In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated. Terms Defined. Bait. “Bait” means fruit, vegetables, nuts, hay, corn, wheat, other feed, salt, or other mineral-based attractant intentionally placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered so as to serve as an attraction or enticement to forest game birds or mammals. “Bait” does not include standing crops or where fruit, vegetables, nuts, hay, corn, wheat, other feed, salt or other minerals have been scattered solely as the result of bona fide agricultural operations or procedures such as planting, harvesting, or livestock care. “Baited area” means any area where bait is placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, or scattered. “Camping” means erecting tents or other shelters, sleeping in vehicles or trailers overnight, or otherwise attempting to reside temporarily upon the property overnight. “Cooperative wildlife management area” means an area under private, corporate, or government ownership for which the landowner or his agent allows controlled public wildlife recreation opportunities in accordance with the provisions of a cooperative agreement or lease with the Service. Dog Training. “Dog training” means using a dog to hunt or retrieve, or simulate the hunting or retrieving of, a game bird or mammal outside the hunting season established for that species. “Dog training” does not include the activity of walking with a dog on a leash or engaging in a permitted field trial in accordance with Natural Resources Article, §10-701, Annotated Code of Maryland. “Geocaching” means to hide a small container or other item at discrete locations for the purpose of using GPS coordinates to locate the item. “Natural resources management area (NRMA)” means an area where multiple-use management practices are implemented for the maximum use of the natural resources of the area. “Permit hunting area” means a wildlife management area (WMA), cooperative wildlife management area, or natural resource management area (NRMA) for which a permit from the Service is required to hunt, birdwatch, fish, hike, horseback ride, and train dogs. “Public hunting permit” means a free permit issued by the Service that allows a licensed hunter to hunt on certain Department lands. “Target shooting” means to practice or discharge an airgun, BB gun, bow, crossbow, firearm, or paintball gun at a bottle, can, stump, paper target, or any other object into the air or into a body of water. “Use permit” means written permission provided by the service provided on Department letter head and signed by the director or designee. A use permit may be applied for in writing by contacting the manager of the Wildlife Management Area on which the use will occur. Vehicle. “Vehicle” means any motorized vehicle or vessel that is capable of traveling on land, water, snow or ice. “Vehicle” includes, but is not limited to, all-terrain vehicles, automobiles, boats, mini-bikes, mopeds, motorcycles, personal watercraft, scooters, snowmobiles, and trucks. “Wildlife management area (WMA)” means an area acquired by the State to protect, propagate, or manage wildlife, or for hunting purposes. The Department may open these areas to nature-based outdoor recreational activities, including hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. “Wildlife refuge” or “wildlife sanctuary” means a designated area on any Service-controlled land or water in which wildlife may not be hunted, disturbed, or molested at any time. The wildlife management area system consists of the units in §B of this regulation as delineated on maps filed in the Office of the Secretary of Natural Resources. Wildlife Management Areas. Hunting is allowed on Wildlife Management Areas in accordance with the provisions of this chapter except on the following WMAs: Bodkin Island; Chicone Creek; Devil Island; Fort Hill; Globe Comm; Hopkin’s Branch; Kent Island Research Center; and Little Patuxent Oxbow. Except by a use permit from the Service, on Service controlled lands and waters posted as “Wildlife sanctuary” or “Wildlife refuge” a person may not engage in or attempt to: Catch; Harass; Hunt; Intentionally disturb; Kill; or Pursue any wildlife. Violation of any provision or restriction of the permit shall constitute a violation of this regulation. A person may not operate or possess a vehicle on Service controlled lands and waters without a use permit from the Service except: Licensed automobiles, boats, motorcycles, and trucks that operate on those roads, trails, or waterways: Open to automobiles or general boat traffic; or As specifically posted by the Service; or On certain mobility impaired hunting areas while in possession of a Universal Disability Pass in accordance with COMAR 08.03.10.09 and as posted open for use. Violation of any provision of the permit constitutes a violation of this regulation and may result in revocation or suspension of the permit. A person shall operate a vehicle on Service controlled lands and waters in a safe manner and not cause unnecessary damage to roads, trails, or other areas. A person may not operate any vehicle on any Service controlled lands or waters while under the influence of any intoxicants. Parking. A person may park or leave a vehicle unattended in designated parking areas on Service controlled lands and waters when engaged in a legitimate recreational activity allowed on those lands and waters: Parking area rules, if applicable, shall be posted and may include: Vehicle quotas; Hours of operation; and Other WMA specific policies. On Service controlled lands and waters, a person may not: Hunt, shoot, or kill or attempt to hunt, shoot, or kill any game birds or game mammals with the aid of bait or on or over any baited area; or Bait or feed wildlife without a use permit from the Service. Violation of any provision of the permit constitutes a violation of this regulation and may result in revocation or suspension of the permit. A person may use temporary blinds and tree stands that are brought in and taken out daily on Service controlled lands. Hunters may use natural stands of vegetation that are present and left uncut at the hunting site. A person may not use blinds constructed of reed grass, Phragmites australis. A person may not use, construct, or cause to be constructed, permanent blinds, or tree stands on Service controlled lands except by a use permit from the Service, unless those structures were provided by the Service for the convenience and use by the public. Violation of any provision or restriction of the permit shall constitute a violation of this regulation. On Service controlled lands a person may not: Ignite; Cause to be ignited; or Maintain a fire except in designated camping sites or by a use permit from the Service. Violation of any provision or restriction of the permit shall constitute a violation of this regulation. A person may not camp on Service controlled lands: Outside of designated camping areas without a use permit from the Service; or For more than 14 consecutive dates in a designated camping area. Violation of any provision or restriction of the permit shall constitute a violation of this regulation. A use permit is required from the Service before a person may trap or attempt to trap on Service controlled lands and waters. When designated properties are leased for furbearer trapping, furbearers and nutria may be hunted or trapped only by: The lessee; or Persons with a use permit from the Service. Violation of any provision or restriction of the permit shall constitute a violation of this regulation. Except with a use permit from the Service, on Service controlled lands and waters a person may not remove, disturb, damage or destroy any portion of a: Mineral; Plant; Rock; Tree; or Nongame animal. Violation of any provision or restriction of the permit shall constitute a violation of this regulation. A person may use dogs on Service controlled lands or waters, with the following restrictions: Fox and raccoon hunting and chasing in accordance with §B of this regulation; Designated field trials must be conducted in accordance with the conditions of a valid Field Trial Permit in accordance with Natural Resources Article, §10-701, Annotated Code of Maryland, issued by the Service; Dog training is allowed only in designated dog training areas in accordance with posted rules; Persons may not use dogs in areas marked as closed to entry by dogs; and Dogs shall be leashed from April 15 through August 15 unless in a designated dog training area or as otherwise posted. A permit from the Service is required to use dogs for hunting or chasing fox and raccoons on Service controlled lands and waters in all counties except: Allegany; Anne Arundel; Calvert; Charles; Frederick; Garrett; Montgomery; Prince George’s; St. Mary’s; and Washington. Unless otherwise posted, persons may only release and use live birds for dog training on Service controlled lands and waters with a Retriever Training Permit as described in COMAR 08.03.09.09 and a use permit from the Service. During the months of September and October in areas posted as a “Designated Dove Hunting Area”, dove hunting is allowed only from 12 noon to 5 p.m. each day only on those days posted open to dove hunting. Non-toxic shot must be used to hunt dove on the following WMAs: Grove Farm; and Old Bohemia. A person may not release any animals or plants on Service controlled lands without a use permit from the Service. A person may not conduct commercial activities on Service controlled lands and waters without a use permit from the Service. The Service may close, restrict, or limit public access and entry to certain areas of WMAs or other Service controlled lands. The Service shall restrict public access on Service controlled lands and waters by posting the restrictions at appropriate areas. A person may not enter or remain in restricted areas. The Service may remove and place in storage, at the owner’s expense, a vehicle that remains in a restricted area. On Service controlled lands and waters, a person may not operate, possess or use: Combustibles; Explosives; or Fireworks. On Service controlled lands and waters a person may not place a cache for the purpose of geocaching without a use permit from the Service. On Service controlled lands and waters a person must obtain a permit from the Office of Archeology, Maryland Historical Trust, Department of Housing and Community Development, and a use permit from the Service, prior to: Digging for relics and treasures; Removing prehistoric or historic artifacts; or Using metal detectors. A person may not deposit litter or refuse on Service controlled lands and waters including, but not limited to: Animal carcasses; Appliances; Brush; Debris; Furniture; Garbage; Hazardous materials; Tires; Waste paper; Yard waste; or Other litter. A person in violation of this regulation, in addition to any other penalty, shall be responsible for the removal and disposal of deposited refuse and any incurred land restoration costs. A person may not vandalize real property on Service controlled lands including any: Blind; Building; Crop; Equipment; Gate; Habitat; Plant; Road; Sign; Trail; Vehicle; Vessel; or Other public property on those lands. A person may not interfere with or hinder any Service employee performing Service related management activities. In addition to any other penalty, a person convicted of violation of this regulation shall be required to reimburse the Service for damages incurred to property listed in §A of this regulation. On Service controlled lands, except with a use permit from the Service, a person may not graze: Cattle; Goats Horses; Sheep; or Other domestic animals. On Service controlled lands and waters, decoys shall not be: Placed prior to 1 hour before legal shooting hours; Left set overnight; and Removed any later than 1 hour after legal shooting hours. Subject to the conditions of §B of this regulation, an individual may hunt wild waterfowl from a boat at anchor or while standing on the natural bottom in waters adjacent to the following lands: Wildlife Management Areas (WMA); Cedar Point WMA excluding the waters of King’s Creek and Goose Creek; The portion of Deal Island WMA located north of Maryland Route 363; E.A. Vaughn WMA; Fairmount WMA; Fishing Bay WMA Isle of Wight WMA; Maryland Marine Properties; Nanticoke River WMA; Nanjemoy WMA; Pocomoke Sound WMA; Prather’s Neck WMA; South Marsh Island WMA; and Taylor’s Island WMA; Chesapeake Forest Lands; Lewis Complex; and Tom Tyler Complex; State Parks: Calvert Cliffs State Park; Chapman State Park; Janes Island State Park (excluding safety zone along Daugherty Creek); Newtowne Neck State Park excluding the waters of Breton Bay north of channel marker “5”; Saint Clements Island State Park; Monocacy Natural Resource Management Area (NRMA); State Forests: Saint Inigoes State Forest, excluding the waters of Chicken Cock Creek and Smith Creek. Individuals hunting from a boat at anchor or while standing on the natural bottom in waters adjacent to the properties specified in §A of this regulation shall remain: At least 250 yards from: The property line of any landowners adjoining the specified property, or where the line would be if it were extended out over the water perpendicular to the shore at the point where the property line reaches the water’s edge; and Any licensed stationary blind or blind site or another person or party hunting wild waterfowl; At least 125 yards from any licensed shoreline on the opposite shore; and Not more than 1/3 the distance from the specified property to the opposite shore or a maximum of 300 yards from the specified property, whichever is less. A person may not guide hunting parties for economic gain on the waters described in §A of this regulation. Waterfowl Hunting in Waters Adjacent to Bloodsworth Island Range. An individual may hunt wild waterfowl from a boat at anchor or while standing on the natural bottom at designated sites at Bloodsworth Island Range: As delineated on maps filed in the Office of the Secretary of Natural Resources; and While possessing a Bloodsworth Island Range Waterfowl Hunting Permit, available from the DNR website. The permit must be signed by the permit holder. Violation of the terms and conditions of the permit is a violation of this regulation. On Service controlled lands and waters, unless otherwise authorized, a person assigned to hunt at a designated blind or blind site may not: Catch; Hunt; Kill; or Pursue any waterfowl when the person is more than 50 feet away from their designated blind or blind site marked with a stake, except to retrieve crippled waterfowl. A person may not license a blind or blind site within 300 yards from the natural shore: In waters adjacent to Service controlled lands; Within the boundary of Assateague Island National Seashore; or Within the boundary of Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The Assateague Island National Seashore restriction shall not apply on lands owned by the National Park Service currently under private hunting retention by former owners as provided under §(d) of Public Law 89-195 enacted September 21, 1965. Unless otherwise prohibited by Area rules or regulations, a person may hunt waterfowl on Service controlled lands and waters from: Land; or Floating craft, except a sinkbox, including those craft propelled by: Motor when the motor of the craft has been completely shut off and its progress from the motor has ceased; or Wind with the sails furled and its progress from wind and sail has ceased. The craft in §C(2) of this regulation may be: Beached; Drifting; Moored; Propelled by: Oars, Paddle; or Pole; or Resting at anchor. A person shall not operate a vessel using an electric motor exceeding 60 pounds of thrust or a gasoline engine on: Blair’s Valley Lake at Indian Springs WMA; and All ponds at Myrtle Grove WMA. A person shall not operate a motorized vessel other than those powered by electric motors between October 1 and March 31, except with the written permission of the Service on: Deal Island WMA impoundment; and Fairmount WMA impoundments. A public hunting permit or registration is required to hunt on the permit hunting areas listed in §§B—D of this regulation. Wildlife Management Areas. During the migratory Canada goose and spring turkey seasons, a person may not hunt without a valid public hunting permit from the service on the Millington WMA. From September 1 to February 28 and during spring turkey season, a person may not enter or hunt on the following WMAs without a valid public hunting permit from the Service: Avondale; Bowen; Earleville; Gwynnbrook; Hugg-Thomas; McIntosh Run; and Strider. From September 1 to February 28 and during spring turkey season, a person may not hunt without a valid public hunting permit from the Service on the following WMAs: Grove Farm; and Old Bohemia. A person may not hunt from a designated blind or blind site without a valid public hunting permit on the following WMAs: Bowen; Cedar Point; Chicamuxen; Nanjemoy; Nanjemoy Creek; and Riverside. Cooperative Wildlife Management Areas. A person may only hunt on a CWMA controlled by the Service when consistent with any restrictions posted on the property or described in the public hunting permit. A person may not enter or hunt on C&D Canal lands controlled by the Service without a valid public hunting permit from the Service, including areas known as: Bethel; Courthouse Point; Elk Forest; Grove Neck Sanctuary; Stemmers Run; and Welch Point. A person may not hunt on a Natural Resource Management Areas (NRMA) controlled by the Service unless done consistent with any restrictions or as otherwise posted on the property or described in the public hunting permit. The Service may suspend or revoke a permit if the permittee fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the permit or otherwise violates any wildlife law, or regulation in accordance with Natural Resources Article, §10-808, Annotated Code of Maryland. Violations of any provision of the public hunting permit shall constitute a violation of this regulation. Deer may be hunted only with archery equipment on the following WMAs: Cheltenham; Gravel Hill Swamp; Johnson WMA; and Ridenour Swamp. The following WMAs are open to archery hunting only: Gwynnbrook; and Strider. Deer may be hunted only with archery equipment on that portion of Prathers Neck WMA consisting of approximately 11 acres of land lying south of Ankeney Lane and approximately 0.2 mile west of the intersection of Hart Road and Ankeney Lane in Washington County, Maryland. Breech loading rifles may not be used on the C&D Canal Lands. Deal Island and Fairmount WMA Impoundments. Hunting within the Deal Island WMA impoundment is allowed on the following days: Federally-designated Youth, Veteran and Military Waterfowl Hunting Days; Any day during the September Canada goose season; and Any of the following days during the regular duck hunting season, provided that the hunter first obtains a permit from the Service: Opening day and any Saturday during the October portion of the regular duck hunting season; Opening day, any Saturday, and the Friday following Thanksgiving during the November portion of the regular duck hunting season; and Opening day and any Saturday during the December portion of the regular duck hunting season and any Wednesday and Saturday during the January portion of the regular duck hunting season. Hunting within the Fairmount WMA impoundments is allowed as follows: Any day during the September teal hunting season; Any day during the September Canada goose season; On federally-designated Youth, Veteran and Military Waterfowl Hunting Days; On the following days during the regular duck hunting season, subject to §B(2)(d)(iv)of this regulation: Opening day and any Saturday during the October portion of the regular duck hunting season; Opening day, any Saturday, and the Friday following Thanksgiving during the November portion of the regular duck hunting season; and Opening day and any Saturday during the December portion of the regular duck hunting season and any Wednesday and Saturday during the January portion of the regular duck hunting season. On the opening day of each segment of the regular duck hunting season, a person may not hunt within the managed impoundments of Fairmount WMA unless the person first obtains a permit from the Service. All hunters shall be off the waters and dikes of the impoundments between 1-1/2 hours after sunset and 2-1/2 hours prior to sunrise. Squirrels may not be hunted on LeCompte WMA. Quail may not be hunted on Millington WMA. Only waterfowl and rails may be hunted on Bowen WMA. Only deer and dove may be hunted on Cheltenham WMA. A person or vehicle may not enter, go upon, or remain upon the lands of the Frederick City Watershed CWMA after the posted hours without a use permit from the Service. A permit is not required during the normal posted hours. An individual desiring to target shoot on Wildlife Management Area lands shall first obtain a permit from the Service. A permit is valid for any designated shooting range on Wildlife Management Area lands. Permit fees are: $5 for a resident or nonresident individual younger than 18 years old; $20 for a resident individual 18 years old or older; $10 for an individual who possesses a current, valid Maryland hunting license; $5 for a one-day pass regardless of residency; and $25 for a nonresident 18 years old or older. A permit is valid from date of issue to December 31 of each year. An individual under 18 years old shall produce a Certificate of Competency and Hunter Safety pursuant to Natural Resources Article, §10-301.1, Annotated Code of Maryland, before being issued a shooting range permit. A permit is nontransferable. The Director may grant exemptions from the permit and fee requirements for Service-sanctioned events. The following apply at a designated shooting range: The number of shooters using a range may not exceed the posted range capacity. The possession, use, or consumption of alcoholic beverages or drugs, and any person under the influence of alcohol or drugs, is prohibited at a range at all times. Shooting is permitted at paper targets only. Targets may not be placed on any portion of the baffle structure, and shall be located 3 to 4 feet from ground level. Automatic weapons are not permitted at any time. A person is not permitted on the shooting range outside the hours of use posted at the range. An individual under 18 years old shall be accompanied by an adult while shooting. Natural Resources Article, §§10-205, 10-801, and 10-808, Annotated Code of Maryland Effective date: Regulations .01—.22 were previously codified as Regulations .57, .58, .11, .01, .23, .29, .33, .36, .37, .38, .39, .41, .42, .47, .49, .50, .53, .59, .60, .61, .62, and .35, respectively, under COMAR 08.03.01 Wildlife Conservation. This recodification was effective June 3, 1985 (12:11 Md. R. 1047) For the history of these regulations before June 3, 1985, see the Administrative History which follows COMAR 08.03.01. Regulation .01 amended effective June 3, 1985 (12:11 Md. R. 1047); February 19, 1990 (17:3 Md. R. 296) Regulation .01A amended effective August 8, 1988 (15:16 Md. R. 1913) Regulation .01B amended effective February 27, 1995 (22:4 Md. R. 236); April 27, 2015 (42:8 Md. R. 607) Regulation .02 amended effective June 30, 1986 (13:13 Md. R. 1488); January 26, 1987 (14:2 Md. R. 127); May 18, 1987 (14:10 Md. R. 1169); January 2, 1994 (20:26 Md. R. 2025); February 27, 1995 (22:4 Md. R. 236) Regulation .02B amended effective June 3, 1985 (12:11 Md. R. 1047); April 27, 2015 (42:8 Md. R. 607) Regulation .04 amended effective October 29, 1990 (17:21 Md. R. 2527) Regulation .05B amended effective June 3, 1985 (12:11 Md. R. 1047) Regulation .06 amended effective June 30, 1986 (13:13 Md. R. 1488) Regulation .06A amended effective August 8, 1988 (15:16 Md. R. 1913); June 26, 1989 (16:12 Md. R. 1333) Regulation .07B amended effective June 30, 1986 (13:13 Md. R. 1488) Regulation .07C amended effective May 18, 1987 (14:10 Md. R. 1169) Regulation .09 amended effective June 3, 1985 (12:11 Md. R. 1047); June 30, 1986 (13:13 Md. R. 1488); February 19, 1990 (17:3 Md. R. 296); September 2, 1991 (18:17 Md. R. 1917) Regulation .09C amended effective October 29, 1990 (17:21 Md. R. 2527) Regulation .12 amended effective May 18, 1987 (14:10 Md. R. 1169) Regulation .12B amended effective June 26, 1989 (16:12 Md. R. 1333) Regulation .12C amended effective August 8, 1988 (15:16 Md. R. 1913) Regulation .15 amended effective June 30, 1986 (13:13 Md. R. 1488) Regulation .16 repealed effective September 3, 2001 (28:17 Md. R. 1555) Regulations .19 amended effective June 3, 1985 (12:11 Md. R. 1047) Regulation .22 amended effective June 30, 1986 (13:13 Md. R. 1488) Regulation .23 adopted effective June 3, 1985 (12:11 Md. R. 1047) Regulations .24—.29 adopted effective May 18, 1987 (14:10 Md. R. 1169) Regulation .24A amended effective August 8, 1988 (15:16 Md. R. 1913); January 25, 1999 (26:2 Md. R. 105); October 29, 2001 (28:21 Md. R. 1854) Regulation .25A amended effective August 8, 1988 (15:16 Md. R. 1913); January 25, 1999 (26:2 Md. R. 105); October 29, 2001 (28:21 Md. R. 1854) Regulation .25-1 adopted effective August 31, 1992 (19:17 Md. R. 1606) Regulation .26 amended effective June 26, 1989 (16:12 Md. R. 1333) Regulation .29 repealed effective June 26, 1989 (16:12 Md. R. 1333) Regulation .30 adopted effective August 8, 1988 (15:16 Md. R. 1913) Regulation .30 amended effective March 14, 1994 (21:5 Md. R. 403); December 27, 1999 (26:26 Md. R. 1959) Regulation .31 adopted effective February 19, 1990 (17:3 Md. R. 296) Regulation .31 repealed effective February 27, 1995 (22:4 Md. R. 236) Regulations .32 and .33 adopted effective September 2, 1991 (18:17 Md. R. 1917) Regulation .32 repealed effective February 27, 1995 (22:4 Md. R. 236) Regulation .33 amended effective February 27, 1995 (22:4 Md. R. 236) Regulation .34 adopted effective October 11, 1993 (20:20 Md. R. 1567) Regulation .34A amended as an emergency provision effective July 19, 1996 (23:16 Md. R. 1165); amended permanently effective January 13, 1997 (24:1 Md. R. 28) Regulation .34 repealed and new Regulation .34 adopted effective August 19, 2002 (29:16 Md. R. 1286) Regulation .35 adopted effective August 28, 1995 (22:17 Md. R. 1316) Regulation .36 adopted effective September 3, 2001 (28:17 Md. R. 1555) Regulation .37 adopted effective October 11, 2004 (31:20 Md. R. 1485) Regulation .38 adopted effective November 8, 2004 (31:22 Md. R. 1595) Chapter revised effective March 14, 2016 (43:5 Md. R. 384) Regulation .02B amended effective September 23, 2019 (46:19 Md. R. 813) Regulation .28 amended effective September 6, 2021 (48:14 Md. R. 692) Regulation .28F amended effective September 11, 2017 (44:18 Md. R. 864); October 5, 2020 (47:20 Md. R. 874)