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Hunting on Private Property
In General
It is unlawful to hunt on private lands in all counties without written
permission of the landowner or the landowner’s lessee.
Liability
Any person hunting on private property shall be liable for any damage caused
by that person to private property while hunting. The landowner may not be
liable for accidental injury or damage to the hunter, whether or not the
landowner or the landowner’s agent or lessee has given permission to hunt.
For additional information regarding landowner liability in Maryland,
contact your local Cooperative Extension Agent (listed in the telephone blue
pages) and request Bulletin #357, Recreational Access and Landowner
Liability in Maryland.
Permission Required to Hunt or Trap
In all counties, written permission is required from the property owner to
hunt on private property. Written permission is required from the property
owner to trap on private and public lands in all counties.
Permission to Hunt and/or Trap
I hereby grant permission to the person named below to hunt and/or trap
on my property located at
________________________________________________
on the following dates:
________________________________________________
_______________________________
Signed
Agreement
In return for the privilege of hunting and/or trapping on this property, I agree
to obey the laws, to observe all safety precautions and practices, to take every
precaution against fire, and to assume all responsibility and liability for my
person and my property while on the landowners property.
Signed: _______________________________
Address: ______________________________
_______________________________________
License#: _____________________________
Date: _________________________________
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Controlling Hunter Use of Private Property
Posting property boundaries in a conspicuous manner makes it illegal to
trespass or for any person to enter without the landowner’s permission.
Maryland law allows the use of blue paint stripes, as well as signs, to
indicate private property boundaries. Vertical paint marks at least 2 inches
in width and 8 inches in length must be centered at least 3 feet, but no
more than 6 feet, from the ground or water surface. The paint must be
oil-based and bright blue.
Reporting Violations
While hunting on private property, watch for trespassers and game law
violations. If you see a violation, don’t confront the person yourself. Get
as much information as possible, write it down and call your local
Maryland Natural Resources Police Office, the
Catch A Poacher Hotline 1-800-635-6124, or 410-260-8888. Also, report all
trespassers to the landowner. The future of hunting rests with ethical,
law-abiding hunters. Hunters must police their ranks to minimize hunting law
violations. Remember that every hunter pays for the improper actions of a
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