Chesapeake Bay News

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife and Heritage Service announced that shoreline license applications are now being accepted from riparian (waterfront) property owners.

Anyone owning riparian property, or persons who have the permission of the riparian property owner, may license their shoreline for the purpose of establishing stationary blinds or blind sites for hunting waterfowl, or to prevent others from licensing the shoreline at a later date.

All applications and fees must be submitted by mail or in person and received by the close of business June 1, 2011. Riparian property owners may now license their shoreline for a period of one year ($20) or three years ($60). Landowners who miss the June 1 deadline may participate in the “open” licensing process that begins August 2.

Applications and information on laws related to shoreline licensing for riparian property owners are available at http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Licenses/riparian.asp or by calling the Wildlife and Heritage Service at 410-260-8540, toll free at 1-877-620-8DNR (8367).

source: MD DNR

The Chesapeake Bay retriever is one of the most popular hunting dogs in the region. Their powerful, muscular body and waterproof coat make them an excellent retriever for waterfowl hunting. Their coat is short, dense and wavy, usually brown, red or tan. The head of the Chesapeake Bay retriever is broad and wide with a powerful but yet endearing appearance. The head and face of this breed is short haired. The eyes are yellowish or amber in color.

Chesapeake Bay retrievers make friendly, intelligent and obedient dogs. They are known to be courageous, loving and very trainable. The breed has a reputation for being affectionate and good with families. Chesapeakes often join a family as a puppy and take on a variety of roles which may include being a companion and protector of children while also acting as a working dog during the hunting season.

It is said that the Chesapeake Bay retriever breed originated when a shipwreck occurred off the coast of Maryland in 1807. According to legend, Newfoundland dogs survived the shipwreck and these were given to a local family. The pair were bred with local retrievers which eventually led to the development of the breed. The result was a type of dog that is well suited for hunting and swimming in the Chesapeake Bay.

On February 22, 2010, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife and Heritage Service announced that shoreline license applications are now being accepted from riparian (waterfront) property owners. Anyone owning riparian property, or persons who have the permission of the riparian property owner, may license their shoreline for the purpose of establishing stationary blinds or blind sites for hunting waterfowl, or to prevent others from licensing the shoreline at a later date.

All applications and fees must be submitted by mail or in person and received by the close of business June 1, 2010. Riparian property owners may now license their shoreline for a period of one year ($20) or three years ($60). Landowners who miss the June 1 deadline may participate in the “open” licensing process that begins August 3.

Applications and information on laws related to shoreline licensing for riparian property owners are available at the DNR website www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/riparian.html or by calling the Wildlife and Heritage Service at 410-260-8540, toll free at 1-877-620-8DNR (8367).

source: MD DNR press release

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has reviewed all public input and finalized the 2009-2010 late waterfowl hunting seasons.

“As always, public input helped guide our decisions,” said Paul Peditto, Director of DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service. “The individuals who took the time to attend our public meeting and provide comments through our online forum should be commended.”

Good breeding habitat conditions should result in a large fall flight of ducks this year. The 60-day duck season includes three segments, running from October 17 to October 24, November 14 to November 27, and December 15 to January 30. The daily bag limit will be six ducks per day.

One change this year is an increase in the daily bag limits for certain diving ducks. “The breeding population of canvasbacks increased 38 percent to 660,000 birds this year and scaup numbers were above four million for the first time in nearly a decade,” said Larry Hindman, DNR’s Waterfowl Project Leader. “As a result, diving duck hunters may take two scaup and one canvasback per day as part of their six duck limit.”

The 2009 spring breeding pair survey of Atlantic Population (migratory) Canada geese was 176,600 compared to 169,700 in 2008. Unfortunately, spring snowmelt was delayed over most of the Atlantic Population (AP) breeding range in northern Quebec resulting in reduced nesting effort and poor gosling production. Thus, the 2009 AP Canada goose season remains unchanged from last year at 45 days with a daily bag limit of two geese. The season will be split into two segments, from November 21 to November 27 and from December 17 to January 30.

The greater snow goose breeding population reached an all time high this spring with 1.4 million birds. “Unlike the poor nesting conditions for Canada geese, conditions were favorable for greater snow geese,” said Hindman. “Thus, the fall flight should be one of the largest ever, approaching 2 million birds.”

Greater and lesser snow geese and Ross’s geese are collectively referred to as ‘light geese’. A Light Goose Conservation Order season will immediately follow the conclusion of the regular light goose hunting season this year. During the Conservation Order season hunters may use unplugged shotguns, electronic calls and hunt from one half-hour before sunrise to one half-hour after sunset with no daily bag or possession limits.

“The intent of the liberal Conservation Order season is to significantly reduce light goose populations,” said Hindman. “The Atlantic Flyway greater snow goose population is more than twice the desired population size. A reduced population will help minimize the ecological and agricultural damage caused by the current over-abundance of light geese.”

Waterfowl hunters participating in the Light Goose Conservation Order season must possess a Snow Goose Conservation Order Hunting Season permit which may be obtained for $5 from any DNR sport license agent, online at http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/, or by phone (1-800-918-2870). Participants must possess a valid Maryland hunting license (or resident Delaware license) and a 2009-2010 Maryland Migratory Game Bird Hunting Stamp.

All migratory game bird hunters, including landowners who are license-exempt, are required to obtain the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp. Hunters must possess the printed receipt showing proof of purchase of the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp while hunting migratory game birds.

All waterfowl hunters age 16 and over must also purchase the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp) which must be signed and in possession while hunting waterfowl and coots. Hunters may obtain federal duck stamps at U.S. Post Offices, National Wildlife Refuges, certain DNR sport license agents and online at www.duckstamp.com. The Federal stamp is not required for the Light Goose Conservation season.

Non-toxic shot is required for hunting waterfowl and coots. Hunters may not possess or use non-toxic shot shells larger than size No. T or any lead shot shells while waterfowl hunting. Approved types of nontoxic shot and other information on migratory game bird hunting are listed in the 2009-2010 Guide to Hunting and Trapping in Maryland or on DNR’s website at http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide/index.asp.

The 2009-2010 late waterfowl season dates and bag limits will be published in the annual migratory game bird season synopsis and distributed to DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service offices and sport license agents in mid-September. For more information about the 2009-2010 Maryland Late Waterfowl Seasons and Bag Limits submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, visit http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide/lwfchart.asp.

source: DNR press release

The 39th annual Waterfowl Festival takes place in the colonial town of Easton, Maryland. The historic buildings of Easton serve as venues for galleries and exhibits, while events and demonstrations are held at the surrounding ponds and scenic areas.

The Waterfowl Festival is America’s premiere wildlife art exposition featuring art work from more than 300 artists recognized world-wide. Hundreds of paintings, sculpture, carvings, photos, and fine crafts reflect the beauty of the natural world.

Dealers offer antique and contemporary decoys, arts, crafts and Eastern Shore food.

The Festival offers fly fishing and retriever dog demonstrations – sure to entertain the experienced outdoor enthusiast, children and everyone in between. Also this year will be the DockDogs, an entertaining competition between dogs to see who can make the longest jump into a pool.

There are numerous hands-on activities for the entire family, especially for the little ones, such as nature arts and crafts activities and up close wildlife education.

Four world-class calling contests take place at the Festival attracting top callers from across the country and Canada. Contests: World Championship Goose Calling Contest® with $10,000 first prize, Mason-Dixon Regional Duck Calling Contest, World Champion Live Duck Calling Contest® and World Champion Live Goose Calling Contest™ – all with cash and gear prizes.

Attendees can checkout the latest gear, accessories and gadgets for hunting, fishing and marine sports at the Sportsman’s Pavilion.

The Waterfowl Festival is produced annually by Waterfowl Festival Inc., a not-for-profit organization dedicated to wildlife conservation, the promotion of wildlife art and the celebration of life on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

In its 39 years, the Festival has become a leader in the conservation of waterfowl and wildlife habitat. More than $5 million has been donated to projects throughout the Atlantic Flyway and in particular the Chesapeake Bay.

The Waterfowl Festival takes place November 13-15 in downtown Easton, Maryland, off Route 50. Festival hours are: Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Admission is $10 for all three days – children under 12 free.

For additional information or tickets online, visit www.waterfowlfestival.org or call 410/822-4567.

The 3rd annual Maryland Hunting and Outdoor Expo – held Aug. 15 and 16 at the Charles County Fairgrounds in La Plata – has something for outdoorsmen of all ages and interests. The Expo has welcomed thousands of visitors in each of its first two years and another huge turnout is expected this year.

Come out and learn some big buck tips from Stan Potts, host of North American Whitetail Television. Participate in the “Ultimate Bowhunter 3D Classic” archery shoot or meet “The Martin Girl” Laura Francese. You can also test drive an ATV from Trumbull Motorsports, see Coty Jones’ state record black bear or have your trophy buck scored for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources trophy deer book.

Local country singer John Luskey will perform on Saturday. And don’t forget to bring the young ones. The Kids Zone is bigger and better than ever. There will be a 26-foot rock wall, an inflatable slide, a Jurassic Adventure, games and much more.

If you enjoy hunting, fishing, camping, boating and everything the great outdoors has to offer, you can’t miss this event. There will be door prizes, raffles and giveaways all day Saturday and Sunday. The first 500 through the gates each day will be entered to win a new Benelli shotgun. And as a special treat, all visitors will receive a free copy of Buckwild Outdoors magazine, a glossy, full-color publication dedicated to everything that keeps the Maryland sportsman in the field or on the water.

For more information on exhibits and schedules, visit www.mdhuntingexpo.com

The Maryland “Becoming an Outdoors Woman” (BOW) program is now accepting registrations for its fall 2009 workshop. The fall workshop will be held at the Garrett County 4-H camp near Deep Creek Lake on October 23 through 25. BOW offers outdoor skills workshops in a relaxed environment specifically for women 18 years of age and older to learn outdoor skills. Men are also welcome.

“The BOW program promotes a casual setting helpful to learning, making friends and having fun,” said BOW State Coordinator Patty Allen. “The program’s safe, hands-on approach gives participants the knowledge to further pursue their interest once the workshop is over.”

Maryland adopted the “Becoming an Outdoors-Woman” program in 1994 (which was nationally formed in 1991). Since then, Maryland has offered quality outdoor experiences to over 4,000 participants. The emphasis of BOW is on the enjoyment and camaraderie that goes along with outdoor recreation, whether it’s hunting, fishing, hiking or boating.

Participants choose from of over 30 courses such as outdoor photography, geocaching, turkey hunting, fly fishing, hiking, kayaking, outdoor survival skills and many more. Participants may design their outdoor experience to match their own interests. Weekend workshops begin with lunch on Friday and end with lunch on Sunday.
For more information and to register for the upcoming workshop, visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/bowevents.asp or call Patty Allen at 410-260-8537.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Shoreline Heritage Service announced that shoreline license applications are now being accepted from riparian (waterfront) property owners. Anyone owning riparian property, or those with permission from the property owner, may license shoreline for the purpose of establishing stationary blinds or blind sites for hunting waterfowl. Applications may also be used to prevent others from licensing the shoreline at a later date.

All applications and fees must be submitted by mail or in person and received by the close of business June 1, 2009. Riparian property owners may license their shoreline for a period of one year for a $20 fee or three years for a $60 fee. Landowners who miss the June 1 deadline may participate in the “open” licensing process that begins August 4, 2009.

Applications and information on laws related to shoreline licensing for riparian property owners are available at the DNR website www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/riparian.html or by calling the Wildlife and Heritage Service at 410-260-8540, toll free at 1-877-620-8DNR (8367).

source: DNR press release

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources invites Maryland waterfowl artists to enter the 35th Annual Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest.

“Proceeds from the sale of these stamps help fund waterfowl and migratory game bird projects as well as much needed research,” said Jonathan McKnight, acting director of DNR’s Wildlife & Heritage Service.

All entered designs must be the artist’s original work, neither copied nor duplicated from any previously published paintings, drawings, prints, or photographs of the contestant, or any other artist. Each contestant may submit up to three entries. The entry fee, signed “Agreement to Enter the Contest” form, and entries with completed “Entry Identification Forms” attached to the back must be received via mail by 4:00 p.m. on March 20, 2009 at The Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest, Friends of Patuxent, Patuxent Research Refuge/National Wildlife Visitor Center, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop Laurel, MD 20708-4027.

Entries will be judged at noon on Saturday, March 28, 2009 in conjunction with the 20th Annual Patuxent Wildlife Art Show at the National Wildlife Visitors Center in Laurel. Contestants and the public are invited to attend the contest judging process. Admission is free.

The stamp can be purchased by any citizen for $9 and is required for all migratory game bird hunters in Maryland. For a list of species eligible for depiction and full contest rules visit http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/duckstamp or contact Doug Wigfield, Contest Coordinator, at 410-713-3852 or dwigfield2@dnr.state.md.us.

source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources press release

The first portion of Maryland’s Atlantic Population (AP) Canada goose hunting season opens Saturday, November 15. The AP Canada goose season is split into two parts, running from November 15 to November 28 and then from December 18 to January 24. The daily bag limit is two Canada geese.

The AP Canada goose population comprises the northernmost nesting population of Canada geese. These birds nest north of the 48° latitude in northern Québec along Ungava Bay, the northeastern shore of Hudson Bay and in the interior of the Ungava Peninsula. Densities of breeding pairs are highest along the western and eastern coasts of the Ungava Peninsula. The 2008 spring breeding pair survey of AP Canada geese found 170,000 pairs, down about 15% from 195,700 pairs in 2007. However, an early spring snow melt on the Ungava Peninsula led to a strong nesting effort. Both clutch size and nest success were above average.

“Banding crews on the Ungava Peninsula encountered large numbers of goslings in banding drives, indicating that gosling production was good. The high proportion of juveniles in the fall population should make for great goose hunting, as birds should decoy well during the first couple weeks of the hunting season,” said Larry Hindman, DNR’s Waterfowl Project Leader.

The AP Canada goose hunting season is open in the following areas of the state: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Harford, Howard, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, St. Mary’s, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties; the portion of Carroll County east of Route 31 to the intersection of Route 97, and east of Route 97 to the Pennsylvania line; the portion of Prince George’s County east of Routes 3 and 301; and the portion of Charles County east of Route 301 to the Virginia line.

DNR offers a detailed map of the AP Canada Goose Hunt Zone in Maryland online at http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide/Goose_Hunt_Zones.html.

All migratory game bird hunters, including landowners who are license exempt, are required to obtain the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp. Hunters must possess the printed receipt showing proof of purchase of the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp while hunting Canada geese and other migratory game birds.

All waterfowl hunters aged 16 years and older must also purchase the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (federal duck stamp). Hunters must sign and possess the federal duck stamp while hunting waterfowl and coots. Hunters may obtain federal duck stamps at U.S. Post Offices, National Wildlife Refuges, some DNR sport license agents and online at www.duckstamp.com.

Nontoxic shot is required for hunting waterfowl and coots. Hunters may not possess or use nontoxic shotshells containing shot larger than size No. T or use or possess any lead shotshells while waterfowl hunting.

Hunters are encouraged to report banded migratory game birds by calling toll-free 1-800-327-BAND (2263). For added convenience, banded migratory birds may also be reported online at www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/homepage/call800.htm.

Complete bag limits, season dates, approved nontoxic shot information and other hunting information can be found on the DNR website at www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide. The 2008-2009 Maryland Guide to Hunting & Trapping issued with each hunting license contains detailed information about all of Maryland’s hunting seasons. The 2008-2009 Maryland Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons Guide also contains information specific to waterfowl hunting.

source: DNR press release