Maryland’s Firearm Deer Season reopens for white-tailed deer on Jan. 9 and Jan. 10, in all Maryland counties except Allegany and Garrett Counties. This two-day deer season provides additional opportunities for landowners to manage deer numbers and offers hunters a late season opportunity. The firearm season in Deer Management Region A (Allegany and Garrett Counties) and the sika deer firearm season remains closed.

The bag limit for the two-day hunt is a continuation of the Region B firearm season bag limit for white-tailed deer. A total of two antlered deer and ten antlerless deer may be taken during the Region B two-week firearm season (already completed) and the two-day January season. Two antlerless deer must be taken and a Bonus Antlered Deer Stamp must be possessed before a hunter may pursue a second antlered deer.

“The January firearm hunt has proven to be a successful addition to the traditional two-week firearm season,” said Wildlife and Heritage Service Deer Project Leader Brian Eyler. “During the 2008 two-day firearm season, 4,636 deer were taken with antlerless deer comprising nearly 80 percent of the harvest.”

Hunters are urged to inspect any permanent and portable tree stands before using them. Harness style safety belts should be used while climbing into or out of a tree stand, as well as while in the stand. Hunters are reminded to always exercise the fundamental commandments of firearm safety while afield.

Deer hunting provides outdoor recreation for over 68,000 Marylanders, is a vital tool in managing deer populations and contributes more than $150 million to the state’s economy each year.

For complete bag limits, season dates and other deer hunting information, visit 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.