The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is gearing up for the highly anticipated winter firearm deer hunting season set to open on January 10, 2025, in Deer Management Region B. This season will cover most of the state, excluding the westernmost counties, and will provide hunters with the opportunity to pursue both sika and white-tailed deer, given they possess a valid license.
Season Details:
The winter firearm season will kick off on January 10 and run through January 11 across all of Region B. Additionally, hunters will have the chance to take advantage of extra hunting opportunities on Sunday, January 12, in specific areas. These areas include private and designated public lands in Cecil, St. Mary’s, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties, as well as private lands only in Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Harford, Kent, Montgomery, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, and Washington (Zone 1) counties. It’s worth noting that shooting hours will conclude at 10:30 a.m. in Kent, Montgomery, Talbot, and Wicomico counties.
Encouraging Participation:
Karina Stonesifer, the Wildlife and Heritage Service Director, highlighted the importance of the January firearm season, emphasizing that it offers hunters another opportunity to embrace the cold weather and restock their freezers after the holidays. Stonesifer also pointed out that the historically robust antlerless harvest during this season helps the DNR meet population objectives in Region B and presents an excellent chance for many to harvest their first deer of the new year.
Bag Limits and Restrictions:
Hunters participating in the winter firearm season should take note of specific guidelines, including restrictions on antlered white-tailed deer and sika deer bag limits. For instance, hunters are allowed to harvest one antlered white-tailed deer within the yearly bag limit, provided it does not fall below the three-point requirement on one antler. Any additional antlered deer must meet the three-point minimum. Junior hunters and apprentice license holders aged 16 and under are exempt from this restriction. Moreover, those pursuing sika deer must purchase a sika hunting stamp, with a season bag limit of three sika deer, of which only one can be antlered.
Safety Guidelines:
In terms of safety, the DNR emphasizes the importance of wearing fluorescent clothing and following tree stand safety protocols. Hunters and their companions are required to wear daylight fluorescent orange or pink in specific ways to ensure visibility. Additionally, hunters are advised to inspect all tree stands and wear a full-body safety harness when climbing or in the stand. Implementing a sliding knot, such as a prusik knot, secured to a line above the stand is recommended to keep hunters securely tethered to the tree from the ground up.
Additional Resources:
For comprehensive information on bag limits, regulations, and more, hunters can refer to the 2024-2025 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping. Furthermore, hunters are encouraged to donate deer to support local hunger relief efforts. Maryland offers a state tax credit for donated deer, and additional programs may be available through deer processors. For those in need of sika stamps, these can be purchased online via COMPASS, at licensing agents, or by reaching out to DNR Licensing and Registration Services at 866-344-8889.
In conclusion, the winter firearm deer hunting season presents an excellent opportunity for hunters to immerse themselves in the outdoors while contributing to vital wildlife management goals. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this exciting season and make a meaningful impact!
