Maryland 2013 Deer Archery Season to Open September 6
Archery hunting for white-tailed deer opens statewide on September 6, 2013 and continues through January 31, 2014. As a reminder, there is a statewide bag limit for bucks but the antlerless deer bag limits differ between the two Deer Management Regions in Maryland.
Sika deer archery season is also open from September 6 through January 31 in Caroline, Dorchester, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester counties. The bag limit for archery season is two deer with no more than one being antlered. An antlered sika is defined as a deer with at least one antler visible above the hairline.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters to check in deer taken with a long, compound or recurve bow as harvested with a vertical bow. Crossbow hunters will register their deer as taken with a crossbow. This information helps DNR biologists to continue to learn more about archery hunter preference and its associated impact on recreational opportunities, as well as the deer harvest.
DNR has added several Sunday hunting dates for archery hunters on private land. These and other changes for the 2013-2014 hunting season are in the 2013-2014 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping, or online in the What’s New section. Complete bag limits, season dates, registration procedures and hunting regulations are on the DNR website and in this year’s guide.
Hunters should carefully inspect all tree-stands and always wear a full-body safety harness while climbing in or out and while in the stand. DNR strongly recommends using a sliding knot, commonly known as a prussic knot, attached to a line that is secured above the stand that allows the hunter to be safely tethered to the tree as soon as they leave the ground. Visit the DNR website to see more information on tree-stand safety and view a detailed video.
Hunters are encouraged to donate any extra deer they may harvest to Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry. The program enables hunters to take deer to cooperating butchers and processors where they can donate them free of charge. The deer are processed and the venison is made available to local food banks. Last year over 600,000 venison meals were provided to food banks and feeding programs through the program. Learn more at www.fhfh.org.
