Everyone wants to be an outfitter on the Eastern Shore, or at least that’s what it seems. People see dollar signs! Really, outfitting is so much more than making a dollar. If you love the outdoors like I do, then you understand. Seeing hunters come to our camp, experiencing the atmosphere, and the camaraderie is something everyone should get a chance to be a part of, at least once in my opinion. If our camp[...]

I began my career with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources as a forest ranger in 1987; a year later I accepted a position with the Wildlife Division. Never a big advocate of hunting, I had learned about wildlife population management in college and understood the sports’ recreational and management values. Still, I had much to learn. Working in a division primarily funded through federal dollars and hunting license sales, I wanted to see what[...]

The Maryland Hunter Education Course offers thorough instruction and guidance. It takes 12 to 14 hours to complete and students must attend all sessions of the class to earn their certification. Responsibility A knowledgeable and skillful student of hunting must also behave responsibly to be a true hunter. Responsible behavior includes courtesy, respect of others and of wildlife, and involvement. Responsible hunters do not poach or act carelessly. They obey hunting laws, hunt fairly, practice[...]

Dove hunting in Maryland offers an exhilarating way to kick off the hunting season, blending the thrill of fast-paced shooting with the serene beauty of the late summer and early fall landscape. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or a newcomer, gearing up properly is essential for a successful hunt. This article will walk you through the key equipment you'll need, as well as some of the best places to go dove hunting in Maryland. Shotgun[...]

Overview With its network of rivers, creeks and tidal marshes, Southern Maryland is like a playground for catfish anglers. The Patuxent and Potomac Rivers, among others, provide fertile grounds for blue and flathead catfish, enticing anglers with the promise of thrilling catches. Southern Maryland's picturesque landscapes and tranquil waters offer a serene and immersive catfishing experience. Whether casting from the shoreline or navigating the waterways by boat, anglers can enjoy the peacefulness of nature while[...]

Must Know: The season runs from April 18 - May 23, and Youth Days are April 16 statewide and April 17 in select counties. The bag limit is one bearded turkey per day and two bearded turkeys per season. Written permission is required when hunting on private property unless the owner or lessee is in the hunting party. The state provides thousands of acres of public land located in all counties that can be used[...]

Overview From the sprawling Chesapeake Bay tributaries like the Patapsco River to the quiet waters of Loch Raven Reservoir, Central Maryland provides anglers with plenty of target opportunities for Blue and Flathead Catfish in various habitats. These waterways boast abundant food sources and ample cover, including submerged structures and rocky outcrops, creating ideal conditions for catfish to thrive. With their accessibility and plentiful populations, the bodies of water in Central Maryland provide an excellent setting[...]

My first rod was flamingo pink with a reel that flashed pink and green lights when you cranked it. That rod isn’t what made me want to go fishing as a kid or spend time on the water. I didn’t fall in love with my FisherGirl-branded cap, or pink camouflage, or even my Barbie tackle box. I fell in love with fighting a fish and watching it get scooped up by the net, being dunked[...]

One of the premier East Coast destinations for icing jumbo 12- to 15-inch yellow perch for adventuresome ice-anglers is Maryland’s Deep Creek Lake. At 3,900-acres in Garrett County, the lake also offers a shot at walleyes, northern pike, chain pickerel and huge bluegills once the ice forms. With a 10-fish limit on yellow perch (per angler, per day) the regulation helps to limit the potential for over harvest of these massive, top-end panfish that can[...]