts” are out there for everyone, from the newcomer to the seasoned veteran. More importantly, the chance to make memories of a lifetime has never been better. Last year I personally enjoyed one of the most gratifying seasons afield with my son, brother, father and an ever-expanding network of men, women and dogs who I consider some of my most treasured friends and hunting partners. Memories of our days afield this past season will last forever and I hope all of you have been fortunate to do the same.

This year our team of wildlife professionals advanced new regulation proposals to our stakeholders, the broader public and the Wildlife Advisory Commission. The regulation-development process occurs every two years and each cycle spawns new ideas and conversations. Some ideas became final regulations, others failed to achieve consensus this time. One of the early ideas that never advanced to the public comment stage was a requirement for all hunters to wear a full body safety harness while hunting from a treestand.

A good debate on an issue like this will always include the question about the need for government to regulate personal behavior. Read more...