Hunting in Maryland

[ImperatorZices]

I have never gone hunting, but I was hoping to do so sometime during the next month or so.

I have no experience, and I have no idea how to start planning for the event. My experience is limited to target shooting, hiking, and rock climbing.

Can anyone offer some advice to a newb wanna-be hunter? It doesn't matter what type of game it is (nutria?), but I would like to know what will be required for a trip including: equipment, planning, procedures, rules, helpful hints.

As an aside, if anyone's willing to take an extra guy on a hunt it would be greatly appreciated...

Thanks in advance for the advice!

 

[wilcam47]

id start with the hunting/regulations booklet you can get at walmart or where ever they sell hunting licenses...read that to get an idea of seasons and bag limits etc...and rules

 

[BlackBart]

Take the mandatory class for green peas. This must be done before one can even get a license.

 

[lx1x]

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide/

start here for the rules/seasons etc. if you havent hunt before.. i would suggest taking the hunter safety course..

 

[sykesville]

I believe you HAVE TO take the hunter safety course to get a license, no? I haven't hunted previously either, but took the course last year. In my opinion, there aren't enough (if any) opportunities for a newby to get into hunting if he or she doesn't have friends that do it.

 

[boule]

As an aside, if anyone's willing to take an extra guy on a hunt it would be greatly appreciated...

Call me a week before ML-season opens up. Can always use someone to help carry.

 

[MikeTF]

Although i had a hunter's license several decades ago, I recently took the hunter safety course with my daughter and nephew (and brother, who has been actively hunting for decades). The course takes two days and by the time you're through with it, you have all of the basic safety rules thoroughly drummed into your subconscious. As much as I hate MD forcing requirements on people, the course is worthwhile.

 

[Deerminator]

Unless you meet one of these requirements : http://www.dnr.state.md.us/nrp/education/hunteredu.html then you will need to take the Hunter's Safety Course.

They should be offering them in numerous places right about now before the fall hunting season kicks in. Most are 15hrs or so and you have to pass a 50 question exam. No brainer really. Like others have said, it is a really useful course.

You get that nocked out and still want to go, shoot me a PM. I live in Washington Co. and would be willing to take you for small game / deer.

 

[ImperatorZices]

Thanks for all the info! I'll look into everything, and I'll hopefully be able to take a course before school starts.

 

[Jim Sr]

Unless you meet one of these requirements : http://www.dnr.state.md.us/nrp/education/hunteredu.html then you will need to take the Hunter's Safety Course.

They should be offering them in numerous places right about now before the fall hunting season kicks in. Most are 15hrs or so and you have to pass a 50 question exam. No brainer really. Like others have said, it is a really useful course.

You get that nocked out and still want to go, shoot me a PM. I live in Washington Co. and would be willing to take you for small game / deer.

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/nrp_classes.asp

 

[Bikebreath]

I just wish I could shoot the damn rats here in the city...it never ends with these vermin!

 

[Biggfoot44]

There is an online option for the classroom portion and written test. Then you only need one morning in person for the field/ shooting portion.
That being said, if you can fit it into it is prefered to both interact with fellow students, and have direct Q&A with knowledegable instructors.