The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comment on the proposed 2018-2019 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons. The public comment period will close at noon March 14.
The seasons will be finalized in early spring after the department reviews public input and obtains approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“We look forward to reviewing public feedback from our waterfowl hunters and others,” Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. “Input from our dedicated waterfowling community is vital to helping us improve and manage hunting opportunities throughout Maryland.”
The proposed youth waterfowl hunting days are Nov. 3, 2018, and Feb. 9, 2019. These days are part of a national effort by federal and state wildlife agencies to increase youth participation in the rich tradition of waterfowl hunting.
The proposed regular duck season opening split season would run Oct. 13-20. The second season would run Nov. 10-23, and third split season would run Dec. 11, 2018, to Jan. 26, 2019.
The proposed special sea duck season would run from Nov. 3, 2018, to Jan. 11, 2019. Federal regulations for the special season call for a maximum length of 60 days.
The proposed Atlantic Population (migrant) Canada goose season will be split into its traditional two segments, Nov. 17-Nov. 23, and Dec. 14, 2018, to Feb. 2, 2019.
The proposed mourning dove season will run from Sept. 1 to Oct. 20, followed by two additional splits, Oct. 27-Nov. 23, and Dec. 18, 2018, to Jan. 12, 2019.
The department will host a public meeting at 7 p.m. March 6 on the campus of Chesapeake College, Building No. 13, to review the proposed seasons.
Citizens may also comment online, by phone at 410-260-8540, by fax at 410-260-8596, or in writing to: Maryland Department of Natural Resources – Wildlife and Heritage Service, 580 Taylor Avenue, E-1, Annapolis, Maryland, 21401.