Hunting on Maryland’s Eastern Shore is without question one of my favorite outdoor activities, but there’s one hunt I recall a few years ago that was far more memorable than most. One of the hunters in our party was a Marine who had been severely injured while serving in Iraq. I first met Lt. Andrew Kinard while visiting Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. I had no idea how that visit would change[...]

Though I’ve been hunting all of my adult life, I consider myself far from an expert, by any means, when it comes to turkey hunting. One is always learning-- whether you mean to or not. Seldom do I return from a hunt without adding to my repertoire, to be drawn upon on a future hunt. I reside in the mountains of Western Maryland, specifically Garrett County. The terrain is diverse with rolling mountains, streams, farm[...]

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[...]

Bear activity is increasing throughout western Maryland as the black bear population continues to expand eastward. With its rural landscape and vast forested land, western Maryland holds some prime bear habitat, much of which is found on public lands open for hunting. A Guide to Planning a Black Bear Hunt in Maryland There are a limited number of bear hunting permits available each year in Maryland and they are awarded through a lottery drawing. The[...]

With the summer months just around the corner, one thing on most deer hunters’ minds, other than how soon they can get back in their tree stand, is the buck that slipped out of bow range or the one just across the fence line during gun season. Never mind the hardships and anticipation of deer hunting, here are some activities to pass the time that might help make you become a better deer hunter for[...]

With so much wildlife and natural beauty throughout Maryland, and with so many options to choose from, planning a hunting or fishing trip is easy. Start planning your trip with ideas from our highlighted "Only in Maryland" experiences.

Fashion news rarely makes it into the hunting scene. However, this year Maryland’s Blaze Pink bill sponsored by Senator Addie Eckart, and created by young huntresses Paige and Brooke Simonsen of Easton, made a huge statement – fashion and otherwise. As a female hunter (one who admittedly has always worn mascara deer hunting, even under my ski mask in case a post-hunting picture with a trophy buck happened to come into play) and, okay, one[...]

Download The App Today! Choose your phone provider: AccessDNR is the official app from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for the state's outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you want to visit a state park, hunt or fish, explore waterways by boat or kayak, or simply watch wildlife, the AccessDNR app provides all the information and services you need on the go. Features Include: Maps and directions to Maryland State Parks, trails, Wildlife Management Areas, boat launches[...]