Some New Legislation

[Ruination]

Legislation - SB0327

"
Delta Waterfowl applauds the introduction of Maryland Senate Bill 327, new legislation that will significantly increase conservation funding in the state while bolstering access and opportunity to Maryland waterfowl hunters.

Introduced by Senator Elfreth of Anne Arundel County, this legislation already has strong bipartisan support with 10 additional co-sponsors from across the state.



Senate Bill 327 was heard in the Senate Education, Energy and Environment Committee February 15th where Delta Waterfowl worked with partner groups to vocally support and provide written testimony to Committee members.



A modest price increase in hunting licenses and the state migratory bird stamp will allow the DNR to not only add roughly $2 million in funding each year but will allow them to tap into over $6 million annually through federal matching funds. The additional funding will go straight back into the core mission of the agency and allow them to better manage wildlife and their habitats while providing additional access and opportunities for the sportsmen and women of Maryland to hunt.



Along with a dedicated investment in Maryland’s natural resources, this legislation will also provide a significant investment in the sportsmen and women of Maryland.



First, it will repeal the antiquated blue laws prohibiting the hunting of migratory birds seven days a week across the state. Allowing waterfowl hunters an additional day to hunt with friends and family will help recruit and retain a robust hunter population that is needed to provide critical funding for conservation efforts in the Maryland.



Additionally, this legislation will also create a new education and outreach division within the Department of Natural Resources that will provide outreach on outdoor recreation to underserved communities across the state. The Department, in consultation with this new program staff will develop a plan to increase outreach efforts to hunting and conservation programs for veterans and urban and suburban areas.



Lastly, this legislation will allow non-resident students enrolled and colleges and universities across Maryland to obtain hunting and trapping licenses at a resident rate.



NOW is the time to contact YOUR Maryland state senators and urge them to SUPPORT Senate Bill 327. Enter your information to email and/or call your Senators and make your voice heard!"

 

[wingsandwater]

I didn't read the bill but $8M in funds and those are the highlights? Could've done most of that for free. Hopefully this gets you guys some more land to hunt

I'm surely in the minority but I like no DE waterfowl on Sundays. Gives the birds a day off, draws out the season and saves me from divorce. 60 days is 60 days regardless.

 

[Ruination]

I didn't read the bill but $8M in funds and those are the highlights? Could've done most of that for free. Hopefully this gets you guys some more land to hunt

I'm surely in the minority but I like no DE waterfowl on Sundays. Gives the birds a day off, draws out the season and saves me from divorce. 60 days is 60 days regardless.

I kind of feel the same as you about Sunday hunting to be honest.

But at the same time...could choose your day. Maybe not burn as much PTO.

Public land needs rest days implemented imo.

$15 more for the license kinda sucks but if they buy more land with it, I'd be okay. It managed some of the stuff we already have.

 

[slacktide]

I am very skeptical of this type of legislation.... the Sunday hunting thing has taken eons to overcome, and I don't think that this bill will make it happen...

The wording " this legislation will also create a new education and outreach division within the Department of Natural Resources that will provide outreach on outdoor recreation to underserved communities across the state"
sounds a lot like the Maryland Motto of take from the rich and wealthier class and give it to the poorer people...do we really need any more people ( poorer and therefore probably intellectually challenged) out crabbing, fishing and boating?

I haven't read the whole thing, but sounds like a way for good ole Maryland to raise our license and fees and give us nothing of substance in return

 

[wingsandwater]

I kind of feel the same as you about Sunday hunting to be honest.

But at the same time...could choose your day. Maybe not burn as much PTO.

I hear ya but that's not in my dna. If Sunday becomes a hunt day, I'm going Saturday and Sunday. I have a wife that puts up with enough of my crap and a house that always needs fixing so a look forward to Sundays off. But thanks to telework, I can sneak put during the week so I admit it's a selfish approach.

I do think Sundays are important rest days for the birds. And being from DE, I'm not confident that they'd open all of our WMA's for Sunday hunting. You'd have to staff all of the lottery draw stations an additional day. Alot easier to keep em closed which would make Sundays a private land day for the most part. Completely hypothetical.

I'd much rather give up Sundays over hunting 7 days a week and shaving a week off the season.

 

[Ruination]

I hear ya but that's not in my dna. If Sunday becomes a hunt day, I'm going Saturday and Sunday. I have a wife that puts up with enough of my crap and a house that always needs fixing so a look forward to Sundays off. But thanks to telework, I can sneak put during the week so I admit it's a selfish approach.

I do think Sundays are important rest days for the birds. And being from DE, I'm not confident that they'd open all of our WMA's for Sunday hunting. You'd have to staff all of the lottery draw stations an additional day. Alot easier to keep em closed which would make Sundays a private land day for the most part. Completely hypothetical.

I'd much rather give up Sundays over hunting 7 days a week and shaving a week off the season.

Nah, I am pretty similar.

I would hate not hunting both days and my wife would probably murder me when I did.

 

[bird junkie]

If you hunt regardless yes you will hunt both but i only hunt when I am confident it will be good so lots of times I don’t hunt one day or the other and hunt the best days weather ect.

 

[Marshbum]

I grew up and spent my childhood half of my adult life hunting on Sundays in KS or wherever Uncle Sam took me til I got station in NJ and ultimately landed in MD. My answer a few years ago would have undoubtedly been horrah! However, I have grown to appreciate the day off conduct boat (or body) recovery and do other things (sometimes rockfish fishing in the fall!). Mixed feelings on it now but do believe everyone should be given the opportunity on at traditional day off.

 

[Archeryrob]

Sunday hunting seems to be the minor issue for most of the big players on this and seen as a side issue for them. Except for the guide association. If Sundays get approved, this is the bill that will do it. The conservation of it is what the big organizations are focused on.

The rest of the country is confused as to why we don't hunt Sundays.

 

[markd]

I do think Sundays are important rest days for the birds.

I'd much rather give up Sundays over hunting 7 days a week and shaving a week off the seseason.

Are Maryland ducks special in some way that they need a day off? Doesn't seem to bother ducks in VA, TX, FL....

I heard the length of calendar season from guys in VA, makes no logical sense at all. Our birds (such as they are in the Atlantic Flyway) are almost completely weather driven. You can't predict January weather in April...