Re: RFI: hunting in Montgomery Co, MD

MHoff36100 (MHoff36100@aol.com)
Wed, 21 Jan 1998 20:42:15 EST 

In a message dated 98-01-20 19:30:36 EST, you write:

> Ospreyers,
>  
>  
>     No, I do not want to hunt.  Rather, I would like to know if anyone can
>  give me or direct me to information regarding when people are allowed to
>  hunt in this area.  There are a few spots I like to go birding which are
>  also wildlife management areas and attract hunters (Hughes Hollow, for
>  example).  Call it a quirk, but I like to avoid places where lots of
>  people are firing guns.  It takes away from the "ambiance" of the great
>  outdoors.  If anyone could inform me about what time of day, what days of
>  the week, and what times of the year hunters hunt whatever it is they
>  hunt, I would be most appreciative. 
>  
>  Sincerely,
>  
>  Andy Rabin
>  Gaithersburg, MD
>  andyrab@wam.umd.edu  
>  
>  

Andy -

You've already gotten some good info on this, but I'll add my two cents. I
work for DNR and have been closely involved in the establishment of hunting
seasons and bag limits in Maryland for over 10 years. Annually, in August, DNR
publishes a guide with all the various dates, seasons, etc. They are fairly
consistent year-to-year. Many of the most popular birding areas are public
lands (such as WMAs), which allow some (or all) forms of hunting. The
principal potential conflict would be during the two-week deer firearms
season, which always starts the Sat. after Thanksgiving. There isn't that much
interest in small game hunting and potential birder conflicts at other times
are minimal.

As a full-time birder and occasional hunter, I fine the two activities quite
compatable, but that is largely because in understand the methods and saftey
issues associated with each.

I would be more than happy to discuss this with you at length - feel free to
call me at work, 410-260-8449.

Thanks.

Mark Hoffman
Sykesville, MD
Mhoff36100@aol.com