Maryland

With one of the most unique and versatile natural landscapes in the United States of America, the Old Line State offers a large variety of opportunities for avid sportsmen and women. Explored by John Smith in 1608, Maryland has been at the forefront of American history, including Revolutionary and Civil War battlegrounds, and the progression of the modern-day shipping industry. From the Eastern Shore and the Chesapeake Bay to the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountain ranges, Maryland contains a variety of natural beauty and continues to be a national force in wildlife conservation. Home to big game species such as white-tailed and sika deer, black bears, wild turkeys, an extremely diverse fish population, and various small game, Maryland possesses the ability to satisfy all levels of sportsmen and women.

For more information on the elected officials protecting and promoting the sportsmen’s traditions in Maryland, please contact: Kaleigh Leager

Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus

Representative Andy Harris

Maryland Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus Leadership

Senator Jack Bailey Senator Katie Fry Hester Delegate Kevin Hornberger Delegate Dana Jones

Maryland Policy Highlights

Caucus driven and supported Senate Bill 327/House Bill 983 (2023) “omnibus sportsmen’s package” signed into law.

Caucus Secures $1M for the Department of Natural Resources in Supplemental Budget (2022) to assist in budget downfalls.

Maryland’s continued attempts at banning lead ammunition for hunting is stopped for another year (2025).

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Paid Hunting License Holders

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Paid Angling License Holders

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Generated for Wildlife Conservation

Maryland Policy Briefs

bullet, cartridge, ammunition, crime, ammo, shell, bullets, crime scene, defense, round, shooting, shoot-408636.jpg

Straight-Walled Rifle Cartridges

Over the past decade, several states have introduced regulations allowing these cartridges, which provide effective, safe hunting options in densely populated zones. Straight-walled cartridges are… Read more.

No-Net-Loss

“No-Net-Loss” of public lands has become increasingly important to ensure access to public lands and waterways for current and future generations of sportsmen and women.… Read more.
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Maryland Latest News

March 9, 2026

Will Maryland Finally Allow Sunday Hunting Like It’s Bordering States?  

Why It Matters: Currently, Maryland has some Sunday hunting allowances that differ from county to county and species to species. However, the “Old Line State” still has the centuries-old blue law on the books, which legislatively prohibits the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) from fully managing wildlife species through hunting season dates, which would simplify public input via the regulatory process  versus the […]

Silhouette of hunter in high grass at dusk
February 23, 2026

Maryland Reintroduces “Sin Tax” Bill on Firearm and Ammo Purchases

Why It Matters: Maryland House Bill 197 (HB 197) and its cross-file, Senate Bill 118 (SB 118), seek to impose an additional 11% excise tax on firearms dealers for the sale of firearms, accessories, and ammunition to fund gun violence prevention and intervention programs. Legislation like this discriminates against law-abiding sportsmen and women in the […]

Close of of hunter's rifle
February 9, 2026

For the 3rd Year in a Row, the Old-Line State Sees an Attempt to Ban Lead Hunting Ammunition

Why It Matters: Maryland Senate Bill 181 (SB 181) requires the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to create a lead hunting ammunition phase-out plan on or before July 1, 2029. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) encourages the legislature and the Department of Natural Resources to work together to implement incentive-based programs for the use of non-lead hunting ammunition by hunters, […]

November 17, 2025

CSF’s Kaleigh Leager Appointed to Maryland’s Migratory Game Bird Advisory Committee

Why It Matters: Maryland’s migratory game bird management plays a vital role in the success of many species throughout the Atlantic flyway. The Migratory Game Bird Advisory Committee is tasked with advising the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on issues related to migratory game birds in Maryland, such as providing input on issues that…

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Maryland Reports

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Impact You Can See

Sportsmen and women in MD, VA, VT, and WA were protected against “sin taxes” on firearms and ammunition.

State agency authority was defended and/or enhanced in AL, CO, IN, MD, ME, MO, MT, NH, ND, NM, SD, TN, TX, and WA.

Critical investments in conservation were protected and/or enhanced in IA, LA, MD, MS, MT, NM, and SD.

Governor of Maryland celebrated the 75th anniversary of Sportfish Restoration Program.

Hunters in MD will retain their ability to use traditional lead ammunition.

Hunters in MD and TN may now use new technologies to assist in the recovery of wounded game while maintaining the Fair Chase Ethic central to our outdoor traditions.