Why It Matters: The signing of Senate Bill 327/House Bill 983 (Chapter No. 543) into law marks a major milestone for the Old Line State. For three decades, there have not been any increases to the hunting and trapping license fees, but through the signing of this legislation into law, sportsmen and women will continue…
Why It Matters: 2023 proved to be yet another busy and exciting year in the Old Line State. With regular sessions having adjourned sine die, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) is taking a moment to reflect on its efforts to support legislation that increases access and opportunities for hunters, anglers, recreational shooters, and trappers in…
Why It Matters: Prohibitions and restrictions on Sunday hunting serve to the detriment of our nation’s sporting communities and state and local economies. An additional day to hunt would mean more dollars spent by hunters in restaurants, hotels, gas stations and stores throughout the state, boosting local economies. Relatedly, allowing farmers and other landowners to…
Why It Matters: Together, both bills would bring about significant benefits to Maryland’s sporting communities. For the past 34 years, hunting and trapping license fees have gone unadjusted in Maryland. House Bill 983 would allow sportsmen and women to continue their historic role of stepping up to the plate and supporting conservation funding within their…
Contact: Joe Mullin, Northeastern States Manager Why it Matters: Sportsmen and women have played a crucial role in funding conservation efforts in the United States for over 80 years. The American System of Conservation Funding (ASCF), a “user pays – public benefits” structure in which those who consumptively use public resources pay for the privilege,…
Highlights Why it Matters: Throughout regular sessions, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) worked hand-in-hand with the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses network, members of the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus, state fish and wildlife agencies, and in-state and national partner organizations to promote and advance policies that celebrate our nation’s time-honored sporting traditions. Coordinated efforts between CSF…
Contact: Brent Miller, Senior Director, Northeastern States After missing their mark in previous years, anti-sportsmen driven legislation to ban hunting contests has resurfaced in Maryland. This year’s effort comes in the form of Senate Bill 200 (SB 200) and House Bill 293 (HB 293) which would prohibit hunting tournaments for foxes, coyotes, and raccoons when…
Contact: Brent Miller, Senior Director, Northeastern States On February 4, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) was joined by 26 national and in-state conservation partners in submitting a letter opposing two bills in Maryland (House Bill 490 and House Bill 594). Both of these bills would authorize the sale of wild venison and undermine the dedicated…
Contact: Brent Miller, Senior Director, Northeastern States and States Program Administrator On July 2, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that it would be awarding funds for 43 projects to “enhance and improve public boating access facilities, water safety, and navigation throughout the state.” The grants will be allotted during the State’s 2021…
Contact: Brent Miller, Senior Director, Northeastern States and States Program Administrator On January 27, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) Senior Director of Northeastern States met with leaders and members of the bipartisan and bicameral Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus at an organizational meeting in Annapolis, MD. The Caucus is Co-Chaired by Delegate Ned Carey and Senator Jack Bailey, and the Vice-Chairs…
By Brett Stayton, Mid-Atlantic States Coordinator On February 19, the Maryland Senate Committee on Health, Education, and the Environment held a hearing on several bills, including SB 390, which would authorize the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to allow deer hunting on Sundays throughout the appropriate season. This would apply to private land and…
By Brett Stayton, Mid-Atlantic States Coordinator On February 12, the Maryland Senate Committee on Health, Education, and Environmental Affairs convened to hear testimony on several pieces of legislation, including a bill that would authorize the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to allow for migratory game bird hunting on Sundays during the open season on…