DNR Announces 2005-2006 Early Migratory Game Bird Hunting Seasons

8/22/2005 - ANNAPOLIS –The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced today the 2005-2006 early migratory game bird hunting seasons. The dove season, which marks the traditional start of hunting activity each year in Maryland, will open Thursday, Sept. 1, and continue through Oct. 15. The second and third split seasons will be Nov. 11-19, and Dec. 24-Jan. 7.

The early resident Canada goose season will open Sept. 1 and run through Sept. 15 in the eastern zone. In the western zone, the season will continue through Sept. 24. The daily bag limit is eight geese per day. Maryland’s woodcock season is split into two segments, Nov. 4-25 and Jan. 14-21.

The dates for the September teal season are September 15-24. This season is open only in the portion of the state located east of Interstate 95. Hunters should note that shooting hours for the September teal season are sunrise to sunset.

All migratory game bird hunters, including landowners who are license exempt, are required to obtain the HIP (Harvest Information Program) permit and the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp in addition to a general hunting license. Hunters must possess the printed receipt showing proof of purchase of the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp while hunting migratory game birds. Migratory bird hunters are no longer required to sign and attach the Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp to their hunting license. Hunters may now purchase licenses and stamps online by accessing the DNR’s website at www.dnr.state.md.us.

All waterfowl hunters age 16 and over must possess the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp). Hunters are still required to sign and attach the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp) to their hunting license. Hunters may obtain federal duck stamps at U.S. Post Offices, National Wildlife Refuges, and some DNR sport license agents.

Hunters are reminded that nontoxic shot is required for hunting waterfowl and coots. Hunters may not possess or use nontoxic shot larger than size No. T or use or possess any lead shot while hunting waterfowl and coots. Approved types of nontoxic shot and other information on migratory bird hunting is listed in the free booklet Hunting and Trapping in Maryland 2005-2006 or on the DNR’s website: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide/index.asp.

Hunters are encouraged to report banded migratory game birds by calling 1-800-327-BAND (2263) or through the Internet at http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl/. The possession limit is twice the daily bag limit except for sora and Virginia rails, where the possession limit is the same as the daily bag limit.

For a table that lists the dates and bag limits for Maryland’s 2005-2006 early migratory game bird hunting seasons, visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide/weblesschart.asp. For a quick reference to the early resident Canada Geese seasons and bag limits, visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide/ewfchart.asp.

Official shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset for all migratory game bird hunting EXCEPT for: (1) mourning dove during the first season segment, when shooting hours are from noon to sunset; and (2) teal during the September teal season when shooting hours are sunrise to sunset.

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