A pair of bills in Maryland to open up additional Sunday hunting opportunities passed the Senate on Friday, April 4th. The bills will now head to the desk of Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley.
Maryland is one of the few remaining states that continue to greatly restrict the ability of sportsmen to hunt on Sundays.
The bills, HB 406 and HB 432, would open up new hunting opportunities in the western portion of Maryland.
- HB 406 allows Sunday hunting for all species in Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties.
- HB 432 opens Sunday deer hunting in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington Counties.
The bills, which both cleared the full Senate by a vote of 43-4, now head to the Governor’s desk for his approval.
“Maryland and West Virginia are capitalizing on the momentum from the this year’s Sunday Hunting Coalition victory in neighboring Virginia to end prohibitions on Sunday hunting,” said Jake McGuigan, Director of Government Relations/State Affairs for the National Shooting Sports Foundation. “The economic benefit of overturning this antiquated law is too hard to ignore and states know that passage of these bills will lead to immediate job growth and increased tax revenue.”
Currently, Maryland allows limited Sunday hunting for deer on private land.
“Opening up new opportunities to hunt on Sundays is not only great for sportsmen, it will provide a huge boost to the state’s economy,” said Evan Heusinkveld, USSA’s vice president of government affairs. “Maryland sportsmen should call Governor O’Malley today in support of these measures.”
About the Sunday Hunting Coalition: The Coalition is comprised of the leading conservation, sportsmen’s, and hunting groups committed to removing bans and restrictions on Sunday hunting. In addition to the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, members of the coalition include: the National Shooting Sports Foundation, Cabela’s, National Rifle Association, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Archery Trade Association, Boone and Crockett Club, Delta Waterfowl, Mule Deer Foundation, National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses, Pheasants Forever, Pope and Young Club, Quail Forever, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Safari Club International, and the Wildlife Management Institute.
