Maryland Sportsmen's Foundation

Happy National Hunting and Fishing Day.

National Hunting and Fishing Day | Hunting, Target Shooting, Fishing National Hunting and Fishing (NHF) Day brings together sportsmen and women to celebrate the rich tradition of hunting, target shooting and fishing. NHF Day's official home is at the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri.

The Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces changes to the striped bass recreational and charter boat summer and fall fishery for the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries, including the Maryland tributaries of the Potomac River- Effective May 16, 2020

Learn more: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MDDNR/bulletins/28b63b3

VA Cuts Menhaden Quota, But Omega Retains Dubious “Sustainable” Label

- an article posted by the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, worth a read.

https://www.trcp.org/2020/05/08/va-cuts-menhaden-quota-omega-retains-dubious-sustainable-label/

VA Cuts Menhaden Quota, But Omega Retains Dubious “Sustainable” Label | Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership All the strikes against Omega’s claim of sustainability.

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about hunting & fishing in Maryland during COVID-19.

Can I go hunting?

Limited hunting is allowed if you are seeking food for you or your family, but the social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed.

Can I go fishing?

Recreational fishing is prohibited. Limited fishing is allowed only if you are seeking food for you or your family, but the social distancing guidelines and the prohibition on social gatherings must be strictly followed.

Can I hunt or fish for species that are out-of-season to obtain food?

No. All current fishing, crabbing, and hunting rules and regulations still apply, including the requirement to have the appropriate licenses, permits and stamps.

See more FAQs here: https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2020/03/31/frequently-asked-questions-about-governor-hogans-stay-at-home-order/

ICYMI- Maryland DNR has temporarily halted their routine water monitoring due to the current health emergency, their weekly fishing report will be on hiatus.

Read more: https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2020/04/01/maryland-fishing-report-april-1/

We are sad to say that last week we lost a dear friend. Jim Gracie, our Executive Board Member and fearless leader, we will miss you dearly!

Obituary -->

James W. Gracie, Jr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information Share Memories & Support the Family.

Public Comment Sought for Maryland Hunting and Trapping Seasons.
The proposals will also be presented and discussed in person at the following public meetings:

Wye Mills: Feb. 10 at 7 p.m.
Chesapeake College, 1000 College Circle, Wye Mills
Room 127 in the Health Professions and Athletics Center

Hagerstown: Feb. 11 at 7 p.m.
South Hagerstown High School, 1101 S Potomac St, Hagerstown. Follow signs to the meeting location.

Citizens with any questions may contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources at 410-260-8540.

Learn more:

Public Comment Sought for Hunting and Trapping Seasons Public Comment Sought for Hunting and Trapping Seasons January 28, 2020 Input Taken Beginning Feb. 3; Public Meetings Scheduled The Maryland Department of Natural Resources in February will accept public comment on proposed changes to the 2020-2022 hunting and trapping seasons. Included in the propo...

Americans’ interest in hunting is on the decline, cutting into funding for conservation, which stems largely from hunting licenses, permits and taxes on fi****ms, bows and other equipment.

Read more by clicking on the article below.

Hunting is ‘slowly dying off,’ and that has created a crisis for the nation’s many endangered species The steady decline is undermining funding for wildlife conservation and threatens to increase extinctions.

Congratulations to Jim Gracie, our Executive Board Member, for receiving this well deserved award!

ICYMI- Hunters Harvest 27,000 Deer During Fi****ms Season
The total harvest was 14% lower than last year’s official count of 31,631. Bad weather on key weekends contributed to the decline in many parts of the state.

Hunters Harvest 27,000 Deer During Fi****ms Season Hunters Harvest 27,000 Deer During Fi****ms Season December 19, 2019 Weather a Factor in Final Numbers Photo by John Gambriel The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announced that hunters reported taking 27,088 deer during the state’s most popular hunt, the two-week fi****ms season. The tota...

Atlantic Population Canada Goose Season Begins Dec. 20

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources announces the state’s migratory Atlantic Population (AP) Canada goose hunting season will take place in two segments, Dec. 20, 2019 through Jan. 4, 2020 and Jan. 14, 2020 through Jan. 31, 2020. Hunters can bag one goose per day in Maryland’s AP Canada Goose Hunting Zone.

Read more: https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2019/12/09/atlantic-population-canada-goose-season-begins-dec-20/

Decline In Hunters Threatens How U.S. Pays For Conservation The steady drop is expected to accelerate in coming years, threatening the much-lauded model through which the U.S. has paid for conservation.