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