Take Action Today! Maryland sportsmen should contact their state senator and ask them to vote YES on both Senate Bills 293 and 390. Maryland members can find their state senator by using the Sportsmen’s Alliance Legislative Action Center.
Maryland Sen. Jack Bailey (R-St. Mary’s County) has introduced two bills that will expand Sunday hunting for deer hunters and migratory bird hunters. Senate Bill 293 would allow the hunting of migratory birds on Sundays, while Senate Bill 390 would allow Sunday deer hunting on public land as designated by the Department of Natural Resources.
Current Maryland law allows Sunday hunting for deer on private land on one Sunday designated by the department. Both bills are currently in the Senate Education, Health & Environmental Affairs Committee.
- SB 293 is scheduled to receive a hearing on Feb. 12 at 1 pm, in room 2 of the West Miller Senate Building.
- SB 390 is scheduled to be heard on Feb. 19 at 1 pm, in the same room.
Currently only eight states, including Maryland, place restrictions on Sunday hunting. Many sportsmen work six days a week, and have difficulty finding time to go afield. As one of only two weekend days, Sunday hunting restrictions make it hard for states to retain existing hunters, and to recruit new ones. Allowing Sunday hunting for waterfowl and deer will benefit hunters, property owners, businesses and wildlife conservation. Sportsmen contribute the vast majority of revenue for wildlife conservation in every state. In 2017, Maryland sportsmen generated more than $26 million as a result of hunting and fishing license sales.
“Sunday hunting is good for wildlife conservation, but just as importantly it’s a needed day for busy families to enjoy deer or waterfowl hunting,” said Luke Houghton associate director of state services.