Sam is a Wildlife Response Technician with the Department of Natural Resources- Wildlife & Heritage Service. She hunts whitetail deer, small game, and waterfowl. Sam also loves the challenge that comes with it and knowing where the meat in the freezer is coming from. Q&A with Sam: What makes Maryland unique? Maryland is unique when it comes to hunting because we are the only state in North America where you can hunt sika deer in[...]
If you’ve been waiting to enjoy more of Maryland’s outdoors, the hunting season is a perfect time. Bring the family on a hunt and hike road trip to explore one of the most varied landscapes in the country. Each major region of the state offers plenty of opportunities for a complete outdoors adventure for hunters and out-of-state visitors alike. Accessible history, beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife can make for an easy and memorable day or[...]
The pursuit of white-tailed deer during hunting season is a blend of science and skill. Success relies on understanding deer biology, habitat and behavior patterns. Armed with this knowledge, you can anticipate their movements and position yourself for a rewarding hunt. Let’s dive in! Deer Biology 101 The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is one of the most common and prized game species in North America, especially in Maryland. To outsmart them, understanding their physiology and[...]
Welcome to Fish & Hunt Maryland! From giving you the locations of your favorite species, to hooking you up with the best guides in the area, we’re here to help make your next hunting and fishing adventure a success. As a premier sportsman’s destination, Maryland has everything you need and more for a great experience. Whether you’re a serious sportsman looking for that trophy white-tailed deer, or a novice group seeking a memorable deep-sea fishing[...]
History In the early 1900’s Clement Henry released 5 or 6 deer on James Island. Maryland biologists and deer managers first worried that the “miniature elk” would expand into the upland territory of native white-tailed deer. This resulted in higher bag limits being set so that hunters would be encouraged to harvest and control the sika deer population. However, over the years, managers have learned that the sika predominantly lives most of its life in[...]
Duck Hunting on Maryland’s Eastern Shore As geese sweep down on a marsh, their calls can be deafening as their wings eclipse the sky. There is no doubt that it is a thrilling sight. The expanses of river, marsh, and fields that make up the bulk of Kent County are right along the Atlantic flyway, a migratory funnel that siphons 29 species of waterfowl, including geese, ducks , and swans, by the thousands. These birds[...]
Our family spent summers on the Eastern Shore. I learned the size of a keeper Blue crab was as big as a Coca cola can. I baited fat minnows on hooks to catch flounder. I sat next to Mallard nests in the springtime, praying the eggs would hatch and the yellow down ducklings would follow me home. Maryland provided a world class education in the outdoors, but I was never exposed to hunting. As an[...]
Bow hunting is a way of life, a natural order if you will. This is especially true in the traditional sense (i.e., longbow or recurve bow). I choose to hunt with traditional equipment as it affords me a deep, personal challenge in perusing game. The traditional bow allows one to become a better hunter being limited to shorter working ranges for harvesting intended prey. I am talking 20 yards and under. It ensures that the[...]
An Interesting Challenge Late season deer are not the kind you’re used to when the season opens. For one, they’ve likely been chased, shot at, and generally pursued for a few months by now. The remaining bucks and does have learned new behaviors and movement patterns to stay alive. That means this is the worst time to slip up by hunting on a wrong wind or making noise on your access trail. Be particularly smart[...]