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On Monday, October 23, at 10:30 a.m. the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) charged two Jessup men with baiting black bear while hunting on private property off of Cranesville Road near the Youghiogheny Mountain Resort in Garrett County.
Kendall T. Hayden, 51, and Frederick C. Wieland Jr., 42, both of Jessup, where charged with hunting black bear with the aid of bait after NRP received an anonymous tip from a concerned citizen. When officers arrived in the area they observed Hayden allegedly hunting from a tree stand over a baited area covered in cookies and cakes. The baited area was approximately 40 by 50 feet and 30 to 40 yards from the stand.
A person may not hunt or attempt to hunt black bears by the aid of baiting, or on or over any baited area. Baiting involves placing, exposing, depositing, distributing or scattering of shelled, shucked or unshucked corn, wheat or other grain, salt, or other feed that would lure, attract, or entice black bears to, on, or over any areas where hunters are attempting to hunt them. The maximum penalty for a person found guilty of this offense is $1500 for a first time offender.
Officers seized as evidence Hayden's firearm and issued both individuals citations for hunting black bear with the aid of bait. Hayden was also charged with failure of hunter to wear daylight fluorescent orange. A January 18, 2007 trial date is currently scheduled for both individuals in Garrett County District Court.
NRP remind people that they can report illegal activity 24 hours a day by calling the Catch a Poacher Hotline at 1-800-635-6124. The anonymity of the caller is guaranteed.
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