Maryland USA

2013 Maryland Spring Turkey Season

2013-06-14T16:19:00.000-07:00

Maryland hunters reported harvesting a total of 3,344 wild turkeys during the 2013 spring turkey season. The 2013 turkey harvest exceeds the previous record harvest of 3,136 set in 2005.

This year’s harvest was 7 percent above the 2012 harvest of 3,132, and well above the 10-year average of 2,925. High turkey populations coupled with good weather likely contributed to the record-setting harvest, according to Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Also, Harford, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, and Frederick counties have experienced considerable increases in wild turkey populations.

The top five counties for turkey harvests were Garrett County (386), Washington (309), Charles (270), Allegany (269), and Dorchester (245).

source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Annapolis Farmers Market

2013-05-24T14:41:00.001-07:00

The Anne Arundel County Farmers’ Market, located just outside of downtown Annapolis will open June 6, 2013. The market will run from 3 to 6 p.m. every Thursday through September 5.

The Farmers’ Market is located in the parking lot of the Tawes State Office Building at 580 Taylor Avenue in Annapolis.

It features fresh produce including tomatoes, corn, melons, berries and peaches, as well as homemade jerky, candy, baked goods, and more. New this year, the market will offer local wines from Great Frogs Winery, fresh fruit-and-herb ice-pops from SOCO Artisan Pops, and meat from Enticement Farms.

The Anne Arundel County Farmers' Market is hosted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

For more information about Anne Arundel County Farmers’ Markets, contact Lisa Barge at the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation at 410-222-7410 or visit aaedc.org.

source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources

2013 Maryland Freshwater Trout Regulations

2013-05-14T16:16:00.001-07:00

In Maryland, a number of new trout fishing regulations are in effect for the 2013 fishing season.

- Lion’s Park Pond in Allegany County and Avalon Pond (Lost Lake) in Baltimore County are now Put-and-Take Trout Fishing areas with access for anglers of all ages (local restrictions may still apply).

- A section of Catoctin Creek within Catoctin Creek Park (Frederick County) has been designated as a Delayed Harvest Trout Fishing Area.

- Governor Bridge Natural Area Pond (Prince George’s County) is now a limited harvest area.

source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources

2013 Southern Maryland Blues Festival Performers

2013-05-07T16:27:00.000-07:00

Chesapeake Bay Events, Inc. recently released the lineup for the 2013 Southern Maryland Blues Festival. The festival will be held on September 7th and 8th at the Calvert County Fairgrounds in Barstow, Maryland.

Music genres featured at the inaugural Southern Maryland Blues Festival will include blues, funk, soul, zydeco, country, and southern rock.

Bands scheduled to appear include:

The Sam Grow Band
The Patty Reese Band
Bonerama
Walter Trout
Ana Popovic and the Mo Better Love Band
Canned Heat
Swamp Candy
The Daryl Davis Band
Rosie Ledet and the Zydeco Playboys
Mark Hummell Tribute to Little Walter
Trampled Under Foot
The Marshall Tucker Band

All proceeds from this festival will go to End Hunger of Calvert County.

In addition to the music, the festival will have a crafter village, moon bounces, face painting, local food, wine and beer, and more.

Tickets will go on sale on June 1, 2013. They are available on line at: www.somdblues.org

source: The Chesapeake Bay Events

2013 Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest Results

2013-04-13T03:34:00.001-07:00

Artist Paul Makuchal recently won the 39th annual Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Design Contest with his painting of a Lesser Scaup titled Peaceful Swim.

A panel of judges selected Makuchal’s work out of 21 entries from 11 Maryland artists. They judged the entries before a crowd on March 24 at the 24th Patuxent Wildlife Art Show, held at the National Wildlife Visitors Center in Laurel, Md.

Makuchal is now a two-time Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp Contest winner. In 1998 at the age of 21, he won his first Maryland title with a painting of a pair of pintails, and again in 2006 with his Canada Goose entry. At 17 he placed third in the Junior Federal Duck Stamp Contest.

The Makuchal name is well known in the world of Maryland art. Paul’s father, Wally Sr., was a long-time commercial artist by trade. His brother, Wally, is an accomplished wildlife artist as well and won Maryland’s “duck stamp” contest in 1999 and 2009. Paul, who prefers to work using acrylics, does a lot of commissioned art and custom painting.

In addition to his past successes in Maryland, Paul’s artwork has won the 2000 Oklahoma Duck Stamp Contest, and earned him Maryland Ducks Unlimited’s “Artist of the Year,” a feature in Ducks Unlimited Magazine and a spot in the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Calendar.

source: MD DNR

Maryland Snakehead Fishing

2013-04-12T15:55:00.001-07:00

The northern snakehead is a species of invasive fish that has begun appearing in several Maryland rivers. Originating from Eastern Asia. the northern snakehead quickly adapted to Maryland waterways following its controversial introduction.

In 2002, invasive snakeheads were found in a Pond near Crofton, Maryland. Soon after, additional snakeheads were found in Maryland and the species established itself in the Potomac River.

Snakehead Fish Identification

The northern snakehead fish is recognizable by its long, slender body and a snake-like head. Its dorsal and anal fins are long and its tail is rounded. Adults are brownish with lighter markings along the head and flank.

How to Catch Snakehead Fish

Due to their aggressive nature, snakeheads are relatively simple to catch. They are easy to catch using traditional bass lures and can also be caught with live or cut bait.

Potomac River Snakeheads

Northern snakeheads occur in the Potomac River from Great Falls down to the Chesapeake Bay. They have been reported in Potomac tributaries including Little Hunting Creek, Dogue Creek, Pohick Creek, Occoquan River, Neabsco Creek, Quantico Creek, and Aquia Creek.

Other Maryland Snakehead Populations

Northern snakeheads have been found in a number of rivers throughout Maryland. Most recently, they have been found in the Nanticoke and Wicomico Rivers.

Invasive Species Status

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, northern snakeheads present multiple threats and could alter the balance of U.S. ecosystems. They are air-breathers and are capable of overland migration. Adult snakeheads are very aggressive in their efforts to protect their young.

Snakehead Regulations

Maryland, Virginia, and the Potomac River Fisheries Commission have regulations in effect regarding the possession or release of live northern snakeheads. Additionally, Federal law prohibits the transport of live snakeheads into the U.S. or across State lines.

Maryland Shellfish Aquaculture Programs

2013-04-12T15:27:00.000-07:00

Recently, Maryland has invested in a variety of programs to promote shellfish aquaculture in the Chesapeake Bay and coastal bays.

According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the state’s 2014 capital budget includes $500,000 for aquaculture loan assistance through the Maryland Agricultural & Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO), a State-run business assistance program.

The State has issued 52 new shellfish aquaculture leases, with about 85 pending approval. Thirty of the approved leases went to watermen. MARBIDCO has helped 36 watermen with shellfish aquaculture operation development loans.

Maryland shellfish growers produce oysters and clams for human consumption.

source: MD DNR

2013 Maryland Spring Turkey Hunting Season

2013-04-08T16:26:00.000-07:00

The 2013 Maryland spring turkey season begins with Junior Turkey Hunts on April 13 on public or private land statewide, and April 14 on private land in Caroline, Dorchester, Charles, Calvert and St. Mary’s counties.

Maryland's spring turkey season runs from April 18 through May 23 statewide.

Junior Turkey Hunts allow licensed youth ages 16 and under to hunt wild turkeys when accompanied by an unarmed adult, 21 and older, who holds a valid Maryland hunting license, or is exempt from the hunting license requirements. Adults may not possess a bow, crossbow or firearm while accompanying a youth hunter during the junior hunt.

Regulations, turkey check-in procedures, and information on public land hunting opportunities can be found at dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide or in the 2012-2013 Maryland Guide to Hunting & Trapping.

source: MD DNR

2013 Maryland Summer Flounder Regulations

2013-04-03T05:17:00.000-07:00

2013 Maryland flounder regulations have been set by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Recreational anglers will be allowed to keep up to 4 summer flounder per person per day. The minimum size is 16 inches in all Maryland state waters. In Maryland, the flounder season will begin statewide at 12:01am, Thursday, March 28th, 2013.

The fishery is expected to remain open through 11:59 pm December 31, 2013, however DNR could close the recreational season early if projections indicate the recreational harvest target will be caught before December 31, 2013.

source: MD DNR

C and O Canal Big Slackwater Towpath Restoration

2013-03-22T05:43:00.000-07:00

For the 2013 outdoor season, hikers, bikers, and other enthusiasts will finally have access to the entire Chesapeake & Ohio Canal towpath.

The Big Slackwater section of the 184.5-mile hiking and biking trail was closed after flooding in 1996. The stretch along the Potomac River near Williamsport had been the only disruption of the famous towpath from Cumberland, Md., to Washington, D.C.

Prior to the completion of restoration work, towpath visitors had to detour off the trail and onto a dangerous route with no shoulders following 4.5 miles along Dam 4, Dellinger and Avis Mill roads.

The Big Slackwater project was included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) as a Line Item Construction (LIC) project.

Historically, the Big Slackwater portion of the C & O Canal allowed barge traffic to move up and down the river proper in the slack water above Dam Number 4.

source: C&O Canal Association

Maryland Blue Crab Landings

2013-03-19T15:58:00.003-07:00

Maryland Blue Crabs

For 2011, Maryland led the USA in blue crab landings, according to the latest economic report from NOAA Fisheries. The report, Fisheries Economics of the United States 2011, indicates that Maryland watermen harvested 50 million pounds of blue crabs worth more than $59 million in 2011. Overall, the U.S. seafood industry generated $129 billion in sales impacts in 2011.

source: NOAA Fisheries

Commercial Fishing Boat Sinks off Assateague Island

2013-03-11T15:47:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, March 6, 2013 the 67-foot fishing vessel Seafarer capsized, broke apart and sank off Assateague Island, according to reports.

U.S. Coast Guard 5th District reports that Wednesday, March 6, Patrick Small of New Bern, N.C. was rescued from a life raft following the capsizing of the Seafarer. Listed as missing were Steven and Walter Tate of New Bern, N.C.

Coast Guard 5th District watchstanders initially received an emergency position-indicating radio beacon alert from the 67-foot fishing vessel Seafarer at 10:39 a.m. Wednesday.

source: United States Coast Guard 5th District

Maryland Shad Fishing

2013-03-09T10:39:00.002-08:00

Hickory Shad

In Maryland, fishing for shad is a springtime tradition. In most locations, shad fishing usually begins in March and continues into early May. Maryland anglers catch hickory shad or American shad during spring spawning runs. In some watersheds, fishermen also catch river herring together with shad.

Popular shad fishing rivers in Maryland include the Susquehanna, Gunpowder, Patapsco, Patuxent, Choptank, Nanticoke, Pocomoke, and others. In addition to mainstem river systems, a number of tributary streams and creeks are known for their shad runs, including Marshyhope and Tuckahoe Creeks on the Eastern Shore.

Productive shad fishing spots often occur along narrow, fast moving stretches of rivers and creeks. In some areas, fishing access is available within national, state, or county parks. In other locations, shad are caught from fishing piers, bridges, dams, dykes, or other man-made structures. Anglers also wade to catch shad or traverse rivers and creeks by small boat.

No bait is required in order to catch shad and river herring. Instead, anglers use small, flashy jigs, spoons, or flies. Depending on the location and other factors, anglers may choose to cast extensively or simply lower their lure into the water and work lures with jigging motion. Bridge and pier anglers often employ specials rigs which feature multiple lures.

In 2012, Maryland, along with most Atlantic states, enacted a moratorium on the harvest of all shad and river herring. Although keeping fish for the table or bait is no longer an option, many anglers still enjoy catch and release fishing for these exciting fish.

2013 Lefty Kreh TieFest

2013-03-01T07:20:00.004-08:00

Lefty Kreh's TieFest
Saturday, March 9th
Prospect Bay Country Club
Grasonville, Maryland

CCA's Kent Narrows Chapter will host Lefty Kreh's TieFest at the Prospect Bay Country Club in Grasonville.

For more information, visit: www.ccamd.org

Maryland 2012-13 Deer Season

2013-03-01T07:19:00.001-08:00

During Maryland's bow, muzzleloader and firearm seasons combined (September 7, 2012 through January 31, 2013), hunters harvested 87,541 deer.

According to MD DNR, biologists attribute the 11 percent decline compared to last year’s total to multiple factors, including reduced hunter participation, an abundant acorn crop, and a lower deer population in some areas.

Maryland's 2012-2013 deer harvest includes:

29,366 antlered white-tailed deer

55,763 antlerless white-tailed deer

1,127 antlered sika deer

1,285 antlerless sika deer

Frederick County led the harvest totals this year with 7,634 deer, followed by Baltimore County with 5,991 and Washington County at 5,762. Montgomery County and Carroll County completed the top five counties with 5,598 and 5,579 deer, respectively.

source: MD DNR

2013 Maryland Midwinter Waterfowl Survey

2013-02-13T11:29:00.002-08:00

During the 2013 Maryland Midwinter Waterfowl Survey, researchers saw an overall increase in the total number of waterfowl compared to last year. Canada geese and snow geese numbers were up but crews observed fewer ducks, compared to 2012.

The total number of ducks observed during the survey was 175,500, lower than the 230,600 counted in 2012. The dabbling duck count of 72,800 was below the 96,600 counted in 2012. Most of the decline in dabbling ducks can be attributed to fewer mallards being observed.

The total number of diving ducks observed was 98,100, also lower than the 125,300 counted last winter. The scaup count was one of the lowest in recent history. Unseasonably mild winter weather during the weeks leading up to the survey resulted in a delay in the arrival of most diving ducks in the Bay, especially scaup.

Canada geese (462,000) and snow geese (83,300) were noticeably more abundant during this year’s survey compared to 2012. Improved gosling production in 2012 contributed to higher goose numbers, combined with snow cover in New York and southern Canada that encouraged geese to migrate further south into the Bay region in late December.

The survey was conducted the week of January 6, 2013 throughout the Atlantic Flyway and is used as an index of long-term wintering waterfowl trends, especially for brant and tundra swans.

Each winter, during the first weeks of January, pilots and biologists from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) count ducks, geese and swans along Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay shoreline and Atlantic coast.

In Maryland, the survey is conducted by four aerial survey teams that make visual estimates of wintering waterfowl that are observed in coastal and tidewater habitats of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

source: MD DNR

Maryland Outdoor Recreation Stakeholder Evaluations

2013-02-11T15:06:00.000-08:00

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking citizens for their input on State outdoor recreation facilities and services in areas throughout Maryland. The Department gathered information from those in Southern Maryland earlier this month.

The recreational evaluations are the first step in a comprehensive statewide effort to enhance existing recreation areas in Maryland, these include; State parks, forests, wildlife areas and trails.

DNR will ask participants to assess the extent to which outdoor recreation facilities, programs and services meet the needs of the community and identify future demand and need.

The public input will help guide the update of the Maryland Land Preservation and Recreation Plan, which will serve as a roadmap for future State outdoor recreation facilities and services.

The Department has hired a nationally-known parks and recreation management consulting firm, GreenPlay, LLC, to oversee the Recreation Component of this planning process.

Maryland Outdoor Recreation Stakeholder Evaluations

Western Region - March 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Greenbrier State Park, 21843 National Pike, Boonsboro

Eastern Region - March 6 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Talbot County Community Recreation Center, 10028 Ocean Gateway (Rt. 50), Easton

Central Region - March 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Howard County Robinson Nature Center, 6692 Cedar Lane, Columbia

Cost: Free

source: MD DNR

Maryland Winter Seafood - Oysters - Perch

2013-02-01T16:39:00.000-08:00

A variety of local seafood is available in Maryland during the winter season. Oysters are available in many areas, either shucked or in the shell.

Several species of fresh fish are also available in seafood markets and restaurants. One of the most sought-after species of locally harvested fish is the yellow perch. Yellow perch harvests began in January, and end when the commercial quota is achieved in late February or early March. White perch are also available in Maryland seafood markets during the winter.

Both types of perch are small in size but are highly regarded for their mild, sweet flavor. In addition to yielding fillets, female perch often contain roe (fish eggs). Perch roe is considered a local delicacy. Roe is usually prepared by rolling in flour and frying or fresh roe can be mixed with poultry eggs and served scrambled.

New Maryland ORV Permit Locations

2013-01-22T15:12:00.000-08:00

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recently announced that off-road vehicle (ORV) permits will be offered at three new locations.

Effective January 19, 2013, ORV permits will be available for purchase at Deep Creek Lake and New Germany State parks. The permits will also be offered at Savage River State Forest, beginning on January 22.

source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources

DNR Releases Western Maryland Geologic Map

2013-01-12T16:08:00.000-08:00

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has created a new geological map for Garrett, Allegany and western Washington counties, that will not only provide information on the region’s geology, but guide decisions about the wise use of its landscape and natural resources.

DNR Geological Survey members David K. Brezinski and Robert Conkwright developed the Geological Map of Garrett, Allegany and western Washington Counties in Maryland - the first comprehensive geologic map for this region published in more than 50 years. The map covers the westernmost counties of the State, providing a current look at how bedrock units and major surface deposits are distributed.

As residential, commercial and recreational development increases in the western portion of the State, and with the potential for the Marcellus Shale to serve as a natural gas resource, the updated map will serve as a land management tool, helping decision-makers balance the impact of human activity with the preservation of natural resources.

The map includes short descriptions of geologic units and a cross section showing their distribution under the earth’s surface. Among other uses, the map will provide users with a better understanding of the distribution, depths and thickness of Marcellus Shale. This map will be especially useful in showing the interplay between geologic formations and groundwater availability and quality.

The map updates geologic information to be consistent with neighboring states, redefines boundaries between formations from the previous maps, and updates the subsurface cross section based on new review of geologic cores and geophysical logs. The geologic information is available to users in a modern Geographic Information System format, and as a printable map at www.mgs.md.gov/geo/wmdgeomap.html

source: MD DNR

Maryland First Day Hikes

2012-12-26T16:40:00.002-08:00

The Maryland Park Service will sponsor guided hikes in 19 State Parks on New Year’s Day 2013 as part of America’s State Parks First Day Hikes.

The nationwide program offers participants an opportunity to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family.

First Day Hikes in Maryland are family-friendly, easy to moderate, guided hikes led by Maryland State Park staff and volunteers.

Among the locations for First Day Hikes are:

- Cunningham Falls, the longest cascading waterfall in Maryland
- historic Turkey Point Lighthouse at Elk Neck State Park

- Pocomoke River State Park on the Eastern Shore

- Orange Trail at Cedarville State Forest

For a complete list of First Day Hikes in Maryland, including locations, difficulty, length and specific starting times, visit dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/firstdayhikes.asp

source: MD DNR

Ocean City Striped Bass Fishing Violations

2012-12-20T16:17:00.001-08:00

In December, Maryland Natural Resource Police charged several anglers with striped bass violations in Ocean City, MD.

A number of incidents involved citations for possessing and transporting striped bass from the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The EEZ waters are defined as federal waters extending form 3-200 miles offshore.

2012 Maryland Deer Season Results

2012-12-19T06:42:00.000-08:00

According to preliminary data from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland hunters reported taking 36,088 deer during the 2012 firearm deer season.

The two-week firearm harvest included:

12,329 antlered and 22,721 antlerless white-tailed deer

451 antlered and 587 antlerless sika deer

The harvest was 13 percent lower than the 2011 firearm season, when 41,421 deer were taken. Bad weather on key hunting days and an abundance of acorns were cited by DNR as being possible factors in the reduced harvest.

In Maryland, some hunters are speculating that deer populations could be impacted by diseases such as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD).

Maryland 2012-2013 Canada Goose Hunting Season

2012-11-13T16:31:00.000-08:00

Maryland’s migratory Atlantic Population (AP) Canada goose hunting season opens November 17 and continues through November 23, 2012. This season reopens on December 11 and continues through January 30, 2013.

The daily bag limit is two geese per day in the AP Canada goose hunting zone. Additional information on waterfowl hunting seasons, regulations and license requirements can be found online athttp://www.dnr.state.md.us/

source: MD DNR

OC Pier in Ocean City Maryland Damaged by Hurricane Sandy

2012-11-09T05:41:00.001-08:00

In Ocean City Maryland, Hurricane Sandy damaged the OC Fishing Pier. The storm surge from Hurricane Sandy tore off the T section of the pier and damaged much of the remaining pilings.

The storm also caused extensive beach and dune erosion to the beach at Ocean City and Assateague Island.

OC Fishing Pier before the storm

OC Fishing Pier after Hurricane Sandy


equipment lined up to move sand

Ocean City inlet parking lot after Hurricane Sandy