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Maryland's Firearm Deer Season reopens for white-tailed deer only on January 4 and 5 in Deer Management Region B. The two-day deer season provides additional opportunities for landowners to manage deer numbers while offering hunters a late season recreational opportunity. The firearm season is closed in Deer Management Region A (Allegany and Garrett counties). The sika deer firearm season also remains closed.
The bag limit for the two-day hunt is a continuation of the Region B firearm season bag limit for white-tailed deer. A total of two antlered deer and 10 antlerless deer may be taken during the entire Region B firearm season, which includes Youth Day, the two-week season, and the upcoming two-day January season. Two antlerless deer must be taken and hunters must possess a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp before pursuing a second antlered deer.
During the 2007 two-day firearm season, 2,623 deer were taken in 21 Maryland counties. Antlerless deer comprised 78 percent of the two-day hunt harvest.
According to Wildlife & Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto, "Regulated deer hunting is an essential population management tool widely accepted by the citizens of Maryland. A 2007 survey conducted by Responsive Management of Harrisonburg, Virginia found that 78 percent of Marylanders approve of hunting and 85 percent agree that hunting and fishing are a key component of scientific management and maintenance of healthy wildlife and fish populations."
For more information about Maryland's deer hunting regulations, consult the Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping 2007-2008 or visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide.
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