The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has announced its plans for the 2018-2019 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons, and they’re inviting the public to comment on the proposal.
The proposed regular duck season opening split season would run Oct. 13-20. The second season would run Nov. 10-23, and third split season would run Dec. 11, 2018, to Jan. 26, 2019.
The proposed special sea duck season would run from Nov. 3, 2018, to Jan. 11, 2019. Federal regulations for the special season call for a maximum length of 60 days.
The proposed Atlantic Population (migrant) Canada goose season will be split into its traditional two segments, Nov. 17-Nov. 23, and Dec. 14, 2018, to Feb. 2, 2019.
The proposed mourning dove season will run from Sept. 1 to Oct. 20, followed by two additional splits, Oct. 27-Nov. 23, and Dec. 18, 2018, to Jan. 12, 2019.
The proposed youth waterfowl hunting days are Nov. 3, 2018, and Feb. 9, 2019. These days are part of a national effort by federal and state wildlife agencies to increase youth participation in the rich tradition of waterfowl hunting.
The department will host a public meeting at 7 p.m. March 6 on the campus of Chesapeake College, Building No. 13, to review the proposed seasons.
People may also comment online, by phone at 410-260-8540, by fax at 410-260-8596, or in writing to: Maryland Department of Natural Resources – Wildlife and Heritage Service, 580 Taylor Avenue, E-1, Annapolis, Maryland, 21401.
The public comment period will close at noon March 14, and the seasons will be finalized in early spring, with public input and approval by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“We look forward to reviewing public feedback from our waterfowl hunters and others,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “Input from our dedicated waterfowling community is vital to helping us improve and manage hunting opportunities throughout Maryland.”
