UPDATE! On Saturday, March 27, 2010 (yes, a Saturday), the House Environmental Matters Committee gave HB 1518 an “unfavorable report,” effectively killing the bill (as opposed to letting it die a slow death in limbo by not doing anything). No doubt, the uproar of the park users played a role in this.
For background, please scroll down.
To read responses to the editorial or to HB1518, scroll down.
Bill To Expand Sunday Hunting Oct – Mid-Jan, for most of Maryland
On Monday March 8, 2010, Delegates Holmes (Prince George’s County) and O’Donnell (Calvert County) introduced a comprehensive Sunday hunting bill that would allow deer hunting on private land from the first Sunday in October through the second Sunday in January of the following year. This would include bow and firearms. The bill specifically exempts Baltimore, Carroll, Howard and Prince George’s Counties.
Officials at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources believe this bill would actually give the Department more control over Sunday hunting, as well as a greater ability to limit Sunday hunting – and a close reading of the bill does indicate as much. HB 1518 states that DNR “may” allow – not “shall” allow, theoretically giving DNR the flexibility to regulate deer hunting according to scientific data on deer population rather than the current law that requires or demands that DNR to allow some Sunday hunting.
Supporters of the bill also note that this bill only applies to private land. Leaving aside that the incremental expansion of Sunday hunting portends that public land would be next, much private land abuts public land, thus Sunday hunting would, indeed, severely restrict the use of some public lands; it is highly unlikely that hikers, bikers, bird watchers and trail riders will be able to utilize those public lands adjacent to hunting.
Not only does Sunday deer hunting impede the ability of non-hunters to use the land from October through mid-January, it also shuts out other hunters, such as rabbit hunters, foxchasers and some bird hunters.
And although the bill applies only to private lands, based on the history of Sunday hunting legislation in Maryland, The Equiery anticipates, if this bill passes, future bills to include public land, to include the now excluded counties, and possibly even to change “may allow” to “shall allow.”
Because the bill was filed late in the legislative session (perhaps a strategic move), it is currently in the House Rules and Executive Nominations Committee. It is expected to move out of this committee and move to where it would have been filed, had it been filed in a timely fashion: House Environmental Matters.
Click here for more information, or to contact a legislator.
Send your comments to editor@equiery.com
Dear Editor, I am saddened to see that this concept is still up and running. As an equestrian married to a deer hunter I find deer season a stressful time. I would prefer to see the season start a week earlier for gun season and continue with the Sunday prohibition on hunting. Managing the deer population is an ugly neccessity. Bow hunting is often inhumane and many deer are maimed to die a slow painful death. We had to complete the job a hunter started just last winter, when a bow hunter shot the animal in the hind end, and the animal ran until he dropped after suffering for God knows how long. I’m certain we are not the only people who found an animal in this situation. Perhaps the state could raise some funds with a “Bow Hunting” test- similar to the test gun hunters now must take, as well as ensure competency and common sense. Perhaps we’d find fewer arrows in our pastures as well.
Thanks,
Valerie Helfrich
WindFall Farm
Opposed to HB 1518 regarding expanding Sunday hunting.
Having read all bills currently before the house, I am puzzled by this late entry. I don’t have objections to the other bills allowing Hunting on Sunday with Cross Bows and Bow and Arrow due to their effective distances. However, firearms are entirely different and I am opposed to giving that decision making authority to the DNR. My vote is to maintain the No Hunting On Sunday law
Am writing to Envir. Matters Comm. today to express my disapproval of any additional Sunday hunting. Since private properties abut public ones, hunting on Sunday would negatively impact other users of public lands who might well be discouraged from recreating on Sundays.
I’m frightened by the prospect of this state bill allowing hunting on private land on Sundays. This is not the west, where ranches may stretch 500 acres and hunting on private land wouldn’t affect anyone for miles. No, this is the high-density metropolitan Washington, D.C., area where private land abuts public parks and hiker/biker/rider trails and a stray bullet hitting me or my horse is a definite and grim possibility. That’s why I wear a fluorescent orange vest from September to March if I’m out on the trails.
Isn’t there at least one day a week where we riders might enjoy the trails quietly and safely and not have to call out the entire time, “Horses! No shooting, please! Horses coming through!” I’ve had to do that, and it is nerve-wracking for both rider and horse.
I have accidentally encountered hunters while on horseback, and have appreciated their sensitivity to my safety — and my fear. However, there are hunters who either are not as considerate or are not as skilled or vigilant in controlling their shots. I don’t want to be at their mercy on Sundays. That’s why I oppose this bill.
Thank you.
Dana Grabiner
Registered voter, Hyattsville, Md. (Prince George’s County) 301-277-1226
I keep my horse in Burtonsville, Md. (Montgomery County, on the edge of Howard County)
This is in response to your e-mail which was forwarded from a friend. Yes, I am opposed to Sunday hunting. I am an avid foxhunter, trail rider, and hiker. We are already “shut in” 6 days a week during the most beautiful time of the year. It is so very frustrating!!! I have written letters in the past and sent e-mails to my representatives opposing Sunday hunting. I am not opposed to deer hunting as a general rule. In fact I welcome hunters on my property who are respectful and safe. However, we need to keep the balance and those of us who want to spend some time outdoors without putting their life at risk need to be part of the equation. If there is anything more that I can do please let me know. You asked to hear from people. You know we are out here. So what is our next step?
Jackie Hoffman
I have voiced my opposition to opening up hunting to the Governor.
Angela Morales
Dear Equiery,
We were appalled to hear about this proposed bill. Many, many of these hunters are not even from Maryland, and only a very, very small number of voters are even bow hunters. Also, having bow hunting in early September with such thick foliage is incredibly unsafe for all people whose taxes have gone to enjoy the parks and public areas. We all know that the hunters are told to “look first, then shoot”, but this is regularly not followed. To add thick foliage to this mix, which is obviously not a problem in the winter months, will exponentially increase the risk of hunters shooting at adults, children, and horses, rather than a deer. Additionally, September is one of the most beautiful months in Maryland, and many enjoy the much needed relaxation of hikes, walks with dogs, and general outdoor recreation after their children have returned to school or just to enjoy this time of year, Also in today’s, economic environment, many of us cannot financially afford any entertainment other than using the free (tax-paid) public recreation.
Then there is the issue of the animals. This type of hunting in the end-of-summer months is inhumane. Fifty-percent of these animals will suffer due to severe infections from the heat after having been hit. Also their babies are still nursing, so the hunters would be killing the mothers before the babies are weaned. Given this sport isn’t necessary to feed the hunters, how cruel is this?
We implore you to let everyone know that potential bill is unnecessary, unfair, unsafe, and cruel punishment to the animals.
Thank you.
Anne Ross
Hello,
I have a small farm in Charles County MD. I keep horses on my farm and I ride. During deer season, I can only safely ride on Sundays. Allowing hunters to hunt deer on Sundays takes that safety away from those of us who like and live to be outside on the trails.
As it is now, during hunting season, I hear guns going off all around my farm. I worry about the safety of my horses during that time. Every year you hear the horror stories of horses being shot by irresponsible hunters.
I also use Sundays, during that time, to check my horse fences. The back part of my farm is wooded. Just because land is posted doesn’t mean someone won’t venture onto it while hunting.
I seriously oppose allowing hunting to take place on Sundays.
Sincerely
Brenda Price
Let my voice be heard…I strongly oppose Sunday hunting (public OR private). This year it seemed that the season started early. That was bad enough as it chased us off of some public places.
I ride primarily on my own property, but my farm butts up against land that is privately owned too. I have no problem with folks hunting their own property inside hunting season on any day. What I DO have a problem with is when they place their tree stands on the property line and shoot near enough to endanger me or my horses. I know to avoid those areas Mon-Sat…but I enjoy my Sunday.
We only get one day a week of peace, quiet and safe riding during hunting season…we need to keep it.
On the 7th day man shall rest.
Teresa Perrera
I am all for sharing and permitting others to be able to pursue their interests and sports, yet this bill takes away the one day that horseback riders and foxhunting enthusiasts have to participate in their recreation throughout the bulk of the Fall.
As the article points out, it’s a small step for the bill to go from “may” to “shall” and private lands to public lands.
Not a great development, in my estimation.