Maryland trail riding forums, hotlines, chat rooms and social media sites have lit up with the latest localized attempt to expand Sunday hunting in Maryland.
On Wed. Dec. 19, the Howard County Delegation to the Maryland General Assembly will debate whether or not to submit a bill during the 2013 legislative session that will add Howard County to the list of counties that allow, under certain provisions and conditions, deer hunting on private properties on Sundays. The counties in which Sunday hunting on private property under certain circumstances is allowed include Allegany, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, St. Mary’s, Somerset, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico and Worcester. The bill being debated is sponsored by Delegate Gail Bates and is currently titled HO.CO. 07-13 (LR 766) .
The meeting, which will be chaired by Delegate Guy Guzzone and Senator James Robey, will be Wed. Dec. 19, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. in the Banneker Room, George Howard Building 3430 Courthouse Drive in Ellicott City. The Maryland legislative session will begin January 9, 2013.
For further information, contact Dylan Goldberg at the Howard County Delegation Office at 410-841-3360 or hoc1@mlis.state.md.us or one of the following Howard County senators (for Howard County delegates, please visit the website for the Maryland General Assembly).
DISTRICT 9
Sen. Allan H. Kittleman (R), District 9
James Senate Office Building, Room 423
11 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3671
e-mail: allan.kittleman@senate.state.md.us
DISTRICT 12
Sen. Edward J. Kasemeyer (D), District 12
Miller Senate Office Building, 3 West Wing
11 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3653
e-mail: edward.kasemeyer@senate.state.md.us
DISTRICT 13
Sen. James N. Robey (D), District 13
James Senate Office Building, Room 120
11 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3572
e-mail: james.robey@senate.state.md.us
My wife this told me about this foolishness. I am a horsemen and a hunter who does not want or need hunting on Sundays. I need one day a week to relax when I do not have to keep trespassing hunters off my land. This is going to be a pain in the neck and all I see is trouble and problems. Hunters know we have a really long season and plenty of time to hunt. The only ones who be coming out to our land is the city weekend hunters. I vote NO!
Since I can’t attend the meeting, I sent my letters in:
Hello, I’m Mrs. Debby Poole I’ve been riding horses since 1969 and completely understand the reasons for wanting to allow hunting on Sundays. I also understand that we must manage the deer so that we don’t continue to endanger people when driving and destroying cars. But we also need to consider the many active horseback riders that only feel safe riding on Sundays. I personally have had many encounters with hunters while riding. I try to stay clear of their stands and move away if I realize they’re in the area. I also wear bright colors. The issue for me is that not all hunters are as careful as they could be when they shoot, accidents do happen. Hunters have 6 days in a week that we already allow hunting.
But aside from all this it isn’t only about horses. People like to hike, go out with their children, and walk their dogs, we need to have a day when there is no danger and we can just enjoy the natural beauty of our State and Counties.
Thank you for your time, Debby
Belle Cote Farm
Burtonsville, MD 20866
HO.CO. 07-13 (LR 766) .
Since I couldn’t attend the meeting tonight I sent in letters.
Hello, I’m Mrs. Debby Poole I’ve been riding horses since 1969 and completely understand the reasons for wanting to allow hunting on Sunday’s. I also understand that we must manage the deer so that we don’t continue to endanger people when driving and destroying cars. But we also need to consider the many active horseback riders that only feel safe riding on Sundays. I personally have had many encounters with hunters while riding. I try to stay clear of their stands and move away if I realize they’re in the area. I also wear bright colors. The issue for me is that not all hunters are as careful as they could be when they shoot, accidents do happen. Hunters have 6 days in a week that we already allow hunting.
But aside from all this it isn’t only about horses. People like to hike, go out with their children, and walk their dogs, we need to have a day when there is no danger and we can just enjoy the natural beauty of our State and Counties.
Thank you for your time, Debby
Belle Cote Farm
Burtonsville, MD 20866
HO.CO. 07-13 (LR 766) .