DNR Responses to questions are in green.

POST DATE: 3/2/2022

NO animal should be exposed to trophy hunting!

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, I am asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.This is an outrageous number of bears killed. We need to review this carefully and act humanely and compassionately. These numbers are sickening and it greatly saddens me that Maryland is in this position. Please act thoughtfully and morally and reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt.Thank you for your consideration of my heartfelt and urgent request.

Please protect our wildlife!!!!  they make our lives better and more beautiful and they were here first!! T

Stop killing the bears.  Go to target practice instead.

Please stop all hunting of any bears.

Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population.A Very Concerned Maryland Resident

Given the risk posed by overhunting, I am asking you, the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Stop trophy hunting and trapping entirely. It is despicable. Leave our bears alone!

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season. Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population.

Please stop the black bear hunt.  Bear numbers are dwindling, and we need to preserve the amazing wildlife in the state of Maryland.

I do not believe the research supports expanding bear hunting. Further study is needed. Thank you.

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season. Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

I believe that the proposed expansion of the state's black bear hunting season should be postponed until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It is premature to expand the hunting season until the current state of the black bear population has been determined.

We are way past the time that we should always be acting in a humane nature toward animals. Why should the state sanction the killing of animals for this horrific purpose? The only just, humane and ethical thing to do is to band this horrific practice! I certainly hope you will Not allow the killing of animals for no purpose to continue! Thank you.

Given the risk posed by overhunting, I am asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Given the risk posed by overhunting, I'm asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of
Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances. Please do the ethical and environmentally sound thing!

Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population.

Trophy hunting for black bears is cruel and certainly not needed for man to live.  Why can't man leave animals alone and let them live their lives free of harm.  Nature is a gift to us to protect, not to kill.  Animals have a right yo their lives!

We need to share our world.  With expansion of urban cities along the east coast of the United States, we need to tailor policies to protect wildlife.

We support regulations of hunting female bears for trophies

I oppose the expansion of Black Bear Trophy Hunting. So many rewarding things to do in life don't understand how this could be either rewarding or tolerable. Please end this practice.

Please reject the proposed expansion of Maryland's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It is premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.Thank you.

Given the risk posed by overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of
Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Please stop allowing the hunting Maryland's Black Bear population!Hunters are threatening this species in our state by their trophy killing of mothers and young cubs.Bears are not a good source for Humans.  This killingof bears in our state is just senseless blood thirsty slaughter for sport.Please  put an end to this hunting in Maryland.

It is very important that we protect the black bearsPlease don't allow trophy hunting.There is no reason anyone needs a black bears carcass in their home.Hunting should only be allowed to manage resources and of course problem bears.Do NOT pass regulation 2022-23 or 2023-24

The killing of animals for trophies is appalling especially females who would leave cubs motherless and therefore they would starve to death. Carnivores are very important to the eco-system and keeping rodent populations under control.

80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.

The majority of Marylanders don't support trophy hunting!  An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.-Kimberlee Dinn
We are losing so much of our wildlife. Please take action to study this.

Please stop this unnecessary killing of  bears. Wild animals are having a hard enough time just trying to survive, with loss of habitat .

Maryland's hunting of black bears is threatening population stability because too many breeding-age females are being taken. I am generally opposed to hunting for hunting's sake—that is, only as sport, and not as a means to keep various animal populations in balance. Please modify the state's regulations so that black bears can thrive in a way that balances the well-being of all creatures.

Black bear numbers are decreasing in Maryland, please don't allow hunting them! If we keep killing them, what will our future look like, no more bears and actually more rodents? This is very sad & will create an imbalance in nature. And how inhumane. How would you like it if you were a bear?

Please reject the proposed expansion of Maryland's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances. As a MD resident and animal lover, we need to be protecting these beautiful creatures, not destroying them.

Given the risk posed by overhunting, please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

There is no good reason to kill these black beats  Please stop this cruel hunt  People who kill for trophy and  personal fun should have  no right to do this especially under the guise of doing 'good'  Maryland is better than this Lynn Ailor  Laurel MD

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

No need to kill these animals unless its absolute necessary.

Please end black bear hunting immediately

Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Please protect and ban hunting of breeding age female black bears in Maryland.

In a progressive state like Maryland it is a shock that one can hunt black bears at all.  If however, the numbers are too great and either the population is suffering or threatening the existing human population, I can understand the concept of thinning the her.  HOWEVER, how can one come to that conclusion without an empirical study?   Do the research first!!!!

Please do not approve an expansion to the black bear hunts. There is not an overpopulation of black bears, and most of the bears being killed are breeding age females. It is just a way for people who like to hunt to obtain more trophies.

Stop killing animals for the purpose of display only.  Bears carry too many parasites in their meat to eat — just stop it
reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances. Thank you,

My opinion is NO to traps or hunting black bear in Maryland.  I live in St Marys County & have never seen but have heard about wayward bar or two traveling through. Let them be & protect them in our area absolutely  !

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, request respectfully that the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

LEAVE THE BEARS ALONE! DO YOU TAKE PLEASURE IN SEEING ANY KNUCKLEHEAD WITH A GUN INFLICT PAIN ON ANIMALS?

The last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago. 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females. This decimation seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs.I am asking that the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Please stop with unnecessary hunting and killing of the wild life.

I strongly oppose the expansion of black bear trophy hunting!

Murdering of innocent animals is criminal!

Stop killing innocent animals. Especially breeding females. Kill the females and you kill the entire species.

No hunting bears!

Stop murdering these innocent bears and stop invading their homes.

Let not kill off thing that we need to protect. lets do the study first and see if we are helping or hurting the black bears

The fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

I am writing because I am concerned about the black bear population in Maryland.  It's my understanding that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was over ten years ago.  I urge you to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Thank you.

I oppose any expansion of black bear trophy or otherwise hunting

Please stop the killing of beautiful animals. This is so cruel and abusive. It would be a lot nicer place to live with more animals and less pigs like bear hunters. I condemn your actions.
This makes me sick. We are not God and have no right to destroy his creatures justbecause you are senseless pigs.

Protect these innocent bears from slaughter now

Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population.A disappointed, life-long Maryland Resident who is appalled by all of the State-sponsored killing of animals. Enough already!! You will kill them to extinction!

Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Given the risk posed by overhunting, I am asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of
Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Stop hunting

Stop the bear hunting in Maryland

Please consider not expanding the killing of the black bear in Maryland. God created wildlife and asked us humans to take care of them. I am sure He doesn't want use to kill them as a trophy. The hunting of animals should only be for food and in some cases for their skins as the Indians did with the buffalo and bears. Also stop killing so many female bears. It that someone's crazy idea of birth control? Horrible.

This simply is not necessary. I understand the need for practicality in controlling numbers (which the human race needs to do), but we have to temper that with humanity, fairness & compassion.

Please no!  Given the risk posed by overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the
Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Given the risk posed by overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of
Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Hunting is NOT sport or pastime it killing defenseless animals for fun and pleasure. That is wrong!!

Bear Hunting and killing of its mothers need to stop regarding this  barbaric and inhumane treatment of wild life which also effects its young and ecosystem.

Let our bears live and enjoy life!!

Please ban bear hunts. These animals are under pressure and their numbers are diminishing

Please ban bear hunting.

Please stop the slaughter of bears!

Our black bears, especially breeding females must be protected. Once the females are gone, they will be gone forever, no more future generations. Too often cubs are left to starve. What a way for humans to treat any animal is just plain nonsense. All of our wildlife must be better protected along with their habitats and corridors. All of our wild bears, bob cats and small mammals such as weasels, marmots, ect. must be protected from illegally (and legally) taking out the breeding females and leave the males alone too.

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Please stop the killing!

Haven't we killed enough wildlife?  Can we preserve these lives by moving them to a sanctuary or reserve or national park.  This killing is only teaching young people that killing is okay.
Then we wonder where do people learn such things. We can and should do better. Stop the killing!

Curb harvesting of black bears now.

I am a Maryland resident and I do not support any expansion of black bear hunting in the state. We should be reducing all hunting, not expanding it. Furthermore, the DNR has not done an analysis of the black bear population in over 10 years. 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. An expanded hunt is a terrible idea.

Please don't approve the proposed expansion of Maryland's black bear trophy hunt!  The Department of Natural Resources must first conduct a comprehensive study of the dwindling black bear population in our state.  As I understand it, approximately 80% of black bears killed by MD hunters during the past five years have been breeding age females, which is not only terribly cruel to their cubs but also disastrous for ensuring a sustainable population.  I urge the Commission to reject this ill-conceived proposal.  Thank you for your consideration!

Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.
Just leave the 🐻 alone.

I strongly oppose the hunting of the few bears we still have in Maryland.  What a shameful idea!   It is time to protect bears,  not destroy them!!

Please stop the killing!

I urge the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear hunting season until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Please do not increase the bear hunt in MD until DNR does a population study.

Trophy hunting of any kind be it black bears, dear or other animals should not be allowed in MD or any other part of the world for that matter.

The hunting of black bear should be stopped / postponed until a current study of the bear population has been done.
N/a

I vehemently oppose any trophy hunting.  Quite frankly, I consider it obscene to consider a dead animal a trophy.   Unless you are willing to be hunted as a trophy yourself, just STOP.

Only use of Humane traps should be permitted!

Why is all the killing of precious wildlife permitted 😭😭😭It is a tragedy, the human species just wants to kill! Please make it stop
we do not have to do this!

Given the risk posed by overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of
Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting

Trophy hunting is disgusting and wrong and needs to stop!

Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Eighty percent of the black bears killed in the last five years have been breeding age females and the black bear population has decreased dramatically.  Please, hold off on expanding of the KILLING of black bears until the Department of Natural Resources conducts a comprehensive study of the black bear population.   Some extra time taken will not harm anyone or prevent them from killing black bears, but will at least be an honest, sensible study.

Dear Jesus,An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Please stop killing the bears!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DNR sucks! Their investigations of water deaths are a joke! People are not held accountable. And apparently their policies concerning wildlife are just as flawed. Let's just hunt all of the female bears do they become extinct! Idiots!!!

Please stop bear hunting.  The numbers of bears in the state is at an adequate amount and is  under control.  Hunters do not have the skill nor knowledge on how to identify female from males or young from old bears.  Because of this lack of knowledge, hunters are maiming animals which causes pain and suffering.  Hunters are maiming and killing young females and males  of breeding age.  The best solution is to place a moratorium on bear hunting until a solution can be reached.

Maryland should do another black bear census, and in the meantime restrict the hunting of female bears of cub-bearing age.

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.I oppose bear hunting in general and think this practice should be banned. Biodiversity and not slaughter should be encouraged if we as humans want to preserve our own safety in balance with nature. Destruction is just destruction.
Maryland is overdeveloping and excessively destroying land and animals and they are pushed to small pockets and now hunted in that limited range. We have no safe animal crossings to give them a chance. Bear killing isn't for survival. It is bloodsport. We don't need it.

Considering that the last empirical study of Maryland's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, there is a need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, I ask the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Please do not allow for the expansion of black bear hunting in Maryland.  We need an empirical study of the black bear population in Maryland so that we do not overhunt.  We need breeding black bear females to sustain the population.  Encouraging additional hunting would be harmful and potentially devastating for the long term.  I strongly oppose any additional black bear hunting in Maryland.

Please stop the senseless slaughter & celebration of violence. We must protect the last remaining wild areas & wildlife. We are failing our planet, co-inhabitants, humanity & future generations.

Save black bears in Maryland or they will disappear.These creatures are part of our animal environment, precious and a promise for future generations of wildlife.

Stop poaching and trophy hunting animals .. it's not right that people kill any animal for personal gain!! Animals have a soul and a heart just like us humans do.  They feel pain as we do..
God created animals for us to enjoying not to kill and hurt them!  So please protect our wildlife from extinction!!

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

One reason I was pleased to move from New Jersey to Maryland was the preservation of diverse wildlife in parts of both states. Please don't allow this to be destroyed.

We need to stop all wild animails from being killed. In the name of God and Jesus and the Holy Sprite PLEASE stop all animal abuse.

We really need to evolve around the issues of hunting and trapping. Neither are necessary if we learn to provide our wildlife with appropriate land on which to exist…their God given right.

Hunting and trapping of breeding age black bears must end!

The number of Black bears being killed in Maryland, each year, now exceeds the number needed to keep the population in check and had become just another addition  to the portfolio of animals killed for recreation and revenue.

Expanding the hunting for endangered animals is harmful to the environment and the ecosystem of Maryland

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, I'm asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

End bear hunting for good and leave these creatures protected in their natural habitat.

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Please stop hunting and killing innocent animals!

No hunting or trapping of bears in Maryland. No trapping of animals of any kind.
80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population and poses a significant threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, I'm appealing to the Maryland
Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

I'm writing to urge the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to REJECT the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances. An unacceptable  80% of black bears killed by
Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs.
This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the DNR to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.I write on behalf of 10 Marylanders -- family members and friends -- who also urge a rejection of the proposed expansion of our state's black bear trophy hunt. Thank you,Heather MaherAnnapolis, MD

Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

PLEASE DO NOT EXPAND HUNTING OF BLACK BEARS IN MD - IT'S NOT SPORTING TO BAIT AN ANIMAL AND SHOOT IT STANDING THERE PEACEFULLY EATING.  BEAR HUNTING IS JUST CRUEL.

DNR sucks! Not only do they totally blow their water investigations & neglect to hold drunken boaters accountable, but let's exterminate all of the female bears too!

Pls stop allowing so much death in my state. I think slaughtering innocent creatures who can not defend themselves is ridiculous and truly disgraceful.
NA

Something needs to be done to protect the black bear population in MD. These black bears are not being killed for their meat to feed a family. It is simply for bragging rights. What a waste of one of gods beautiful animals
It is barbaric, disgusting and criminal that you allow the killing of black bears in Maryland. NATURAL RESOURCES; LIKE WILDLIFE BELONG TO ALL OF US!!You hunters are savages, all of you.

We are totally AGAINST bear hunting. Trapping is beyond cruel. What is wrong with you people?   Ann and Mike Roberts Phoenix, MD 21131

Please do a population study of the black bear population before allowing additional hunting of these animals.

Bear hunting needs to stop until it can be determined the effect it is having on the bear population.

I vigorously object to  Trophy  hunting expansion which will increase the number of Black Bears killed, especially female bears. Trapping should be completely outlawed, and female bears who could have cubs is just murder. If you have no accurate idea how may bears are out there, an accurate count should take place first, before any decision is made regarding  trophy  hunts that include bears.

Trophy hunting? There ought to be a better way to pamper one's ego than in the unnecessary slaughter of innocent animals.  We should be able to work out ways to separate natural areas where wildlife can continue to live, from new housing/shopping and irresponsible development that does not consider the current environment.  I think wild animal sanctuaries should be established and maintained, with both natural and physical barriers to keep dangerous wildlife from the backyards and homes of nearby houses, especially newly built ones where people are new to forest adjacent living.

Maryland is extreme!   In hunting and supporting and hunter support.  Balance of nature? How about balancing the DNR and adding some with less extreme practices.

Black bear populations are dwindling in Maryland and elsewhere. They need your protection.

Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt!

I oppose the expansion of black bear hunting season. An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, I'm asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the
Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. Many thanks for your attention.

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Department of Natural Resources - DID I READ that interpretation right ? Sounds like a name that would be PROTECTIVE  of Maryland's ' NATURAL NATURE' . Why the word HUNT -  KILL ?  A
'Camouflage ' hunter term to disguise the allowance of the Hunt on OUR Maryland 'NATURAL NATIVE WILDLIFE'' . Maybe where this institution needs to direct it's aggression towards  is not OUR
MARYLAND WILDLIFE  but towards preserving , protecting OUR 'NATURAL ' forests ,fields , and STOP BIG Government  approved developments , revamp our decaying city , suburbs , and educate OUR children about Nature in all her glory . PROTECT - They the Bears and All Maryland Nature need protection . Please protect OUR Maryland's true ' Natural Resources  , not a camouflage name .

Please stop the hunting of females. Is it possible to tag females? So an honest hunter help maintain a healthy population of black bears?

DNR must conduct a thorough population analysis of Maryland's black bear population before approving the proposed expansion of the trophy hunt.

Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission; Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Given the risk posed by overhunting, PLEASE reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances

Please stop the murder of these bears!

PLEASE PROTECT THESE AMAZING ANIMALS - THEY DON'T DESERVE TO BETRAPPED AND KILLED!Thanks!

Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission:  We must all pull together to help protect the dwindling number of black bears in our state of Maryland.  There is no logical reason for any bear/animal to be killed for the sport of a human.  Too many times a bear is killed or left to die for no reason other than a human's wish for the thrill of it.  Over hunting has to be stopped or the black bear will be decimated and go extinct for no logical reason.

Please do the right thing and reject the expansion of black bear trophy hunting. Of course the absolute right thing would be to ban hunting altogether.K.

Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission: An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. Reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. Thank you. Tracy C., Maryland 20646

Given the risk posed by overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of
Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Let the animals live - enough humans are dying already - too many guns

Please stop the cruel hunting of bears. I cannot believe that this horrifying practice is not against the laws. Please do the right thing and stop hunting.

As a long time resident of Maryland I ask that this be stopped immediately. I will contact my State Senator and ask him to prioritize this. This is ridiculous, and antiquated. Fix now.
Leave our wildlife alone.

Are we just going to wipe animal species off the face of the earth?  Please protect the black bear and minimize the killing, and ban the brutal trapping.  Give nature a chance and stop this trophy hunting. please.

Its important to protect animals!

This is absolutely unnecessary! Not to mention cruel, abusive and sadistic. I think  Trophy hunting  is merely a way for psychopaths to express themselves legally.

Due to the potential crisis for the Black Bear population posed by unprecedented numbers of Black Bear females of breeding age in the state of Maryland, it would be a grave mistake to expand the trophy hunting season at this time. A further study of Black Bear population, especially breeding females should be conducted to determine viability of the Black Bear population in Maryland before considering expansion of Black Bear hunting in the state.

The Department of Natural Resources needs to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before even considering an expansion of the black bear hunting season. The reasons for this are threefold. First, the last empirical study of Maryland's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago. More recent data is needed to in order to make informed decisions.
Second, 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females. This has direct repercussions on the health and existence of our black bear population. Third, killing so many female black bears poses a particular threat to their black bear cubs left behind. Please do not expand black bear trophy hunting in Maryland. Hunters make up a small fraction of Marylanders. Most Marylanders do not want the black bear population threatened, killed, and used as trophies. Thank you.

Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

This is disgusting! Please stop killing off all the bears!

Black bears in MD need protection esp breeding females.  Pls do everything u can to prevent them from being hunted.

Please stop allowing the hunting of black bears! Their population is dwindling and we should not be killing them. To kill them is inhumane and outrageous!Sincerely,Amy Reichert Bethesda, MD

SHAME - we need to respect our wildlife

This is putting the cart before the horse. *First* let the Dept. of Natural Resources determine empirically the black bear population.  (The last study was 10 years ago.)  *Then* formulate a hunting season commensurate with the desired quota.

I am opposed to the expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts a study of the state's black bear population.

I am not a hunter. I do not hunt because all life should be respected. That is especially true for all animals whose habitat we humans, in our greedy ruin of the planet, have ripped away from them. Stop the black Bear hunt.

It is unconscionable to extend black bear hunting without further study and reliable data.  It is your job to protect Maryland's wildlife not just cater to hunters. Please consider this when you make your decisions.

Do not expand the season for black bear hunting. Apparently hunters cannot female from males and would it matter if they did. Our wildlife needs protections as they will get non from irresponsible hunting practices. Thank you

I am against the current amount of hunting that is permitted, so definitely don't want to see it expanded.  We seemto continuously push the natural world to the brink and then beyond.  Bear populations have already been culled with female bears over-represented in recent years.  Enough.

Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's barbaric to slaughter these innocent, helpless living beings as it is. I hope anyone involved or anyone who doesn't stop it rots in hell. Thank you!

The last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago. Please conduct a comprehensive population analysis before making a decision to expand the black bear hunting season. Please consider valuing life.

Really not impressed with humane approach to regulating black bear population! Trophy hunting is an anachronism from a different age before animal populations were decimated! Please reconsider your approach?

There is an undisputed need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season. Way too many breeding females have been killed, which should horrify anyone. I've lived in Maryland all my life and love it here, please, let's be good to all that live here, animals included.

Given the risk posed by over hunting, I think the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission should reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of
Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Please take action to NOT increase tge Black Bear season. 80% of the bears killed last year were breeding age females!!! Please help our bear population.  Thank you

I oppose trophy hunting.  And I absolutely abhor the hunting of females because it ultimately destroys the species.  I absolutely oppose ALL trapping.  It is indiscriminate, cruel, and utterly ridiculous in our state and this time.  I vote and will work to elect people who are responsible stewards of our world.
Please do not support any bills expanding hunting season - for bears, and any and all other animals.  There is no positive outcome for killing, torturing, or maiming any animal for sport. 
Tell people to go to the grocery store, or butcher shop to choose to purchase venison, squirrel, rabbit, or any other wild animal meat for consumption.

Please stop the hunting and the trapping of black bears by trophy hunters in  Maryland before these bears become extinct!Thank you.

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, I ask
YOU to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt.

Inhumane trapping of animals should  be  illegal. Some  hunting  is   OK  but  not  to just get  a trophy or  stack  up numbers.

I do think All of U must stop makingDecisions about Black Bears until thePowers that Be can study what the Hunting is doing to the animals Bears

Greetings: I am commenting on the proposed expansion to black bear hunting in Maryland. It seem imprudent to expand the hunting of black bears considering there has not been a fair assessment of the population. I hope that you will do an actual count of reproducing bears before giving the go ahead for more hunting.

Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population.  It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the currentcircumstances.  Thank you for your consideration

Stop  the  hunting  of   female   breeding  black bears now!!!  There  will  be  dire   consequences!   Peggy Spates
Hunting  is bad enough, but  trapping?  Is it 1750? Leave the bears alone!!

We need to enact laws besides the ESA and establish long-term stability of protection.

Please don't allow for the hunting of black bears, too many are being killed already

Pease stop this horrific abuse!

Given the risk posed by overhunting, I ask the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural
Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Female bears should not be targets!

I believe it is premature and irresponsible to expand trophy hunting without clear and careful assessment of the black bear population. Black bears play a critical role in the ecosystem, and all efforts should be made to avoid any overhunting.

Please stop the killing of the bkack bears

STOP the hunting and trapping of the black bears!!!!

Please help protect Black BEARS IN Maryland BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE.

I believe a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season may be warranted if the last one was completed a decade ago.

Please oppose the expansion of the black bear trophy hunt !

Just as we don't 'overcrab' female crabs, please significantly limit the hunting of female bears that are of cub bearing age.  Not that black bears should be hunted at all.  Please limit hunting of female bears.

Stop this hunting the bears 🐻 don't you believe there have a right to be in this world just like you hunters 😡

Attn: Maryland Wildlife Advisory CommissionI respectfully request that you reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. With the alarming percentage of black bears that were killed by Maryland hunters over the past five years having turned out to be breeding-age females, there poses a serious threat to the overall black bear population with a more particular threat to black bear cubs. At this time, it would be a premature decision to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.Kind regards,Kit Lish

Please limit hunting of black bears

Please stop killing, excuse me, do we call it culling when the black bear population is so low it is almost extinct of bears in Maryland.Just stop the slaughter of bears and go after  nutria, large invasive rodents that are devastating to wetlands. Pick up debris in your travels.Thank you!

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Because there is a risk posed to the black bear population in Maryland by overhunting, I am asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature and irresponsible to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.
Hunting and trapping wild animals in Maryland and in all states must be banned and made illegal NOW !!!!!!!

Current circumstances indicate the black bear population is not sufficient for expanding the hunting season for black bears. Given the risk posed by overhunting, I am asking the Maryland
Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt.

I ask the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to REJECT the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. Please protect the dwindling number of black bears in Maryland.

Given the risk posed by overhunting, I URGE the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural
Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances! I for one am confident the results will amplify the Commission's need to CONSERVE rather than KILL this precious resource.

No hunting or trapping!

Please protect that dwindling number of black bears in Maryland.

Given the risk posed by overhunting, I am asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of
Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Black bears are being over hunted. Especially female black bears. Please stop all hunting of black bears until a study can be done to determine the dwindling number of black bears in our state of Maryland. I personally do not know how someone could kill or murder a beautiful creature like a black bear.  Once again, please stop the useless murdering of black bears, and please do not extended the hunting season for black bears. Thank you for your concern. 

I strongly oppose an expansion on black bear hunting. The DNR needs to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.

Please protect the bears and keep them safe from attack.Thank-you

Please, please limit the hunting of black bears in Maryland!!  Need to markedly limit the killing of breeding females.

Please do not hunt or trap and let animals be. Thank you.

Stop slaughtering bears for recreation.  Protect and respect them.

Please restrict the wholesale killing of black bears.  Mothers and cubs should NOT be allowed no matter the situation.  Thanks

The Maryland Horse Council supports expanding the dates for Deer Cooperator Permit (DCP) holders by one month, to more effectively mitigate deer damage and financial loss to farmers.
I am against the hunting of female Bears in Maryland!!!!!

I would very much like to recommend no hunting or trapping for at least the 22/23 season or at least minimal hunting/trapping to assure the bear population doesn't become too small.
-lease stop killing everything there is a finite number!

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

You need to reject increasing the black bear hunting season.  Do not put Black Bears on the endangered species list.  There should be a maximum of kills and stop killing breeding females!!!

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs.

Please end this senseless hunting. Live and let live.

Reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Please make sure that due diligence is given to ensure there are enough bears in Maryland before allowing them to be hunted.

Please conduct a comprehensive black bear population analysis prior to expanding hunting season.  We do not want the black bears to be hunted to extinction. 

You should hire Responsive Management to do research on the hunting and trapping of bears in Maryland.  We need to know which bears are being killed and whether we have a healthy sustainable population.

I'm against hunting and trapping all animals. They should live freely and enjoy living.

I am opposed to any bear hunting. There are better and non-violent ways to prevent conflicts between bears and people.

I am against the killing any all wildlife!!

No more hunting in Maryland. This practice is barbaric

As a lifelong resident of Maryland I strongly object to laws that are enabling the killing of young bears especially and bears in general. If the population of bears needs to be controlled
I recommend professional wildlife management personnel accomplish the task. There is no place for sportsman hunting of black bears in Maryland. I strongly believe additional action needs to be taken across-the-board to ensure that our animal population is not decimated or hunted in a less than humane fashion.

Hi I would love to see the quail season closed for a couple of years. As well as DNR doing more habitat projects targeting quails burning,food plots,grasses planted there's enough man power willing to help local DNR to help improve private/public lands a lot of quail forever memebers are on the easternshore of Maryland somerset/wicomico/Worcester county and many of us would love to hel improve lands for the quail coveys that we have locally

I oppose the killing of black bears or any non-human.  It's barbaric and senseless.

Please stop hurting the Bears and any other animals as well. You wouldn't like it if I was hunting you for the same reason as you hunt or hurt the Bears plus all of the other animals. Have a heartand leave all of the animals alone.

Seeing that an alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, I ask that the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission rejects the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt.In addition, I do not support trophy hunting in any way, black bears are beautiful, majestic animals that deserve better than to hang on someone's wall.

I don't think killing wolves is good for the environment and tax payer money should never be used for this. This is only beneficial to those involved in animal agriculture which is again destructive to the environment.

Please conduct necessary surveys before accepting a range increase in black bears.  We can't kill the females capable of reproduction without wiping out our black bear populations.  Its inexcusable. Thank you

Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Please, no more hunting of black bears. They play an important part of Earth's eco system. Without them we would be even more screwed than we are now.

Given the risk posed by overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of
Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances

Given the risk posed by overhunting, I am asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of
Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

I believe it is premature to expand the hunting season for bears in Maryland. Recent trends in the death of mother bears and the resulting impacts on cubs argue for a conservative approach and more time to monitor the bear population.

I have learned that  an alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season. Over hunting could decimate what is left of the population of black bears in Maryland, and leave orphaned bear cubs to starve. I want the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt at this time. The Department of Natural Resources must conduct an empirical study of the state's black bear population. Until the data is updated,  expanding the bear hunting season under the current circumstances would be reckless and irresponsible.

Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

I'm completely devastated to here about this why can't you just leave these beautiful animals alone. They deserve to live and not be slaughter for your pleasure

Maryland must not extend the bear hunt season, particularly not for an additional week during the deer hunting season. We do not know the total bear population, and the fact that so many mature females are being shot currently indicates that the population is not as healthy or robust as we believe. In addition, while it is illegal to bait bears, it is legal to bait deer. By allowing the bear hunt to overlap with the deer hunt we would inadvertently be exposing hunters to illegal bear baiting. If the current window is resulting in fewer bears killed we should not assume it is solely because hunters are not trying hard enough, we must take a step back and look at the bear population and ensure our hunting permits are set as a sustainable level.

Please reconsider the black bear hunting season. Halt the hunting season until a full anaysis is properly conducted.  Thank you.

Please don't encourage hunting.

As a long-time Maryland Resident and avid wildlife lover, I am asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances. Thank you.

Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population.

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

As a tax payer, I am against expanding the black bear hunting expansion. Enough mother bears are killed already leaving cubs to fend for themselves too early. It should be illegal to kill a bear with Cubs. Don't add to their suffering.Caroline Robison

This is in regard to the black bear hunting & trapping for the 2022-23 & 2023-24 season.  The black bears need to be spoken for and protected before it is too late.  I've learned many of the bears killed were females, which is going to interfere with the breeding of the bears.  If there aren't enough females, eventually there won't be enough bears born in the wild.  In addition to that, hunting for the sake of sport, is cruel, inhumane & barbaric.  It is also totally unnecessary and the lives of bears are taken for no reason - a total waste of animal life.  Please do not go through with a bear hunting season.

Stop trapping and hunting of bears. Start protecting animals and their habitats  instead of promoting hunting.

Please limit or do away with black bear hunting in Maryland. We can always stop it for a few years and then see if the population rebounds. This is horrendous and makes me embarrassed to say I even live in Maryland.

Please end the inhumane trophy hunting of innocent black bears.

How cruel can we be

Too many beautiful wildlife are going extinct.

I am writing to strongly oppose the proposed expansion of Maryland's black bear hunt at this time.  Given the peril biodiversity faces today, I believe that the hunt is completely unjustified.  We should be trying to protect these vulnerable animals, not hunt them.This is even more the case because we do not have any recent data about the health of the population in the state. From what I know, the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago. At a bare minimum, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) should conduct a new comprehensive population analysis before deciding whether any black bear hunting is justified, let alone expanding the hunting season.Again, I reiterate my strong opposition to the proposed expansion of the state's black bear hunt.  We can do better.Thank you.

When did hunting and killing sentient beings become 'sport'? It's called murder! Just because we don't speak the same language does not mean that animals don't have feelings much like humans!

Stop this killing of Black Bears in Maryland

Stop trophy hunting of black bears in Maryland today.

I am requesting that the state of Maryland not expand the hunting of black bears at this time. A thorough and updated analysis of the number of black bears should be conducted prior to any expansion of hunting quotas. The hunting of pregnant females has no doubt already had a negative impact on the numbers of this species. Their survival should be more important than sports interests. Thank you for your careful consideration on behalf of the black bear population.

Please have a counting survey on the number of black bears in Maryland before increasing the  hunting times for black bear.  Unbalancing the population of black bears without any attempt to find out how many are  left  to hunt can unbalance the circle of life and food chain for bears and interupts nautral changes in the life cycle like increasing the deer population with less predators like a bear.

Given the risk posed by overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of
Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Surely Maryland has better things to do with its resources thans supporting hunting and trapping..... like protecting wildlife and the environment?

Given the risk posed by overhunting, I am asking the Maryland wildlife advisory commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of
Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population.  The last study was completed more than 10 years ago. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Stop listening to anti- hunting groups and ideas! They do not understand science and only live on their feelings! Bear need to be managed! Hunting is managing! Besides i bet hunters care more for animals than any ant-hunter!!!!

Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.Sincerely,Irene Wynne

Given the risk posed by overhunting, please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances!

Please stop the killing of Black bears!!

Please do not extend the bear hunt. Most of the bears killed are breeding age. You cannot eat them like deer. Why encourage killing for no reason. Maryland/Baltimore already has enough killing for no reason.

Anyone involved in the heinous torture & murder of these helpless, innocent living beings should rot in hell! Right along with those that don't do anything about it. We don't kill humans and Lord knows we are well overpopulated. Wish there were someone to hunt, torture & murder the people that do this. Stop the damn madness!!

Given the risk of such overhunting, I'm asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt until an empirical study is conducted of the state's black bear population. It's wrong to use anecdotal data to estimate population numbers given the high uncertainty of their status in light of the last five years of hunting.
This expansion is merely for  hunter opportunity  and could potentially have a detrimental effect on Maryland's black bears.

Stop hunting

STOP THE BEAR HUNT!!

Trophy hunting should be banned!!! Why should any animal have to die so some idiot can hang their head on a wall. It is barbaric and sick.

Stop hunting these poor bears that haven't done nothing.

Please do not extend the hunting season on black bears. Without comprehensive population analysis, and a majority of the bears being hunted and killed being breeding age females, it's doing unknown damage to the population of black bears which are a vital part of the ecosystem.

Please do not expand the black bear trophy hunt in Maryland. This expansion is not driven by science, it's being driven by hunting interests who represent a miniscule fraction of Marylanders. The vast majority of Maryland residents, including myself, do not support this cruel proposal which has no basis in science. This proposal could have incredibly detrimental impacts on our black bear population.

I am writing to ask that you not expand the Black Bear Trophy Hunt in Maryland!  Trophy hunting itself is inherently abhorrent and the thought of expanding it is itself abhorrent.An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs.We also know that the number of bears killed each year has plummeted – but DNR has not done comprehensive population analysis to ensure the overall bear population is not plummeting at the same time!  Given the risk of such overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt until an empirical study is conducted of the state's black bear population. It's wrong to use anecdotal data to estimate population numbers given the high uncertainty of their status in light of the last five years of hunting. This expansion is merely for  hunter opportunity  and could potentially have a detrimental effect on Maryland's black bears.The black bear represents one of our state's and our nation's natural resources which we should be safeguarding rather than wantonly sacrificing to an abhorrent purpose.

Please stop black bear and deer hunting- you could regulate wildelife population with contraceptive darts!!!

Please do not expand the hunting of black bears. 80% of the black bears killed in MD in the past 5 years have been females of breeding age.

Please do not expand the black bear hunting allowance in Maryland. Empirical studies need to be made to justify any such action, especially one that will decimate a species.

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs.We also know that the number of bears killed each year has plummeted – but DNR has not done comprehensive population analysis to ensure the overall bear population is not plummeting at the same time!

Please do not increase the number of Black Bears potentially being hunted.  Large mammals are on decline across the world and we should have the State encouraging this trend.

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs.Given the risk of such overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt until an empirical study is conducted of the state's black bear population. It's wrong to use anecdotal data to estimate population numbers given the high uncertainty of their status in light of the last five years of hunting. This expansion is merely for  hunter opportunity  and could potentially have a detrimental effect on Maryland's black bears.

Please do not increase expand trophy hunting or trapping of Black Bears.

I am strongly opposed to expanding the black bear trophy hunt. Trapping and hunting is a barbaric practice that should be ended NOT expanded!

This is ridiculous. Let them live.

This is a vicious  sport  let wild life be free, and procreate. These animal's are basically in extinction because not only we have kill their fauna, we have contaminated it as well. Stop fostering animal abuse.

PleaseDo NOT Expand the Black Bear Trophy Hunt in Maryland!

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs.Given the risk of such overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt until an empirical study is conducted of the state's black bear population. It's wrong to use anecdotal data to estimate population numbers given the high uncertainty of their status in light of the last five years of hunting. This expansion is merely for  hunter opportunity  and could potentially have a detrimental effect on Maryland's black bears.

Please do NOT expand the black bear trophy hunt in Maryland. They are non-aggressive animals and we need to preserve the wildlife that we have, otherwise Maryland will lose all it has to offer.

Please do not allow this

Please reject the proposed expansion of the Black Bear trophy hunt . Hunting bears is cruel and unnecessary. We must do better as humans!

Good Morning,I am asking that the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt. This would continue the drastic reduction of a native species that has had roughly eighty percent of their breeding-aged females killed over the last five years. Please do further research as to how this will affect the black bears in Maryland moving forward. Thank you.

Dear Sir/Madam: An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, I'm asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.Please do not let black bears become a thing of the past.  Thank you,Joy Paterno

I oppose the expansion of black bear trophy hunting!

Stop the killing of bear!  The animals wouldn't be coming in contact with humans like they do if you were not taking their territory  by the building, that goes for all wildlife!  We don't need more housing/shopping malls use what is here!  We are over developed in this state now, no more!!

PLEASE——STOP KILLING THE WILD ANIMALS!!!!!!!!AND LEAVE THE BLACK BEARS ALONE TO LIVE OUT THEIR LIVES!!!!Thank you
asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt until an empirical study is conducted of the state's black bear population.
It's wrong to use anecdotal data to estimate population numbers given the high uncertainty of their status in light of the last five years of hunting. This expansion is merely for  hunter opportunity  and could potentially have a detrimental effect on Maryland's black bears.

Please do a comprehensive survey of the black bear population in Maryland!

I favor calling a halt to the hunting of bears in Maryland. Especially in light of the last year's count of females.

Given the risk posed by overhunting, I urge you to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. The laststudy was done 10 years ago. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season. Thank you.

I am AGAINST expansion of the bear hunt. The hunt is a fun day for trophy hunters and those looking to mount another animal for their  collection , while masquerading as wildlife managers.
I'm a farmer, and a rural person, and know that expansion is promoted by people who have no regard for animals, wildlife and responsible gun use. Thank you for offering the opportunity to comment, and I'm AGAINST.

Please respect and keep our wild animals wild and alive.  Trapping is horrible as the animal must suffer until  his killer finds him.  PLEASE!

Totally unnecessary form of abuse and cruelty! Will humans ever get it??

Please do not extend hunting and trapping for bears. Animals deserve to live and have their rights to. We are the ones who can speak for them. Thank you for considering to not extend the killing.

I am not in favor of expanding black bear hunting. Alisa Peters7699 Paradise Beach RoadPasadena MD

Please do NOT Expand the Black Bear Trophy Hunt in Maryland! An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. We also know that the number of bears killed each year has plummeted – but DNR has not done comprehensive population analysis to ensure the overall bear population is not plummeting at the same time!  Given the risk of such overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife
Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt until an empirical study is conducted of the state's black bear population. It's wrong to use anecdotal data to estimate population numbers given the high uncertainty of their status in light of the last five years of hunting. This expansion is merely for  hunter opportunity  and could potentially have a detrimental effect on Maryland's black bears. Please help make a difference for these poor animals who have no voice and rely on folks like you who can make a difference in positive ways.

PLEASE PROTECT OUR NATURAL RESOURCES WHICH INCLUDES WILD ANIMALS.  TRAPPING IS HORRIBLE AS IT LEAVES THE ANIMALS IN SEVERE PAIN AND ANGUISH BEFORE THEY ARE FOUND BY THE HUNTER.  WE MUST
PROTECT THESE ANIMALS!!!!!!!  ONCE THEY ARE GONE, WE CANNOT CHANGE THE OUTCOME.

Please Support the expanding of the DCP permits to January 15 thru April 15. I am a farmer in Baltimore and Carroll county's we own and lease over 8000 acres and have huge financial lose to deer crop damage every year. This additional time would be a huge help for farmers to reduce there financial loss

Given the risk of such overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt until an empirical study is conducted of the state's black bear population. It's wrong to use anecdotal data to estimate population numbers given the high uncertainty of their status in light of the last five years of hunting. This expansion is merely for  hunter opportunity  and could potentially have a detrimental effect on Maryland's black bears.

I am a strong believer in God. I don't believe it is anybody's right to kill His creatures. Please, protect all wildlife & anything that just want to be left alone to live the life that they are gifted by our Creator.Thank you, Michael GorantBaltimore, MD

Please STOP hunting and trapping the black bears…..during hunting season and anytime.Nancy Green

Tell the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission: Do NOT Expand the Black Bear Trophy Hunt in Maryland!An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs.We also know that the number of bears killed each year has plummeted – but DNR has not done comprehensive population analysis to ensure the overall bear population is not plummeting at the same time!Given the risk of such overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt until an empirical study is conducted of the state's black bear population. It's wrong to use anecdotal data to estimate population numbers given the high uncertainty of their status in light of the last five years of hunting. This expansion is merely for  hunter opportunity  and could potentially have a detrimental effect on Maryland's black bears.

Given the risk of such overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt until an empirical study is conducted of the state's black bear population. It's wrong to use anecdotal data to estimate population numbers given the high uncertainty of their status in light of the last five years of hunting. This expansion is merely for  hunter opportunity  and could potentially have a detrimental effect on Maryland's black bears.

Bear trophy hunting definitely needs no expansion. There is not a bear population problem. Expansion to appease the bloodlust of hunters is cruel and unnecessary. Maryland can usually be trusted to make level headed decisions that favor what is best for conservation.

I support the expansion of expanding the dates for Deer Cooperator Permit (DCP) holders by one month. By expanding it one month it would allow farmers to harvest deer during the active growing season, when damages to its crops is at its highest.

Black bears are a Maryland treasureAnd should be protected.

Do NOT Expand the Black Bear Trophy Hunt in Maryland!

I urge you to reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt until an empirical study is conducted of the state's black bear population. It's wrong to use anecdotal data to estimate population numbers given the high uncertainty of their status in light of the last five years of hunting. This expansion is merely for  hunter opportunity  and could potentially have a detrimental effect on Maryland's black bears.

I am asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt until an empirical study is conducted of the state's black bear population. It's wrong to use anecdotal data to estimate population numbers given the high uncertainty of their status in light of the last five years of hunting.

My family and I in Baltimore, Worcester, Montgomery, and Queen Anne's counties encourage you to please reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt. Thank you.

I am definitely in favor of expanding hunting and trapping seasons.

Please do not extend the black bear trophy hunt in Maryland. As a state, we should be moving forward, not backwards, when it comes to animal exploitation.

I oppose the expansion of black bear trophy hunting!

I am contacting you in support of expanding the dates for Deer Cooperator Permit (DCP) holders by one month.By extending the dates from February 15 through March 31, to January 15 to April 15, it would allow farmers to be able to harvest deer during the active growing season when damage to the crops is at its highest. To effectively mitigate deer damage, and more importantly profit losses due to deer damage, it is imperative that farmers in the state of Maryland are able to control the deer population through April 15.Farmers across the country continue to experience crop losses due to weather and climate conditions, which unfortunately cannot be managed. However, crop losses due to deer damage can be managed, and allowing an expanded season will allow farmers to cover some of their losses because they'll be able to harvest when deer pressure is the greatest. I urge you to expand the season for DCP to give farmers all the tools needed to control the damage deer cause on their farms and on their bottom lines.

I am contacting you in support of expanding the dates for Deer Cooperator Permit (DCP) holders by one month.By extending the dates from February 15 through March 31, to January 15 to April 15, it would allow farmers to be able to harvest deer during the active growing season when damage to the crops is at its highest. To effectively mitigate deer damage, and more importantly profit losses due to deer damage, it is imperative that farmers in the state of Maryland are able to control the deer population through April 15.Farmers across the country continue to experience crop losses due to weather and climate conditions, which unfortunately cannot be managed. However, crop losses due to deer damage can be managed, and allowing an expanded season will allow farmers to cover some of their losses because they'll be able to harvest when deer pressure is the greatest. I urge you to expand the season for DCP to give farmers all the tools needed to control the damage deer cause on their farms and on their bottom lines.

Yes, Expand the hunting season.

Given the risk of such overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt until an empirical study is conducted of the state's black bear population. It's wrong to use anecdotal data to estimate population numbers given the high uncertainty of their status in light of the last five years of hunting. This expansion is merely for  hunter opportunity  and could potentially have a detrimental effect on Maryland's black bears.

I am writing to request that you extend the Deer Cooperators Permit (DCP) season by one month. As a farmer onr the eastern Shore we are suffering very large crop loss to feed deer that are overpopulated. We need a wider window to be able to reduce the deer herd to a sustainable level for farmers and foresters.Thank you, John Draper

Protect the bears. There will be orphaned baby bears and we need to protect natural habitats and nature. Thank you for preserving nature in our state rather than making everything about human convenience. We need to stop the violence toward nature and find alternatives. This is just an excuse for more hunting. Thank you for your consideration of all living things.

To DNR, please, please do NOT expand the black bear hunting for trophy.  How barbaric is this  sport  anyway?  Killing a living, sentient being so you can say you did, to hang it's head on your wall, to make a rug.  Have we gone so backwards as humans?Bears are needed for our environment and they are already dealing with horrible consequences from humans taking over their lands and such.As the adage goes, you can judge a society by the way they treat animals.  Please do better.Thank you.Denise Harbaugh

I feel that taking more bears is alarming. It is not the fault of the bears that their being destroyed by humans building houses, and leaving them to come in to contact with humans. We need and Want the bears. Do not take them away from us

Hello,I am writing regarding the Hunting and Trapping Regulation Proposals for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 Hunting Season.An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs.Marylanders also know that the number of bears killed each year has plummeted – but the Department of Natural Resources has not done comprehensive population analysis to ensure the overall bear population is not plummeting at the same time!Given the risk of such overhunting, I am asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt until an empirical study is conducted of the state's black bear population. It's wrong to use anecdotal data to estimate population numbers given the high uncertainty of their status in light of the last five years of hunting. This expansion is merely for  hunter opportunity  and could potentially have a detrimental effect on Maryland's black bears.Thank you for standing up for Maryland's black bears.

It's sad that so many breeding females are being harvested, eventually the numbers are going to go down for the population.Would be sad for the numbers to continue to drop. Hoping more research will be done before any decisions our made.

Please make responsible decisions based on sound science… not the desires of one group (hunters).  Population studies are imperative before an expanded hunting season is permitted.  Do your jobs responsibly.. that is specifically 'your duty.'

We do NOT support expanded hunting season

: I am contacting you in support of expanding the dates for Deer Cooperator Permit (DCP) holders by one month.By extending the dates from February 15 through March 31, to January 15 to April 15, it would allow farmers to be able to harvest deer during the active growing season when damage to the crops is at its highest. To effectively mitigate deer damage, and more importantly profit losses due to deer damage, it is imperative that farmers in the state of Maryland are able to control the deer population through April 15.Farmers across the country continue to experience crop losses due to weather and climate conditions, which unfortunately cannot be managed. However, crop losses due to deer damage can be managed, and allowing an expanded season will allow farmers to cover some of their losses because they'll be able to harvest when deer pressure is the greatest. I urge you to expand the season for DCP to give farmers all the tools needed to control the damage deer cause on their farms and on their bottom lines.
stop over developing too give these bears a chance at life

Against the expansion.

I oppose the hunting of black bears in Maryland

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs.We also know that the number of bears killed each year has plummeted – but DNR has not done comprehensive population analysis to ensure the overall bear population is not plummeting at the same time!Given the risk of such overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt until an empirical study is conducted of the state's black bear population. It's wrong to use anecdotal data to estimate population numbers given the high uncertainty of their status in light of the last five years of hunting. This expansion is merely for  hunter opportunity  and could potentially have a detrimental effect on Maryland's black bears.Please protect the dwindling number of black bears in the state.

I am contacting you in support of expanding the dates for Deer Cooperator Permit (DCP) holders by one month.By extending the dates from February 15 through March 31, to January 15 to April 15, it would allow farmers to be able to harvest deer during the active growing season when damage to the crops is at its highest. To effectively mitigate deer damage, and more importantly profit losses due to deer damage, it is imperative that farmers in the state of Maryland are able to control the deer population through April 15.Farmers across the country continue to experience crop losses due to weather and climate conditions, which unfortunately cannot be managed. However, crop losses due to deer damage can be managed, and allowing an expanded season will allow farmers to cover some of their losses because they'll be able to harvest when deer pressure is the greatest.  Please allow these farmers to remove these damaging deer this way.  Regards,Bill Burton

Please do not allow black bear hunting in 2022 and 2023. Thank you for your serious consideration in this matter.

Please do not expand the black bear trophy hunting parameters in Maryland. All trophy hunting is abominable and should be completely banned. Thank you.

I am contacting you in support of expanding the dates for Deer Cooperator Permit (DCP) holders by one month.By extending the dates from February 15 through March 31, to January 15 to April 15, it would allow farmers to be able to harvest deer during the active growing season when damage to the crops is at its highest. To effectively mitigate deer damage, and more importantly profit losses due to deer damage, it is imperative that farmers in the state of Maryland are able to control the deer population through April 15.Farmers across the country continue to experience crop losses due to weather and climate conditions, which unfortunately cannot be managed. However, crop losses due to deer damage can be managed, and allowing an expanded season will allow farmers to cover some of their losses because they'll be able to harvest when deer pressure is the greatest. I urge you to expand the season for DCP to give farmers all the tools needed to control the damage deer cause on their farms and on their bottom lines.

I am contacting you in support of expanding the dates for Deer Cooperator Permit (DCP) holders by one month. I am a farmer in Montgomery county and have experienced significant crop damage due to the proliferation of deer.By extending the dates from February 15 through March 31, to January 15 to April 15, it would allow farmers to be able to harvest deer during the active growing season when damage to the crops is at its highest. To effectively mitigate deer damage, and more importantly profit losses due to deer damage, it is imperative that farmers in the state of Maryland are able to control the deer population through April 15.Furthermore the additional harvest window for deer will be a benefit to public safety, as auto collisions with deer pose a significant risk to drivers in our state.I urge you to expand the season for DCP to give farmers all the tools needed to control the damage deer cause on their farms and to reduce the risk of road accidents.

Dear Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission,Please reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt!Thank you!

As a citizen of Maryland, I urge the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It is premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.  An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.
please do not expand the black bear trophy hunt in Maryland!

Please reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt until an empirical study is conducted of the state's black bear population. Respectfully submitted.

I DO NOT support expanding the black bear trophy hunt in Maryland.

Please DO NOT expand the black heat trophy hunt in Maryland.

There is no basis in terms of environmental sciences or conservation to increase the number of licenses for the slaughter or the trapping of black bears. It is not hunting when a long gun or mechanical bow provides no advantage for the animals. Bears may at time be considered a nuisance and day-to-day life is filled with nuisances. The most dangerous mammal in the United States is the cow, the Centers for Disease Control provide statistics with humans killed by cows averaging about 22 deaths per year. Bears are not in the top 50 animal causes of human deaths and injuries. Mosquitoes, snakes, humans (yes, humans are animals and only homicides are considered in death statistics, and the list goes on. Killing bears is not sport. Killing bears does not educate and help strategies to work with bears. Work with bears because human  invite  bears and other creatures into our human habitats with our garbage, requiring bears to cross or travel through human occupied lands. Black bears are not territorial, attacks are rare and most easily avoided. As a taxpayer I oppose that killing black bears can be licensed on state, federal, or other public lands, which is trespassing. These licenses are to further recreational killing simply because the methods to kill do not provide sport.

Please do not allow the expansion of trophy black bear hunting in Maryland. This should be very limited and not a growth sport. Please protect our wildlife just as we protect other natural resources.

It's our duty to protect the wildlife that still remains in the State of Maryland.  We SHOULD NOT expand the black bear hunting season at this time.  The last empirical study of the black bear population was conducted over 10 years ago.  How can you even think about expanding the black bear hunting season when we don't even know their current population.  We've allowed too many species to get to threatened, endangered and extinct categories.  Let's be responsible about this.  Especially when most black bear hunters do it only for sport!

Dear Maryland Advisory Commission, I am a Baltimore City resident very opposed to the expansion of black bear hunting in our state. Given the risk of such overhunting, I implore the
Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt until an empirical study is conducted of the state's black bear population. It's wrong to use anecdotal data to estimate population numbers given the high uncertainty of their status in light of the last five years of hunting. This expansion is merely for  hunter opportunity  and could potentially have a detrimental effect on Maryland's black bears.Our black bears deserve your attention and their protection! Sincerely Nancy

I am writing to express support for expanding the dates for Deer Cooperator Permit holders by one month.  Crop damage is a serious issue that I have witnessed first hand.  While I am not a farmer myself, I see the impact overpopulation of deer has on farms as well as the general population due to accidents, etc.  This would be one small step in the right direction to allow for more active management and hopefully lead to more productive long term solutions.

Please don't expand the Black Bear Trophy Hunt. Thank you for your consideration!

Please DO NOT expand bear hunting in Maryland!  Bears, wolves, coyotes help to control the deer population.  The last thing we need is more hunting in Maryland.  Too many nutjobs running around in the woods, armed, as it is.  I've already missed being killed by a bullet shot through my sliding glass doors 3 inches from my HEAD into my living room!  Apparently, sitting on the couch watching TV, the back of my head looked like a deer, or bear...or alien from outer space (who knows with some of this idiots).  ENOUGH.  I'd rather go out being mauled by a bear than shot by some idiot human riding a high from a blood sport.

The State of Maryland needs to be very, very careful in its attempt to satisfy the  wants  of black bear hunters.  First of all, black bears are not a source of food for humans, nor are they detrimental to the environment.  And black bears are an easy mammal for humans to live with.  Over the last 30 years I have coexisted with black bears on visits to West Virginia.  Their presence gives joy and a very special connection with nature.  Sadly, the last few years, there has a been an absence of bears and it is a great loss.  Do not let this happen in Western Maryland

To the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission:  Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's been over 10 years since the last study.

Do NOT Expand the Black Bear Trophy Hunt in Maryland!

I'm emailing you in support of expanding the dates for Deer Cooperator Permit (DCP) holders by one month. By extending the dates to January 15 to April 15, it would allow farmers like myself to harvest deer during the active growing season when damage to my crops are at their highest. To effectively mitigate deer damage, and more importantly profit losses due to deer damage, it is imperative that farmers in the state of Maryland are able to control the deer population through April 15.Farmers across the country continue to experience crop losses due to weather and climate change, which unfortunately cannot be managed. However, crop losses due to deer damage can be managed, and allowing an expanded season will allow farmers to cover some of their losses because they'll be able to harvest when deer pressure is the greatest. I urge you to expand the season for DCP to give farmers all the tools needed to control the damage deer caused on our farms and on our bottom lines.

Please stop this practice. People need to stop killing wildlife. People are pushing the wildlife out of their homes.  Trapping is cruel and painful.  We must help protect out wildlife.  
People must learn to be more caring and conscience of their behaviors.

Protect the dwindling Black Bear population from hunters !

PLEASE do not allow for increase in the number of black bears that can be killed!!!

Please protect these innocent bears. We've taken their territory. That's not their fault!

Hello and Good Day,I am respectfully writing to you as a home owning, tax paying long time citizen in Howard County, Maryland. I am asking (urging) you to reconsider your stance on the black bear hunting that occurs currently in 4 counties. I understand there is proposal to expand the hunt and currently numbers are dwindling. It just doesn't make sense. Please, no more bloodshed in this state. Baltimore is a violent enough town.. It's in my backyard and it's difficult enough to hear about day after day with no resolution. Let nature live. They pose no threat to us if we leave them alone. In fact these wonderful creatures established themselves here long before we did. I urge you to do a comprehensive population analysis and see for yourself the lessening numbers. We kill so many animals for a multitude of reasons. Death, death, death.. Isn't it time to lead by compassion for once. Let's work together to live harmoniously instead. It CAN be done.. It SHOULD be done. Hunting separates mother bears from cubs, (which is a death sentence for them as they cannot survive alone) Bow hunting doesn't always kill animals and leaves them to suffer for hours, even days before dying a slow and horrifically painful death. It's inhumane. Period! We as Marylanders are BETTER than that. WE HAVE to be, we MUST be! Let's show the rest of America we have a heart and are unified to treat animals better. They feel pain, they love their families, they want to live. This is literally a life or death issue for them. Thank you for your time and attention to this very important matter. Respectfully

I am contacting you in support of expanding the dates for Deer Cooperator Permit (DCP) holders by one month.By extending the dates from February 15 through March 31, to January 15 to April 15, it would allow farmers to be able to harvest deer during the active growing season when damage to the crops is at its highest. To effectively mitigate deer damage, and more importantly profit losses due to deer damage, it is imperative that farmers in the state of Maryland are able to control the deer population through April 15.Farmers across the country continue to experience crop losses due to weather and climate conditions, which unfortunately cannot be managed. However, crop losses due to deer damage can be managed, and allowing an expanded season will allow farmers to cover some of their losses because they'll be able to harvest when deer pressure is the greatest. I urge you to expand the season for DCP to give farmers all the tools needed to control the damage deer cause on their farms and on their bottom lines.

Please leave the black bears out of your hunting

80 percent of anti hunters are for abortion, amazing

I am contacting you in support of expanding the dates for Deer Cooperator Permit (DCP) holders by one month.By extending the dates from February 15 through March 31, to January 15 to April 15, it would allow farmers to be able to harvest deer during the active growing season when damage to the crops is at its highest. To effectively mitigate deer damage, and more importantly profit losses due to deer damage, it is imperative that farmers in the state of Maryland are able to control the deer population through April 15.Farmers across the country continue to experience crop losses due to weather and climate conditions, which unfortunately cannot be managed. However, crop losses due to deer damage can be managed, and allowing an expanded season will allow farmers to cover some of their losses because they'll be able to harvest when deer pressure is the greatest. I urge you to expand the season for DCP to give farmers all the tools needed to control the damage deer cause on their farms and on their bottom lines.

Please do not allow hunting of Black Bears in Maryland

For the sake of our wildlife ecosystem, I am urging the Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the expansion of the black bear trophy hunt. An empirical study of the state's black bear population needs to be done before any such expansion can be considered. Anecdotal data is not sufficient.

Do  you know how hard it is to have fifty lined up on your soybean field  to eat your soybeans as they are coming  a feeling of helplessness comes over you the powers in state say the deer belong to the state the DNR limit you to only 20 Permits you are one of a few farms who actually shot does ! DNR and the State of Maryland  need to realize that the deer are way out of balance farmers pay checks are really being affected inTurners Creek Area!  !just a thought maybe the does that are called in are made up so maybe the amount of deer that are harvest is not cIorrect! Il

I am contacting you in support of expanding the dates for Deer Cooperator Permit (DCP) holders by one month.By extending the dates from February 15 through March 31, to January 15 to April 15, it would allow farmers to be able to harvest deer during the active growing season when damage to the crops is at its highest. To effectively mitigate deer damage, and more importantly profit losses due to deer damage, it is imperative that farmers in the state of Maryland are able to control the deer population through April 15.Farmers across the country continue to experience crop losses due to weather and climate conditions, which unfortunately cannot be managed. However, crop losses due to deer damage can be managed, and allowing an expanded season will allow farmers to cover some of their losses because they'll be able to harvest when deer pressure is the greatest. I urge you to expand the season for DCP to give farmers all the tools needed to control the damage deer cause on their farms and on their bottom lines.

I urge the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt until an empirical study of our black bear population can be conducted. Using anecdotal data to estimate their population is completely inadequate to estimate population numbers given the high uncertainty of their status in light of the last five years of hunting.
This expansion is merely for  hunter opportunity  and could potentially have a detrimental effect on Maryland's black bears. Please do the right, as well as the humane, thing and reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt until more factual information on their population can be obtained.

I am asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt until an empirical study is conducted of the state's black bear population. It's wrong to use anecdotal data to estimate population numbers given the high uncertainty of their status in light of the last five years of hunting. This expansion is merely for  hunter opportunity  and could potentially have a detrimental effect on Maryland's black bears.

Trophy Hunting And trapping  of Any bear is INHUMANE And UNnecessary as Nature determines the wildlife population- NOT Man!  The ONLY Killing of a wild animal is justified either in Self-Defense Only for predators, or as needed food in the case of over populated deer.ANY Other means is RECKLESS And Endangers the Delicate ecosystems these bears and wildlife survive in.  We as Man ONLY Continue to PUSH into THEIR Habitats, then Justify Killing them because they pose a danger.  The CONTINUED AND UNnecessary developments into THEIR territory MUST Stop IMMEDIATELY, Including And Especially HORRIFIC Trophy Hunts!!

To the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission, please reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt until an empirical study is conducted of the state's black bear population.
It's wrong to use anecdotal data to estimate population numbers given the high uncertainty of their status in light of the last five years of hunting. This expansion could potentially have a detrimental effect on Maryland's black bears.

Crop damage permits serve a purpose but they could be better managed.   They should not be issued unless the farm allows hunters in to hunt during regular seasons. In my view the number of deer hunters is dwindling as also the amount of private ground to hunt on.   Many of the large multi farm operations have on staff deer killers and do not open their farms to the public.  I understand their reluctance due to liability and further crop damage but they could set up a screening and   program to screen hummers. This could serve the same purpose but remove deer from the herd in the fall prior to the does becoming pregnant.  Most hunters would prefer shooting bucks but on these farms they could be restricted to taking say 5 does before being allowed a buck.  Shooting does in March and April kills pregnant does which lowers the herd by 3 in most cases but the same result is possible by allowing them to be taken in the fall. I have hunted deer for almost 60 years, have been a hunter safety instructor, and have developed to much respect for our deer population and the hunting spot to find it ethical tokill pregnant does just to kill them.     When I started hunting to just see a deer or deer tract was a thrill.   Now I can ride by some farms that have 25+ deer in a field and they do not allow hunting,but are the first to scream crop damage. Then they want them all killed because of the money they are loosing.  DNR is here to protect our natural resources and our hunters please don't take the easy way out.  Thank you.

I pay taxes too.  Wildlife belongs to everyone and people who want to kill our wildlife are disgusting.  TRAPS should be BANNED. Bears are not overpopulated and need to be left alone.

I am writing because I am very concerned about the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt. These incredible animals should be able to live peacefully to the full extend of their lives just like humans. They are not objects to be  won  and they must be protected from the cruel behavior of hunters and trappers. Please reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt. Aside from the inhumane and unfair treatment of these animals, this decision isn't based on empirical evidence of the state's black bear population. It's wrong to use anecdotal data to estimate population numbers given the high uncertainty of their status in light of the last five years of hunting.Thank you for your time and consideration of my comments. I hope you will do what is best for black bears!

We need help ,the deer  are destroying any prprofitability,on our land,we have 135 acers of crp due to no yield, due to deer in prior yrs.we are over run,they are even in our yard at night,ruining bushes even.deer season should extended in winter as well,most hunters are trophy hunters and only wait for the big bucks.sincerely Andrew h cooper/William h. Cooper farms.

Please  exstend the Deer Hunting to lower all the Deer Accidents we have especially on THE GREAT EASTERN SHORE OF MARYLAND AND THE LAND OF PLEASANT LIVING IN AREA THEY ALL GOVERN !!!

Please wait until a complete study has been done of the bear population in MD

Trophy hunting under any circumstances is unacceptable stewardship behavior of our wildlife communities.  I strongly oppose expanding such regulations as a registered voter of the State of Maryland.

I am a Maryland citizen urging you to not expand the black bear trophy hunt! Gettinga trophy to  honor  someone for hunting down natural wildlife is a sadistic practicethat should never happen!  I am appalled that Maryland is promoting these trophy hunts.(I was under the impression it was happening in certain states  giving way  to radicalinfluences!  Please do not expand this practice.  It is unthinkable that Maryland is evenpart of such a horrendous practice.  Sincerely,Laurie Wright

Given the risk of such overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt until an empirical study is conducted of the state's black bear population. It's wrong to use anecdotal data to estimate population.

I ask the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject to expand the proposed black bear trophy hunt in Maryland. 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs.  First, an empirical study needs to be conducted of the state's black bear population.

I think it's a good idea deer population has increased and causing destruction to growing crops

Against this 100%

I strongly urge you to increase the deer harvest for upcoming years. All farmers are feeling more deer pressure and we need all the help with the deer damage we can get. Thank you very much, 

Trapping is just wrong and brutal. Stop ignoring poachers.  Make hunters follow laws.

Given the risk of such overhunting, I am asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt until an empirical study is conducted of the state's black bear population. It's wrong to use anecdotal data to estimate population numbers given the high uncertainty of their status in light of the last five years of hunting. This expansion is merely for  hunter opportunity  and could potentially have a detrimental effect on Maryland's black bears.

Please do not expend the hunting of black bears. It is so upsetting to the natural order of life and encourages the killing of animals leaving the cubs to die unfed and unprotected.

Please consider expanding the dates for Deer Cooperator Permit (DCP) holders by one month.  By extending the dates it will allow farmers to be able to harvest deer during the active growing season when damage to the crops is at it's highest.  To mitigate deer damage and financial losses due to deer damage, it is imperative that farmers in the state of Maryland are able to control the deer population through mid-April.

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs.We also know that the number of bears killed each year has plummeted – but DNR has not done comprehensive population analysis to ensure the overall bear population is not plummeting at the same time!Given the risk of such overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt until an empirical study is conducted of the state's black bear population. It's wrong to use anecdotal data to estimate population numbers given the high uncertainty of their status in light of the last five years of hunting. This expansion is merely for  hunter opportunity  and could potentially have a detrimental effect on Maryland's black bears.

I in support of increasing the deer permit season due to the over population of deer

I support the increased time frame for deer cooperator permits

Please reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt until an empirical study is conducted of the state's black bear population. It's wrong to use anecdotal data to estimate population numbers given the high uncertainty of their status in light of the last five years of hunting.

I am contacting you in support of expanding the dates for Deer Cooperator Permit (DCP) holders by one month.Please extend the dates to January 15 to April 15.  The damage to our farms by deer is significant, this extension will assist us mitigate the deer crop damage.  For most of us farmers there are no other effective tools addressing the damage caused by the deer. 
Please help us, help ourselves.

80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, this seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. More population studies are necessary before expanding hunting

Extend

Please, do NOT Expand the Black Bear Trophy Hunt in Maryland.An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs.We also know that the number of bears killed each year has plummeted – but DNR has not done comprehensive population analysis to ensure the overall bear population is not plummeting at the same time!So, please don't.

I would like to comment on the expansion of the permitted deer hunting season.  We have too many deer in our area and a longer season would help to reduce the herd.  They are very destructive to the crops.  Thank you.  Edward S. Collins, Preston. Md.

In my opinion two months is fully adequate to reduce deer in a given area.  This issue is being raised by those that just enjoy killing

Please do not expand the black bear trophy hunting. Their numbers are going down drastically and we don't need to continue this barbaric act of killing for a trophy. Admire their beauty as they live.Thank you, Linda

As a farmer with yearly deer damage to crops I would like to see as much crop damage regulations expanded as safely possible, including expanding shooting hours into the evening hours to deal with the nocturnal nature of deer.

Given the risk posed by overhunting, the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission should reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural
Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Not keeping a proper population check could disturb the ecosystem. If the black bear population is plummeting then there needs to be precautions in place to ensure it stays healthy. There needs to be evidence presented that the population is high enough and okay to hunt longer. Without that evidence it should NOT be extended.

Please reassess the real number of bears we have in this state. The  hunter's  should not have a say or dictate. The public should be made more aware of these assaults on wildlife.  Didn't think we had an overpopulation! On a side note- It is ironic (and sick) that Mr. Peditto is seen with bear cubs in his arms and smiling only to shoot them or have them trapped/shot a few years later.

Dear DNR mD,Please do not expand black bear hunting.  I highly disapprove of hunting black bears, given their numbers.Sincerely,Melissa Luanglue

In 2022 there is no valid reason to murder black bears! There is too much violence  in our society. It is long past time to treat wildlife with compassion.

Why must animals be shot by humans just because they have a gun? Hunting should only be done in the most needed situations - for those humans that must  live off the land  because NO OTHER
FOOD is available for them. Killing Black Bears is NOT A NECESSITY! Stop permitting humans from killing animals for fun, egos and games!!!

Please expand the deer season to allow more deer harvest.  The deer eat my crops, break down my fences, eat our fruit trees and our shrubbery and cause me extra work.  We have way to many deer in our area.

Bears have just as much right to live on this earth as humans! Trophy hunting should be banned! All animals have as much right to live on this earth as we do! Please stop killing animals for sport!

It is imperative that farmers be given the right as well as the opportunity to protect crops from deer damage. The benefits of extending the season through April 15 far out weigh any legitimate and reasonable concerns for not extending the season. By extending the season you will allow farmers to more adequately protect their livelihoods not only will this ensure that farms are able to continue to operate it also increases the ability of the people of Maryland source locally produced farm goods which keeps money in our state it also lowers the the carbon footprint of the state by not having to ship goods in from other states which ships Maryland money out of state, so it's actually greener for Maryland from a fiscal as well as environmental perspective. Finally since the deer that are harvested are donated  this is a program that directly helps Maryland people.

Please put an END to the trophy hunting of bears!!!  Animals have a right to live and murdering our fellow creatures is criminal and should be outlawed.

Please reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt until an empirical study is conducted of the state's black bear population. It's wrong to use anecdotal data to estimate population numbers given the high uncertainty of their status in light of the last five years of hunting.

I'm in strong opposition to the expansion of black bear hunting season.

I urge the Maryland Wildlife Commission to  NOT Expand the Black Bear Trophy Hunt in Maryland!An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs.We also know that the number of bears killed each year has plummeted – but DNR has not done comprehensive population analysis to ensure the overall bear population is not plummeting at the same time!

This is insane to expand the hunting of black bears.  We, the people, are the only ones who can help these beautiful creatures and help increase their population.  Please do the right thing!!!  Black Bears Lives Matter!!!!

Please leave animals alone and stop terrorizing them. Thank you.

I realize that some people like to hunt animals especially bears. Though I do not understand nor approve of this sport, I would hope hunters maintain some respect for the species. 
Indiscriminate hunting leads to risk of  survival of the species. There should be limits, guidelines and hands off killing mother bears with cubs. So unfortunately we do need guidelines and ways to monitor numbers

Please allow this. Farmers are important and they need to be able to protect  their investments.  Thank you

Do not expand the black bear trophy hunt. I am not an advocate of trophy hunting as a general rule as I believe trophy hunting is inherently wrong and detrimental to the health of an ecosystem. There has not been enough data collected on the current population of black bears to expand the black bear trophy hunt. If it is necessary to increase the number of bears hunted due to encroaching on human populations, data should be provided and hunting should be monitored to ensure female black bears with Cubs are not being hunted

DO NOT Expand the Black Bear Trophy Hunt in Maryland!!!  STOP the cruel and senseless killing of innocent bears that have the right to life and live free like YOU!!  The greedy and callous killing of the iconic Black Bear must STOP!!  Please, the empathy for these lives must be graciously searched within your heart to STOP killing and let the Black Bears live free and raise their babes, just as you have the freedom to do so.  PLEASE HAVE MERCY ON THE BLACK BEARS AND FIND A PRODUCTIVE MEANS IN DEDICATING YOUR ENERGY IN IMPROVING LIFE FOR THOSE WHO ARE SUFFERING.  PLEASE LET THE BLACK BEARS HAVE THE LIBERTY & FREEDOM TO LIVE FREE THAT YOU HAVE THE PRIVILEGE TO ENJOY.  THANK YOU ON BEHALF OF THE AMAZING BLACK BEARS. I ADVOCATE FOR LIFE ALWAYS!!

My entire family asks that you DO NOT Expand the Black Bear Trophy Hunt in Maryland! We have no obligation to satisfy hunters at the expense of Maryland's wildlife!!With an alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs.We also know that the number of bears killed each year has plummeted – but DNR has not done comprehensive population analysis to ensure the overall bear population is not plummeting at the same time!  DO THE RIGHT THING FOR WILDLIFE NOT for hunters!!!!!

Please end or at least do not expand black bear hunting in the state, thank you.

I feel that the hunting season and trapping and game birds should be increased to balance the game as it is now. There are way more deer, beavers and geese than ever before.

I am contacting you in support of expanding the dates for Deer Cooperator Permit (DCP) holders by one month.By extending the dates from February 15 through March 31, to January 15 to April 15, it would allow farmers to be able to harvest deer during the active growing season when damage to the crops is at its highest. To effectively mitigate deer damage, and more importantly profit losses due to deer damage, it is imperative that farmers in the state of Maryland are able to control the deer population through April 15.Farmers across the country continue to experience crop losses due to weather and climate conditions, which unfortunately cannot be managed. However, crop losses due to deer damage can be managed, and allowing an expanded season will allow farmers to cover some of their losses because they'll be able to harvest when deer pressure is the greatest. I urge you to expand the season for DCP to give farmers all the tools needed to control the damage deer cause on their farms and on their bottom lines.

TO:  Maryland Wildlife Advisory CommissionPLEASE Reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt.  It is an absolute injustice to use brief data to estimate population numbers given high uncertainty of their status in the last five years of hunting.  PLEASE STOP THIS CRUEL AND DESPICABLE BLACK BEAR TROPHY HUNT!!  PLEASE leave theses iconic Black Bears to live free and enjoy life without harm from humans!!  Thank You!!

The entitlement and superiority humans think we have over animals and mother nature is our absolute downfall. Humans are retched, and we'll be wiped out if we don't stop and drastically change our ways now.

No.  An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.I do not understand why the state does not automatically require an empirical study.  An empirical study would provide substantial information to make an intellectual and scientific decision regarding Black Bears.  We need to get our environmental responsility right, for a change.  We are the caretakers of nature; act like it.

This inhumane treatment of animals is a terrible reflection of who we are. We must do better.

These wonderful creatures must be saved from more loss of bear lives.

Please do not expand the black bear hunting season.

I totally agree with the Regulation Proposals effective for 2022-23 and 2023-24. Actually I think it should be extended even longer. There is not an over abundance of Black Bears in Maryland.

Do not exstend the season

I am contacting you in support of expanding the dates for Deer Cooperator Permit (DCP) holders by one month.By extending the dates from February 15 through March 31, to January 15 to April 15, it would allow farmers to be able to harvest deer during the active growing season when damage to the crops is at its highest. To effectively mitigate deer damage, and more importantly profit losses due to deer damage, it is imperative that farmers in the state of Maryland are able to control the deer population through April 15.Farmers across the country continue to experience crop losses due to weather and climate conditions, which unfortunately cannot be managed. However, crop losses due to deer damage can be managed, and allowing an expanded season will allow farmers to cover some of their losses because they'll be able to harvest when deer pressure is the greatest. I urge you to expand the season for DCP to give farmers all the tools needed to control the damage deer cause on their farms and on their bottom lines.

Please stop controlled hunting of wildlife, especially bears.Humans have infringed on their habitats enough.

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, I'm asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Please do not expand black bear hunting. Bear are not a food animal and are only hunted for sport. What kind of person enjoys killing?

The deer population is causing damage to forest regeneration and serious losses of many field crops. Extending the hunting season should help bring some control.

Do NOT expand the trophy (a sickening word) hunt!

We need to get the black bear population back to decent numbers before we consider implementing the usual annual hunting season. We do not need to kill off this beautiful species.

Fewer areas of this state should be developed and encroached upon instead of annual hunting seasons being used for profit and so called population control.Bears do not produce many young at one time. Culls should be used as a last resort, not seasonally. Think about something besides profits from licenses for a change

By allowing this extension it would help us who suffer crop damages from deer eating so much.

Do not allow this hunting and trapping of the black bear.  Thank you

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, I am asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

It is outrageous that black bears are being hunted by trophy hunters. Black bears need to be protected from hunting altogether. Please consider banning black bears from hunting in all future hunting seasons.Thank you.

Oppose the expansion of black bear trophy hunting!

Please do not enable this cruel tradition to continue!

No hunting!
There so be NO hunting or trapping of animals. There is NO need for it. There should be hunting and trapping of certain people, especially the ones that hurt animals.

Please out law trapping.  This is one of the most inhumane things man does to animals. To be  a wild animal and caught in a trap is just horrifying and cruel. And them to be clubbed to death.  All of this is a slow hideous death.Bears need our protection not to be hunted and killes

I strongly oppose the expansion of the hunting of black bears in Maryland. It's wrong to use anecdotal data to estimate population numbers given the high uncertainty of their status in light of the last five years of hunting. This expansion is merely for  hunter opportunity  and could potentially have a detrimental effect on Maryland's black bears.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is proud of the explosion in popularity of parks and other state lands since the start of Covid.  I've seen the governor, lieutenant governor, and secretary of DNR  glowing  about the record-breaking attendance at parks by hikers, bikers, joggers, and families with young children.  With this in mind, how can DNR justify hunting in state parks and Natural Environment Areas six days a week from September through the end of January while allowing 98% of Maryland's citizens one day a week when they can walk in these places without fear of being shot with an arrow or bullet.  It makes absolutely no sense.  Some counties don't even offer Sundays as a hunting free day.  I know of a handful of county parks that close one or two days a month in October, November, and December for hunting and in those few days,  take care  of the problem of too many deer.  My recommendation: Limit hunting on state lands to three days a week, perhaps Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and let the rest of us enjoy the state lands for the remainder of the time safely.  Thank you!

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses
a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.

PLEASE PLEASE!!! pass any legislation to reduce our deer population!!!!!

Trophy hunting is nothing more than cruelty to animals. It should be outlawed and trophy hunters should be arrested.

I am contacting you in support of expanding the Cooperator Permits (DCP).  I would like the dates extended to January 15 to April 15. Owning three farms we have extensive damage due to deer.

I'm urging the DNR to reject any proposal to expand black bear hunting. It is my belief that habitat destruction and the uncertainty of the impact of emergent diseases on the bear population makes this creatures overall survival tenuous. Population management can be effected by science based controls. Hunting is barely discriminatory. Culling by issuing hunting licenses has been historically negative. It removes the healthiest individuals from the gene pool. It often leaves behind orphaned cubs who will die. This makes the take counts inaccurate.
One female bear killed living behind three cubs equal four bears removed from the population not one.

I do not want the hunting of Maryland black bears expanded until we know the number of bears in the state.
'80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females.'  We all know that all animals and insects contribute to keep the ecology and biodiversity of our planet.  While it is very hard to estimate, according to the UN Environment Programme, 'Scientists estimate that 150-200 species of plant, insect, bird and mammal become extinct every 24 hours.' No man is an Island, and so are black bears. Black bears are an important part of their ecosystem. From dispersing plants and trees seeds to keeping the insect population at bay. Without females a species will become extinct. Is that what we want for our Maryland Black bears.

Hello, I am a Maryland resident. I urge you to please conduct a population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season. This analysis is warranted due to the significant number of breeding-age females killed in recent years, and the long gap since the last population study. Thank you for your consideration on this important issue.

Stop this killing of Black Bear in Maryland. We must find better ways to manage wildlife then to kill them for trophies. These animals have a right to live in peace an enjoy there life raising their young ones hunting  them down is a cruel and barbaric excuse to manage wildlife. Hunting is just a business to make hundreds of millions of dollars at the. expanse of wildlife.

Please do not expand the black bear hunting allowance. Decimating the breeding population is a serious mistake, hunters who take a thrill by killing regardless of the outcome can and will cause population harm. Hunters need to be more heavily regulated by facts.

Please complete a population count prior to expanding hunting season on black bears.   Also please prohibit lead shot throughout the state as this continues to be collateral poison for other species
I urge that a moratorium be put on hunting Maryland's Black Bears.It has been a decade since they were last counted.Too many Females are being killed and therefore Cubs could be suffering/ left to fend for themselves.Thank you in advance for your considerations.

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, I whole-heartedly urge the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

To Whom It May Concern,I do not want to see the hunt expanded until there is an empirical study of the state's black bear population.  It is alarming that a study has not been undertaken in greater than a decade and worse, when 80% of all black bears taken in current hunting season are sows.Sincerely,Puller LaniganSilver Spring, MD

Please do NOT expand the bear hunt until there is an empirical study of the state's black bear population.  Thank you!

Please protect the bears and their habitat

I oppose the expansion of hunting of black bears, at least until a new empirical study on the population has been conducted.  The most recent one is 10 years old. .  I read that 80% of the bears killed by hunters are females of breeding age, which will surely affect the population, so a study is certainly needed.

As a 72yo who is extremely concerned about wildlife and biological diversity, I was appalled to learn that 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the above facts, I adamantly urge the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances

Ban hunting on Sundays entirely throughout the State to enable residents and visitors to walk and ride through the woods and fields one day of the week without risking being shot.

I am AGAINST extending the deer hunting season or the dates for Deer Cooperator Permit (DCP) holders by one month.  Specifically in Anne Arundel County the deer populations has been destroyed by disease and overhunting, some hunting that is done against DNR's current regulations.  We should focus on restoring native planting, reducing additional land clearance of habitat for wildlife including deer.  We are destroying the biodiversity, its possible for all to exist with care.  I am not against hunting at all, but want to save nature for all to enjoy.

Expanding bear hunting based on data collected over 10 years ago is irresponsible.  I completely oppose this proposal until current data is collect for the population of bears INCLUDING males versus females within the population.

On the proposal of the crossbow I feel that for safety purposes a crossbow should be uncocked when in any motorized vehicle.  I also feel the extra day for hunting antlerless deer in region a would be great for those that are limited on days to hunt.

I strongly oppose the expansion of the black bear trophy hunt.  An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs.We also know that the number of bears killed each year has plummeted – but DNR has not done comprehensive population analysis to ensure the overall bear population is not plummeting at the same time!Given the risk of such overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife
Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt until an empirical study is conducted of the state's black bear population. It's wrong to use anecdotal data to estimate population numbers given the high uncertainty of their status in light of the last five years of hunting. This expansion is merely for  hunter opportunity  and could potentially have a detrimental effect on Maryland's black bears.

Please do not expand the state's black near trophy huntuntil there is an empirical study of the black bear'spopulation done (the last one done is 10 years old).

I support that crossbows need to be uncocked in a vehicle

I agree to add more days to bear season

I support the proposal to make it illegal to have a crossbow cocked in a vehicle

I support adding days to bear season

I am very much in favor of not allowing cocked crossbows in vehicles.  Thank you for hearing my comment.

I support the proposal to not allow crossbows to be cocked in a vehicle

I am in favor of not allowing crossbows to be cocked in a vehicle this is the poachers weapon of choice i have personally found crossbow bolts in my fields by the county road wayAs far as extra doe days in region A we dont need them deer populations are stable here in the west why mess with it but it sounds like the state is going to do it any way so i vote for ThursdayGrouse season should be shortened hardly any here in garrett county to many predators.Tree stands should not be allowed to be left on public ground all year. We definitely need more bear season but not in early muzzle loader season how about a over the counter bear tag for every one to hunt bears

Not in favor of cocked crossbow in vehicle. Also would like to see more bear opportunity. Thank you.

I support the proposal outlining that crossbows must be uncocked in a vehicle. Safety should never trump convenience. Specifically, requiring crossbows to be uncocked is much safer as any mechanical device can fail at any given time. Fortunately, this proposal is also more convenient now than ever before with more and more crossbows being installed with decocking devices. If you don't feel comfortable decocking your crossbow, then shoot your crossbow off with travel size round soccer ball size targets that are available now, but weren't 5-7 years ago. I think attempting to say it's too dark to shoot the crossbow off as some have commented is simply using that image as a crutch. Any hunters that use today's crossbow technology paired with the low light scopes of even the introductory version crossbows are well aware that your average headlamp will illuminate the scope both sufficiently and safely to discharge that arrow at close range when done hunting. I would imagine this potential law  is three fold in it accomplishes the following:1. Most certainly easily enforceable by NRP2. Demands weapon safety in a vehicle 3. Will make it more difficult for animals to be taken illegally from a vehicle via a crossbow.Again, I support this proposal. I would very much like to see crossbows by law have to be uncocked in a vehicle. In the community where I live there is a hunting club that has found crossbow arrows from the road over the last 3 or 4 years. Additionally farmers and other private landowners have found arrows as well. -this is a nonsensical law presently.-please change it!Also, yes, yes, and yes to all 3 bear options. Please give Western Maryland Hunters more bear hunting opportunities. -very nice thought this time around.

Please allow more time to control deer.  They are destroying our crops, woods, and much native flora that other species rely on.

Please do NOT expand Maryland's Black Bear trophy hunt. Most of the bears that have been killed have been females, which has threatened the bear population and threatens their cubs.An empirical study needs to be done on the black bear population.  One hasn't been done for 10 years.

Trophy hunting and trapping are sick and unnecessary.

We live in Garrett County and my son is a teenage hunter. A few years ago he was fortunate enough to take a black bear during the bear hunt. He would like me to comment that he prefers all 3 bear options as this allows he and his friends/ friends parents a combination of not only more weekend time but also weekday time as well. (Not that he would necessarily have to miss school -or I should say he is banking on that since by the second week of rifle weather can be bad enough to cancel school, yet not all bears are hibernating.) Finally, as a mother I just feel better that crossbows to be legal must be uncocked in a vehicle. I thought that was the way the law was now.  ……I wouldn't think a cocked crossbow in a tight enclosed area of a vehicle would be a safe idea and would contradict hunter safety principles he learned in his class.-Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

Coyote fox and coon hunting by use of electronic calls should be open as late as possible in the spring like about March 30 and should not be changed back to February unless there is public comments are made.

I am contacting you in support of expanding the dates for Deer Cooperator Permit (DCP) holders by one month.By extending the dates from February 15 through March 31, to January 15 to April 15, it would allow farmers to be able to harvest deer during the active growing season when damage to the crops is at its highest. To effectively mitigate deer damage, and more importantly profit losses due to deer damage, it is imperative that farmers in the state of Maryland are able to control the deer population through April 15.Farmers across the country continue to experience crop losses due to weather and climate conditions, which unfortunately cannot be managed. However, crop losses due to deer damage can be managed, and allowing an expanded season
will allow farmers to cover some of their losses because they'll be able to harvest when deer pressure is the greatest. I urge you to expand the season for DCP to give farmers all the tools needed to control the damage deer cause on their farms and on their bottom lines.

In reference to the uncocking of crossbows in vehicles: as a sportsmen and an avid hunter i support this regulation, not only for the safety of people but also to help alleviate potential road hunting! Pass this bill!

I'm contacting you to ask that the black bear hunt will not be expanded, as the majority of these bears are breeding age females.

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs.

I suggest starting firearm season earlier, giving us a chance to harvest more deer while they are the most active and before Hunting pressure changes there patterns.Most deer harvested in my area buy crop permits are not harvested for consumption, but are left to waste.Thank you

My husband and I both work Monday to Friday and only use recreational lands on the weekends. The hunters this year as in the past were very rude and tried to scare us out of the woods. It is not only nice, but it is more fair for hikers like ourselves having one day on Sundays in Baltimore County. Our friends from other counties come out with us hiking on Sundays because Baltimore County doesn't have Sunday Hunting. Please allow us to have just this one day for the 5 long months of hunting.
would it be possible to get more sunday hunting days in harford county ?alot of folks work different hours and sunday is our only day to get out and hunt thanks

It has been 10 years since there has been an assessment on the count of black bears, why would you allow additional trophy hunting without having the updated facts and statistics? This decision-making without informed guidance would lead to needless slaughter of MD's wild life! SHAME ON YOU!  And we question your leadership capacity, general intelligence and credibility if this proceeds without facts .Additionally, such rash decision-making leads one to  believe that there also may be backroom influence and corruption involved with this potential and  needless MD wild life slaughter by protected interest groups  ?

Please conduct a population analysis of black bears before expanding the bear hunting season. If, at all possible, just eliminate hunting black bears here in MD.Thank you!!

As a lifelong Marylander, I oppose the bear hunt and I oppose any expansion of the bear hunt. There are very few bears in Maryland already. The ones that do exist are an important part of the ecosystem. Maryland should have pride in our bears, just like Florida is proud of its manatees. Maryland should  use  bears the right way by embracing them as part of what makes our state unique.

The hunting opportunities seem to be generous and fair, in my opinion, but I do have a concern about the bear season.  As one who has always supported this season I applaud the DNR for its efforts in making this season a reality.I'm sure you have considered ways to allow more hunters to get a bear license, evidenced by the continuous increase in permits, all of which is appreciated by Md. hunters, but I'm wondering if an open season is justified at this point, perhaps at least for part of the state, such as the 4 westernmost counties.  I'm not sure the bear population is high enough to handle an open season, but unfortunately hunter numbers are not increasing so maybe the time is ripe for a change to the current lottery system, providing the bear population can handle it.A bear tag fee could be charged, such as done in other states (Pa. comes to mind).  The number of bear licenses sold in the past 15 - 20 years has almost doubled there.Another option would be setting a number of permits per county.These are options to the current system that could be considered, with the idea of allowing more hunters, more $$$ to DNR.  The determining factor of course is that the bear population be sustainable.I wish you continued success in running this program.

Please do not extend black bear hunting season!!!

I am contacting you in support of expanding the dates for Deer Cooperator Permit (DCP) holders by one month.By extending the dates from February 15 through March 31, to January 15 to April 15, it would allow farmers to be able to harvest deer during the active growing season when damage to the crops is at its highest. To effectively mitigate deer damage, and more importantly profit losses due to deer damage, it is imperative that farmers in the state of Maryland are able to control the deer population through April 15.Farmers across the country continue to experience crop losses due to weather and climate conditions, which unfortunately cannot be managed. However, crop losses due to deer damage can be managed, and allowing an expanded season will allow farmers to cover some of their losses because they'll be able to harvest when deer pressure is the greatest. I urge you to expand the season for DCP to give farmers all the tools needed to control the damage deer cause on their farms and on their bottom lines.

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Hello:  At a time when phrases such as 'follow the data' and 'backed by scientific data' are often heard and needed, until the DNR produces the data from a comprehensive population study that justifies an extended black bear hunt,  no time extension to the hunt should even be considered.  The consequences on the bear population could be quite drastic indeed.  It is my understanding that DNR already knows that a vast majority of bears killed have been breeding-age females and that the number of bears hunted each year has been on the decline.  Therefore, I cannot see how DNR could justify an extended hunt until accurate current population data has been determined.    Thank you for considering my comments though I will assume that what I stated is already obvious to any of the wildlife biologist employed by the DNR.
stop killing black bears in Maryland, we care about our wildlife, Thank you in advance for your consideration. Glenda Brooks Owings Mills Maryland

Please protect the dwindling numbers of black bears in Maryland due to over harvesting of female bears. Thank you!

Bears are a national treasure--not to be killed and eradicated from our land, but to be cherished. Many Americans (like me) and foreign tourists love to see them. Furthermore, they help restore our ravaged wilderness in numerous ways. Please do not permit the hunting and trapping of our native wildlife. It is not right for you to favor hunters and trappers over wildlife lovers, admirers, and scientists.

OPPOSE Expanding the Bear Hunt The Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission should not be considering expanding the state's black bear trophy hunt. An alarming 80% of black bears killed by
Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs.
And the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago!  We do not want to see the hunt expanded until there is an empirical study of the state's black bear population.   Black bears need OUR/YOUR voice!

Hunting is conservation!

I'm asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to please reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt until an empirical study is conducted of the state's black bear population. And let's all find solutions not predicated on cruelty.
"February 25, 2022To: Paul A. Peditto, Director       Tim Larney, Associate Director Fiscal, Legislation and RegulationsFrom: Montgomery County Farm BureauRe.: Proposed Hunting and Trapping
Regulations -Proposals for 20022-2024 -Deer Cooperator PermitsDear Mr. Peditto and Mr. Larney,On behalf of the ~300 family members of Montgomery County Farm Bureau, we wish to add our support to the proposed action which would extend the allowable shooting days/nights one month, to include January 15 through April 15 annually. This expanded window of opportunity to reduce the deer population will result in reduced financial losses of farm commodities.During the current economic challenges of vastly increased fuel and fertilizer costs, farmers need to harvest 100% of crops produced. Any improvement in yields and bushels sold, will be appreciated by all farmers, including farm bureau members. Deer typically destroy 10% or more of most crops. Neither DNR nor MDA compensate farmers for those losses.  Clearly, large deer populations are unwelcome guests on farms.MCFB supports expanded timeframes for Deer Cooperator Permits

Please reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt. I would prefer that you put an end to trophy hunting all together. Let's learn to coexist with nature instead of killing it, as we are a part of nature, and need to begin acting that way. Thank you.

On behalf of our supporters and members, the Humane Society of the United States thanks you for this opportunity to comment on the Maryland Department of Natural Resource's proposal to 'slow the growth of the statewide bear population' and to 'limit expansion of resident bear populations in eastern counties' by increasing the opportunities over various weekends for hunters to kill more black bears – because of farmers' complaints. Based on the black bear kill data the Humane Society of the United States received from the DNR, we respectfully request that any proposed increase in bear-hunting opportunities be curtailed until an empirical count of Maryland's bear populations can be conducted. The last bear count was conducted in 2011—eleven years ago—and only in Garrett and Allegany counties. Data from the DNR since 2016 show: - 78% of the hunter kill in Maryland consisted of adult female bears. (The loss of females reduces a bear population's ability to bounce back as they are the key to sustaining it.) - The numbers of bears killed by hunters has trended downward significantly. (This potentially signals a decline in the population—especially given the numbers of adult females killed.) We are particularly concerned with the proposal to add an additional week of bear hunting during the deer hunting season. Because the use of baiting is permitted for deer hunting, but prohibited for bear hunting, we believe this overlap puts bears at risk of illegal baiting and hunters at risk of running afoul of baiting prohibitions. Because black bears hold immense social, intrinsic, and ecological value to the Maryland public, current data trends indicate a potential decline in Maryland's bear population, we strongly oppose the proposed black bear hunting expansion.

As a tax paying citizen of Maryland i ask you to review your regulations regarding black bear hunting and certainly NOT APPROVE EXPANSION OF BEAR HUNTING until you have studied the past and future effects of hunting on the health of this population.  Do we really have to kill off all our wildlife?  That i have never even seen a black bear in Maryland tells me that your policies are wrong headed.  Maybe if you spent more resources educating the public about coexisting with wildlife and less on supporing hunting we could all enjoy this magnificent wildlife.

I support the REJECTION of the proposed expansion of Maryland's black bear trophy hunt. Until an updated study of the bear population is conducted, this expansion is premature.  Thank you.S. Felton, Brunswick,MD.

I'm asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt. It's inhumane, harming our environment and also our consciousness.

Given the risk of overhunting, I am asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the black bear trophy hunt until an empirical study is conducted of the state's black bear population. It's wrong to use anecdotal data to estimate population numbers given the high uncertainty of their status in light of the last five years of hunting.
This expansion is merely for  hunter opportunity  and could potentially have a detrimental effect on Maryland's black bears.

I just feel with out hunting they over populate and diseases set in which in my opinion is far worse than hunting they also don't have free range like they use to so they start becoming problematic in towns and cities then the government is forced to hire people to kill them anyways and that costs money at least hunting creates revenue thats put back in to the land and wildlife to sustain healthy populations I wish anti hunters could see the benefits believe it or not true ethical hunters care more about animals than you even know

Fully support bear hunting

The proposed changes to hunting and trapping regulations generally demonstrate responsible and sustainable management of all species while maintaining high levels of access and opportunity for hunters where appropriate. SCI believes that sound science-based conservation involving hunting as the primary management tool, while maximizing opportunities for all huntable species, including predators such as bears, is necessary to the long-term health of wildlife. Given that, SCI strongly supports the proposed regulation that would increase black bear hunting opportunity by extending the existing season. Extending the season to allow more weekend days to hunt will increase access for many hard-working Marylanders and would have no significant impact on the healthy bear population. Additionally, SCI supports adding an additional day to the established antlerless white-tailed deer firearm season in Region A on private and public lands. This proposed regulation would provide increased opportunity for Marylanders to harvest an antlerless deer while also helping to minimize agricultural damage from deer. The healthy and growing deer population in the region would certainly not be impacted with this new opportunity.

I am in favor of and ask support to extend the hunting season for deer control.  As a farm owner my crops and farm commodities of others are being destroyed here in Talbot County at an alarming rate each year.  Any help that you can give to this need is most appreciated.

I am against the expansion of the black bear hunting season until a current population study has been carried out.  Thank you.

POST DATE: 2/24/2022

I strongly appose the regulation to make it legal to leave tree stands on public land during the entirety of the deer season.

I would like to see an increase in the cost in nonresident hunting licenses, or a big game fee for nonresidents.

1) Tree Stands. Allowing hunters to place and leave tree stands in public WMAs is only setting conditions for poor behavior by hunters who think the area is  claimed  or putting up multiple stands using others' 'unused' DNRid #s. Do not allow this, it only encourages more bad behavior. It's a public area -- 1st come, 1st served indeed, but the mentality is ownership is 9/10th of the law. If you put up a stand, you think you claim/own the land and you don't. For the hunters that don't like it, hunt from the ground... a lot of us do. Walking/hiking thru public lands during off-season and seeing abandoned stands is unsightly and really no more than littering. If the DNR can't enforce those doing it now when it's illegal, how exactly do they propose to enforce it if it becomes legal? ANSWER: They can't and they won't. 2) De-cocking crossbows. Where is/are the data showing the number of injuries sustained over a 1yr period (year over year) from  exploding  crossbows? I'll hazard a guess there isn't any. If there is, please share it openly for all to see and digest. Who is trying to solve a problem that doesn't exist? This reads far more like gun-control than hunter safety when  de-cocking  anything requires additional technology that drives up the price of the device and makes it less and less available to the average hunter. 3) Black bear increase in days. Support this wholeheartedly. Should also be blindly obvious that more hunters (ie, more permits) equals less chance of success. Recommend closing this to out-of-state hunters completely. 4) Anterless deer in Region A. What is the real reason behind limited antlerless restrictions to the final 1-2 days of the season in Region A? Whether an antlers deer is taken on the 1st day of the season, the 4th day of the season, or the last day of the season the bag limit is still the same. Open the antlerless deer harvest for the entire season and maintain the existing bag limits. 5) Pheasants. Reinstate a DNR-stocked pheasant program or continue losing money to PA. Pheasant hunting is the sole reason I buy a PA license every year and take my hard-earned money to PA for both state game lands and bird preserves. Buy them, raise them, release them and let MD hunters enjoy the sport here in MD.

1) Proposal: Allow hunters on public lands to leave their tree stands in place throughout the hunting season. While my back would appreciate this I can see issues with people feeling they had a lock on certain area's of public property as  their stand  would be in a certain location.  As some have mentioned if you didn't have the stand marked in blaze you may never know it was there even if you were next to it.  There is already public land that is next to residences where this occurs already which can be a problem when one is coming in for a day hunt and isn't aware of stand locations.  2) Proposal: Require crossbows to be un-cocked when transported in a licensed vehicle. It is not uncommon for a hunter to come out of the woods and head to the store for lunch or gas before going back into the woods for an evening hunt.  The proposal makes it sound like everyone has a crossbow that can be cranked back down.  This is far from the truth and most would have to be shot off then re-cocked a few hours later when hunting once again.  If you wish to put a warning in the hunting manual regarding stored energy on crossbows fine, but to mandate an un-cocked bow each time one enters the vehicle would be an annoyance.  General thoughts: Keep the hunting manual as simple as possible and you will find compliance.  Over the years Maryland has gone up and down, but I will say for the most part is fairly straight forward although I am not a fan of this so many points to an antler thing.  I would rather it be an antlered deer or not an antlered deer. While not mentioned I would love to see deer drives on public land be set to a time frame between 11am-2pm.  I have had too many local groups/families run all over public land at 7am in the morning hooping and hollering. Nothing is more frustrating than being on stand at 7am to hear the trucks roll in and a bunch of ignorant individuals walk all around you yelling at 7am on an otherwise quite morning.  Than you for reading the comments.

We definitely need more bear hunting opportunities an also agree with the crossbow being uncocked in a  vehicle

With all of the proposals i would like to see all of them to go in effect within the next couple years. With the bear season it would be nice to bate on private property so hunters have a better chance. It is a pain to carry trees stand in and out every day and messing up the hunt. The crossbow i think would be the same as a load gun we cant have a loaded gun in a vehicle so what would the difference be. With the extra doe days would be great for someone like me that works monday thru friday it would be easier to harvest a deer.

I would like to voice my support for the regulation proposal that would prohibit cocked crossbows in licensed vehicles. I honestly feel that the regulation should follow the same requirements as a loaded firearm that includes any motorized vehicle. Having a cocked crossbow in or on a vehicle creates significant safety issues.  I further support increasing the number of hunting days that a hunter could harvest antlerless deer in region A.  Also as a hunter and landowner in Garrett County I support all of the proposals that increase opportunities to harvest black bear. In Garrett County I have observed numerous bear that have been affected by mange. I feel an effort to increase harvest of bears would decrease the population and help control this disease. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on these regulation proposals.

I agree with tree stand proposalI disagree with crossbow proposalI agree with increasing bear hunting opportunities for farmers and huntersI agree with increasing antlerless daysI dont think grouse hunters are what is hurting the population.

Please keep the crossbow rule as is, which allows transportation of a cocked but unloaded crossbow in a vehicle.

I favor the second Saturday of firearms season for additional antlerless hunting opportunity in Region A.

I disagree with leaving tree stands on public lands for the entire deer season. It is also time to increase the cost of nonresident hunting licenses and tags.

Treestands WILL disappear.

They should try stocking ruffled grouse in Baltimore County state parks to get a population here.

I think that once seasons are set they should stay the way they are unless further public comments are made before they are changed again so people know its going on before hand.

In the Hunters Safety class, we the hunters, are ALL taught the words Ethics and Responsibility. Ethically we are supposed to respect other hunters, the animals, and the land and space we hunt. The proposal that would allow trees stands to be left on public land I feel would cause conflict amongst fellow hunters. That takes the excitement and joy out of a hunt. I feel it may bring  hunters to experience an unessesary sense of anxiety or pressure before they even enter the woods. Ethically, we are responsible to practice etiquette as well. We respect the space another hunter might be hunting if we enter and they are there. Well, what if their stand is there? I can play out a lot of senecios in my head that could turn BAD. With this proposal I feel almost like it is not a FAIR game or hunt. We escape to the woods to be at peace with nature and hopefully gain valuable memories and experiences. Unneeded conflict is NOT a needed. I would really like to know what the thoughts and input of the managers and supervisors of the state land (which this is proposed for) is. Their voices should be heard and taken in to consideration FIRST and foremost. Then there is the proposal of having to uncock a cross bow before transporting it. How is it Responsible for a hunter to uncock a crossbow after dusk into the dark after a hunt? It is very unsafe. All these proposals go against the values, ethics, and responsibilities we are taught in the the very own Hunters Safety class we all agree to follow. And, what will the proposee of these proposals do when they are/if caught in conflict with these proposals. Will they be responsible, ethical, and LEGAL themselves in following them?  Let's NOT change what does not need to be changed start getting input and respecting the input of our forest managers.

I want my children and grandchildren to see black bears.  Don't you?  Please return them to a plentiful population.  They are not  a Sport .

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

NO animal should be exposed to trophy hunting!

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, I am asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.This is an outrageous number of bears killed. We need to review this carefully and act humanely and compassionately. These numbers are sickening and it greatly saddens me that Maryland is in this position. Please act thoughtfully and morally and reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt.Thank you for your consideration of my heartfelt and urgent request.

Please protect our wildlife!!!!  they make our lives better and more beautiful and they were here first!! T

Stop killing the bears.  Go to target practice instead.

Please stop all hunting of any bears.

Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population.A Very Concerned Maryland Resident

Given the risk posed by overhunting, I am asking you, the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Stop trophy hunting and trapping entirely. It is despicable. Leave our bears alone!

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season. Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population.

Please stop the black bear hunt.  Bear numbers are dwindling, and we need to preserve the amazing wildlife in the state of Maryland.

I do not believe the research supports expanding bear hunting. Further study is needed. Thank you.

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season. Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

I believe that the proposed expansion of the state's black bear hunting season should be postponed until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It is premature to expand the hunting season until the current state of the black bear population has been determined.

We are way past the time that we should always be acting in a humane nature toward animals. Why should the state sanction the killing of animals for this horrific purpose? The only just, humane and ethical thing to do is to band this horrific practice! I certainly hope you will Not allow the killing of animals for no purpose to continue! Thank you.

Given the risk posed by overhunting, I am asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Given the risk posed by overhunting, I'm asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances. Please do the ethical and environmentally sound thing!

Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population.

Trophy hunting for black bears is cruel and certainly not needed for man to live.  Why can't man leave animals alone and let them live their lives free of harm.  Nature is a gift to us to protect, not to kill.  Animals have a right yo their lives!

We need to share our world.  With expansion of urban cities along the east coast of the United States, we need to tailor policies to protect wildlife.

We support regulations of hunting female bears for trophies

I oppose the expansion of Black Bear Trophy Hunting. So many rewarding things to do in life don't understand how this could be either rewarding or tolerable. Please end this practice.

Please reject the proposed expansion of Maryland's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It is premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.Thank you.

Given the risk posed by overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Please stop allowing the hunting Maryland's Black Bear population!Hunters are threatening this species in our state by their trophy killing of mothers and young cubs.Bears are not a good source for Humans.  This killingof bears in our state is just senseless blood thirsty slaughter for sport.Please  put an end to this hunting in Maryland.

It is very important that we protect the black bearsPlease don't allow trophy hunting.There is no reason anyone needs a black bears carcass in their home.Hunting should only be allowed to manage resources and of course problem bears.Do NOT pass regulation 2022-23 or 2023-24

The killing of animals for trophies is appalling especially females who would leave cubs motherless and therefore they would starve to death. Carnivores are very important to the eco-system and keeping rodent populations under control.

80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.

The majority of Marylanders don't support trophy hunting!  An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.-Kimberlee Dinn

We are losing so much of our wildlife. Please take action to study this.

Please stop this unnecessary killing of  bears. Wild animals are having a hard enough time just trying to survive, with loss of habitat .

Maryland's hunting of black bears is threatening population stability because too many breeding-age females are being taken. I am generally opposed to hunting for hunting's sake—that is, only as sport, and not as a means to keep various animal populations in balance. Please modify the state's regulations so that black bears can thrive in a way that balances the well-being of all creatures.

Black bear numbers are decreasing in Maryland, please don't allow hunting them! If we keep killing them, what will our future look like, no more bears and actually more rodents? This is very sad & will create an imbalance in nature. And how inhumane. How would you like it if you were a bear?

Please reject the proposed expansion of Maryland's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances. As a MD resident and animal lover, we need to be protecting these beautiful creatures, not destroying them.

Given the risk posed by overhunting, please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

There is no good reason to kill these black beats  Please stop this cruel hunt  People who kill for trophy and  personal fun should have  no right to do this especially under the guise of doing 'good'  Maryland is better than this

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

No need to kill these animals unless its absolute necessary.

Please end black bear hunting immediately

Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Please protect and ban hunting of breeding age female black bears in Maryland.

In a progressive state like Maryland it is a shock that one can hunt black bears at all.  If however, the numbers are too great and either the population is suffering or threatening the existing human population, I can understand the concept of thinning the her.  HOWEVER, how can one come to that conclusion without an empirical study?   Do the research first!!!!

Please do not approve an expansion to the black bear hunts. There is not an overpopulation of black bears, and most of the bears being killed are breeding age females. It is just a way for people who like to hunt to obtain more trophies.

Stop killing animals for the purpose of display only.  Bears carry too many parasites in their meat to eat — just stop it

reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances. Thank you,

My opinion is NO to traps or hunting black bear in Maryland.  I live in St Marys County & have never seen but have heard about wayward bar or two traveling through. Let them be & protect them in our area absolutely  !

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, request respectfully that the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

LEAVE THE BEARS ALONE! DO YOU TAKE PLEASURE IN SEEING ANY KNUCKLEHEAD WITH A GUN INFLICT PAIN ON ANIMALS?

The last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago. 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females. This decimation seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs.I am asking that the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Please stop with unnecessary hunting and killing of the wild life.

I strongly oppose the expansion of black bear trophy hunting!

Murdering of innocent animals is criminal!

Stop killing innocent animals. Especially breeding females. Kill the females and you kill the entire species.

No hunting bears!

Stop murdering these innocent bears and stop invading their homes.

Let not kill off thing that we need to protect. lets do the study first and see if we are helping or hurting the black bears

The fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

I am writing because I am concerned about the black bear population in Maryland.  It's my understanding that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was over ten years ago.  I urge you to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Thank you.

I oppose any expansion of black bear trophy or otherwise hunting

Please stop the killing of beautiful animals. This is so cruel and abusive. It would be a lot nicer place to live with more animals and less pigs like bear hunters. I condemn your actions. This makes me sick. We are not God and have no right to destroy his creatures justbecause you are senseless pigs.

Protect these innocent bears from slaughter now

Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population.A disappointed, life-long Maryland Resident who is appalled by all of the State-sponsored killing of animals. Enough already!! You will kill them to extinction!

Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Given the risk posed by overhunting, I am asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Stop hunting

Stop the bear hunting in Maryland

Please consider not expanding the killing of the black bear in Maryland. God created wildlife and asked us humans to take care of them. I am sure He doesn't want use to kill them as a trophy. The hunting of animals should only be for food and in some cases for their skins as the Indians did with the buffalo and bears. Also stop killing so many female bears. It that someone's crazy idea of birth control? Horrible.

This simply is not necessary. I understand the need for practicality in controlling numbers (which the human race needs to do), but we have to temper that with humanity, fairness & compassion.

Please no!  Given the risk posed by overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Given the risk posed by overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Hunting is NOT sport or pastime it killing defenseless animals for fun and pleasure. That is wrong!!

Bear Hunting and killing of its mothers need to stop regarding this  barbaric and inhumane treatment of wild life which also effects its young and ecosystem.

Let our bears live and enjoy life!!

Please ban bear hunts. These animals are under pressure and their numbers are diminishing

Please ban bear hunting.

Please stop the slaughter of bears!

Our black bears, especially breeding females must be protected. Once the females are gone, they will be gone forever, no more future generations. Too often cubs are left to starve. What a way for humans to treat any animal is just plain nonsense. All of our wildlife must be better protected along with their habitats and corridors. All of our wild bears, bob cats and small mammals such as weasels, marmots, ect. must be protected from illegally (and legally) taking out the breeding females and leave the males alone too.

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Please stop the killing!

Haven't we killed enough wildlife?  Can we preserve these lives by moving them to a sanctuary or reserve or national park.  This killing is only teaching young people that killing is okay. Then we wonder where do people learn such things. We can and should do better. Stop the killing!

Curb harvesting of black bears now.

I am a Maryland resident and I do not support any expansion of black bear hunting in the state. We should be reducing all hunting, not expanding it. Furthermore, the DNR has not done an analysis of the black bear population in over 10 years. 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. An expanded hunt is a terrible idea.

Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Just leave the 🐻 alone.

I strongly oppose the hunting of the few bears we still have in Maryland.  What a shameful idea!   It is time to protect bears,  not destroy them!!

Please stop the killing!

I urge the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear hunting season until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Please do not increase the bear hunt in MD until DNR does a population study.

Trophy hunting of any kind be it black bears, dear or other animals should not be allowed in MD or any other part of the world for that matter.

The hunting of black bear should be stopped / postponed until a current study of the bear population has been done.

N/a

I vehemently oppose any trophy hunting.  Quite frankly, I consider it obscene to consider a dead animal a trophy.   Unless you are willing to be hunted as a trophy yourself, just STOP.

Only use of Humane traps should be permitted!

Why is all the killing of precious wildlife permitted 😭😭😭It is a tragedy, the human species just wants to kill! Please make it stop

we do not have to do this!

Given the risk posed by overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting

Trophy hunting is disgusting and wrong and needs to stop!

Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Eighty percent of the black bears killed in the last five years have been breeding age females and the black bear population has decreased dramatically.  Please, hold off on expanding of the KILLING of black bears until the Department of Natural Resources conducts a comprehensive study of the black bear population.   Some extra time taken will not harm anyone or prevent them from killing black bears, but will at least be an honest, sensible study.

Dear Jesus,An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Please stop killing the bears!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DNR sucks! Their investigations of water deaths are a joke! People are not held accountable. And apparently their policies concerning wildlife are just as flawed. Let's just hunt all of the female bears do they become extinct! Idiots!!!

Maryland should do another black bear census, and in the meantime restrict the hunting of female bears of cub-bearing age.

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.I oppose bear hunting in general and think this practice should be banned. Biodiversity and not slaughter should be encouraged if we as humans want to preserve our own safety in balance with nature. Destruction is just destruction. Maryland is overdeveloping and excessively destroying land and animals and they are pushed to small pockets and now hunted in that limited range. We have no safe animal crossings to give them a chance. Bear killing isn't for survival. It is bloodsport. We don't need it.

Considering that the last empirical study of Maryland's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, there is a need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, I ask the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Please reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

Please stop the senseless slaughter & celebration of violence. We must protect the last remaining wild areas & wildlife. We are failing our planet, co-inhabitants, humanity & future generations.

Save black bears in Maryland or they will disappear.These creatures are part of our animal environment, precious and a promise for future generations of wildlife.

An alarming 80% of black bears killed by Maryland hunters in the past five years have been breeding-age females, a decimation that seriously threatens overall population dynamics and poses a particular threat to black bear cubs. This trend, and the fact that the last empirical study of the state's black bear population was completed more than 10 years ago, underscores the need for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct a comprehensive population analysis before expanding the black bear hunting season.Given the risk posed by overhunting, we're asking the Maryland Wildlife Advisory Commission to reject the proposed expansion of the state's black bear trophy hunt until the Department of Natural Resources conducts an empirical study of the state's black bear population. It's premature to expand the bear hunting season under the current circumstances.

POST DATE: 2/22/2022

It still boggles my mind that grouse hunters in these comments really support a shortened season. This is going to do nothing for our grouse numbers. I second more education for the public around timber harvest and why it is a good thing for the forest. Upland opportunities are dwindling in Maryland and it is sad to see the sport in such bad shape. I do agree with expanding the pheasant stocking program similar to PA. It seems like MD DNR wants to ride the coattails of the PA Game Commission with preliminary data so why not adopt a program that would actually work in MD. Stock pheasants for all.

Option #3 for Black Bear Season proposals would be a sensible choice allowing an opportunity later in the hunting season.

Do not allow tree stand on Public Land

Would it be in consideration to be able to use a straight wall cartilage rifle during muzzleloader seasons? I'm asking because a straight wall casing shoots the same velocity/range as a muzzleloader.

Region A late muzzleloader should be buck or doe.

I would like to see fox firearm season end March 15 in Baltimore County so we can call them at night when snow is on the ground.ending in Feb 1 snow is not stay on the ground yet and deer season is over at that time of the year so it is a better time of the year to use electronic calls for day or night calling.and rifles for fox and coyote should be legal day or night.

Resident Bag Limits for whitetails and sika, 2 antlered whitetail bucks combined for the entire season, with one being a bonus tag, sika deer, 2 stags combined for the entire season with 1 hind per weapon season. NON RESIDENTS- raise the cost of non resident licenses and tags, non resident bag limits consist of one whitetail and one sika for the combined season, a tag for each animal must be purchased separate. Ban all deer drives on public lands as it can be a huge safety factor. Stop sharp shooting and negotiate more Sunday hunting for hunters. Remove the traditional weapon season from February and apply it to the last week of January. Let's make Maryland hunting great  again. For once listen to the hunters!!

1. Allow baiting for bear season on private property and bring in the season prior to early muzzleloader season or get rid of early muzzleloader season all together. With so many people baiting for deer it's almost impossible to not be hunting near a bait site on private land during bear season2. Make doe season the entire rifle season in region A with a increase of one doe and one buck tag.3. Extend fox season until the end of March in every county. Decrease rifle and late muzzleloader seasons to 8 days!!

1. I highly oppose the proposed law of crossbows needing to be uncocked. There is a much greater lack of safety having to discharge a crossbow in urban residential areas into the ground or small target. I have traveled with my crossbow cocked in my vehicle for over 20 years so o can shoot it off into my target at home. This shows me that I did not bump it or knock it off while hunting. No hunter should have to worry about purchasing a travel target and having to remember to carry it. Does not make sense nor should the law be changed

I notice the new proposed regulations have the same excessive doe limits allowed in region B.  The deer herd in region B is being slaughtered not managed. The DNR allows each person who hunts with all three weapons to harvest 35 does each in region B.  They also encourage hunters to shoot more than they actually need or want and just donate them for the tax write off.  The
DNR has provided that the 2020 doe harvest was down 20%, the hunting year 2021 was also down 20%.  So over the last 2 hunting seasons the doe harvest in region B is down 40%.  I would think that would warrant a reduction in the killing of does to something less than 35 per person. I hunted 77 times in 2021, both in Calvert and St. Mary's counties.  On 51 of those hunts no deer were sighted. There will be no new recruitment of or retention of hunters if there are no deer to be seen.  Hunting, just like fishing used to be great in this area, not anymore.

Tree stands should not be allowed to remain up throughout hunting season. I see this as allowing folks to 'claim' an area. This has the potential to create more conflict in the woods due to a spot being claimed. Also I go to the woods to enjoy nature and get away from reminders of man. Seeing ladder stands hung up against a tree is not nature and is unsightly. An alternative is for aging hunters to hunt on the ground. Climbing a ladder maybe too risky. Also it seems this could lead down another path of allowing four wheelers on these grounds because it's too burdensome to drag a deer out of the woods for these aging hunters.

I am opposed to the tree stand proposal, this is not needed and will surely lead to disagreements between hunters.   I am against any and all 'deer cooperator' regulations.  Need to increase hunter and farmer/ landowner participation.   Please do not increase any in these regulations and work towards reducing and severely limiting them. I support increasing the opportunity to hunt black bears.  I have drawn for tags twice and both times bad weather hampered the hunt.

This has to be one of the dumbest laws in a long time. Take it from some who had a stand brake and fell 23 feet just stupid a law suit or a death to fallow do not allow this.

The deer population in region A is said to be increasing.  Why not increase the antlerless bag limit from 2 total deer to 3 or 4?  Increasing the bag limit for Archery and/or firearm season would increase hunter participation and help keep the number of deer at a stable level.  Region A benefits financially from hunters traveling to the area.  But the bag limits in that region are very low given the overall number of deer which diminishes the participation for both residents and tourists.  A modest boost of 1-2 anterless deer would incentivize hunters to get out more and could potentially result in more donations of deer harvested in the area which could help food banks.

I am in favor of simplifying the regulations in region A.  I would like to see the bag limit for anterless deer in region A increased from 1 to 2 for archery.  If you want to limit the anterless deer taken then keep the same bag limit set to 1 for muzzleloader or firearm.  But allow anterless deer to be taken at any time during the ML or firearm season.  I doubt the current restrictions serve a scientific purpose but they do make it very confusing.  Does it really matter that a doe is taken on a Thursday or a Saturday?  Once you hit the bag limit you're done anyway so what difference does the day of the week make?  It only seems to limit opportunity and participation.

I recently purchased 30 Acers in Carroll co , down the street from my fathers 146 acer beef cattle farm ! I do not like the fact that the farmer that farms all the land around here is allowed too shoot all the deer he wants I'm talking year round, an they shoot them in the stomach so they run off . They end up dyeing in my spring witch feeds my house , not only that but the fact that it stinks an is so wasteful. I have found over ten deer dead already this year an we just bought the property in June of 2021. They do not call these deer in so u guys have no idea how many deer have been taken. We also have a huge problem with the shooting past sunset to many people road hunting around here. Along with the trespassing. The farmer also farms around my dads farm I have found over ten deer shot as well . The coyotes have done a number please get rid of the crop damage

Night-time shooting of deer is extremely dangerous and in most cases unnecessary.  I've never thought such a thing would ever be considered for a legislative bill!  I've hunted for 38 years now and this is the most ridiculous idea ever!  A few measures that could be considered to reduce populations include: open Sunday hunting throughout the state, extend firearms season, create a farmer-hunter relationship database where hunters of a certain background (say harvested 5 deer or more the past X years, confirmed through Compass) can become in contact with each other and develop a relationship for control.  This bill will also create a fury of poaching concerns for those not performing this as planned.

Tree stands on public land : I gotta say I think this is a terrible idea and is only going to cause more problems. Deer cooperative permits : I think farmers have plenty of tools in the tool box as is and don't need anything more from the state. If they deer are really still a problem they can invite hunters to hunt deer during the regular season within regular bag limits.
Personally the farmers around the property I hunt kill so many deer there aren't any left when we finally get to go hunting. Quail : could be closed all together honestly. There really aren't any left. Black bear: sat -sat would be great in the usual October week or even and earlier week in October.

I hunt on a lot of public land. I would like to see a requirement for the trunks of trees with stands to be marked with both orange surveyor's tape and a retro reflective marker of some kind

Deer and bear agricultural bear permits - Oppose and recommend State explore and implement incentive programs to encourage agricultural landowners to provide access to others.  For example, a tax incentive to those who allow.  This has the potential to address state's objective for sustaining and recruiting hunters.Bear hunt / season - Implement county level permit application process.  Bear population appears to be increasing in certain counties (Frederick) while most hunters who obtain bear permit are going to Garrett and Alleghany county.Tree stands on public lands - The proposal seems to try to make the connection of allowing this to occur for older hunters and that this will increase recruitment.  Perhaps this connection was not intended as I don't see it.  Perhaps, allowing tree stands on public land would encourage recruitment of younger hunters looking to get into sport.  If allowed, limit to large track of lands, limit # of stands allowed by person per area, require ID on stand, establish rules for needing permission to use someone else's stand, strong deterrent for stealing or damaging someone's stand. 
Mostly feel like it should not be allowed to maintain the aesthetics of public lands.Sunday hunting - While I know this requires legislation, I would encourage DNR to share such comments received with state legislators.  Sunday hunting should be allowed for the entire deer season on private land.  This has the potential to have significant positive impact on hunting recruitment of young hunters.  Kids in school have Saturday and Sunday to hunt, for those kids who play sports usually always have sport commitments on Saturday leaving only Sunday to hunt. 
Grouse - What is the state doing to promote more early successional forest on state and private lands?  I have not look into closely but it appears that there is less and less successional forest.  What is the hope for improved grouse populations with warming temperatures?  The Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock Society has an article this past year showing that it is unlikely to have any grouse left in the Maryland, let along the US in 50-100 years. Does MD have a ruffed grouse conservation and management plan that addresses the driving factors of habitat and climate?Thank you to those in the Wildlife and Heritage Service who commit their professional careers to ensure our hunting heritage continues.

Against leaving stands on State grounds. I believe this will lead to conflict between hunters using the same area, as well as still hunters moving through someone's stand location. Why create an unnecessary enforcement issue.In addition, stands left in place would detract from the natural beauty of State lands and remove the feeling of being in a remote area,especially on wildlands designated properties. Thanks for your consideration.

RE: Proposed crossbow un-cocking requirement for transport--- My crossbow manufacturer, TenPoint, does not recommend manual un-cocking of their crossbows due to the risk of injury. The only option is to fire the crossbow. Doing so in the dark after an evening hunt is inherently dangerous. It is preferable to transport my cocked crossbow to my home where I can discharge it in a well-lit, controlled environment.

NO tree stands left on public lands!   It will cause conflict about usage and area. I am 65, when I can't climb or Carry it in, I will hunt from the ground.  NO STANDS LEFT ON PUBLIC LANDS!!

Remove the Winter Turkey Season. Turkey numbers are declining everywhere and although there many only be a few killed, 56% are hen or young. My guess mostly hens....but the ones that are limit possible breeding success even farther.
Extend the dcp by one month

1. It would be really helpful if the State had a place that hunters could get their deer tested for CWD. As is, there isn't a convenient way to get it done. If we hunt in the CWD zone there are a number of restrictions that we have to abide by. So far, it seems that prevalence is low, but without being able to test our deer I feel conflicted about sharing the meat with others (and yes, I know CWD has never jumped, but the CDC recommends not eating it). If I'm being forced to get my deer processed, since I can't bring the whole carcass back to my house which is outside of the CWD zone, I should at least know it's CWD status. That - or let us bring the whole deer back to our house with the requirement that the carcass gets dumped in a landfill.2.
Get rid of baiting. We don't want CWD spreading and baiting is known to artificially congregate deer. I have no idea why you got rid of the bait ban in the CWD Zone from before other than whiny people whined too much. Go a step further though - get rid of it in the whole state. Your own studies have shown that baiting makes deer more nocturnal. Hunters only hunt over bait because they're looking for a shortcut or because they feel like they have to because their neighbors are baiting. Last season I tried baiting, sat bait and stared at the feeder for days because I kept thinking  this time they'll show up during daylight . This year, no bait, more deer in the freezer in fewer sits, and more  normal  activity. They only folks benefitting from baiting are people selling corn.3. It's not clear to me why certain properties have the Managed Hunting Permit requirement and others don't - is there a way to be more clear about why that permit exists and what the additional money is used for? It's annoying to have that permit requirement for some properties - which is more than the hunting license itself - when another property down the road doesn't.  The Managed Hunt permit is used to support hunting opportunities on those lands that are not eligible to receive funding through the USFWS Federal Aid program.

Deer hunting with crop damage or any other method should not be going on when bucks have shed there antlers in February to March or during spring months when bucks don't have antlers.

POST DATE: 2/17/2022

Make Garrett and Allegany county one buck.

The deer population in Maryland is trending downward. Most of the areas with an over abundance of deer is because they don't allow hunting, which is the landowners right, but those landowners are creating the overpopulation. They shouldn't be allowed to shoot deer at night to solve a problem they are helping to create. I am strongly opposed to any night shooting of deer.

I am commenting against the proposal to allow tree stands to remain on public property throughout the deer hunting season. I have had the pleasure of hunting Maryland public property in archery, muzzleloader and firearms season for over 20 years. I hunt several tracks and carry my climber in and out daily to some location more than a mile and a half from the parking area.
I am over 50 so I understand that aspect becomes less enjoyable with age, but am concerned that allowing stands will create more conflicts than the convenience is worth.  Some hunters will avoid areas with stands, just to avoid any potential conflicts, others who place stands will not abide by the 'it is not their spot just because they hung a stand' portion of the rule, and
I am sure many will leave more than one stand per area (either assuming they will get away with it or using ID numbers from friends and family that do not wish to hang a public stand). I have taken deer in all three seasons from the ground on multiple occasions, so having a stand is not a necessity to an enjoyable or successful hunt. Even in the absence of conflict, hiking into a spot to find one or more stands in the area you plan to hunt would diminish the outdoor experience, which at least for me is about getting away from civilization and enjoying nature, not looking at someone's stand all day and wondering if they are going to show up. On one occasion I have had an individual leave there stand in the tree on public property even while not legal. They let me know it was there (I went in in the dark and had no idea it was 30 yards away), I indicated I was not moving, and they went and took and down and moved 60 yards away. Not much of a conflict, but neither of us saw a deer and it was a major damper on the day. A friend had a similar experience, but the individual was more augmentative. My friend let him know it was not legal to leave the stand, but the guy still wanted him to move. He did not but the guy just hunted near by and again neither saw anything and had a poor experience. I can't imagine allowing tree stands in the woods will not make such experiences more common. If conflicts diminish the experience enough you may lose as many people as you retain with this rule. I primarily hunt to enjoy nature, as I believe many older hunters do, if it becomes one more part of my life where conflicts with others ruin the experience, I might as well spend my time elsewhere. Again, I am adamantly opposed to the proposal and apricate the opportunity to comment. Thank you for all of the work you do to ensure sportsmen have an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.

I agree with all proposed changes that have been suggested this year. I think all of them are fair in regards to population and safety management. I implore you to continue seeking Sunday hunting opportunities for all dates in all counties that don't currently have them. For your average Joe hunter who works Monday-Friday, Saturday and Sunday are the only days available to hunt. There is no good reason to not allow hunting on all days in every season. We should all be able to legally recreate on private and especially publicly lands regardless of the day of the week.For the proposed changes to the black bear season, I am strongly for Option 1: Opening the season on the Saturday-Sunday before the existing season. This would give hunters a full week to hunt bear, and I would expect harvest numbers to increase because of more hunters able and available to hunt on weekends. I personally have been on a tag four different times and each time, I took almost the full work off of work just so I could participate with my family. Not everyone has this option, and even those that do it can still be a financial burden (this is my case, I don't want to miss hunting opportunities with my aging father but it is still very difficult to save up the time off and lose out with unpaid days). Adding the Saturday-Sunday before hand gives us not only additional days, but the option to get lucky enough to harvest a bear and not need to take any time off of work. The second option only gives us one extra day and it's at the end of a workweek that I would have already taken off for so it really wouldn't benefit me much at all. If we hunted all week, I'd likely give up before Saturday so it wouldn't benefit us at all. I'd rather have the weekend before and if I give up during the week, at least I could get back to work. And being able to hunt the Saturday before the normal season would mean getting a chance at the bears before the orange army of Saturday early muzzleloader season turns them completely skittish.I'm not opposed to the second week of rifle season being open for bear, but please do not make this the ONLY change. Please extend the main season too if you go this route. By rifle season, I'm deer hunting for meat. Deer are my focus and I will personally be hunting bait sources so I wouldn't even have the option to legally shoot a bear at this time. I think many other hunters, maybe not the majority, but many will be hunting bait sources for rifle season. This forces hunters to make a choice, hunt deer near a bait source or forgo it for the chance to legally shoot a bear. Since the chance of seeing a bear by December is much lower (stray boars only I'd imagine), I doubt I'd even make any changes to my deer hunting plans to take advantage of this opportunity at all. I can't speak for all hunters, but I simply wouldn't use this week to hunt bear. And for those that are deer hunting and decide to shoot a bear just because they see one and have a tag, I really do believe the chances of those bears being shot close to bait would go up. I am strongly for the idea of bear baiting in Maryland (I dislike the way it's currently a cull, people are desperate so they shoot the first bear they see even if it's a cub or a sow with young cubs, likely killing the cubs too. Baiting would give people the chance to be pickier so they wouldn't have to shoot young ones) but as long as baiting is illegal in Maryland, I don't think letting hunters with rifles shoot at bear during a possibly bait deer season would be a good idea.As for the added rifle doe day in Region A, I would strongly suggest Option 1: Open the second Saturday of rifle season for does on private and public land. I always thought it was absurd that in my home county, I have a tag for a rifle doe but have literally two days of the year to fill it. Anything can stop someone from hunting those two days and then they lose their opportunity completely. It would be great to add another day but as we're already limited to 2 anterless deer a year already (Not counting primitive, I can't imagine that has much affect on the population at all) why can't we have even more of an opportunity to hunt them? That is the one thing surrounding states have over Maryland. They give you tags for what you can legally kill and then you can legally fill those tags in any season. Let the tags be the limits, not the days of the weeks or the weapon type.But again, if I had to pick, I'd say option 1. Option 2 only adds a Thursday which again, the average Joe working Monday-Friday can't take advantage of. It's not much of an added opportunity if the majority of people still can't use it. A Saturday gives a larger number of hunters the best opportunity. It also offers the same benefit as extending bear season, a couple straight days of bad weather won't likely ruin the whole 3 day doe season if one of the days is spread out. And it also benefits people who may be traveling for several days at a time for work or because of the holiday season. Spreading the days simply gives more opportunity.Thank you for all you do for our wildlife and hunting heritage.

Tree stands- I am in favor of allowing tree stands to be left on public lands with some strict regulations.  Require a permit for each property with a small fee to regulate the number of stands.  As stated a stand does not reserve the area, but allowing anyone to use others stands will lead to dangerous confrontations.  If another hunter wants to use that area he can place his own stand anywhere near the other stand.  Crossbows-  I am against the proposed regulation to require crossbows to be uncocked for transport.  Very few crossbows have the ability to uncock without firing it.  This is a burden, and firing it to uncock can be far more dangerous than transporting the unloaded but cocked crossbow.

Leaving tree stands on WMAS , real bad idea

Please do not allow stands to be left on public lands. Not only are they an eyesore and many will likely be abandoned after the season but they will absolutely cause land claiming issues.
People will think if they have a stand in an area, that is their area to hunt. It doesn't matter what the rules say when you're already hunting and someone comes stomping in and yelling at you to leave  their  area, the hunt has already been messed up at that point even if the guy is wrong. It'll cause disputes, litter, stealing and destruction of stands which will then have their tag pulled off by the owner and be abandoned. Other surrounding states do this because there is plenty of public land to go around, Maryland doesn't have nearly the public land of it's neighbors so limited space is absolutely an issue. Anyone who can't or won't carry in a stand can be just as successful by hunting on the ground.Something needs to be done about non-resident hunters. They have more opportunity to kill everything in Maryland than they do in their own states so they swarm Maryland state lands. This is most obvious in the spring turkey season in Western Maryland when the PA season opens two weeks later than the Maryland season. PA hunters absolutely swarm publc land to hunt turkeys and many Marylanders arrive at their parking spots in the dark to find several out of state vehicles already there. I don't mind sharing, but the number of nonresident hunters doing this on Maryland public lands absolutely displaces Maryland hunters. Then once the PA season does finally open up, there isn't a PA truck in sight in Maryland because now they have fresh, mostly unspooked birds to hunt in their own state and Marylanders are left with only the spooked birds that survived the PA onslaught. And that's hardly an exaggeration. Go for a drive on spring turkey opening day in Garrett and
Allegany counties and look at the license plates of parked trucks. Nonresidents have too much freedom in hunting Maryland and maybe that wouldn't be so bad if it went two ways but it doesn't. It's only a tad cheaper for a Marylander to buy a PA license than a PA guy to buy a Maryland license. But the PA guy's base license without stamps gives him access to 3 whitetail deer in Region A, 11 whitetail deer in Region B, 3 sika, 3 turkeys, and small game. The Marylander with the base PA license only gets access to 1 whitetail buck, 2 turkeys, and small game.
There isn't much incentive there for Marylanders to hunt in PA but plenty reason for PA hunters to come to Maryland, an already smaller state with much less land to hunt. Nonresident prices should either go way up, their bag limits should be heavily decreased to make them match what we'd get in their respective states, or they should have to enter lotteries for sika and turkey hunts. Or some combination of all those things. Again I don't mind sharing but there comes a point where nonresidents become a burden to residents and with our grossly limited public land yet generous bag limits, earlier turkey season and the unique opportunity of sika deer hunting, they're definitely crowding Marylanders out.

The pressure on sika deer has exploded in the last few years. There needs to be limits or a lottery for out of state hunters. The potential revenue source needs to be tapped to fill budget shortfalls. If hunters can afford to travel here from other states they should pay a premium for the hunting experience.

I am against allowing tree stands to be left on public lands. This will not only increase the workload for DNR officers trying to enforce the the additional regulations (number of stands left, tagging requirements, etc.) but, it will also lead to conflicts between armed individuals over who has the 'right' to hunt certain spots. With the myriad of lightweight climbing stands, lightweight hang-on stands, and tree saddles there are many options that allow a person to easily carry a stand in and out regardless of age. I personally know several individuals over 70 yrs old that are carrying stands in and out each hunt. If a person is unable to remove a 10 lb tree stand after a hunt how are they supposed to remove a 100lb+ deer after a harvest?

1. Tree stands on public property: This is a terrible idea. Please do not legalize this activity. Even though it is currently illegal, the woods are already littered with abandoned tree stands. In the instance that the individual did show up to hunt out of their stand, that person ABSOLUTELY would not shrug it off and go somewhere else - they would treat the stand as 'claiming their spot' and this will lead to conflicts in the woods. There is also no reasonable way to enforce the 1 stand/property rule. If NRP can't enforce the 'no treestands left in the woods at all' rule, there's no way they'll be able to enforce the 1 stand/property rule. This is a BAD, BAD idea. If you can't carry a stand into the woods, you can't get a deer out of the woods and shouldn't be putting yourself, or your quarry, in that position.2. Requiring crossbows to be uncocked: Please don't pass this rule. Many/most older and/or less expensive crossbows cannot be easily uncocked without firing a bolt. In order to comply with safety zone rules on public land, an individual has to 1. Carry a target with them into the woods to discharge the crossbow before returning to their vehicle, 2. Return to their vehicle then carry a target outside the safety zone to discharge the crossbow, or 3. Discharge their crossbow upon returning home. Unless you make an allowance for discharging a crossbow within a safety zone just for the purpose of de-cocking, this would disadvantage individuals who hunt public land with older or less expensive crossbow models. 3. Black bear agricultural damage permits: What really needs to happen is that farmers experiencing bear damage need to allow bear hunters to hunt on their property. I don't have any sympathy for these people who have ag damage problems but don't allow hunting on their property. Maybe the department could do a better job of connecting these farmers to licensed hunters? 4. Additional black bear hunting opportunities: I would love to see any and all of the options. Of the three options, I'd prefer option 3 the least. I like the timing of the bear season as it is now and I'd like to keep bear/deer hunters from stepping on each other's toes, especially with regards to baiting issues. I'd also love to see additional opportunities via additional permits - our success numbers have been consistently declining over the years and the population obviously can withstand some additional harvest. 5. Grouse and quail changes: Fine - the opportunity for these species is so diminished that I'm not sure if anything we do will really make a difference without significant habitat changes. The quail proposal covers that - I wish there was a way that we could get more grouse habitat back but I don't think that's possible in today's world.

Treestands on Public Land: As I read through the comments it seems more people are NOT for treestands being left on public land. This being said, I feel if this proposal goes through, we the hunting public have no voice. If let to go through, it feels a little political to me.  I am not in favor of the proposed regulation.  It seems now we will have to scout treestands more than deer.. I also read a comment the brought up a very valid point.  How do the land managers feel about this proposal? That would be interesting to know, but the previous comment got no response.

I would recommend increasing the bag limit for migratory geese to 2 birds per day. From my personal observations duck hunting there seems to be healthy population of these birds on the Eastern shore and less numbers of hunters targeting them because kf the reduced bag limit.  In addition, the reduced bag limit is adversely affecting guides who are likely losing business because hunters do not want to pay an outfitter to just have the opportunity to take one bird per day.  Please consider raising the bag limit for migratory geese to at least 2 birds per day.Thanks

Maryland DNR, WHS Staff, Please consider allowing a larger daily bag limit and possibly a larger possession limit on tree squirrels. These species have a high reproductive output - they have two litters per year and birth 3 or 4 per litter x times 2.  The current hunting season for this species is sufficiently long and it provides excellent opportunities for hunters to enjoy the outdoors across a large portion of the fall into the winter.  Squirrels are a largely under-hunted species, since most hunters pursue deer.  Hunters of all ages - think youth to elderly - and skill levels - novice to veteran - can currently pursue squirrels using a host of hunting implements, providing fantastic opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, learn or sharpen hunting skills, and utilize and or experience the challenge of trying new hunting implements.   Novice hunters can learn woodsmanship and skill building while experienced hunters can mentor during squirrel outings.  These outings are more physically active, and can be more exciting than waiting for a deer to happen by, and may help recruit new hunters or retain aging hunters.
The meat that squirrels provide is nutritious tablefare, and when a sufficient amount is prepared, can feed a household.   Unfortunately, the current limits restrict the take to 6 per day and 12 in possession.  Please consider increasing the bag limits - daily limit to 8, 10, or 12, and the possession limit to 18, 20, or 24.  These limits could be increased without ill effects on the resource.  You will find that the daily bag limit (as high as 12) and seasonal bag limits (as high as 30 or no limit) for some states exceed ours and their squirrel resources are thriving. Thank you for considering this proposal.- A lifelong Marylander and veteran hunter and Hunter Safety Instructor.

AGAINST LEAVING TREESTANDS: There is no need for this (i.e., hunters need to be physically strong to navigate woods and retrieve deer, numerous mobile hunting options already exist), and it will only lead to problems (i.e., forest litter, hunter confrontations, disruption of deer patterns).

Late muzzleloader season region a should allow for antlerless deer through out the season the same as the early season

POST DATE: 2/15/2022

I would like to see hunting allowed on Sundays in Charles Co. for deer season Fire arms and Muzzleloader. I live in St Mary's but hunting in Charles Co and only have the weekends to hunt because of work. This would allow hunters that work more time to hunt. Thank you for the letting us comment and to hear are voice.

1. for expansion of doe season in region a would like to be last fri/sat.2 100% against allowing tree stands to remain on public lands this is going to cause many problems with first come theory.3 decocking crossbows have never been a problem if bolt is not in it this would cause hunters to transport a target with them every time in woods, also the decocking bolts dont last and are expensive.

DNR allowing certain individuals, aka Deer Cooperators -- which, in itself is a laughable term -- to shoot deer at night is reprehensible. It's nothing more than legalized jacklighting. Admittedly, some night shooting of deer for safety purposes, like airports, or densely populated neighborhoods overrun with deer, is deemed acceptable and understandable. But to allow any other nighttime shooting of deer -- in the name of helping landowners curtail deer on their lands -- must be measured in terms of other State-authorized management tools, aka Deer Management Permits. Why allow some self-aggrieved landowner carte blanche -- true, permitted but still carte blanche if one reasonably looks at it -- authority to kill deer night and day all year 'round which is what the farming community wants. Fortunately nighttime shooting is limited to only 2 months at present (February 1 through March 31), but this is even wrong b/c these are publicly owned resources and not the property of any one individual. To expand authorized nighttime shooting for 3 months -- especially upping by 2 weeks the period from February 1 to January 15 -- adversely impacts bow hunters who are trying to tag an antlered deer before the close of season. We hear that legislation may be introduced in the 2022 Session to cap nighttime shooting -- other than for public safety purposes -- to only 2 months of the year. Not that this acceptable -- for 60 days permitted individuals can kill deer all day and all night?? -- but, a willing concession if duly scrutinized by DNR. Doesn't anyone really know the deer population is down by one-third?

Treestands on public has to be the worst idea since the floating bird sanctuary (aka unmarked navigational hazard) that was put up north of the bridge. Is this that girl who spends the whole work day on commenting on the Maryland Public land hunter facebook pages idea?
Put a ban on driving deer on public lands

I would like to voice opposition to the proposal to allow treestands to remain in place on public lands throughout the hunting seasons. First, I anticipate this will result in de facto ownership of hunting locations. Although the language in the proposal states otherwise, many hunters are only marginally aware of the specific language in the guide. If someone drives to public land to hunt in a stand that they placed at the start of the season (the only stand they are allowed to have out), and they arrive to find someone else hunting in close proximity there are likely to be conflicts. Some of these conflicts will require intervention by Natural Resources Police. While the NRP force is excellent, they are already spread very thin covering more serious issues.Second, this rule is likely to result in issues with theft and vandalism as private property will be left unattended on public lands. There may also be safety hazards if other users climb ladder stands left in place. This will further increase demand on our Natural Resources Police. (Related: is it even theft is private property is left unattended for months on public property? I can not think of other examples where this is permissible.)Moreover, I enjoying hunting (and other uses) of public lands specifically due to the minimal human footprint on those properties. From my perspective, treestands left scattered about on our public lands is tantamount to any other form of litter or debris, reducing the quality of outdoor experiences. It is unlikely that users will consistently remove their stands at the end of the season, particularly when stands are getting old and starting to deteriorate from being left out for months.I urge the Department of Natural Resources to withdraw this proposal, as it will increase conflicts between users, increase the burden on law enforcement, reduce the quality of outdoor experiences, and result in trash being left on public lands.

I would like to see opening up all counties public land to Sunday hunting throughout the deer and turkey seasons. Reason being most adults work 5-6 days a week and can only hunt at most one day out of the week. This additional day for hunting would alleviate the burden of the hunters and also allow more access to eligible hunting days.
Have the added doe day for region A on the last Friday instead of having the antlerless season come in for one Saturday and then go out until the last Saturday. This gives opportunities to those who can't hunt Saturdays.

I agree with the proposals regarding the new tree stand rules/laws.I think hunters should be allowed to leave stands up on public land. This would be amazing in my book and would help the older generations tremendously.

I would like to express my concern on the issue of leaving treestands up for the length of the season. Perhaps this can be limited to rifle season only? Maryland's season is nearly 6 months long! While it is true that several neighboring states allow this, even a cursory search of the various discussion websites where hunting etc is discussed demonstrate the kind of dangerous clashes between hunters that placing these stands can have. It is all well and good to say that placing a stand does not confer any sense of ownership of a particular tree on public land, but in practice, it can lead to a lot of conflict between anrgy and armed individuals. Right now in Maryland there is very little of that is MY spot and I would like to keep it that way. - I am concerned about older hunters, but there are other options... you could limit the right to leave stands hanging to those over 60 years old or with a documented issue from a physician. So consider my objection registered. IF, in the end, Maryland does allow this, I think there need to be very large signs in parking lots etc that make clear that your stand is not your spot and that harassing a fellow hunter for being in your spot can get you fined and suspended or something like that.

Tree Stands: I do not support allowing hunters to leave tree stands in place through out the hunting season. The stated rationale is that this is too burdensome and would hurt hunter recruitment efforts. I find this extremely unlikely. If it is too burdensome for someone to remove a 25 lb tree stand how are they going to remove a 200 lb buck? I seriously doubt that anyone has decided not to buy a hunting license because they didn't want to be bothered to remove a tree stand. The proposal also states that Placing a stand does not give the hunter sole use of the area. First come first served. However, I have already had conflicts with other hunters who have left stands in the woods illegally and then complained that I set up near where they left it. In other high pressure areas like Fishing Bay WMA other people have had conflicts from hunters laying claim to areas with nothing more than an owl-eye nailed to a tree.

Allowing hunters to leave their stand in the tree will give these bad apples more ammunition to try to intimidate other people weather it's legal or not. Additionally in some areas, especially in sika deer territory, there might only be a very limited number of acceptable trees to hang a stand in. If a hunter comes upon such an area and finds his favorite tree is occupied with a stand what are they supposed to do? Finally the proposal states Limit the practice to larger public properties or certain geographical areas. If the proposal goes through than yes it needs to be limited to only the very largest, and least pressured areas of public land in the state. Proposal: Require crossbows to be un-cocked when transported in a licensed vehicle. I strongly oppose this proposal. I would like to know which external stakeholders supported this. A gun control group? The rules already require crossbows to be unloaded. If an unloaded crossbow goes off it only going to damage itself. The proposal states that technology has made it easier to de-cock modern crossbows. However a) not everyone has an ultra-modern crossbow with a decocking device (me!) and b) the same technology improvements have led to almost every crossbow having anti-dry fire triggers that prevent in from firing when unloaded.

This regulation would do nothing to improve public safety and seems designed to satisfy the agenda of a gun control group or to just give another thing to write people tickets for. I support adding an extra antlerless gun season day in region A.
Sell black bear permits to be used during any season. Bow , muzzle loader or riffle season . Sell the permits for $50 or $100 with a bag limit of 1 per year. Even put a quota number out if needed..

Here some suggestions I would like to see . 1) Sunday hunting in all counties from the beginning of hunting season to the end. It helps the economy in all counties and the state while giving hunters who most work 5 days a week more time in the woods without sacrificing there work schedule. It makes NO sense to have some Sunday's open but not all.2) Better access and availability for handicap hunters to public land. I only have one lung and not being able to access the property because I can't walk long distances and have no means of removing a deer once it's been harvested is unfair to those of use who are handicapped.3) limited the number of out of state hunting permits. Maryland hunters are being over run by out of state hunters.

Most states have limited hunting permits and draws for out of state hunters and that seems to work well. 4) Need stiffer laws for trespassers. Most trespassers know there is very limited actions taken against them so they continue to do break the law . This year I had 5 different trespassers on my private property and most where locals . I think if they get some jail time they might start to think twice before stepping on someone's land without permission

Pertaining to leaving stands in the woods on WMA's and State Forests: I've been hunting public property the past 45 years and believe leaving stands in the woods from mid September to mid February will present problems and create serious liability issues to individuals and the State as follows:1. Assuming this addresses mostly ladder stands, (don't see hunters leaving a $300+ climbing stand in the woods), there is potential for unsafe use, damage to the stand, or even a hiker deciding to climb, resulting in 2. A much as you state the stands will basically be 'first come first serve' some stand owners will not be happy if someone else is in their stand…..potential for conflict. 3. Hunters are generally in shape so carrying a portable stand (climber) should not be an issue. Older hunters usually ground huntI would like to see Sunday hunting statewide in State Parks and WMA's

Another proposal that there be a Sika deer stamp that has to be purchased by non-resident hunters since a lot of non-residents are coming to countries like Dorchester country just to hunt Sika deer and overwhelming our public lands. This would bring in extra revenue from outside the state.

No leaving of treestands on public land. Close the Quail season. I think farmers should not be able to have basically an open ended crop damage shooting for both bear and deer. The so called poor farmers are as bad as the so called poor waterman. I live in Carroll county and there is a major farm operation that farms most the county the amount of deer they kill and leave lay in the name of crop damage is sickening. No crop damage permits period!

Tree stands on public land: I don't think it's a good idea. Just look at black water. They've been there tired it. People can't follow the rules for it. Or be respectful guys think the own the woods when they put a stand up. I say no. However, I understand the argument made for the older hunter. So if that's truly the goal then why not make a free permit for the senior hunters. That become available to them when they hit the age same way on compass with the senior license. That way you can track it and make it easier for NRP to enforce. Black bear:Season definitely need to be longer. Personally I'd like the see the season earlier. I see way more bear early October. However out of the options given. A combination of 1&2 creating a Saturday-

Saturday season for black bear would be best. A lot of people can't take off Monday through Friday to hunt bear. Sat-sat would give a 3 days to hunt for the people who can't hunt during the week. Cross bows: 100% cross bows absolutely should uncocked in the vehicle. It's a safety issue and enforcement issue.

I'm against the tree stand proposal on public land. It will create confrontations between hunters and litter up the woods. As far as crop damage for deer, I think it's contributed to a decline in numbers in my area at least. Maybe consider less of that on areas adjacent to large tracks of public landAnd crossbows should definitely have to be uncocked in a vehicle. Furthermore crossbows should be limited to a shorter season, instead of all bow season. I believe they have contributed to declining deer numbers as well.Perhaps the state could add a simple question for license purchases at time of sale. Asking weather they feel the deer herd is increasing, decreasing, or stable. I bet 75% or better would say decreasing. Just my 2 cents

I would highly recommend that you do not allow tree stands to be permanently left on public hunting land throughout the season. If someone sets up a portable stand 10 yards away from an empty permanent stand and the owner of the permanent stand comes in, what do you think will happen? The permanent owner cannot go anywhere else so are they supposed to not hunt that day and leave the woods? Do they go into the stand and sit 10 yards away from someone and shoot at the same deer? Do they get into a fight? In addition, are you allowed to sit in someone else's stand? What happens if someone is injured on someone else's stand? How is someone not able to bring a stand but can carry out a deer and load it in the truck? Is someone who is not able to carry a stand capable of climbing up the ladder in a safe manner? If they can put the stand up before the season why can't they do it each time they want to hunt?

I would like to see fox season extended till March and sunday's most land owners won't let you hunt till after deer season which gives you 2 weeks

Tree stand proposal: Absolutely no. People will leave their tree stands in a spot and claim thats my spot I left my stuff there. Instead of citing people for tree stands, DNR will be called for fights. I understand about the aging hunters. But 1) they still have to carry their deer out and 2) many of them I've seen using a rolling cart to carry their stuff in and out of the woods and 3) as an alternative assign some fixed handicapped zones. Hunters who need handicap access can use these or leave there stands there. Also, allow baiting in handicap areas.

Deer cooperator permit proposal: thumbs upCrossbow proposal: thumbs up. Thought this was already the rule. Deer proposal: thumbs up. really you should extend the bow season to August - March. others: no comment.

Maryland should consider an antler size restriction similar to Texas game laws, to allow better growth for younger whitetail bucks. Also Sunday hunts should be permitted all season on private lands. Late firearm season should be extended into a week versus the current.

No temporarily permanent tree stands. People just leave them especially because it is public. They are not putting out stuff they care about. Only junk. I think this would also present safety issues or even sabotage of stands. This will cause more bad than good. There will be fights and everything else. Hunters have hard enough time getting along now.... now introduce someone sitting in someone else's stand.... horrible idea. There will we fights and vandalism

Black bear season extension - as someone that has won a black bear permit and was forced to take off work and also hunt a shortened season without success, adding the Saturday and Sunday before the normal season is a great idea. It would give hunters a much better opportunity to hunt this species which has a stable population in western MD. The weekend before the current season gives deer hunters that win Black Bear permits a real opportunity to hunt Black Bear, whereas the weekend following the current season may cause conflicts for deer hunters that would be using that time to hunt, scout, prepare for the rut which would be ramping up at that time. Additional antlerless day in Region A - Given stable populations, this is another good idea since there is limited opportunity to hunt antlerless deer in Region A during the firearms season. Private land hunters should have the opportunity for an extra day as well as public land hunters, so thee last Thursday of the two-week season on private land and the last Friday of the two-week season on public land is ideal.Given the availability of packable ground blinds, saddles, etc. I do not think tree stands need to be allowed to stay on public lands throughout the season. Allowing stands to be put up the night before or for a 48 hour period would be better.

I have two proposals for the upcoming 2022-2023 hunting regulations. I will try to be brief. First, I would like to propose an archery only black bear season during the last week of September. This season should have its own license quota and drawing. Bears due heavy damage to agricultural crops during late summer and early fall, but move to alternate food sources and different areas after the crops are harvested. Each year I observe several black bears while bow hunting for deer in Washington Co. before the corn crop is harvested on our property. But the corn (and bears) are gone by the time the regular bear season opens in late October, offering little chance to kill one. Also, I propose that the Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp would be allowed to tag a second buck in Region A with the same weapon used to take the first antlered deer (either archery or muzzleloader) during the late seasons if no other antlered deer were taken during rifle deer season.The bag limit still remaining at two. Currently only an antlerless deer may be taken even though the antlered limit has not been reached.
i have taught md outdoor education for 40 years and i have never heard of a cocked crossbow injuring someone while being transported in a vehicle. is this proposal based on history or by anti's chipping away at hunting? uncocking crossbows after hunting would usually happen back at their vehicle. around other vehicle/s and people rather than back at their homes in safe enviorement.

Lately the out of state hunter numbers have increased dramatically. As I do support the opportunity for anybody to hunt the great wildlife of Maryland, I do believe their needs to be more of a draw only status for out of state hunters. Many if not most states have draw only for their wildlife. Maryland sika deer are being targeted by more and more out of state hunters every year and since the type of sika deer Maryland has are only found in a limited amount of places it has become a huge attraction for many out of state hunters which will cause a significant decline in the population of this rare species.

Not a fan of allowing treestands on public land. This will cause more harm then good. Not only damage to trees but to people claiming areas of their own and ruining other peoples hunts. Dnr does not have the man power to control how many stands people are even putting up. Keep it as it is.
Leaving stands on the larger tracts of public land might work if other hunters are respectful but I believe it will cause too many conflicts on the smaller properties.Many hunters on public ground already have no regard for other hunters and having a stand in place for the season will make them feel like they own that spot.

1.) Agree with tree stands on state land proposal2.) Agree with adding the Saturday following the Mon-Fri bear season3.) Agree with adding the Thursday (private) and Friday(public) to region A antlerless firearms season

Open Sunday Hunting on all lands in all County's.No deer drives on public land for early muzzle loader and the first week of firearms season.Reduce Sika bag limits. Sika deer tags for maintenance on lands with sika mostly Dorchester and Wicomico County's. Open all Chesapeake lands to public hunting. No leasing property that we all paid for.

I would like to see the fox season extended by a week or two. A lot of land owners do not want fox hunters hunting during the waterfowl season or deer season. It leaves us fox hunters with only two weeks to be able to hunt private land.
The proposed changes to the DCP program are a step in the right direction, however the timeline should be extended through August 1. Deer are most actively damaging crops when they first emerge. Soybeans and corn are not planted or emerging before the 15 April proposed end date. Farmer/Landowner DMP holders, operating on their own land, should be allowed to shoot 24 hours as well.

On the proposal of leaving a portable stand on public grounds during the deer hunting season would be GREATLY APPRECIATED, as my Uncle and his fellow friends are getting older and placid g and removing there stands on a daily basis deters them from joining me on a hunt. Also, tagging the stands is a great idea with DNR ID, so that those who leave them up prior or past the allowed time frame would be held accountable for not following the rules. Secondly, the Black Bear Seaon should be readjusted as having the Season during weekdays makes it difficult for those who have the Monday through Friday jobs and has limited me in the past to accept invites because my job doesnt allow the time to get out, which I'm sure is the case for many others.

Also To have two separate weeks to be able to harvest a Bear would be nice as we all know weather can play a major role in wildlife movement. So I am all for A Mon. through Sun. after early Muzzloader as well as the second week Mon through Sun during the second week of Rifle Season. Thirdly, Thursday through Saturday for late rifle Doe season in Region A would be greatly beneficial and hope it would give hunters a better opportunity to fill their tag. Personally, and unfortunately I've been burnt on this two day season the last few years and would GREATLY APPRECIATE the added opportunity.

Allow more antlerless harvest in Region A. More time to hunt does in rifle and muzzleloader season. Bear permit should only be for MD residents. Have a week or two for early muzzleloader.

Have seasons were you can kill a buck or doe. Listen to hunters instead of giving the special interest groups all the say. Hunting is not all about big big bucks lots of people hunt for food so allow us to do that.

Migratory canadian goose limit has to be changed to 2 birds per person. 1 bird a day just is not enough. We are one of the only places that only allows us to kill one. Money is flying out the door for MD DNR because everyone who goose hunts has just given up and is paying guides out west to go shoot geese. Look at the number of people who went on a guided goose hunt in Maryland this year. It's slim. Put money back into Marylanders pockets, not people out west! Make the change!

I can't help but read all of these comments in support of a shorter grouse season and wonder how many of these people actually hunt grouse. Again as a 10+ year grouse hunter shortening the season in January is not the answer. We need more habitat plain and simple. Don't shorten our season at a time when we can safely hunt without gun and muzzleloader hunters in the woods.

Also please do not make this decision on comments purely from non-grouse hunters and shear numbers of support. This proposal in no way will help grouse numbers.
Though grouse populations are declining, that doesn't stop us from spending time in the woods enjoying more than just the harvest aspect of hunting. Fall grouse hunting is nice, but can often be disrupted with all the other hunting seasons open during the fall. The nice thing about January is that most other seasons have wrapped up and we can walk more freely in the woods without disrupting someone else's hunt. I am all for taking action to increase grouse population, but how about we start with campaigning for more timber harvesting. Your idea sounds like an alternative solution to an obvious problem. The lack of timber harvesting is the major reason for grouse decline. I find the general public has an extremely warped view of the logging industry and what it provides. Spend your time and energy educating the public on what diverse forests look like, the important role young forests play in ecosystems, why timber harvesting is needed to take the place of forest fires that nature used to provide, how a basic food chain works (it's not all about the cute furry animals), how many jobs are provided in the timber industry, and most importantly, the public needs to know how important hunters are to maintaining healthy forests(providing data, knowledge accumulated from years in the woods, and $$$ to both local, state, and federal economies). Other than your emails that go out to hunters who already know this information, I don't see any of that type of public education being presented.

If we continue to rely on politicians to save our outdoor sporting lifestyle as we know it, without putting any pressure on them, we all know how that's going to end. Your office should be in Annapolis, not Cambridge. Anyone who doubts what I said here, look and see how many acres have been logged in Savage State Forest the past few years and longer. When you do, keep in mind that is a 50,000+ acre forest. Then you'll know why the grouse population is declining. Taking the month of January away is just going to allow for less and less folks to become interested in the sport of grouse hunting leading to less and less folks even caring. And that's how you kill a once thriving sport.

I do not agree with tree stands to be left up all season on public lands especially if the reason is some hunters are not able to put up and take down a tree stand. Hu ting is a physical sport, not everyone is able to participate everywhere. If the department wants to accommodate those who aren't as able as others the. They should explore options where stands are provided in a hunt area. Also, placing more burden on the states NRP police to regulate this when resources are limited takes away their services to the citizens of the state. It also places Officer in danger with the obligation to remove stands that may be unsafe. Allowing the take of deer at night and later in the spring is not a solution for landowners who refuse to allow hunting or only limited hunting on their property. If the problem is that much of a concern landowners should have to hire professionals from the department or USDA to address the problem. There is a reason shooting deer at night is prohibited in the first place.The department should retire the special sea duck zone. If the sea duck season is retired and population is of concern, eliminating the zone give sea ducks some areas of refuge during high pressure.

Tree stands on public land is a terrible idea! I strongly feel that it has opportunity to turn hunters against hunters. At this time with lower hunter numbers every year, why do we want to drive more hunters out of the woods? Being a public land hunter for 25 years this is the last thing I feel we, the hunters, and they, the land managers, should have to deal with. I also feel that the managers of said public land, if asked, would highly oppose this measure. Have they been asked? If so, what were the results? Thank you for this opportunity.

Regarding the proposal to shorten the Grouse season, by eliminating hunting in January. I have been grouse hunting in the western counties for the last 25 years and have had a personal experience similar to what the data shows in the declining numbers of birds. The last three seasons have only gone out a couple times. I would agree with the proposal if it could have a positive impact on numbers, as the PA data showed. Would rather have a shortened season than none at all. Wouldn't want the Grouse population to be as bleak as the Quail are.

Highly recommend non resident sika deer draw system.

Concerns about proposed hunting regulations;TREE STANDS- I am reluctant to approve in the present form. Unfortunately, I can see arguments between people with guns as it is first come .DEER COOPERATOR PERMITS- why are we allowing deer to be taken off season for the sake of control when these same pro[erty owners/farmers either don't allow legal hunting permission or lease hunting riights. They are double dipping.CROSSBOWS- I question how many incidents have occurred with cocked crossbows? In my case and many others, I get to my stand after parking my truck via 4x4 or electric bike. I cock my crossbow at my truck and drive to my stand on 4x4 or bike. Am I illegal?BLACK BEAAR- just open more season instead of giving special permits. But monitor it so that we keep a healthy population of bear.QUAIL AND GROUSE- if they are in trouble of declining population, JUST CLOSE THE SEASONS!
Well finally mismanagement has lost some deer hunters! I've been screaming in a vacuum for yrs. To allow unlimited does, w/ rewards on top = an oncoming train crash. Now your $'s will hurt = maybe pay attention. Cut # antlerless from unlimited (you got that message) to 3 = still 1 or 2 too many!!! --- another blood condition hit & some herds won't attract hunters for yrs.Sure = raise fees & anger even more hunters.

I believe it's a good idea to allow hunters to leave their stand out all season. However if I do it, I'll be chaining it to the tree so nobody can steal it, therefore no one could use it but me. Stupid idea to have to uncock your crossbow mine can only be uncocked by shooting it, and I would have to have something to shoot it into so I could retrieve my bolt, and that would probably be considered practicing which is not legal everywhere. The one thing I would like to see changed, is to allow one buck in each season in region A, or buy a buck stamp to get your third. If you harvest a buck in both bow and muzzleloader season you can't even hunt rifle season! (ridculous)! If you are worried about the deer kill number being to high, go after the people who hunt illegally. I have been hunting in Garrett State Forest near Herrington Manor since 1975 and have never seen a game warden in the woods.

I believe that electric bikes should be allowed for senior citizens or handicapped people for hunting. For region A I would like to see a buck taken in each of the three seasons or buy an extra buck stamp if you got one in bow and muzzleloader so you could still hunt rifle season
Many western states have a draw system for big game licenses, resident and non resident alike. Since sikas are unique to Maryland with a population also in Virginia I think it would be advantageous from a financial as well as herd management standpoint to have a draw system for non resident hunting of sika deer.

I would like to see a reduction in the amount of antlered deer or bucks allowed to be taken each year per hunter. Consider a max of 2 per hunter and let the hunter choose what weapon type to take them. Example. 1 bow 1 muzzleloader. 1 muzzleloader 1 rifle. 2 bow. 2 muzzleloader. Etc. Max of 2. Period. And a max of 6 antlerless or does per hunter per year.

Black bear: Add bow hunt lottery last week of September . Keep the October lottery the same.Black bear crop damage permits YesTree Stands No do not allow them to be up all season. It is going to cause major problems during the hunting season.NO to additional anterless deer in region A, we see very few anterless deer as it is. Ruffed Grouse: agree with proposalSika deer should be no more than 2 branch antlered deer .

It would be a horrible idea to allow stands to stay up all season. I see plenty of stands now that say up all year. I think the rule should stay in place and actually be enforced. I wouldn't mind seeing the buck tags cut back to 1 plus a bonus also cutting back out of state buck tags to 1. It's not right for out of state people to have as many tags as residents.

Please consider expanding sunday archery hunt days in lower eastern shore counties. There is no good reason to limit archery on private lands,esoecially november 20th. All sundays in october and november should be open for private land archery hunters at a minimum. Somerset and wicomico which are now home to sika deer, should enjoy the same hunting season priveleges as nearby dorchester county. Additionally, please take note of the successes achieved by states that have reduced buck limits. Ohio and recent world record indiana both support one buck limits. My recommendation as a wildlife management professional is to reduce the non-resident buck limit to one and increase the bonus buck tag price significantly. Lastly, the state must fix the land lease system to ensure that local maryland citizens are prioritized in the lottery and they are able to retain those leases while also effectively advertising openings in their hunt clubs. Sunday hunting should also be explicitly allowed on these state leased lands. Non-resident hunter should not be allowed to hold these state leases, and instead should pursue private leases or outfitter sponsored hunts. All of these recommendations will dorectly benefit the hunters of maryland while boosting the local economies.
Md state wildlife regulations need to include farmers ability/right to protect their property(field crops).Proposals to allow night time hunting thru the growing season (spring and summer) can allow the crops a head start so not to let wildlife destroy the crop. Maryland farmers are losing millions of dollars each year to wildlife damage. Imagine the benefit to the states economy if those millions were to be spent in the form of salaries for farmers or their employees.
please allow hunting on Sundays

In over crowded places - leaving a tree stand up throughout the season may increase altercations between some hunters - especially as 'drives' are increasingly occurring in large public land hunting areas. Concur with shorting seasons for quail hunting across the board. Further, I would recommend decreasing bag limits for non-resident hunters. Maryland's resources are a limited commodity. I'm sure if you ask any resident Maryland hunter they will speak of the many frustrations occurring with non-resident hunters on public land. Oftentimes it is the non-resident hunters observed violating hunting policies (such as conducting drives, or other un-safe activity).

How come Sunday hunting is not open for public land in Baltimore, and Carroll county? People that work and can't always get off on Saturday or throughout the week barely get a chance to get out and hunt. I think Sunday hunts should be available for all county's on private and public land. It doesn't have to be every Sunday but a couple Sundays throughout the season would go a long way. This also would help people that don't have Private land to hunt Public on Sundays. Please consider Sunday hunts for public land in Baltimore and Carroll county. The Department does not have the authority to authorize additional Sunday hunting opportunities. We may only open those Sundays that are authorized by the legislature. If you are interested in expanding Sunday hunting opportunities, please reach out to your local legislative representative.

Tree stands, ladders or blinds should only be placed 12 hours prior to hunting and left for no more than 48 hours. When leaving the stand up for the entire season this tells someone they have exclusive rights to hunt there. This is public land and no one should have the exclusive right to hunt there.

I believe that the 6' barrel and 700 ft lbs Muzzle energy requirements for handgun hunting should be removed, you've set a precedent with the Air Gun Muzzle Energy requirement being substantially lower compared to Handguns. Also, I believe that Subsonic Centerfire rounds should be legal to hunt with now in conjunction with Suppressors, since many manufacturers are making expandable bullets that operate and expand via hydraulic pressure from flesh and tissue. The minimum caliber should be 30 Cal. Make it a permit. Shooter has to meet marksmanship requirements with the rifle they intend to hunt with. Applicant pays all necessary fee's to the Dept. of Natural Resources.

Let's open up Sunday deer 🦌 hunting in every county in Maryland on private property Let's allow us 🇺🇸 hunters the opportunity as CARROLL COUNTY land owners pay their property taxes we and they would appreciate the same

The treestand proposal would lead to various forms of conflict and undesired behaviors. In addition resolving these conflicts is going to take effort, time and money that may not be available. I am against this proposal as the benefits do not out weigh the problems generated. Others solutions could be adopted for those hunters in need of assistance.

So your telling me that a farmers want an extended season on crop damage permits, A Little know fact,deer do not have antlers after February ish, correct,at night ,how are farmers to tell the difference, they shoot whatever is in there fields, correct,and there is zero way to regulate them,except for there honor,correct, and they get insurance payments for crop loss,and they get to kill basically all they want.Please do not extend there season,if anything eliminate it completely,and maybe change there doe bag limits on these properties,most of these farmers have hunters hunting them and not taking does.Please do not extend the crop damage season,if anything reduce it or eliminate, thank you.

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I support the proposed change to the ruffed grouse season. I am an avid upland hunter and own bird dogs. It is a shame the numbers have gotten so low, so it's time to try something other than what is going on. I would like to add that perhaps the state could Increase the pheasant stocking program in the western half of the state in particular. We don't have other upland birds to hunt other than ruffed grouse and the occasional woodcock. Woodcock tend to migrate quickly when winter happens on time and often they are about gone close to when their season comes in. The pheasant have allowed my poor old bird dogs that find very few grouse these days to have some glory. It's huge. I would like to suggest that perhaps a pheasant stamp could be purchased to support this program and I believe many other upland hunters would be happy to as well. Perhaps it could be patterned after what PA does, and there could be several stockings….In theory, this would take a whole lot more pressure off the ruffed grouse and allow a more speedy recovery (hopefully).I personally would be happy to pay a solid fee for an enhanced program!

I am very opposed to the proposal of allowing tree stands to remain in place for the season.I believe it will only open the door to conflicts in the field. Time to face reality. People don't seem to play as nice as they did in the past

No night time crop damage hunting you keep lowering bag limits on bucks now and then you want to let them shoot at night they not gonna care if it's a buck there gonna shoot it. To many bucks being shot not and not being checked in with this way of checking game in
tree stands: absolutely not, people already do it and then think it is their spot , argue about it, get violent about it , or short stand you and ruin your hunt out of anger. Happens all the time because that is the only stand they have and the only place they know how to get into and out of. You are going to welcome that mentality to every piece of public land out there.

You are only doing this because you don't want to or have the resources to do your job dealing with the complaints levied or go out and patrol game lands. With this you can justify this. BS on the rational, I will specifically avoid hunting public and already do on some tracts because of this my spot mentality with stands. Blackwater is a crap show due to these left in stands.

You don't enforce the law as it is you really going to try and figure out who owns what stand and how many, please! Same with the rest of the listed considerations.crossbows un-cocked when in a vehicle: Is this a solution looking for a problem? how many accidental discharges have you heard of? Please spend your time doing something useful instead of making crap up. External stakeholders, who Horsey Karen ? So there is an unsuspecting passenger that is sitting next to a crossbow that is cocked and they don't know it and/or haven't been advised by the driver or owner. You can't legislate to fix stupid. Someone gets injured they can take it up with the xbow owner and vehicle owner and sue or whatever. We don't need another unenforceable feel good law. And if you haven't figured it out not every xbow can be de-cocked by any other method than shooting it, not everybody has the funds or is willing to spend $1,000-$2,000 on a cross bow so they can simply unwind it to de-cock it.

WOW...just WOW! The anti's should have a field day with some of these comments. Where are, or what happened to the SPORTSMEN? Based on some of the comments it would appear that today's hunters are nothing but lazy slobs and thieves! Who were the mentors of these individuals, and more importantly, what are each of you going to do to better our hunting way of life!
Please STOP ALL SUNDAY HUNTING! My family recently started hiking this past Fall and we were shocked to be confronted by hunters telling us to get out of the woods. My children are in school all week long and only have the weekends to enjoy all the beautiful parks. If hunters can hunt on Saturdays, people who don't hunt should have Sundays free of the fear of being shot or harassed by hunters.

I am opposed to leaving tree stands on public property for the season. I would like to see the sika bag limit reduced to 2 stags and 2 hinds per season total, hunters choice on which season they are taken. I would also support having a requirement for nonresident hunters to purchase sika and turkey tags in addition to their license. I'm also opposed to the night time deer hunts. I do not hunt bears and might only hunt waterfowl once or twice per season, no comments on those issues. Thanks

I am opposed to tree stands being left in place on public land throughout the season. Many public land tracts in MD are small and hunters will be limited if others have claimed trees by installing stands for the entire season. It will also likely lead to hunter conflicts and unnecessary litter in the woods as some of these stands will likely be abandoned and left in place for many years. I am also opposed to crossbows having to be decocked prior to transport in vehicle. The majority of crossbows in use today do not have the newer decocking features and this would create a burden on hunters if they are forced to shoot their crossbows after every hunt, and it would likely create a real safety issue with all those extra shots being fired. Does DNR have any data indicating that there have been incidents of cocked crossbows leading to injury in vehicles? I have never heard of such an incident, and to me this this sounds like a regulation for the simple sake of making more regulations.

We need the opportunity to harvest more bucks. As a farmer and landowner with over 1000 Acres in Montgomery County we see that we are close to being backwards on our buck to doe Ratio. We have way to many bucks mostly small racked ones that will never grow up to be a trueShooter buck. These small bucks eat almost as much and are the main reason for our crop damage.However with licensed hunters and crop damage permits we are not allowed to control that part of thePopulation. We need help

Do not allow permanent tree stands on public land. Hunters will abuse this and stake claim to a tree for the season. This will lead to conflict among hunters and leave open the chance of treestand tampering by someone others than the stand owner

Can you please change deer regulations to read that no more than 2 bucks can be taken in zone A during the year. This can include your bonus buck if only 1 buck was previously taken in zone A. We hunt both areas and are not allowed to hunt rifle season if we shoot 2 previously in B. Doesn't seem like the true goal. Also limits our family hunting on our own property in A
I'm opposed to leaving stands/blinds on public properties. No need to let people claim a spot or have junk rotting on public ground. There will be problems when people show up at their stand and it has somebody else in it.

NO to treestands left on public lands. The State does not have the resources to monitor number or conditions of stands. Inevitably people will leave rusting, dilapidated stands in the woods. These will be eyesores and deathtraps for both the hunting and non-hunting public. NO to Crossbow uncocking. I hunt in an urban setting and try to get in and out drawing minimal attention. Terrain / soil is very rocky so shooting into the ground is impractical. I would have to bring a butt and shoot after dark vs. placing an unloaded weapon, pointed in a safe direction, in my vehicle and discharge in my well lit safe backdrop at home.

My largest concern with the proposals is the change in rules for treestands being left on public lands overnight and throughout the season. This seems to me like it will be far more headache than it is worth for both the public land hunters leaving the stands and for those taking in their own stands in daily.. Not to mention for law enforcement that will be forced to mediate through conflicts. My main concern is areas such as sika deer territory where trees are very limited due to the marsh and salt water intrusion/rising levels killing off trees at a rapid rate. These areas are also subject to a very dense hunter population with the popularity of hunting sika deer and are already regularly seeing conflict between hunters not respecting eachother and not giving eachother space regardless of first come first serve. I can only imagine how chaotic it would become should someone have a stand already placed in the marsh.

While the proposal does state the stand left on the property would not grant anyone rights to hunt it and first come first served would apply, it would cause conflicts. Hypothetically hunter A wakes up early with all intent to be first to his spot. He arrives to see a stand in the tree he wishes to hunt that was left by Hunter B. Hunter A has 2 options, either vacate his choice to hunt this tree, thus giving Hunter B the advantage that he in fact did reserve a spot and prevent others from hunting there.. or option 2 - Hunter A can choose to hunt in Hunter B's treestand - being per the proposal Hunter B has no claim to the area and first come first serve still applies this should be ok - but now Hunter A has to put his life in trusting Hunter B's equipment. For safety purposes this cannot be accepted to be standard. Second dillema comes when Hunter B comes in late - to see Hunter A sitting in the treestand that he put up. If you think for a second that Hunter B will not feel some sort of entitlement to hunt that stand you are severely mistaken, and conflict will ensue.. with 2 individuals who have weapons. Our society struggles in situations such as these and there are many cases like the 2 duck hunters in Reelfoot lake that were murdered over a similar conflict. While I hope nothing of the like would never happen in Maryland, it is a potential and one we need to be mindful of. Why would you create a rule that will undoubtedly cause conflict between hunters.

You state in the proposal that other areas and neighboring states allow stands to be left without conflict - what was the reasoning for Blackwater NWR changing their rule to no longer allowing stands on their properties? Because it was not working very well at all and conflict was unavoidable with the rise in hunter numbers.

I personally support the amendment for treestands being left on public land. As an exclusive public land hunter not being able to use a motorized vehicle is already a handcuff in trying to access somewhat remote terrain. In Maryland I am a firm believer a treestand is your best shot at tagging a whitetail. A stand that is semi permanent is a much safer and viable solution then lugging 20 extra pounds across sometimes miles of terrain and then having to climb up on top of that. There are way more chances for injury every time you climb up a tree in a climbing treestand than there are in a ladder stand that you have been given time to adequately secure. I am in support of this resolution and hope it passes as I believe it would make the wood safer and increased hunter participation as well. Especially on them cold January morning when we are all just about burned out. Thank you for taking your time to read my comment

I would approve of leaving 1 stand on public lands. As I age it is getting harder, and frankly somewhat dangerous, to carry a stand in and out daily.

Tree stands - I don't think that's a good. It's only going to cause more problems. Deer Coopertator - I don't agree with that either. If they want more Deer harvested then they can invite more hunters to hunt the deer on their property during the season. Cross Bows - I agree with the proposal.Black bear management option - Agreed.Bob white Quail - I agree with the proposalSea Duck zone - I see no problem with this proposal.Black Bear season - It ought to be a combination of 1 and 2. Making it a Saturday - Saturday season. Give the people who cannot get off during the week will have at least some opportunity to hunt. Ruffed Grouse - I agree with the proposal.White tail doe day - I see no problem with that proposal

Comment 1. I am against the proposal allowing tree stands to be left on Public property. . Allowing the stands to remain all season not only creates a feeling to other hunters that the area this stand is located is already taken and most hunters will be reluctant to hunt near it or to hunt someone else's stand. Even though the regulation basically grants the right to hunt that stand on a first come first served basis, I can bet the person who went through the trouble to lug that climber or worse yet that ladder stand in and set it up is not going to be very accommodating when they hike in and find another hunter sitting in it. I also foresee dangers with someone attempting to use a another hunters climbing stand and not being familiar with it. Although I would bet most climbing stands will have a lock preventing theft and rendering the stand useable without the key.I agree with the need to get older hunters an advantage to make hunting large public hunting areas less taxing but being that I am 68 and in that older category I can tell you the biggest hardship and my reluctance to hunting large terrain challenging public areas is not carrying my portable climbing stand but the challenge of getting a deer out once I harvest it.2. Requirement to de-cock crossbow before transporting in vehicle. I agree this is a safety procedure that all crossbow hunters should adhere too.But I don't believe there's is a need to make this a regulation/law with a violation punishable by a fine. I would rather the focus be more on increased education such as has been and is being done with tree stand safety.3. I agree to the proposal to add an additional Antlerless day to the

Firearms season in Region A, agree with Thursday,along with the current Friday and Saturday to the last week. I would propose this change should be the same for the Public hunting property as well. I agree the bag limit in Region A, should remain unchanged.

I am opposed to the proposal to allow hunters to leave stands in hunting areas for the duration of the season. Despite the fact that the presentation points out this being legal in several other states, this will create a lot of potential conflict and issues on public lands. Although the letter of the law may say that hanging a stand does not entitle a person to claim a spot, in practice this is what will happen. These are known and common issues in the states named in the presentation where this practice is allowed. Also as a practical matter, there is not enough man power in the DNR to enforce and deal with these issues to begin with. I recommend either not moving forward with this proposal or only allowing it private lands. As a public lands hunter, I feel this proposal would in the long run have a negative and opposite effect on hunter recruitment and the goal of democratizing public land access.

I am a rabbit hunter that works a lot of six day weeks. I think hunting should be hunting allowed on Sundays state wide. It is only allowed in about four counties in Maryland. Maryland is one of the only states that doesn't allow Sunday hunting statewide.A lot of hunters can't hunt like we would like due to this.

Amending regulations to allow tree stands to be left in place throughout deer hunting season on wildlife management areas and state forests would not be a good change. If aging hunters are burdened and discourages from hunting due to removing their tree stand, it may be time for them to stop hunting and allow other hunters the opportunity to hunt. Additionally, if removing a tree stand is burdensome, imagine how burdensome it will be for them to remove a harvested deer.Allowing hunters to leave their tree stands in place will lead to many issues, mainly territorial disputes. While the proposed amendment addresses '…temporary ownership of a hunt location or give priority to the stand's owner to a hunt location' nothing prevents this or disputes from happening. Unfortunately, there is a risk disputes over perceived ownership or priority to a hunt location could become physical. There are surely better ways to promote hunter recruitment, retention, and reactivation than allowing tree stands to be left in place. One possibility is to increase hunting opportunities, as other commenters have noted by opening Sunday hunting. While the Department does not have the authority to allow Sunday hunting, surely the Legislature consults with the Department for ideas on wildlife management. As a suggestion, the Department could note many hunters would enjoy access to hunting Sundays on private and public land, in addition to hunters writing their respective legislature.

I am against leaving tree stands on public land. Dorchester County is a great example, it is littered with useless old stands that are rusted out and an eyesore. I also favor reducing the sika bag limit on public lands. They have been way over harvested in recent years in my opinion. Obviously this is different on private ag properties. DNR could make additional antler less permits available to the private land guys. I would also favor reducing the antlered sika harvest to no more than two per the whole season and limiting hunter access(especially for out of state hunters on public land).

1. Provide over the counter bear tags to residents in the approved management zones and adjust the # of lottery tags. 2. Do not allow individual stands to be left on public lands. Create a public land stamp to fund building designated stands for public use on a controlled basis. A lot safer. Doesn't have to be every public area. Start with a few.3. Expand Sunday hunting statewide..stop nickeling and diming county by county..it is taking DNR financial resources away from other areas. LIcense fee hasn't been increased since 1980's. How can DNR do anything other than keep providing us fewer services and opportunities. It is time to realize the reality of the situation. I was on the Stakeholder call and kept thinking that it was another WAC meeting overshadowing the general participants.4. Stop talking about night hunting for Agriculture. It is a horrible idea that is not in the best interest of the general public. Expand deer harvest by providing a lot more firearm days that coincide with Archery. This will allow more harvest and provide additional recruitment opportunities. How does archery get the most and best hunting days? Everyone knows its bow politics...but, it is not DNR's role to choose one user group over another unless there is a real management related reason. That excuse for deer is way gone. I bow hunt. My 3 kids lost interest because firearm is always a full moon and boring increase harvest opportunities..pretty easy.Wildlife and Heritage does a good job. The hunting community is becoming more divided because of individual politics getting what they want.

I would like to request change to the regulation forbidding ladder stands on Public Hunting Areas/ State Land. I believe that the original reason for this regulation was to forbid the building of the old wood & nail tree stands that are now not considered ecologically friendly. At present climbers are allowed under the belief that they are not permanent because they can be put up in a day and removed the same day. But climbers are not practical for seniors with limited mobility because of their age or hunters with disabilities. This is in my opinion a violation of the American with Disabilities Act. In order for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to be in compliance would be to allow for ladder stands. If permanent is a problem a compromise would be acceptable if a week before the archery season opens for deer hunting be open to place a stand and a week after the deer season closes to remove the ladder stand.

Let's keep seniors in the woods by allowing them the same opportunities that younger and more mobile hunters have during the deer season.

No to leaving stands on public land. DNR does not have the staff to enforce the rule Bear season should be over the counter tags for the county residents that have to put up with them all year long. Make the lottery for only out of county/out of state residents. Make the lottery tags for one person not the team of three. Allow baiting on private property. Extend bear season - but to county residents only. County residents should have preference on the tags - since we have to put up with them all year. Separate season for cross bow hunting- do normal archery with recurve and compound, and then do a separate cross bow season. Set a shorter season for cross bow hunters to allow more time for the traditional archers. Muzzleloader needs broke out too or limited to privative muzzleloader season. No night shooting/harvest for deer/crop damage. There is ample opportunity during the already long season for crop permits.No point restrictions- people should choose what makes them happy, not everyone wants to be a trophy hunter. Add additional doe days to Region A. Some of us just want freezer meat.

I would like to request change to the regulation forbidding ladder stands on Public Hunting Areas/ State Land. I believe that the original reason for this regulation was to forbid the building of the old wood & nail tree stands that are not ecologically friendly. At present climbers are allowed. But climbers are not practical for seniors with limited mobility because of their age or hunters with disabilities. This is in my opinion, a violation of the American with Disabilities Act. In order for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to be in compliance they would allow for ladder stands. If permanence is a problem, a compromise would be acceptable if a week before the archery season opens for deer hunting be open to place a stand and a week after the deer season closes to remove the ladder stand. Let's keep seniors in the woods by allowing them the same opportunities that younger and more mobile hunters have during the deer season.

Not in favor of leaving treestands on public land. It is already difficult to escape hunter pressure on MD public land as these are (relatively speaking) smaller tracts. I believe allowing treestands to be set up all season will benefit a few at the expense of many.Not in favor of expanding legal shooting days permitted under the DCP. The overall MD harvest rates are down 13% according to the DNR year-end reports. They're down 19% in the county I primarily hunt - Frederick. Hunting opportunities are declining in quality across the state, I believe to a combination of factors: increased predation from non-humans (primarily coyotes), habitat loss, and overuse of crop damage permits and DCPs. Farmers I know with crop damage permits just like shooting deer out of season with no weapon restrictions. At what point in the population decline is enough, enough?Not in favor of the crossbow de-cocking rule. If no bolt is in the crossbow, it is unloaded and safe for transport. It is much easier for me to de-cock my crossbow at home than it is to de-cock it in the field, especially when you are not trying to spook deer on your way out.I am in favor of all other proposed changes.

In reference to the Ruffed Grouse season, I agree with reducing the season. White-tailed deer, welcome additional opportunity with option #2 add one day to existing antlerless season.Black Bears, welcome additional opportunity with option #1 open black bear season Saturday prior to the established season. Thanks for the opportunity to comment on these proposals.
If I find a stand on public land it will probably grow legs and walk away.

We should institute a draw or lottery for sika deer for nonresidents, at least on public land. Sunday hunting should be opened to all forms of hunting on both public and private. People and kids work or go to school for 5 days of the week and it just decreases Hunter numbers if people cannot hunt one of the two days they can.Increase the price of non resident hunting licenses, the number of non residents on public is just creating unnecessary pressure.

1. hate the idea on leaving stand on public land. The rationale used is for older hunters. Many of the hunters I know 65 and older are fine and still using climbers. I cannot begin to imagine the conflict that will arise from this. If people hang stands they will feel empowered that area is now there's. We will have people competing to get their stands out in order to save their spot, not mention ghost stands at the end of the season. Horrible idea.2. Expanding days for DCP permit holders. Disagree, horrible idea. The most common complaint from DCP permit holders is that they are unable to adequately mitigate deer damage in a two-month window. The current timeframe also does not afford agricultural producers with DCPs the ability to control deer during the active growing season. Complaints do not equal empirical data. Show me why they cannot achieve their set goals during the allotted time. We had a low deer harvest this season. 3. Proposed Action: Require crossbows to be un-cocked when transported in a licensed vehicle. Agree4. Proposed Action: Add a third bear management option for farmers experiencing bear damage. Conditional agree. How many of these farmers allow hunting for black bear either invite or lease for hunters. would like to see them try opening opportunities for hunters before allowing damage permits5. Shorten the season on private lands in the Eastern zone by one month, ending the season on January 15 and bringing it in line with the Western zone.

Additionally, close the season on lands owned or managed by DNR east of the Susquehanna River until populations improve. Agree6. Proposed Action: Retain the Sea Duck Zone in its current geographic configuration.Agree7. Proposed Action: Add additional black bear hunting opportunity. Have done the bear hunt on five occasions and would love to see a saturday / sunday option added at the end of the season. Would be great to finish mz season , and then head up mid week for the hunt through the weekend.

2 week crossbow season

I agree with leaving the stands on puic lands. People will just need to have common sense. If hunters are concerned about conflicts or safety, then don't use someone else's stad. I think having cable locks should be required to secure them. If they are left tin the woods after season they become property of the state and ahould.be used for education and mentored hunts as long as they are in good shape. I agree with the bear and grouse proposals. Sitka should be a lottery for out of state hunters.

§Tree Stands: Less schlepping of heavy gear is a good thing, but allowing season-long attachments needlessly blocks use of good spots. I would not encourage any hunter to use an unproven stand upon which they happen in the woods. As a compromise, please add to the regulation that all gear shall be removed from trees by the end of lawful shooting hours each day , but may be left & secured so that it does not damage the tree and does not block others' access to the tree (e.g. loosely chained to the base.) §Crossbows - De-cocking: RECOMMEND AGAINST the proposal. The guidance raised is an excellent safety suggestion, however the limited risk to those in a vehicle - and the absence of risk to persons or landowners nearby from a misfired crossbow with no bolt - does not clearly justify the time, effort by NRP on enforcement, or the risks and costs of more law-enforcement interactions. The choice is best left to the crossbow user.§Black Bear - Additional Options for Farmers: RECOMMEND FOR the proposal as written. §Black Bear - Extending Existing Season: RECOMMEND FOR the proposal, but please do not overlap the bear season with the deer season - keep any additional days separate. §Bobwhite Quail: DNR's candor about the uncertainty of any link between the proposed restrictions and population improvement is appreciated. A limited test run of this restriction is reasonable, but only with built-in expiration given the absence of clear evidence supporting the restrictions. Absent an expiration, its speculative nature will be forgotten as it becomes permanent. RECOMMEND AGAINST the proposal as written, but would support one with a built-in 3-5 year expiration. An assessment of the evidence afterwards may justify renewal - let the data guide the policy after a fixed trial period. §Ruffed Grouse - Shortened Season: Again, the disclosure that Hunting is not thought to be a primary factor is appreciated. As above for the proposed Bobwhite Quail restrictions, RECOMMEND AGAINST the proposal as written but support the same text with a built-in expiration.§White-tailed Deer - Additional antlerless day: RECOMMEND FOR the proposal as written.

Leaving treestands on public land is going to create 2 issues. State liability and greater chance of hunter conflict. When a person with a permanent stand shows up to hunt an area as the second hunter. Their stand option will be removed creating the possibility of unresolveable conflict. When 2 hunter try to occupy same area with portables, it lessens the chance of unresolved conflict as each hunter now has a stand option. With the price of cheap stands many are going to remain when they should be removed, creating more responsibly on officers for removal or option 2 of not being removed and littering woods for years to come.

Make Garrett and Allegany county one buck.

As a farmer with yearly deer damage to crops I would like to see as much crop damage regulations expanded as safely possible, including expanding shooting hours into the evening hours to deal with the nocturnal nature of silka deer.

In regards to sika deer hunting, if there is a concern about the numbers and want to change bag limits, I'm ok with one antlered between shotgun and primitive. However you should be allowed another antlered archery hunting. The biggest problem is private land baiting. The number of sika deer killed over bait is through the roof. Eliminate the baiting on the eastern shore and the numbers of sika deer will not be in trouble.

I am one of the Landowners that has the night hunting permit. The two months that we have to kill deer does not address the problem with sika deer. The sika deer do not show themselves very well during February and March. The sika deer would be easier to kill at night when the crops are growing in May, June, and July. I know why they chose February and March, because nobody is hunting any game during those months in Dorchester County. Since we are hunting private property there should be no problem with safety in May, June and July.

When you lose crops to damage , you stand to lose serious money. The people who say we should not kill deer to protest crops ought to have to pay for the damage.

Even though we have daytime and two months of night time permits, it does not solve the problem with night time damage in May, June and July.

POST DATE: 2/10/2022

I recommend that hunters who utilize blinds or tree stands (deer, etc.) be required to remove the blinds and tree-stands/tents and other materials from all State property and forests at the conclusion of the hunting season (Gunpowder Falls State Park for example), and that these blinds etc. should be removed by DNR immediately after the end of hunting season. I have noticed deer hunter's tree stands in place year round in the Gunpowder Falls State Park area (north side & east of Harford Road) that remain in place all year. They often contain fabric and other materials that pollute the forest, and are an eyesore to those who love to hike the area.  Thank You

I am a 65 year old hunter. I am against the new regulation that allows hunters to leave a stand on public land. This will just lead to conflicts in the field.

1. In regards to tree stands being left on public grounds, I vote yes for the fact of older and youth hunters. Requiring a DNR ID to be visable on the stand itself should be a requirement. 2. Black Bear season should be extended due to facts of uncontrollable weather, and to increase the amount of bears taken by hunters. A possible new system or changes to the permit application process would be a topic worth consideration due to the voice of local hunters in the region a zone. 3. Ruffed grouse numbers on the decline would be a great reason to shorten the season dates to help boost population numbers again. Attached to this comment, predator control could and should be addressed as these numbers are quickly multiply throughout the state and effecting large population numbers regarding multiple species.

Whitetail buck bag limit in Region A should be increased with the option of buying a bonus buck tag.Bear season should be held prior to the early muzzleloader season. Also baiting should be allowed on private ground to allow for the tag allocation to be filled or close to being filled as possible.

Bear Season:  there should be a tag available for anyone who wants to purchase.  But still have a total harvest limit for year.  Open it last 2 weeks of bow season bow only, during early black powder for black powder and then In rifle season if limit is not reached.  Gives everyone an opportunity and would make the state more money.Deer regulations:  Agree with Thursday
Antlerless.. but the Region A needs to be 1 antler and 1 arteries each if 3 weapons...

The bear lottery needs to be dropped and just sale licenses. You set a number of bear you want harvested then close the season once that number is met through the check in stations. It would bring income in and make bear hunters happy

I am in favor of being able to leave stands for the season on state owned land. I am firmly against any expansion of the deer co operater programs. I feel like this program is already taken advantage of by the farmers. If anything the guidelines need to be stricter to qualify for the crop damage permits.

I would like to see the rule that you must get a special permit to hunt furbearers on the eastern shore in certain countries on most of the dates in the season go away. I live and hunt on the shore on public land and can't hunt furbearers because of of this rule. I would love to be able to do so after deer season without having to get a special permit to do so. There's a lot of public land that nobody traps

Overall I think the regulations as proposed are sufficient in nature. However; the 'veteran' special hunt day has taken more opportunities away from kids getting to enjoy a day without huge amounts of hunting pressure. That should be moved to a separate day immediately following the closure/opening of the regular season. Further the zone splits for ducks has made waterfowl hunting extremely confusing and has also pushed larger amounts of hunting pressure into open zones again causing poor hunting opportunities for most hunters. Most parking lots are full by 3am on any opening day. I am 100% on board with the closure of the sea duck season. However I wish the state would look into the reduction of the zone limits from 800/600 to 600/400 and allow the zone to flow up into some of the tributaries that hold sea ducks but do not allow hunting due to the distance requirement. Lastly, you should be allowed to lease a blind sight for 3 years as landowners do. This would reduce the added pressure put on DNR and hunters who rely upon them to have places to hunt. Please expand banding and MD based surveys even if assistance from the public is needed. Hunters are the best resource for DNR and often will volunteer their time to improve their own hunting experience. Thanks for your time.

Open Sunday hunting on public land,if you can fish on sunday,why can't I hunt on sundays,I like most,work 5 days a week,and have the weekends off.Open Sunday hunting on public.

I would like to see a one buck limit in Region  A  . Also a permit and access for the use of Electric bikes (750w) or less on DNR owned pupublic lands , WMA's etc... This would be an envronmentally friendly option for hunters and fisherman to access remote areas to hunt and fish.

1.  Initiate a limited harvest bobcat trapping season.  We have had numerous bobcats in Allegany county that were trapped and then released due to a closed season.   PA over the border, 1 mile from my residence, allows 1 bobcat in that WMU.  WV also permits a bobcat season.  2.  Further restriction on the number of antlered deer that one can take in a season.  Just like PA, where once you filled your legitimate antler restricted buck, you are done for the season.

Change the bag limit on squirrel from 6 to 10 Make ebikes legal on all state land not just wmas

Being able to allow tree stands up through the hunting season is a great idea. I only hunt public land.  I have a 9 year old that always want to go hunting.  He is to young to use a climber and we haven't had much luck with ground blinds.  So, to be able to put a ladder stand for the season would be great.  I feel that ground blinds should also be able to be left up throughout the season.  Thanks for taking the time to read this message. 

I was wondering if if there could be a bonus buck taken in region A put a 4 pt restriction and pay a fee to get it and u can use it in any season or the same season like in region B. Thank you for ur time

A change I'd like to see is a longer firearms season in the state, specifically earlier in the year. The 3 day season in October was a nice change but I'd like to see that expended to a week or two.

1) Current hunting license is flawed. It should follow states like Pennsylvania that require the tag to be removed from the license that cannot be duplicated 2) Doe seasons should run with current antlered season to allow hunters an opportunity to kill a mature doe.3) I believe baiting for bears would allow for a better chance to kill a mature bear

Move gun season back 2 weeks for whitetail and make the out of state license more money and make hunting for out of state draw a tag the out of state people make it so the local people can't afford the land to hunt and that's not right after all the taxes we pay in Maryland

Would like to see more Sunday hunting opportunities in Somerset and Worcester Counties on private land.

Add a second day to harvest an antlerless deer on public land durning gun season.

I think tree stands need to be removed every 24 hours on State Public land. leaving a tree stand any longer than that will create someone claiming a spot for the season.    Cross bows need to be un-cocked when transporting them for safety to everyone one in the vehicle including children.    Bear agricultural permit needs to be expanded to Fruit Tree damage as well as Garden damage. with the price of food who needs the bear eating their food.    This is not a proposal, but this is what I'd like to see.     One Buck per season.     Two does per season.     Open
Black Bear season with a number cut off.     Bobcat season of one per year.     Primitive weapon spring turkey season after youth season and before regular season.     Primitive Deer season in October (NOT IN FEBRUARY). In Garrett County the deer are eating mountain laurel in February and ae not fit to eat. Thank You

Would benefit the Harvest limits , to open more Sunday Hunts in Harford County.A fewof us have to work on Saturdays and cannot benefit regularly from the five that we can.              Thank you

I like the idea of the treestands. However the stand needs to be tagged, and the hunter should have to register online the location of the stand to the dnr. That way the dnr can ensure the stands are being removed and not left for years and also so the dnr can check for bait at the stand. Now onto the black bear, i hunt primary garrett county and i see black bear all the time( i dont hunt bear). The population is very healthy, the lottery drawing needs to go away . Allow hunters to purchase a tag for black bear season. No need to extend the season. Just allow for a tag to be purchased. To many people who are against hunting are buying into the lottery system just to elimate a tag from a hunter. Now onto whitetail deer, over the last several years i have seen an increase in the quality of deer, i dont think the bag limit needs changed. I think the season dates needs changed. I think bow season comes in about 3 weeks to early, and it should end dec 31, not the end of jan. Also the primitive season should be moved to the first week in jan. Bucks have started to drop their horns by the time it comes in now.
This is just my opinion on things.
I am opposed to allowing treestands to be placed on trees on public land. Despite the intent this does give some hunters idea that they are claiming an area. Moreover, this can  block  a certain tree from another hunter. Hunters may have safety concerns of using treestands left by other hunters and hunters may not be able to utilize the tree that is blocked by another hunter's treestand. Last, in some areas few suitable trees for climbing remain, thus having a treestand occupying these trees can significantly block access. If hunters take their stands in, they can take them out.I am also strongly opposed to nighttime DCPs. While nocturnal deer do damage crops, there is currently sufficient opportunities available for farmers to lower the deer population. Perhaps current DCPs that have an overabundance of deer can be given a permit to allow hunters to take additional deer as part of their bag limit or add additional hunters to the DCP.I'm in favor of extending the bear season as proposed. Perhaps and overlap with the fall turkey season for a few days to give hunters the opportunity for both.

I would like to see the doe season for region a firearms open on the second Saturday. This would provide the best option in case of bad weather.I would also like the option for bear season coming back in the 2nd week of firearm season

I believe the laws should stay the same when it comes to public stand tree stands,Also I do agree with giving farmers bear tags for crop damage

I'm totally against the night shooting for crop damage for deer. I hunt on a farm and we have no problem filling the tags. We have a problem with night hunters already. This is just going to make it easier for them to get away with it. Plenty of farmers already abuse these tags this will make it worse. Sometimes seems like y'all want to deplete the resource.

Adding one additional day to the antlerless season is not enough. Allow the antlerless season to be open throughout the entire rifle season. If there is no increase in the antlerless bag limit then why would it matter what day the antlerless animal is taken. This will give anyone an opportunity to take an antlerless deer when in the field.

If treestands are approved to be left on public hunting property, there should be limited to 1 stand per hunter per hunting area, such as specific state forest.About the changes to antlerless season in Region A, adding a day or 2 is a fair idea BUT I am curious if the DNR has considered opening up antlerless to the entire 2 week rifle season as well as muzzleloader? 
Other neighboring states and regions in MD allow a hunter to take his antlerless deer during regular rifle and muzzleloader seasons.  I'm stumped as to the logic behind having limited days of antlerless season and would really like to better understand the logic behind that?  Thank You!

Sunday hunting days for AACO private lands!

Extend the region b deer firearm season to match the 6 week eastern Virginia season.  Remove the antler restrictions. Allow unlimited harvest of antlerless deer.  Require the harvest of an antlerless deer before an antlered deer may be killed. Allow the use of dogs to chase deer in order to push them out of areas inaccessible to hunters.  Expand Sunday hunting to include small game in all counties open to Sunday deer hunting.

I think that you should give Maryland residents especially those who live in or own land in the three western Maryland counties a better shot at getting bear  permits, a large amount of bear tag recipients have no idea where to go, and have never had any kind of bear encounter, whereas the landowners in western md, are the ones that suffer all the  damage that the bears cause

I support being able to leave 1 stand up on public land. I live near Greenwell State Park and would greatly benefit from being able to leave my stand up. It is more dangerous to set up and remove a stand daily. I like the idea of tagging the stand with your DNRid to ensure folks aren't setting up multiple stands. I also support adding a weekend to either end of the bear season. I was fortunate enough to harvest a bear a couple seasons ago aghwe 7 years entering the lottery. The weekend option will allow more folks to participate without having to take leave from work. Great idea!

We need to set a short season to crossbow hunters to allow more time for the traditional and compound archers.

This is in response to the extension of the current Black Bear hunting season.  The proposed extension is a good idea and I along with other hunters would welcome the opportunity to hunt and harvest these animals.  Additionally if I may offer an additional hint option, it may also be beneficial to offer an additional bear season 3 of 4 days of archery only which would be a limited draw and could also be accomplished by a lottery system.  A second season could also add additional funds to the state.

I do not agree with changing the treestand rules on public land. I believe it should be enforced more. We do not need to encourage more hunters on public property, there is plenty now. It will cause trouble and push out the other hunters that have always put in the work to hunt away from everyone else. I agree with giving farmers bear tags and weekend hunting days. I've seen more bear in the last 2 years than I have in the previous 33 years. One thing that's not a topic that I would like to see change is non-resident bag limit go to 1 buck. I speak for every resident hunter I know on that.

- I think leaving tree stands on public will lead to altercations of people saying they are claiming a spot on public land. This could also lead to tree stands remaining on public land for years that end up creating safety issues if they become damaged and a hunter attempts to use the damaged stand. I am very against this proposal - The extra added days to bear season will be a bonus to people who just can't get out during the week to hunt bears. Most hunters only have Saturday and Sunday to hunt. I'd like to see it be one whole week or even added to the deer firearms season would be great and create more hunting opportunities. - I am in favor of adding an extra Saturday to harvest a doe in region A. The bag limits would remain the same and most  hunters that work Monday to Friday could have two Saturdays to attempt to harvest a doe.

Charles county needs more Sunday hunting if not all season.  I think for every two deer you donate to the Hunters feeding the hungry you should get a bonus buck stamp but need confirmation number of donation for proof

Maryland really needs to have more strict requirements on harvesting smaller bucks. Quit allowing people to shoot bucks with small spreads.

Ok thanks for reading my input first no night time deer crop damage permits period then you open up night time spot lighting for everyone because shots will be going off all night during season and over the last few years I have seen a decline in the population . Second have the usfw make New York and the other states close there goose season early for a lot of are migratory birds don't leave here until March and there aloud 8 a day in new your if you guys care about the population that much all migratory Atlantic flyaway geese should be the same regulations.third if opening Sunday hunting on state land leave sections open for equestrian people to still ride horses in designated areas .  Start migratory game birds season a little later in the year and stop flooded impoundments no different then baiting . Fourth start charging these out of state hunters for tags for sika deer  and only allow them to harvest two sika a year for the simple  fact the state lands in Dorchester county have become over run and unsafe because of the high influx of out of state hunters  they should have to pay more for the tags . Fitfh all predators should be year around hunting there's so many raccoons foxes and coyotes anymore to keep up wit thanks have a great day

I do not agree with changing the tree stand rules on public property. No need to encourage more people on public property. More hunters will make more problems & accidents.

Most of the proposals sound reasonable, except I am not in favor of the tree stand proposal on public ground, there are already some left year round, it is not being enforced now, there are to few DCNR police to enforce it. Why make laws that you can not enforce, you will be like Pennsylvania, I could show you dozens of stands left year round, especially ladder stands, they are not really portable. Thanks for the opportunity to comment.

I do NOT agree with changing the current laws regarding tree stands on public property. Leaving them stand all season will just present more opportunities for thieves to steal, fights about random people finding and hunting them, cutting off other hunters, and cause more hunting accidents. Do not change current tree stand laws

Allow hunting on Sundays on public land.  A lot of hunters including myself only have public land to hunt and 1 day a week just doesn't cut it for some.

Hello, I think we should allow bear baiting during the hunting season on private land. This is a common practice in many states.

Sunday hunting should be open for all counties throughout the deer season.

Add a weekend to bear season. Move bear season before early muzzleloader season. Also reduce the number of bear tags if days are added to the season.  There was no mention of turkey at all.
Turkey numbers are way down in the western part of the state. The main cause of the number being down are out of state hunters. Pennsylvania season starts  2 weeks after Maryland season and
Maryland is overrun by Pennsylvania hunters and WAY OVER HUNTED.Either out of state hunters need to apply for turkey tag( just like they need to apply in their home state of PA) or the
Maryland season needs to be open for residents of Maryland on April 18(like normal) and not open up for out of state until the Pennsylvania opener.

1. Bear season needs to be longer, I got one after several years of putting in and get hit with a nor'easter the whole week of season. 2. I think more antlerless season is a must you can only get 1 and should have more then 2 days  to do the weather always messes that up as well

Im writing to show opposition to allowing the installation of tree stands on public land.1.) this will cause un-needed conflict with people installing stands in areas to claim the area.2.) it will cause stands being left for years on end, essentially inviting people to trash public forests. Even though it shows limitations on install times, you know as well as I people are going to leave low cost stands.3.) there is an extreme safety issue by saying first come first serve - someone will have not installed a stand properly and someone else will have climbed in and get seriously injured - which will then require emergency services in remote areas. The interesting thing, portable stands, mainly climbers are naturally safer to ascend and descend trees with versus using seasonal installed sticks and hangons. The very concept of then openly encouraging the use, of not just your own sets is initiating the probability of serious injury in remote areas - tying up emergency services.It was interesting to see the comment that neighboring states allow it - but neighboring states dont have near the liberal harvest limits we do - so what is right to mimic and not?

The treestand rules are fine the way they are. We have enough people hunting public land. More hunters will make it dangerous. People fighting over spots and people having stands stolen. I dont see anything positive by changing the rules. Just lazy people getting a easy hunting spot

I would like to know why waterfowl hunting and early muzzleloading season run together. Why couldnt the state at least give us the first 3 days of early deer season by ourselves. Without having all the gunfire going on by our fellow bird hunters.

Make the antlered deer bag limit for Region A three (one for each season) like it used to be.  You shouldn't be punished for harvesting an antlered deer in bow and muzzleloader seasons prior to firearms season, especially on private land.  According to your studies, the deer population in Region A is stable or increasing slightly.  You basically admitted at the meeting 2 years ago that there was no science behind the decision to do that.  

I would like to see Sunday hunting available statewide on private property at a minimum. I believe it should be open on Sundays for private and public land just like every other recreational activity. Times have changed and people work Saturdays often. Also it is tough to make 2-3 hr drives to hunt public 1 day and not be able to hunt Sunday as well. I hope Sunday hunting is expanded.

I say no to leaving trestands over night in the woods on public land .I say no to hunting deer at night period.I say no to increased crop damage tags.I am for Sunday hunting throughout the hunting season on private land .

I believe the treestand on public land will cause problems. Hunters will be fighting over someone being in their stand. Hunters will think they own the area. All you have to do is look at some of the comments on Maryland hunting pages now and people talk about what they will do if they find someone in their stand now even though it is now illegal to have them on public property.

Shooting any deer at night should be a last resort option. There is multiple other ways to get the deer population down. If the state is concerned about deer population then open up Sunday hunting in all counties all season long. Open up more county property to public hunting land even if its archery only.

I am not in favor of the requirement to have crossbows be uncocked while transporting. If the arrow Is taken out, the safety hazard is very minimal andhaving to uncock my crossbow each evening would causeunnecessary wear and tear on my crossbow.

Please consider legalizing Sunday hunting on all private land in the state for all seasons. Most hunters primarily hunt weekends as they work during the week, leaving them only 1 day a week to enjoy their hobby. It's also unfair to the children of single parents limiting them to only 2 days a month to enjoy their hobby.

Think the bag limits should b 2 bucks and 3 does like it used to be and be able to buy extra buck and does tags like Wv and most other states
I own approximately 280 acres in Queen Anne's county we have alot deer i would like for you to allow for every Sunday to be a hunting  day the same as kent County there is no reason not to on private  land ,with having to work during the week we are limited for time to hunt thanks

Hello. As a  rounded hunter and Citizen of Garrett county Maryland I have plenty of input on subject of uncooked cross bows. I do agree that a cocked crossbow could cause serious injury to anyone in its way if it were to explode but the the Shooting of these bows every time you get in a vehicle causes way mor issues. You shoot the bow it's hard on your strings and harder on the limbs over time. Secondly shooting this in the dark when you come out of the woods is unsafe and you may be hunting right off of a highway and have no place to safely discharge into a target which you would now have to transport or buy the bio degradable ones which don't work for every cross bow. My wife's bow requires a special knock to even pull the trigger and nothing exists in the bio degradable ones. In my heart and opinion I ask to not change this rule, I believe it will cause more problems than it will cure. Especially with the majority of hunters who consist of senior, junior or female hunters who use these type weapons. Thank you for considering no change.

Black bear season tags should be handed out to residents in the regions that allow black bear hunting and draw tags for out for other non residents in the regionWhitetail deer season should be 3 points on 1 side no matter what (except for youth season) and we should go to 1 antlered deer and 1 antler less for entire season that way we can have bigger mature bucks and allow the deer herds to grow

I personally don't think we should be extending any seasons for deer because the area I hunt has been seeing a significant decline in population for whitetails in fact I think in region b we should make the bag limits 1 buck and 2 does for all of the season. Also I think we should limit the number of crop damage permits that are given out because that's just a legal way for people to kill as many deer as they want and if we keep this up sooner or later the area I'm in will be pretty much ridden of healthy deer herds. When I was younger me and my dad used to go out and see 15 to 20 deer easy now your lucky to see 1. Also another big hit on the population is the killing of deer on the battlefield by the government they're aren't as many deer as they say believe me we've hunted around here for a long time and if there was as many deer as they say we'd be covered up with deer all the time which is not the case at all. Anyway thanks for the opportunity to comment and if we don't stop the over killing of deer in region b I'm afraid that one day no one will be able to enjoy the whitetail hunting because there will be nothing to hunt.

I strongly support additional doe days and bear hunting during deer firearms season.

Allow Region A the opportunity to harvest a Doe any day during the rifle season. After the rifle season make it buck only, also add a antler restriction of 6 point or higher.
This is not a proposal for this year but I would like this to be considered. Out of state hunters purchasing a MD license should pay the same amount as their home state charges a MD hunter AND have to abide by the same bag limits as their home state. They should not be able to harvest more animals in MD than a MD hunter is allowed to harvest in their state.

Add the additional doe day to the middle Saturday of firearms season in region A

For safety reasons I would also like to see deer drives on state ground be prohibited. Several times in the past recent seasons I have had stray bullets flying through the trees.The people doing this have no idea where hunters are and can't control where they are like on private property

I absolutely do not agree with leaving stands on public ground for the duration of the season. It will lead to  claiming  of spots and confrontations among hunters

In regards to expanding the bear season:  I would like to see some kind of weekend day/days added to the current season because my daughter is really interested in having the opportunity to bear hunt- the issue with the format of the current season is that she would have to be taken out of school in order to take part in the hunt.  I struggle with placing value in bear hunting over education.  Having the Saturday/Sunday before the current season would lend her more opportunity to be in the woods without missing out on her formal education.

Consideration for upping the antlerless bag limit in region a by one deer.

I'd like to see the entire breadth of the deer season be continuous and open to all methods (archery, firearm, muzzleloader) for the entire time without stops and gaps.

I don't believe there should be ANY nighttime deer hunting. In fact, I don't think there should be crop damage permits issued to begin with. We have one of the longest deer hunting seasons in the country. If you can't harvest enough deer to 'protect your crops' during the September-February hunting seasons then you likely aren't a very good hunter. I am all for hunting and managing the population, however people are taking advantage of these permits and are using them for recreation. Also, I know this wasn't being discussed but we need to do a better job of protecting our Sika deer population. This is a great resource for the state and we need to ensure we are not over hunting the species.

As always your team does a great job looking at interesting options for game management and increased opportunity !Bears, they are never around when you want one, so anything that can be done to increase time afield is welcome!!I am suspicious regarding the farmer permits, I understand the need but more hunter days etc could accomplish the same result.Grouse, this is a multi state tragedy!!We need to spend a great deal more time and money to find out just what is causing the tragic population crash!Deer region A, allow hunters to take two does with the weapon/Season They prefer.Thanks again for doing so much with so little.0

Add Sunday hunting dates in Baltimore county as well as extend fox hunting season to the end of march

Allowing folks to leave their stands up all throughout the hunting season is going to be nothing but problems. Already people break the rules continuously, and you expect to be able to enforce these rules? The quality of the public hunting experience is about to go way downhill just like PA did allowing stands.

I am for shortening quail season and also making more habitat suitable for quail and other small game.  A lot of wma on the eastern shore do a great job but there are lots of room for improvement such as more crp cover added.   There is apt of farmland used that really doesn't help small game at all with todays farming techniques much of this could be utilized in different ways

I agree with adding more days to the bear season to provide more opportunities to hunters, who may have been waiting years to draw a tag, to successfully harvest a bear. We have seen in recent years how adverse weather, including this past year, during the short season can drastically decrease hunter success. I believe it is critical to adjust the bear season to include at least one full weekend (Saturday and Sunday).I would also like to see the state move away from the lottery system and adopt a quota system, where anyone who wishes to participate in the bear hunt may purchase a bear tag over the counter, similar to a general hunting license, but the number of bear for the season is capped and hunters must call in at the end of each day during the bear season to determine whether the state quota has been met and if the season has been closed. This would better allow the state to manage the bear population and the number of bears harvested each year. Many other states successfully use a similar quota system to manage their bear hunts. I know this is not included in this year's discussion, but I would also like to see increased opportunities for squirrel hunting, such as creating a spring season for squirrel hunting open sometime in late May through mid to late June. Many states to our southeast, including Virginia, have spring squirrel hunting seasons open to both public and private land and they are a big hit. This would be a great way to boost hunting participation in the state, especially amongst the youth.

Proposal: Allow hunters on public lands to leave their tree standsin place throughout the hunting season.- I do not think this is a good idea. Personally, I hunt only on public lands. This is already occurring and hunters seem to believe that they 'own  this spot as opposed to first come first served. I believe it will continue to create more hunter-hunter conflicts.Proposal:
Increase black bear hunting opportunity by extending theexisting season.- I am fine with this. Please do not open it on the Saturday before the season as that would run into the early deer muzzleloader season. I think it makes more sense to add the weekend days to the end of the current bear season.Proposal: Shorten the ruffed grouse season by one month so that the seasonwould end December 31.- I grew up in Pennsylvania and now live in Ohio. Both states have done this. I think this is an excellent idea. Hopefully these wonderful birds will rebound but unfortunately I am not optimistic.Proposal: Add an additional day to the established antlerlesswhite-tailed deer firearm season in Region A on private and publiclands.- I am against the addition of an additional day for anterless harvest. The main reason I hunt in Maryland is due to the high deer density. I believe this will lower the deer numbers especially on public lands. A comprise I believe would be to add an additional day but only on private lands. Thank you

I would like to see more Sunday hunt days in Anne arundel county.  They want to control and lower the population but didn't have but 2 Sunday hunts in the 2021-2022 season. Most people work the week which leaves them with saturdays only or they need to take days off to hunt.

Please clarify guidance for the Special Sea Duck Harvest Zones.  It's my understanding that Sea Ducks can be harvested while you are hunting from a regular licensed offshore blind or the from the shore.  The special sea duck zones are designed to be for those who want to hunt in the water or the middle of the water in a layout boat or floating blind.  I hunt Fishing Bay from the shore with my sons.  We normally hunt from the shore off of Fishing Bay WMAz. If a Sea Duck comes in it's my understanding that I we can shoot that sea duck inside or outside the special sea duck zone even if the special sea duck season is over.  I called DNR asking for clarification and that was the answer I got.  Same applies if we hunt a stationary private licensed offshore blind.  Is the intent of the special sea duck zones only for those interested in shooting from the water? In the 2022-23 hunting season sea ducks (scoters, long-tailed ducks, eiders) will be legal game available for harvest during the regular duck season regardless of the location of the hunter.  Sea ducks, will always count towards your regular duck bag limit of 6 total ducks per day containing no more than 4 sea ducks [3 scoters, 3 long-tailed ducks, 3 eiders (max. 1 hen eider)]

I would like to propose that turkey season for residents and non residents opens on different dates. Maryland gets tons of pressure form Pennsylvania turkey hunters because we open 2 weeks prior.  It's overwhelming for a resident to show up at any public area in the state because there are so many nonresident hunters.  I feel that resident hunters should have a week if not 2 weeks before our areas are taken over by nonresidents.  Once Pennsylvania turkey season starts you hardly see any Pa hunters in Maryland.  Another option is to make up a turkey permit at a certain cost for nonresident hunters.   This will either discourage non residents from coming into Maryland to turkey hunt or it will raise more money for the entire state's turkey hunting industry/population.

Leaving portable stands up on public hunting areas will lead to hunters trying to lay claim to certain areas. Its only going to lead to fistfights and stolen stands

We support allowing stands on public ground and stands allowed to remain during the hunting season. Yes to all stands being tagged with Id. Should have a cut off date published when stands have to be removed from state property that is part of this law.

Lower the antlered buck harvest in Region B. Deer and mature antlered deer numbers are down.
We agree to adding a Saturday and Sunday to the Black Bear hunting dates. Raise permits issued for Black Bears from 950 to 1,025 for the 2022-2023 season.

Bobwhite quail seasons should be eliminated as the population is below sustainable levels!MD Dept. of Natural Resources should continue to lobby the Maryland Legislature to take control out of individual counties and place the control over Sunday Hunting regulations within the scope of the Dept. as they are the stewards of the Natural resources.  Once this has been accomplished, All Sundays should be open on ALL lands both private and public!Sika deer bag limits should be lowered to allow only 1 Stag and 1 hind per weapon type throughout the season with a total bag limit of 3 stags and 3 hinds for total season limits to lessen the burden on the sika populations especially on public lands due to significant increase in hunting pressure and obvious reductions in herd sizes on public lands!

Adding extra time for bear hunting would be fantastic.  The hunts that I have been on have been tough because of the only weekday hunting season.  Adding a weekend to the bear season would be helpful for us.The extra day of anterless that you proposed (Thursday, Friday, Saturday) would be very nice.  I hunt in Garrett county only and the weather can really make hunting hard there so extending the season would be a huge help for us.

Whitetail DeerReduce the total number of antlered deer a hunter may take in a single season to two (2). Only one of these deer may have less the four (4) points on one side. Reducing the number of antlered deer harvested will create a better buck to doe ratio. These two antlered deer that a hunter may harvest should be allowed to be taken with any weapon. For example, if a buck is harvested September 15 with archery equipment, the hunter will have one buck tag remaining for the season. This buck tag can be used at any point during the remainder of the hunting season. To continue the example, if a second buck is harvested the following day (September 16) the hunter will have no remaining buck tags for the balance of hunting season. This would mean that the hunter cannot harvest a buck during the muzzleloader, firearms, or remaining bow seasons. Reduce the total number of antlerless deer to a total of ten (10). These ten antlerless deer should be allowed to be taken with any weapon within its respective season. For example, if a hunter harvests ten (10) antlerless deer on September 15, they will not have any antlerless deer tags for the remainder of the season. Statistics show that the overall harvest of deer in the state of Maryland has decreased, and the total allowable number of antlerless deer is too high. Implementing the two practices above would allow for hunters to harvest a total of twelve (12) whitetail deer in a single hunting season; two of which can be antlered, ten of which can be antlerless. This is more than enough deer to allow hunters to provide food for their families. Farmers will not be in favor of this, but farmers receive enough government assistance from both Federal and state levels. There are several grants that aid them and have aided them for years. In our current world, there are countless people struggling, yet everyone continues to want to assist farmers. The number of deer that are harvested under crop-damage permits is unethical and a waste of a resource. Please consider reducing bag limits and implementing plans to increase the overall age structure of our deer herds.Sika DeerImplement a lottery system for non-residents to hunt sika deer. This is a practice that western states use regularly that generates more income and allows for the population of the species to be healthier. Hunting pressure on public lands, specifically in Dorchester County has become unbearable. It is almost to the point of being unsafe because the public lands are so crowded. Please consider implementing a lottery system to allow to the state's revenue to increase, while the public lands become more accessible and less crowded so Maryland residents can enjoy them for hunting.

1 antlered deer with at least 3 points on one side that can be used with any weapon and one bonus antlered tag with the same regulations.3 antlerless deer bag limit or base antlerless bag limits per county doe populations.Eliminate the early antlerless muzzle loader season altogether.Separate crossbows from the archery season and make a separate season for them (Dec-Jan?)

I am fine with extending the black bear season however having it the Saturday/Sunday prior to the season would conflict with the 3 day muzzleloader season.

Hello I say change the numbers on doe havest n let the baby deer have a chance n life. N I would luv to see 3 or more to one side on a buck. Oh if we don't try there's no future if we don't have a change. Thank u.

For the extension of the Bear season. I think that adding a day at the end of the season would be safer as it would allow for many hunters to tag a bear before the weekend hunt. This could also help to reduce the issue of too much human scent in the woods early in the season.

Please extend the firearm or muzzleloader season on the Eastern Shore. If goose season is only 30 days, there is less conflict with waterfowl seasons. This would allow extra time in the field, and the opportunity for more youth hunters to participate in hunting. Thank you.

Remove the 1030am time limit for wicomico deer hunting.Allow more Sunday Hunting in wicomico on private land.Allow more Sunday hunting in dorchester and wicomico on private land.

Open Sunday hunting for Wicomico County during the 2-3 day January firearms hunt.

Can the state add a pheasant stocking program like NJ. They charge 50$ for the permit and stock multiple state lands from November-December.

I would like to comment on the proposed change  Tree Stands On Wildlife Management Areas and State Forests .  I feel that this change would cause many issues, including limiting access to areas where tree stands are left, vandalism of tree stands, and potential disputes when a tree stand is being used by someone else than its owner. I am 60 years old and still pack in /packout a climbing stand every hunt, and question if you are physically unable to carry a tree stand in, how do you expect to drag a deer out? Thanks for allowing my input.  

I am in full support of expanding bear hunting opportunities. I would prefer adding the Saturday before and after the current season as opposed to having a second split during deer rifle season. The way the season is currently set up, it is hard for many people who work to participate.I also fully support additional opportunities for doe hunting in Region A. I believe the second Saturday of the current season would be best given the two options, again due to many people working through the week. Hunters can still only shoot one doe during firearms in Region
A, and should be given more opportunity to do so.

I am strongly against allowing hunters to leave tree stands on public property.  The argument that this would help older hunters is false.  If you can't carry a portable tree stand in and out then how are you going to remove a deer (which weighs much more than a portable stand).  Deer are smart, particularly mature deer, and they will avoid areas with  permanent  stands.  In addition to not helping the successful killing of deer, you will have problems with hunters stealing stands and fighting over areas.  This is a terrible idea and one I really hope does not get implemented.

If the population of whitetail deer has been sustained, then go back to one buck per season and allow a total of 6 deer to be harvestedOr, if we can only shoot 2 bucks, then allow a 4th doe to be takenGet rid of the primitive season in Feb....its a joke.  Put it somewhere else in the calendar.  It should probably take place of early muzzleloader seasonThe early muzzleloader season needs to be doe only!  Our good bucks, which are few and far between, are being taken out of the population and not reproducing...#facts.Tree stands on public....can I use steps ( are they considered to hurt the tree)Black bear season is a joke.  Its too late in the year.  Take out early muzzleloader and replace it with bear season or have bear season before early muzzleloader.  Once people tromp through the woods in early muzzleloader, the bears are scarce.  Notice 6 bears where taken this year in Allegany county....best practice is to just allow everyone to hunt for 5 extra dollars on our license like Kentucky does and shut it down once the quota has been met.  The bear lottery is a joke...all it is for is money...period.  Allow everyone to hunt and make hunters call in everynight to see if the quota has been met.  Im shocked we never thought of this before.  Also, just allow baiting for bears....it would be good for a year and then go back to not baitingEventhough I didnt see anything in here about trout fishing,I might as well say my piece, just saying, Md. trout waters suck....immensely.  I fly fish 2-3 days a week in trout season.  No large trout are ever stocked....make 1 trout run in Sharpsburg for only massive trout....and grow bigger fish!  Also, is Allegany Co the only county in the state that has the, you can fish this part of the stream today and this part of the stream tomorrow....that is designed for fines and that is all....open up the entire stream and let it go.  Just another joke for Allegany Co. outdoorsman!

Point restriction on all buck - 3pts on one antler  other than Jr  or senior hunters

Leave the current season for Black Bear hunting as is without any adding ANY additional hunting days. Five weekdays is enough for recreational hunters. The additions to the permit system for farmers is more than adequate for their needs. Thank you.

I'm a Charles County resident and many of the rural areas of the County have seen a major increase in coyote populations which have had a significant impact on the deer population numbers, as well as the presence of deer during the hunting seasons while coyotes are present in the area.  I would like to see the coyote trapping season extended through at least the full month of
February and March if possible.  I prefer not to be trapping and/or attracting coyotes to my property during deer hunting seasons, as the deer leave the area or only move at night when coyote pressure is in the area.  Most working land owners don't have time to be up most of the night hunting coyotes, but running a trap line for 30-60 mins each day is a viable and effective option that will help individual land owners control significant numbers of coyotes that impact their land and local game populations.  I'm also open to other options of control if the trapping season can't be extended to February and March.  Thank you.

I strongly urge AGAINST allowing stands to be left out all hunting season.  Frankly, too many people already do this while it is illegal, and leaving stands in the woods will just lead to altercations where people think they can  claim  a spot.  Aging hunters can have success from the ground, or perhaps require a special permit that limits leaving stands to 65+ and disabled hunters only. We need less trash left in the woods, not more.

It is nonsense to leave deer stands on public land. It will clutter the woods and be an eyesore. The reason I hunt is to enjoy the beauty of the woods. Not 3 other tree stands around me.
Pros,none. Cons,theft, abandon stands because people  are lazy just to name a few.  What are people  thinking  in even proposing  this. If it about handicap hunting the dnr can set up spots with handicap access only in a few spots.

Allowing hunters to leave tree stands up on public land will only lead to hunters attempting to 'claim' a tree for the season. I'm an 'aging hunter' and I still happily carry my stand in every hunt just to not have to deal with other hunters being 'territorial' because their stand was already up in 'their' tree. This is not a good proposal.

Hello,Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed action regarding the placement of hunting stands.I am very much against allowing tree stands to be placed in any public hunting areas for more then the time that the hunter is in the field.  I have hunted in states where this has been allowed and there are several issues that have been the reason that I will not return to those states.Right from the start the opening day when the stands are allowed to be placed looks like the start of a horse race with people standing at the gate waiting to run in with their stand to  get  the best spot.  And by get, I do me get and secure the spot for the whole season.  What happens is people will form groups, these groups will send friends to all of the locations where they like to hunt.  They will put up stands and then use them within the groups, thereby sharing the stands.Whether groups are or are not allowed to share stands, the area around these season-long stands will be defended by those who the stands belong to.  The idea that these folks will not  claim  that area is laughable.  The areas will become occupied by the folks with the stands and there will be confrontations, I have seen this happen.  As it is now on some of the smaller tracts of public land, we often have issues between hunters setting up too close to one another making for some very uncomfortable moments between hunters.  Please, let us not include something that may escalate these issues further.I urge the DRN to please keep the current restrictions in place, or at least try this on some of the more popular hunting lands to see how it works there. Thank you

Leaving stands on public land is an absolute ridiculous concept. Every hunter will then be  claiming  an area as their own because they had placed a stand there. Additionally, invariably, a hunter will show up and another hunter will be in  their Stand . Not to even mention the theft and liability to the state. This is a ludicrous proposal.

Whitetail deer firearms season should start on Thanksgiving Day and include the Friday after Thanksgiving. I mentioned this a long while back. Who would be the legislative person to contact in Southern Maryland?  The Maryland General Assembly website will have that information: www. mgaleg.maryland.gov

Why doesnt Maryland  have an Out of state Lottery  and charge a fee to enter the Lottery. Also Have a bag limit of 1 deer per out of state hunter.   This is how most of the western states do business, Maryland should follow suit  benefits are 2 fold,  More revenue and better herd Management especialy sika.

I feel that rifle season should start earlier or have additional openings in the fall. The opportunities given to bow hunters compared to rifle hunters is staggering. I understand the additional difficulties of bow hunting but rifle season needs to be open more and/or longer

Treestands - As a deer hunter who hunts primarily on public lands, I am opposed to the proposal to allow hunters to leave stands in place all season. This concept has many problems. If a hunter is not physically able to carry a stand, they may not be safe hunting from a tree stand, the ground is much safer for a hunter with physical limitations. There is a reason treestands have a weight limit. What would happen if I get hurt using another person's ladder stand...who is liable? A stand could be sabotaged by an angry individual who is unhappy about a stand in his favorite location creating an unsafe situation. Once a stand in an area is in place, it will tend to exclude other hunters from that area which could be a prime area. This could lead to upset more hunters who become discouraged and stop buying hunting licenses than the older hunter who always has the option to hunt from the ground.  Although this proposal does not exclude the use of the stand by another hunter, this surely would lead to conflicts with possible retribution. This is not just about convenience for an older hunter. This is about implied 'ownership' of a prime area that will happen when a hunter establishes an area as their own by leaving a stand in place. Lets think this through. I have a ridge that I like to hunt and it has been a favorite location that I have hunted for years. Sometimes I will carry my climber in and somedays I just still-hunt the ridge or stand hunt on the ground. I have the same privilege to hunt this ridge as anybody else. Then a stand is put in place by another hunter. Now, I am not happy because now this person has easier access than me because he no longer has to carry a stand in. I really don't want to have that conversation when I arrive and use the stand only to have the owner of the stand arrive. So you may say, I should put a stand in place before anyone else. Again, an uncomfortable situation when I find someone using the stand that I put in place. Do not put hunters into this situation. Public land belongs to all citizens equally. The restrictions of no bait and no stands in place gives everybody the same opportunity, a fact that makes public hunting appealing. If you don't hunt public lands you may not understand my points.  Do not adopt this proposal.

Why aren't we concerned with more pressing issues like the astronomical amount of out of state hunters being allowed to harvest the same amount of deer as a resident. This makes no sense.
There is to many people. Why aren't we making it a draw or increasing the price of the license or making it a 4 deer harvest per weapon with purchase of stamp for every deer killed like many other states. Why aren't we capitalizing on our wild and sustainable population of sika deer we have. Why isn't that a draw for out of staters. Why do out of staters get everything a resident does. Makes no sense. (Maryland) does not take what's best for the animals into consideration. The influx of interest of sika deer from out of staters due to youtube and social media. And celebrity hunters is making everything harder for residents. To the point it's unsafe. Look at Dorchester county. Ask the NRP officers it's absolutely out of control. Do something. Make it safe to even go. It's so bad there is nowhere to park and almost impossible to kill deer and find a spot to hunt. Do something. Stop worrying about a deer stand.

I am against the leaving of treestands. Hunters who are unable to haul stands home after each hunt have options of hunting from the ground. These stands will be safety issues if someone falls out of them. Also the stand owner will be very upset if someone is in his stand. I also am concerned that stand sites will eventually lead to bait sites of public property.

I DO NOT SUPPORT the proposal to allow tree stands to be left on public property. This would increase the conflict between hunters because the person leaving their stand in a tree would feel they have a right to hunt that tree all season when they do not. Only bad things will happen when you have two armed people arguing in the middle of the woods over a tree. Please do not advance the proposa to leave stands in the woods. It's a really bad idea.

1) Modify the bag limit for antlered deer statewideAllow two antlered deer statewide Eliminate the bonus antlered deer tagThe two antlered deer may be taken during any of the three seasonsOnly one antlered deer per dayOne of the two antlered deer must meet an antler restriction 2) Youth Deer Season - any antlered deer taken during the Youth Season counts towards the state bay limit

Allow Fox hunting season to extend thru end of February or middle of March.

1. Only allow one buck for all seasons combined with an antler restriction of a minimum 3 points on one side.2. Decrease the bag limit on does to 5 for archery, 5 for muzzle loader and 10 for rifle.3. Allow a bonus buck stamp to be purchased and used in any season, but you must harvest 2 does before using your bonus buck stamp.4. Maintain the same antler restriction for the bonus buck stamp.5. Anyone caught harvesting an undersized buck and/or harvesting a second buck before harvesting 2 does receive a minimum fine of $1000.6. Maintain same regulations for button bucks and spikes.

Lower the sika bag limit for non resident and make a lottery system for tags
On the  no cocked/unloaded crossbow in vehicle.  Has a cocked crossbow ever caused a vehicular injury as is the stated reason for this addition? In my case, I shoot a recurve crossbow. Even if the limb fails it merely folds over. Additionally, the bow won't fit inside my vehicle (without interfering with driving) unless it is cocked. I believe this is mandating a solution to a problem that doesn't exist.
tree stands - no, take the stand with you.  leaving the stand there will cause all kinds of confusion, people will expect to have 'claimed' an area, and others will never know when or if someone is arriving to that stand, are they out for lunch or are they done for the season? Black Bear- reimburse the farmers, they do not need the additional task of protecting and patrolling the crops.deer cooperator permits - this work should be done in the summer.crossbows - yes, uncocked when it transportation.Quail - what we really need is a predator control program, ground nesting birds (quail/grouse/pheasants/etc.) have no chance to fend off the volume of nest raiders (mink/skunks/racoons/possum/fox/coyotes/snakes/owls/hawks/crows/cats/bobcats/bears/etc.) black bear extend season - yes, all options.white-tailed deer region A - the deer seasons/sex/antler restrictions/permits/regulations/weapons'/management hunts/public land limitations/zones/regions/etc. are already so overly complicated and confusing its beyond belief, so you want to keep adding more...

I truly believe that Treestands left unattended will be stolen. Unfortunately lots of us have our Treestands stolen off of private property. I can't count how many I've had stolen from private property. And I think fighting will occur. If a hunter sits near a permanent stand ( even accidentally) and the owner of the stand comes later to hunt, I believe he will feel that ' his spot ' is being encroached upon. I see it time and time again on the water. I know nobody can claim a spot. But I assure you people fight or damage other peoples equipment while on the water. So allowing stands to be placed in the woods and left is asking for trouble.

I am all for being able to leave deer tree stands up through the season.

The proposed change to allow stands to be left on public hunting lands, if accepted, will NOT significantly impact the intended purpose of helping aging hunters have more access to hunt public land more often.   What it will do is create many, many situations of confrontation between hunters, as each of us desire to claim a prime spot for ourselves to use all season. It also brings the question of liability for injury of hunters other than the stand owner who use these stands. Please do not change the current regulation.

Can we give wicomico Worcester and somerset more Sunday hunting, not sure why we are so limited

Allow bow hunters to carry a handgun during the bow season For coyote. it's permitted for in areas where bear are roaming A coyote or pack of them in low light could be dangerous for huntersThe coyotes I've incountered were absolutly not Afraid of people

I concur with shortening the grouse season to end on 31 December. I own a home in Garrett County and have been a regular visitor for 30 years. When I first started visiting the county, incidental grouse sightings were fairly frequent. l cannot now remember the last time I saw a grouse along the road or along a stream when I was fishing. Grouse are in trouble; shortening the season makes sense.

Treestand Proposal-Allowing hunters to leave stands on public land would cause more over crowding than there already is. Hunters could leave stands in hard to get places where they don't want to carry in a mobile setup. This would put more pressure on the deer herd making it harder for them to have somewhat of a sanctuary away from people. Also, there would be more conflict between hunters. Even though the law would state that you can hunt someone else's stand that's not going to go over smoothly with the majority of hunters in the woods. Crossbows- I agree with not have a crossbow cocked while in a vehicle that is a good safety regulation. However, to add crossbows should have there own season separate from archery aside from handicap and youth hunters. Crossbows are not a gun but they are far from a bow. Archery seasons were put in place to give hunters more time afield without negatively effecting the resource, crossbows are changing that with higher harvest rates. Added note-  The ENTIRE state should be open for Sunday hunting EVERY Sunday of the season regardless of county.
Regarding the proposed regulation change for Quail season;  There are virtually no quail left in southern Maryland.  I am recommending and urging not only a shorter season, but a total moratorium on quail hunting to allow them to recover some in their numbers.

I've been hunting in (Maryland) for over 25yrs. The regulations need to be the same across (Maryland). No region A or B. Horns need to be at least 3 on one side and limit of 3 all season.
Does need to be a limit of 10 across the state. Bear needs to be you hold the tag all season with the possibility of killing it throughout the season. Stop making the seasons so complicated with what u can harvest in each season and religion.

1) As an aging hunter, THANK YOU for proposing the licensure of tree stands so do not have to be removed daily in WMAs.2) Restructure Primitive season so that deer killed in that three day season are in addition to any others killed during regular seasons - in effect making bonus deer of animals killed late and with primitive weapons.

I am commenting specifically on the proposed grouse season reduction.  This regulation is meaningless in my eyes. I hunt mainly in Garrett county for grouse on Savage and Potomac State Forests.  In 12 years of pursuing the bird here I have only seen one other grouse hunter. I would have a hard time believing that there are more than double digit numbers of grouse harvested during the month of January in Maryland.  January is also a time when gun and muzzleloader seasons for deer have closed and it makes it safer to run a dog. If Maryland DNR would like to do something meaningful for grouse populations they should be increasing their timber cuts.  The last Savage River State Forest Plan proposed only 200 acers being cut out of roughly 54,000 acers.  This is why grouse populations are floundering. I know timber is not a hot commodity in western MD but why can't timber be cut and dumped in a common area for the public to gather firewood from timbered trees. Also the cuts that are currently being preformed surrounded by old growth timber.  This creates a proverbial island in an endless sea of old growth timber that make it extremely difficult for grouse to access and use. These young cuts need to be connected to other cuts.Using PA as an example for success is a bit misleading. PA does a pile of grouse habitat management. They have almost endless swaths of excellent habitat. They also have a whole lot more grouse hunters than Maryland does. It also seems premature to base a regulation for Maryland based on preliminary data.  Cutting our season short on one of the best months of the season is not the answer.I also want to mention the fact that there is a large amount of land holdings by coal companies and land holding companies such as Western Pocahontas Properties. These companies benefit from removal of natural resources from Maryland lands. 
There should be an access agreement for the public to utilize these lands for recreation once commercial activities have concluded.  It is ridiculous that only hunting clubs have access to these huge parcels.  Some of which harbor excellent grouse habitat.Also another point I wanted to make related to Western MD public lands is in reference to Wolf Den State Park.  This particular piece of property has some excellent upland opportunities but deer hunting is the only hunting activity allowed.  It does not make sense that a person can shoot a high powered rifle or ride an ORV all over this property but I cannot take a walk with a shotgun in pursuit of small game.

Offer straight walled cartridge in place of a muzzleloader like other states do

More Sunday hunting in all counties.  Sunday hunting should be allowed on all public lands.

In region A both bucks should be 3 on one side, deer numbers are way down on public land and we need better conservation efforts in Region A.

How many incidents were reported, or documented, of crossbows firing while being transported in the cocked positions last year? Is there date on this topic from previous years? Have you considered the potential impact to hunter safety of cocking and uncocking the crossbow every time they transport it? I don't have a modern crossbow. This rule would put an extreme amount of wear and tear on the bow (20-30 de-cocking firings per year). De-cocking the bow may cause more injuries than you are attempting to prevent. This seems like an unnecessary rule with little to no benefit to the hunter. Furthermore, there is NO actual benefit to the public or law enforcement. Please remove this proposed rule.

Allowing treestands to remain on WMAs throughout the season seems like a recipe for disaster.  There will 100% be fights because of this.  Can't wait to hear about Hunter A who sets up in Hunter B's stand before Hunter B gets there and then gets shot at in the tree.  If the reason is for helping elderly hunters there should be an age requirement or something that limits it to those hunters.

There needs to be a regulation change to stop deer drives on public land. Drives on private land does not cause the problems that occur on public land. On public land hunters not involved in drives do not have a choice as their hunting time/opportunity is impacted and ruined by an organized drive taking place. Although an accident has not yet occurred, to my knowledge, it's a matter of time before something occurs during one of these drives where shooters have not idea who may be behind the snap shot they take at running deer. There is also the matter of out of state hunters coming in groups to drive Md's public land. This should be stopped now.

I fully support the recommended changes to the regulations for both the Bob White and Ruffed Grouse.  It is time to give the birds a chance to recover.  It would alos be helpful if the State of Maryland did a better job of habitat management for these 2 game species.

Please open Sunday hunting on all public lands

I do not support reducing the hunting season for ruffed grouse. Hunting takes a minimal toll on the grouse population.  Reducing the season would have little to no effect on the bird populations. The January season is a time when bird hunters can feel assured letting their dog run safely afield knowing that the deer firearms and muzzleloader seasons have closed. 
Removing this January bird hunting opportunity would only serve crowd the forest during December to the frustration of both bird and deer hunters.The primary cause in decline of bird populations is loss of early successional habitat.  What has the great state of Maryland done to improve young forest habitat...NOT A WHOLE LOT!  Take Savage River State Forest as example. 
The 2022 Annual Work Plan says that the state plans to harvest a whopping 293 acres out of a 55,155 acre forest.  That's a half a percent of the forest.  It's the same story for Green Ridge and Potomac State Forest. I understand there is less of a market for timber products due to the loss of the Luke paper mill.  I propose the state increase timber harvest 3 fold. Any wood that cannot be sold commercially should be made available to the public at an easy access site for firewood to heat their homes.Don't make tax paying grouse hunters suffer for the DNRs ineptitude in creating good habitat.  IF you build it they will come. Do your jobs and make more habitat.

Open Sunday hunting thur all deer season for region B on private lands. Leave bag limits as they are .

I wanted to submit a comment regarding predator hunting 7 days a week on private land, and not have to stop at midnight Saturday night/Sunday morning.   A lot of times Saturday nights are the only times that most people are able to get out, and only 4-5 hours isn't enough time to go to all farmers properties to assist them with the problems and the significant damage that the foxes and coyotes are doing to their properties.  Thank you!

Like the idea of letting you put in a stand  to use in season without having to take it out every day. Any update on use of ebikes on WMAs, I'll be 65 this hunting season and an ebike would give me better opportunities to hunt deeper in the woods,I called last year and cant get a good answer from anybody,I'm guessing they are legal to use cause we've  seen guys using them on WMAS. A response from you would be great,thanks  Yes, ebikes are allowed on Wildlife Management Areas.

I think the treestands on public land rules already in place are reasonable. Allowing treestands to remain in the woods will lead to more littering, tree damage and potential conflicts between hunters over hunting am area.

I would like to see a better point restriction in place.  Possibly make bow season and firearms season 6 points or 8 points only for adults.  Leave junior hunt the same.  Or possibly make two of the three antlered deer you can harvest half to be 8 points.  I feel most are managing for larger bucks anyhow.  I have hunted in Pennsylvania for several years and there point restriction is working and the hunters have bought into it. Myself I am getting older in age and I would like to see the point restriction to start working before I am to old to enjoy it. 
Allow more doe harvested.  The majority of archery hunters are trophy hunting so it would make sense.  Well thats my two cents.

Move primitive weapons season to before early muzzleloader season.Open up public land to sunday hunting.

I am not in favor of adding an extra antler-less deer day for region A public land. The deer herd from my experience is stable and should not be reduced, adding an extra day to public land antlerless hunting could negatively affect the deer population and the future deer herd. The coyote and bear population seems to be increasing drastically in region A; therefore, I am in favor of added opportunities and increased bear permits.

I strongly disagree with the proposition to allow hunter tree stands stay on the tree during the season. Although many older hunters may stand the benefit from this, I believe it will negatively impact the hunting experience of being in the outdoors, create unnecessary conflict, and take away hunting opportunities based on deer movement to avoid these stands. Walking into the woods is a magical experience during hunting season and while some areas are nearly painted orange during the firearm season, there are many that remain wild. Walking through the woods to see tree stands littering the trees would take away from the wild feeling of being out in nature by painting the trees with human influence. Although this would be first come first served, many stands will already be in the tree and will likely create conflict with hunters new to the area with the locals who have been hunting the same spots for years unchallenged. The resource of open shooting lanes will likely become another issue, further stopping hunters from harvesting in the already limited seasons and areas. Studies have also shown that deer movement has been impacted previously by tree stand locations and deer have changed their patterns to avoid the danger of a new stand, which nearly all of these stands will be new at the beginning of the season. Hunter recruitment being the rationale for this course of action sounds out of place, as this primarily appears to benefit the aging hunters who do not have many hunts left in them. This decision may also alienate new hunters from wanting to compete with many hunters already in their stands for the season, leading to a decrease in new hunters.

Allowing tree stands may also impact non hunting usage of the areas and further drive other outdoor recreation out of our natural areas. I ask that this not be considered at this time or a healthier alternative be provided limiting the time for permitting a stand significantly.

I would like to see turkey population evaluated at Loch Raven reservoir and establish a legal hunting zone and possibly tag system for this option.Expand hunting boundaries at Loch raven reservouir to include areas south of Loch Raven drive on the east sideLoch raven: Open the area between Dulaney Valley Rd and Jarrettsville Pike (East side) to bow huntingOpen a section of Gunpower Falls State Park to hunting north of Belair Rd. Deer populations are large. Make the hunting area beyond the 1/2 mile mark to reduce hiker interaction and allow no hunting with 100 yards of the waterlinePermit hunter on more public properties that do not currently allow hunting to help with overpopulation

Waterfowl has been horrible. Been hunting them a long time. Last year killed nothing, This year 1 goose.  Where are the birds?  Are they staying north or coming down Central flyway?  Don't see any birds till end of season.  Cut out some of the front dates and extend season as long as possible...

In wma's, state Forrest, & public hunting lands.I  understand there's no motorized vehicles allowed,  along with electronic vehicles. As an older person in his 60s that still loves to hunt,  It's extremely hard to walk long distances from the parking areas to a decent hunting spot, as it's usually a mile long walk at least.  For seniors like me that have trouble with walking long distance because of arthritis, bad joints, & what have you.   Still not labeled disabled, Is there anything that can be adjusted to allow some kind of electric vehicle that would possibly keep us from overdoing it out there???Something like a quiet Kat or powerful E bike.??Maybe even ones that don't even have peddle assist.???Or maybe allow permits to seniors so we can drive past gated areas to get farther back away from public roads.??  Ebikes are permitted on Wildlife Management Areas.  Additionally, we do offer an accessibility permit which provides additional access to some of our areas,  more information on the permit can be found here. 

Good afternoon, To whom it may concern, I grew up, and live in, Allegany County Maryland.I've hunted Region A my whole life and it has always bewildered me that there are so few opportunities for Region A hunters to fill a doe tag during rifle season.I absolutely believe that firearms hunters in Region A should have more opportunities to fill a doe tag during firearms season. One thing that is widely known amongst hunters in the  forgotten  portion of Maryland...we have always felt those in region B are given many liberties that hunters from our area are denied. Many hunters have neither the time nor the money to get out as much as others, nor extended hunting trips to Region B just to try and put some meat in thier freezer. This is especially true for hunters who do not have access to hunt on private property and rely on State managed lands to hunt on. I sincerely hope that the Maryland Department of Natural Resources sees fit to give hunters in Region A more  Doe Days  in the coming rifle seasons. Thank you for your time and consideration. Respectfully,

If DNR is looking to shorten the private land quail and ruffed grouse seasons, they should also do more to improve quail habitat on both public and private land. The state of upland gamebird hunting in Maryland is terrible and some projects need to be done to help improve habitat and populations. It is a good idea to shorten season to help improve populations, but only limiting hunter opportunity and not showing some other actions on DNR's behalf is just frustrating. Maryland NEEDS to get rid of this Sunday hunting ban statewide. It's archaic and only serves to benefit a very small community of people. I buy a license and tags every year and I am only able to hunt for half of the days I have off.DNR also needs to step up their rules and regulations enforcement. I have called in to report violations and issues 3 separate occasions and each time I have been either brushed off or there has been no follow through. It has been the same for other hunters who have called in people using ATV's and hunting illegally on public lands. I understand that there are limits to what NRP can do in response to these calls, but any kind of follow up would be better than always hearing  we don't really do anything with that  -which is an exact quote from the Dispatcher I called regarding the dumping of Canada Goose carcasses at a public boat launch. I would very much appreciate a response to this last point.

I would recommend only allowing two antlered deer to be harvested and it has to have more than 4 points on one side

Cut back on the amount of out of state sitka hunters . We can't even get in to hunt yhem anymore . Or attest make a special out of state license for them.or a lottery for out of staters to shoot them with a size limit . They shoot everything

Over the counter bear tags and a set season and move the season to before the early muzzleloader season Require a doe to be killed before the second buck in reason B and open doe season up at least on private land the whole season there are to many in most areas

Leaving tree stands on state property should not be allowed or even considered. Part of the beauty of public lands is going in with a clean slate, knowing noone has preset a stand and may come sit next to you the last few hours of daylight. If it is truly for helping older people in the sport, designate a few areas on certain lands where you can do this or offer free permits for elderly/disabled folks. Public lands are already crowded as it is, there is no need to make it worse by allowing someone to hang 12 stands on state land.

I personally would love to help bring up the deer population back up to where it should be by LOWERING the bag limits. Like maybe 1 buck and 3 does for the entire season , that includes ALL seasons archery, muzzleloader, and Firearm . And get rid of early muzzleloader season , but I know y'all won't do the right thing and NOT do it.

Treestand left on public.  Allowing hunters to hunt other people's stands is going to cause conflicts.  Stand theft is going to be an issue, especially at the end of season.  Stand safety is also going to be a concern, if someone puts up a Stand poorly, another hunter could come along and get hurt.  Who removes the tree stands that are left after the season?  I feel this is going to cause a nightmare for NRP.
I like your changes.  Thank you.Why not close the quail season for 2 or 3 years to see how it goes?  We need to have farmers  save some land for quail and pay the farmer.  We also have too many hawks, foxes, skunks, wild cats, etc eating them.  The coyotes are another problem where someone had a very stupid idea that it would fix the deer population.  Close the quail and grouse season please

I do not see a reason to give crop permits to farmers suffering bear damage or deer damage if these locations are not allowed to be hunted normally. To many times land owners use the permits to sell them as off season, under the table hunts. No farm should be issued crop destruction permits for deer or bear, that can not show that the property is being hunted during the legal seasons and the numbers cant be controlled that way. An effort to make a list of farms with bear issues should be made to have hunters contact if they draw a tag so the farm can be hunted. As it stands now if you draw a tag you and everyone else who does not know a landowner are hunting the same land and same bear not addressing the problem areas. A simple landowner and contact list so the two can meet and set rules before the hunt and if they don't like each other it can be denied. But allowing a destruction permit for bear will only create a illegal paid hunt. They will sell them to the highest bidder.

I think there is a need for a spring gray squirrel season.

As a crossbow hunter i find the regulation to have a crossbow decocked in a vehicle not a good thing.  An unloaded, (bolt removed) should be sufficient.

Leaving treestands overnight in public land: fundamentally disagree.  Absolutely fine on private land but in practice on public land would take away from first come first serve mentality and spoil the nature of public land.Uncocking Crossbows in vehicle: while this is good practice, there is no reasonable imposed danger to others and should not be regulated.

Allowing tree stands to be left on public land is a horrible idea. This is going to lead to many confrontations with armed individuals when someone goes to their stand, and someone else is hunting it. It also opens up individuals and the state for lawsuits when someone else is injured, paralyzed or killed as a result of a treestand accident.

No leaving tree stands up in public land.

No hunting for bob white quail.ALLOW hunting in BALTIMORE COUNTY ON SUNDAY = Tired of seeing all other counties except Baltimore county to allow hunting on a date when blue collar folks have off.Spend funding on restocking Pheasant and quail populations and limit ground poison to farmers.No till poisons killed off all of the wild pheasant and quail !  Reduce  crop damage permits ....the farmers in our area have killed way to many and our hunting has suffered / lack of buck and does !!!!!

Why do you do this? You and I both know that these decisions have already been made and that these comments will have no bearing on what the department of natural resources wants to do.
It's just like the fisheries. The only people that have any say so in your fishing regulations are commercial waterman and you ignore the opinions views and desires of your recreational fisherman. Hunting regulations will be no different except there are no commercial hunters so the department of natural resources guided by the local governments in each County get to decide. Like Sunday hunting. Why do counties have the right to deny Sunday hunting on private property owned by Maryland citizens? If I own my own property no one would tell me when I can and cannot hunt on my own property...

It's already to crowded on most public lands. People leaving tree stands is just going to add to move  arguments and fighting.  Iv been hunting public land for a little over 50 years.for quail and everything else.  We should just shut down quail season for couple years and see what that does.  But like you said  it's not the hunting.  I had them around my place  20 years ago and now none.  And there's no hunting. Also not seeing hen turkeys with any  little ones. It's loss of habitat from spraying vegetation.  And varmint control.

The bobwhite population is abysmal. Please shut it down except for released birds. Thanks

Please open the bear hunt to more applicants-double the # of tags drawn?.  This season needs to be longer to include the weekends before and after the current week and needs to be before muzzleloader season.  The bear are smart to the hunters being out and don't show up when there's pressure right before from another season.Thank you
There should not be a bear lottery!  Many folks get the tags just to secure them and never intend on hunting them...  Bear season should be open to all until a determined amount is checked in.  Baiting bear on private property should be allowed as well.

Would like to see an extension of the Fox and Coyote trapping season through the month of February. Normally we are to busy with deer season to get to involved with trapping until after the season for Fox and Coyotes is out.

I mainly hunt in Garrett County on private land only. I would highly enjoy seeing an extra day added for antlerless. I believe the last Friday and Saturday of the firearms 2 week season is sufficient but weather is always a factor in this region and adding an additional day would improve the odds of an antlerless harvest. Having the ability to harvest a black bear on weekend days would improve the interest for hunters that would normally not put in for a black bear tag because of an individual not being able to take off work during the week (me being one of them). In addition, it would definitely boost the revenue as more people would put in for a tag.

I feel tree stands should be allowed to stay up for the year. You just have to add that DNR will not respond or be responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items. I for instance have a very busy and changing schedule with work, children and their sports so little breaks would mean I could sneak in a few mini hunting sessions. I cannot do that now because the time it would take me to go home and load up my climber and head to a WMA is pretty much all the free time I had. You can also fine people who put up stand outside of the season timeline and fine them creating extra revenue and you could also charge a stand permit fee to also create extra revenue.

Hunt black bear before muzzloader.

I would like to comment on leaving tree stands up. I disagree with leaving them up on public land. This will lead to at least 2 huge issues: 1. Hunters trying claim an area as theirs, because their stand was in a tree in that area. This could lead to numerous physical altercations. 2. It will increase the temptation of theft, as not everyone is honest enough not to steal a stand they see in a tree.

I believe that the 6' barrel and 700 ft lbs Muzzle energy requirements for handgun hunting should be removed, you've set a precedent with the Air Gun Muzzle Energy requirement being substantially lower compared to Handguns. Also, I believe that Subsonic Centerfire rounds should be legal to hunt with now in conjunction with Suppressors, since many manufacturers are making expandable bullets that operate and expand via hydraulic pressure from flesh and tissue. The minimum caliber should be 30 Cal. Make it a permit. Shooter has to meet marksmanship requirements with the rifle they intend to hunt with. Applicant pays all necessary fee's to the Dept. of Natural Resources.

Animal trapping should be banned in Maryland. It's a cruel and painful hunting method where by that merit alone it should be banned.  But there has also been horrific accidents to pets and small children getting accidentally caught in traps, which pose a serious threat to public safety. Also, DNR is very lax in regulating trappers, where it's too easy for someone to leave traps unmonitored for indefinite time periods. I am very much against trapping as a hunting method and hope it will be banned.

I couldn't agree more with the stands on public land. The same-day regulation levels the playing field to a true first come, first serve basis.

Remove the straight walled cartridge restriction for firearms
I like all the new proposals except being required to decock my crossbow before transportation. I use a 5-7 year old crossbow and there is no crank for cocking the crossbow only the pull rope style. When I'm hunting by myself I can't decock the crossbow safely. Please that that into consideration thank you

More days to bear hunt in maryland

If you want get get the black bears to a healthy number allow baiting so bigger bears can be selected as well as being able to see if the bear has cubs. Coming from a born and raised garrett county resident as well as a land owner
I would say allowing one stand to remain permanent on state lands or say liberty watershed would be a great idea especially for us older guys.Thank you for your time.
(1) Have more opportunities for a Bear permit.(2) Remove the Sunday Hunting opportunities from the County level and control it from the State level . There is absolutely no reason Queen Annes County has such a few Sunday hunts.

Strongly suggest at every trail head and point of entry into an area approved for hunting, a removable sign be placed stating  CAUTION - HUNTING ACTIVE .  Such a sign would warn hikers that such activity is inadvisible and potentially dangerous if they enter the area.  Remove signs when hunting season is over.

Honestly think the proposals mostly make sense. The sea duck season had to go. Would like to see the goose season either be extended with the 1 bird limit, or bumped back to two geese in the next couple years. Leaving stands in public land could be dangerous. Better limit that to very large or less hunted areas, or state that if someone hangs a ladder stand, that others can use it if they get there first. People are gonna start wars over this in certain areas.

Anything that helps decrease the number of deer is a good thing as living in the suburbs deer are dangerous and hitting cars and eating gardens like crazy.I work so hard growing plants and then lose them to the deer herd that roams our neighborhood.  And this herd is growing each year.  They are cute, but so are rats.

2 week designated crossbow season unless 16 and under or handicap

Allowing people to leave tree stands in the woods on public land is absolutely ridiculous. Stands will be stolen and people will leave stands there forever and the woods will be full of old degraded tree stands before we know it. I think this law change would lead to trash all over the woods.

Myself as a waterfowl hunter and canda goose hunter i believe that are bag limit for canda geese should be 2 per person for the thirdy day season

1. Allowing hunters to leave tree stands up on public land will increase the amount of hunters on public lands. Taking them down every day limits the numbers of days that hunters hunt. I believe they will be issues if someone puts up a stand two weeks before bow season but only hunts it during firearms season. Maybe there should be a two week break that stands have to be down between seasons so someone doesn't tie up a stand placement that they only use for one weapon season. 2. Crossbows should be uncocked when traveling in a car. I agree.3. Bag limits and sunday hunting looks good. I wish we had more sunday all day hunts in Montgomery County but the compromise of 10:30 with the horse council was the only way to get this though. 4. Would love to see sunday migratory bird hunting added. I know this would have to come from legislation in annapolis. But as with deer hunting many people are limited to weekend hunts after the time change and busy lives on Saturdays with children events like sports.
Open up Sunday turkey hunting in Queen Anne's and Talbot Counties

Opposed: To all Deer regulation changes proposed.Deer seasons should be shortened not expanded.  Bag limits reduced for Whitetail antlered deer in region B.  Limit on of out of state licenses should be enacted along with price increase.  A reduction of Sitka bag limits should be enacted.Opposed: Expansion of Cooperator permits should remain unchanged AND count toward  hunting season bag limits. Opposed to third  Black bear management option.

1, eliminating deer drives on public lands2, lower bag limits on Sika  deer.3, creating a lottery for non residents for Sika tags.

I would support leaving tree stands only for seniors and disabled hunters. I support shortened quail and grouse seasons.

SUNDAY HUNTING FOR TURKEYS & WATERFOWL PLEASE!!!!I have to work all week days.  THANK YOU!
allowing stands to be left on public land during the season is a terrible idea. people put a lot of time and effort to scout areas to deer hunt during the spring and summer. I would personally be pissed off if I took the time, energy and my hard earned money to put up a personally owned tree stand only to have a stranger come in and take it over for the day. I think it is ludicrous that you are not allowed to tell a person to get out of a tree stand that you paid for and is tagged in your name. What is the liability to the hunter who had tagged that tree stand, god forbid another hunter doesn't decide to use a harness and falls out of your tree stand. Are you liable for negligence because you didn't leave a safety system for that hunter to use while using your personally owned tree stand. Are you liable if that tree stand had a malfunction while someone else is using it and it collapses. If this proposal is meant to help people who are physically challenged get better access to hunting spots then i believe this is not the solution. Better expansion of disabled hunting locations is the solution. Having DNR tree stand in certain WMA's that are first come first serve is a better solution. thank you

Could we open Sunday Hunting for archery deer season in Prince George's county on private land? The Department does not have the authority to authorize additional Sunday hunting opportunities. We may only open those Sundays that are authorized by the legislature. If you are interested in expanding Sunday hunting opportunities, please reach out to your local legislative representative.​

I like the fact that you can leave your tree stand in the woods all hunting seasonI hope it the passes.

I agree with all proposals especially tree stands!

No treestands should be left on public land. That would be a mess, walking thru the woods with 100's of stands lying around.

Would love Sunday hunting opportunities in Baltimore county.

A policy that would allow archery hunters on state park land to use a small amount of bait.  Such as liquid concentrate or small salt bricks.  They are barely noticeable and dissolve over time.  Not so much corn.  This will retain hunters and provide a better hunter experience on state park property while everyone is flocking to private land.

I would like to propose that the Atlantic population season for Canada geese be  1 bird limit with the last 10 hunting days of the season be 2 a 2 bird limit.

Why cant we have a fox season that goes to the end of February . Delaware is February 28 , Virginia is February 28 Penn is Feb 19. In the state of Maryland we have a problem  with access to property because of deer hunting. No one wants people hunting furbearers and small game during deer season Sep to Feb now. lets lose November dates and add them to Feb dates.The game biologist of the other states seem to think it is ok to hunt late February

I'm glad to see the bear season opening up more! As stated it's hard for people to hunt Monday through Friday! We need more weekends to hunt and an extended season. Weather plays a big part that time of year. I like option 4 for both extensions of season. However hunting bear after muzzleloader and again after rifle will be hard. I think you should have your permit holders be able to harvest a bear during those times while in the stand! We need to control the population that is already of control in certain areas. Maybe have a quota for certain areas of higher populations.

I absolutely agree that tree stands should be allowed to stay up on public property. Please ensure the person who put the stand up originally is not responsible for any injuries that may occur to anyone who may find and use the stand.

The proposed dates and bag limits make sense for the 22/23 season. However I suggest that waterfowl hunting be extended to one half hour after sunset. Generally it is lighter after sunset than in the 30 minutes before sunrise and it is easy to identify gender and species of ducks in that 30 minutes after sunset. I hunted waterfowl 6 times in 21/22 and it was poor hunting.
Having the post sunset extension would make a difference.

I strongly agree with the proposal of leaving tree stands on public hunting lands during the hunting seasons.

The shorter grouse season makes sense due to the low number of birds. Thanks for being proactive.

The tree stand idea is not good. Stands will be everywhere and people will put bait in front of other stands to get someone in trouble. Some people will cut straps on other stands. More of a safety hazard. If you limit stands to DNR IDs that won't work because some people have multiple DNR IDs for themselves. And who is gonna take the stands down that people leave up? Where will the stands go? I think more effort needs to be put toward conservation like stocking quail or lottery hunts or tags.

I am against the proposed change to allow treestands to be left on WMA or State forest lands throughout the season. I can understand wanting more hunter participation and the hunter population is aging, however portable stands are very lightweight. If these hunters cannot carry a stand into an area how will they be able to remove a harvested deer? You say that anyone can use a stand left out, well what happens when someone falls from that stand or it fails. Who will be held liable? The stand owner? If I want to carry my own stand into a public land, I should not have to hunt a different spot because someone has already hung a stand in that location, regardless of whether they are hunting it that day or not. You also say it would be limited to 1 stand per hunter, but how will that be enforced? In addition, what about damage to trees with people using  long term  stands left in trees all season, or longer because people will undoubtedly forget to take down the stand at the end of season.

Need bigger bag limit for anterless in western Washington co

Why are there no Sunday hunting dates for muzzleloader in Caroline and Queen Anne's counties? Rifle and shotgun is allowed in those counties on Sunday. Please allow Sunday muzzleloader in Caroline and Queen Anne's. The Department does not have the authority to authorize additional Sunday hunting opportunities. We may only open those Sundays that are authorized by the legislature. If you are interested in expanding Sunday hunting opportunities, please reach out to your local legislative representative.

Let us dispatch wounded deer.  In the woods with pistols.  It is just straight up wrong.  To either leave it to suffer, till morning, Or stab it with a knife.  That's really the only two options you got. Cops can do it.  DNR can do it.  Then we should be able to do it.  Plus. I really don't like people we weapons behind me. When I'm tracking a deer. They fall in the daytime. Me or my dog may get shoot.  Get the dogs of leash. When tracking wounded deer.  Dogs need room to work. And fighting a leash is a pain in the ass. Plus my dogs down to 3 legs, bone cancer. He gets Hong up at the wrong time he's going to blow a tendon.  I know of 2 dogs that's been hurt by getting Hong up so far. In 4 years of doing it.

Good morning to who it may concern I'm writing to you about the bag limits and the prices for a hunting license in the state of Maryland. Our bag limits are more superior in the Whitetail hunting world which generates a lot of non-resident hunters especially from PA ,Delaware and Virginia with that being said if you are hunting the Eastern shore of Maryland you will witness all the out-of-state tags at state hunting properties. With that being said I feel as if the non-resident price for a one season tag is too low and should be Reevaluated.Maybe make it a lottery tag for nonresident hunters or raise the amount I would definitely raise this question to resident hunters as it is already widely Discuss

Allow Sunday hunting on leased Chesapeake Forrest Property. Thanks

Treestands allowed to be left on public land. While it may be convenient for old folks it more likely will just cause more issues between people. Public hunting lands should be used by everyone. With problems with illegal Atv use, hunting on closed day, and poaching are already an issue adding another item to cause problems between people over treestands will not make hunter recruitment increase. More likely people will shy away from using public even more now. A greater use of NRP resources should be spent on dealing with illegal activity on public lands over having to deal with disputes over treestands on public land.

Please hunt more bears in Garrett County.  They are getting dangerous and tourists do not understand the pressure we are under from the bears coming at us, our children, and eating pets, which are not always reported.
I strongly disagree with the proposal to leave stands on public land. I have had nothing but problems with this in the past and don't think this works for a majority of the hunters.

Please stop allowing deer drives on state ground. It's dangerous for other hunters in the woods as the people doing the drives have no idea where other hunters are nor do they care, they shoot the woods up with no regard of where their projectiles are going or what they are hitting.More than once this past season I had to lay behind trees as bullets were flying through the woods while people were doing deer drives.. Only a matter of time before someone is shot and sorry won't cut it,, I'm talking about the people doing deer drives in Greenridge State Forest

To whom it may concern To allow stands to be left on public land for the season would be asking for trouble. People will steel other stands that don't belong to them. They will damage tree by putting the stand up. People already fight over spots now so if you allow stands I can see other guys damaging other stands in their area. I agree with all other proposals but leave stands on public lands is a very bad idea and just going to cause more work for law enforcement.

Why can't Sunday hunting be all day in Wicomico during the firearm season in Dec and January? It's private property only so why can't I hunt my property? I have yet to understand why we can't when all surrounding counties can. The Department does not have the authority to authorize additional Sunday hunting opportunities. We may only open those Sundays that are authorized by the legislature. If you are interested in expanding Sunday hunting opportunities, please reach out to your local legislative representative.​