Was requested by the police in the four juristictions. The police said they were responding to too many Quote "shots fired" unquote calls and was wasting too much time on false alarms. Just setting the record straight, Glendening did this on their request although he is proablly upset that he didn't think of it first. He is still the worst thing that happened to Md.

Rick

the DNR will be issuing a release with information and a FAQ sheet concerning this current situation within the next couple of hours.

watch their website for the release. hopefully this will help answer the many questions and put to rest some of our worries.

Greetings, I hope the Press Release/FAQ pasted below helps answer some of your questions. We appreciate your patience during this difficult time and understand, as hunters, that this impacts your recreational opportunities. Please know that we are already examining alternatives to extending or expanding the seasons to compensate for any lost days resulting from this ban. I will endeavor to keep you all informed as this evolves. Thank you again for your patience.
Paul Peditto
Director-Wildlife and Heritage Service

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DNR ISSUES FAQ ABOUT FIREARMS DISCHARGE BAN


ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 16, 2002) ¾ Maryland Department of Natural Resources today issued answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) in response to the Executive Order (EO) issued by Governor Parris N. Glendening banning the discharge of firearms in Prince George’s, Montgomery, Howard and Anne Arundel Counties.



Q: Does the EO apply to hunters?
A: Yes. The EO applies to anyone discharging a firearm or muzzleloader, but does not apply to bow hunters. While bow season is closed during the first early muzzleloader season (Oct. 17-19), state hunting regulations allow hunters to use a bow during the early muzzleloader season. However, deer shot by bow during this early muzzleloader season must be checked in as muzzleloader-harvested deer, and hunters must have muzzleloader stamps (in addition to a hunting license, etc.).



During the Oct. 24-26 muzzleloader season, bow season is open, therefore bow hunters can check deer toward their bow season bag limit and do not need to purchase a muzzeloader stamp.



However, in both muzzleloader split seasons, all hunters, including bowhunters, must wear fluorescent orange.



Who is exempt from the EO?
Private, approved shooting ranges are exempt from the EO.



How do I know if my shooting range is approved for exemption?

Contact County Police to verify if your range has been approved.



What about other counties?
Hunting and the discharge of firearms is allowed in all other counties.





—MORE—

What about other public hunting areas?

Information about hunting on public lands not in the counties affected can be found in the Guide To Hunting and Trapping 2002-2003 publication or at the DNR Web site, www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/ or by contacting local DNR offices directly.



Does the EO apply to deer management permit holders?
Yes. Firearm discharge by these permit holders is not permitted in the four counties affected.



How long with the EO be in effect?
30 days unless terminated or extended in accordance with the law.



Is DNR issuing any refunds?
No refunds are being issued at this time.



What’s the penalty for violating the EO?
Violating the EO is a misdemeanor that carries a maximum fine of $1,000 and/or imprisonment not exceeding 6 months. Maryland State Police, Natural Resources Police, County Police and other police jurisdictions will enforce the EO.



What if I’m in the woods and I don’t know I’m in one of the banned counties?
Hunters are obligated to know the jurisdiction in which they are hunting.



Is the state planning on extending the season to compensate for lost hunting opportunities?

DNR is examining several alternatives to extending or modifying seasons to compensate for any impact this ban may have on recreation and/or wildlife management.

I would be writing some letters and making some phone calls if I was down there. This gives hunters a bad rep.



Jerry
DE Duck Hunter

That really blows for law abiding hunters but is a typical over reaction to a bad situation. Nothing will change this so you need to just forget about it and hope that this lunatic is caught soon.

hang in there!

Looking at the world from 15 feet up.

the ban should be lifted sometime today and arrangements to compensate hunters of the 4 counties that were affected are being worked out now. until the snipers are "oficially" charged the ban remains in effect.

Paul Peditto

Greetings, the Ban has officially been lifted! A press release will be posted to our website shortly but I thought those of you who wanted to catch the last few hours of daylight would want to know sooner. Enjoy and thank you for your patience and understanding.

Paul

Paul Peditto

Text of the Press Release below:
State Lifts Firearm Discharge Ban in Anne Arundel, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George?s Counties
Muzzleloader season now open?DNR assesses options for replacing missed days

ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 25, 2002) - As a result of Governor Parris N. Glendening?s action to lift the ban on discharging firearms in Anne Arundel, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George?s counties, the early muzzleloader season will begin effective immediately in those counties, and conclude as scheduled one-half hour after sunset on Sat., Oct. 26. Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto reminded hunters in those counties that they may only take antlerless deer during this portion of the season.

?We appreciate the cooperation and support of hunters in these counties since the ban was put into effect on Oct. 15,? Peditto said. ?We are currently assessing additional season and bag limit options to offset lost recreational opportunity as well as ensure deer population objectives are met.?