Maryland’s Eastern Shore is well known for its beaches, goose hunting and white marlin , but it’s also a hotspot for white-tailed deer and a haven for the elusive Sika deer . With deer season in full swing, here are the Eastern Shore’s top public lands for deer hunting. The Chesapeake Forest With more than 30 different tracts of land scattered over the lower Eastern Shore, the Chesapeake Forest offers an abundance of deer hunting[...]

Depending on who you talk to, some may say the Waterfowl Festival (November 9 th, 10 th, and 11 th) in Easton, Maryland is for fine art, while others will tell you it’s the best place to learn about traditional Eastern Shore heritage, and a hunting buddy might tell you it’s the place to pick up the latest and greatest hunting gear. It truly does have something for everyone and is a great fall weekend[...]

History In Maryland, duck hunting traces its roots to the colonial era, with settlers relying on waterfowl for sustenance. As the state developed, hunting traditions persisted, adapting to changing conservation needs. In the early 20th century, there was a growing awareness of the importance of regulating hunting to protect waterfowl populations. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 marked a significant milestone, granting federal protection to migratory birds and regulating hunting practices. This legislation influenced[...]

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[...]

Must Know: Hunters need to be in pretty good shape to do some walking. Rabbit hunting requires lots of walking unlike other hunting sports where you can sit still. Rabbit hunting season runs from November 7 –February 27. For a hunter to participate they must purchase a hunting license and must have a picture ID along with the DNR safety courses. Maryland’s limit is 4 rabbits per hunter per day which is very generous. Written[...]

It’s 4:30am on November 4, 2023. My alarm rings. Filled with excitement and anticipation, I easily wake. My brother-in-law and I head out, hoping to harvest my first buck during the rut. We walk into the dense woods of Southern Maryland. I pick my spot. It’s set over a regularly hit communal scrape on a creek bottom between two shallow ridge systems. I climb and set up my tree saddle. It’s 5:30am. Doe bedding to[...]

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[...]

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[...]

Governor Larry Hogan today announced Executive Order 01.01.2017.24 establishing the Maryland Outdoor Recreational Economic Commission (MORE). This commission will be responsible for developing strategies and making recommendations to the governor to strengthen the state’s outdoor recreation industry and help ensure increased investment in our state’s outdoor recreation resources. “Maryland is abundant with natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resources that contribute significantly to our economy and quality of life,” said Governor Hogan. “This commission will help[...]