MD
Maryland House Bill HB983

Maryland 2023 Regular Session

Maryland House Bill HB983 Compare Versions

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1- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 544
21
3-– 1 –
4-Chapter 544
5-(House Bill 983)
62
7-AN ACT concerning
3+EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MAT TER ADDED TO EXISTIN G LAW.
4+ [Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
5+ Underlining indicates amendments to bill.
6+ Strike out indicates matter stricken from the bill by amendment or deleted from the law by
7+amendment.
8+ *hb0983*
89
9-Hunting, Wildlife Conservation, and Outdoor Recreation – Funding, Promotion,
10-Management, Licenses, Permits, and Stamps
10+HOUSE BILL 983
11+M2 3lr2650
12+ CF SB 327
13+By: Delegates Allen, Holmes, D. Jones, J. Long, and Ziegler
14+Introduced and read first time: February 10, 2023
15+Assigned to: Environment and Transportation
16+Committee Report: Favorable with amendments
17+House action: Adopted
18+Read second time: March 7, 2023
1119
12-FOR the purpose of altering the purpose of the Heritage Conservation Fund to include
13-acquiring interests in land that can be used by the general public for hunting;
14-establishing the Wildlife Conservation, Education, and Outreach Program to provide
15-outreach and foster an interest in outdoor recreation and stewardship, hunting, and
16-wildlife conservation; establishing a stamp for hunting sika deer; authorizing a
17-nonresident attending a college or university in the State to purchase a resident
18-hunting license; altering the fees charged for certain hunting and trapping licenses,
19-permits, and stamps; codifying and altering the fees charged for a nonresident
20-trapping license and a group furbearer permit; codifying the fee charged for an
21-individual furbearer permit; authorizing a person to hunt migratory game birds on
22-Sundays; altering the purposes for which the Wildlife Management and Protection
23-Fund may be used; requiring the Department of Natural Resources, in consultation
24-with the Department of Agriculture, to develop a plan to address the overpopulation
25-of deer in the State; requiring that a portion of an increase in certain funding be used
26-for new Position Identification Numbers for the Department of Natural Resources to
27-use in a certain manner and to create and fund a certain farmer cost–share program;
28-and generally relating to hunting, wildlife conservation, and outdoor recreation.
20+CHAPTER ______
2921
30-BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
31- Article – Natural Resources
32-Section 5–1102 and 5–1502
33- Annotated Code of Maryland
34- (2018 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement)
22+AN ACT concerning 1
3523
36-BY adding to
37- Article – Natural Resources
38-Section 10–103
39- Annotated Code of Maryland
40- (2012 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement)
24+Hunting, Wildlife Conservation, and Outdoor Recreation – Funding, Promotion, 2
25+Management, Licenses, Permits, and Stamps 3
4126
42-BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
43-Article – Natural Resources
44-Section 10–301(c) and (g), and 10–308.1, and 10–410(a)(12) and (13)
45- Annotated Code of Maryland
46- (2012 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement)
27+FOR the purpose of altering the purpose of the Heritage Conservation Fund to include 4
28+acquiring interests in land that can be used by the general public for hunting; 5
29+establishing the Wildlife Conservation, Education, and Outreach Program to provide 6
30+outreach and foster an interest in outdoor recreation and stewardship, hunting, and 7
31+wildlife conservation; establishing a stamp for hunting sika deer; authorizing a 8
32+nonresident attending a college or university in the State to purchase a resident 9
33+hunting license; altering the fees charged for certain hunting and trapping licenses, 10
34+permits, and stamps; codifying and altering the fees charged for a nonresident 11
35+trapping license and a group furbearer permit; codifying the fee charged for an 12
36+individual furbearer permit; authorizing a person to hunt migratory game birds on 13
37+Sundays; altering the purposes for which the Wildlife Management and Protection 14
38+Fund may be used; requiring the Department of Natural Resources, in consultation 15
39+with the Department of Agriculture, to develop a plan to address the overpopulation 16
40+of deer in the State; requiring that a portion of an increase in certain funding be used 17
41+for new Position Identification Numbers for the Department of Natural Resources to 18
42+use in a certain manner and to create and fund a certain farmer cost–share program; 19
43+and generally relating to hunting, wildlife conservation, and outdoor recreation. 20
4744
48- SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND,
49-That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: Ch. 544 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
45+BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 21
46+ Article – Natural Resources 22
47+Section 5–1102 and 5–1502 23
48+ Annotated Code of Maryland 24 2 HOUSE BILL 983
5049
51-– 2 –
5250
53-Article – Natural Resources
51+ (2018 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) 1
5452
55-5–1102.
53+BY adding to 2
54+ Article – Natural Resources 3
55+Section 10–103 4
56+ Annotated Code of Maryland 5
57+ (2012 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) 6
5658
57- (a) IT IS THE INTENT OF T HE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT NOTHING IN THIS
58-SUBTITLE MAY BE CONS TRUED TO:
59+BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 7
60+Article – Natural Resources 8
61+Section 10–301(c) and (g), and 10–308.1, and 10–410(a)(12) and (13) 9
62+ Annotated Code of Maryland 10
63+ (2012 Replacement Volume and 2022 Supplement) 11
5964
60- (1) REQUIRE A LANDOWNER T O ALLOW THE GENERAL PUBLIC
61-ACCESS TO THE LANDOW NER’S LAND; OR
65+ SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 12
66+That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: 13
6267
63- (2) PROHIBIT A LANDOWNER FROM LIMITING OR POSTING THE
64-LANDOWNER ’S LAND AGAINST ENTRY .
68+Article – Natural Resources 14
6569
66- (B) The purpose of this subtitle is to encourage any owner of land to make land,
67-water, and airspace above the land and water areas available to the public for any
68-recreational and educational purpose, or on a limited entry basis for any recreational
69-hunting purpose, by limiting the owner’s liability toward any person who enters on land,
70-water, and airspace above the land and water areas for these purposes.
70+5–1102. 15
7171
72- [(b)] (C) This subtitle does not:
72+ (a) IT IS THE INTENT OF T HE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT NOTHING IN THIS 16
73+SUBTITLE MAY BE CONS TRUED TO: 17
7374
74- (1) [create] CREATE a duty of care or ground of liability for injury to
75-persons or property[,]; OR
75+ (1) REQUIRE A LANDOWNER T O ALLOW THE GENERAL PUBLIC 18
76+ACCESS TO THE LANDOW NER’S LAND; OR 19
7677
77- (2) [relieve] RELIEVE any person using the land of another for any
78-recreational or educational purpose from [any]:
78+ (2) PROHIBIT A LANDOWNER FROM LIMITING OR POS TING THE 20
79+LANDOWNER ’S LAND AGAINST ENTRY . 21
7980
80- (I) ANY obligation which [he] A PERSON might have in the absence
81-of this subtitle to exercise care in using the land and in [his] A PERSON’S activities on the
82-land[,]; or [from the]
81+ (B) The purpose of this subtitle is to encourage any owner of land to make land, 22
82+water, and airspace above the land and water areas available to the public for any 23
83+recreational and educational purpose, or on a limited entry basis for any recreational 24
84+hunting purpose, by limiting the owner’s liability toward any person who enters on land, 25
85+water, and airspace above the land and water areas for these purposes. 26
8386
84- (II) THE legal consequences of [his] A PERSON’S failure to employ
85-care.
87+ [(b)] (C) This subtitle does not: 27
8688
87-5–1502.
89+ (1) [create] CREATE a duty of care or ground of liability for injury to 28
90+persons or property[,]; OR 29
8891
89- The purposes of the Heritage Conservation Fund are for the State to acquire
90-conservation easements or a fee simple or other interests in:
92+ (2) [relieve] RELIEVE any person using the land of another for any 30
93+recreational or educational purpose from [any]: 31
94+ HOUSE BILL 983 3
9195
92- (1) Forestlands;
9396
94- (2) Unique ecological areas of the State;
97+ (I) ANY obligation which [he] A PERSON might have in the absence 1
98+of this subtitle to exercise care in using the land and in [his] A PERSON’S activities on the 2
99+land[,]; or [from the] 3
95100
96- (3) Any area characterized by significant natural scenic beauty; WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 544
101+ (II) THE legal consequences of [his] A PERSON’S failure to employ 4
102+care. 5
97103
98-– 3 –
104+5–1502. 6
99105
100- (4) Tidal or nontidal wetlands;
106+ The purposes of the Heritage Conservation Fund are for the State to acquire 7
107+conservation easements or a fee simple or other interests in: 8
101108
102- (5) Lands in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, as defined under § 8–1807
103-of this article;
109+ (1) Forestlands; 9
104110
105- (6) Any land designated as a unique ecological area under the Natural
106-Heritage Program in the Department;
111+ (2) Unique ecological areas of the State; 10
107112
108- (7) Any wilderness area that remains relatively undisturbed by human
109-encroachment;
113+ (3) Any area characterized by significant natural scenic beauty; 11
110114
111- (8) Lands supporting rare, threatened, or endangered plants or animals;
115+ (4) Tidal or nontidal wetlands; 12
112116
113- (9) Lands that support diverse ecological communities of plants or animals;
117+ (5) Lands in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, as defined under § 8–1807 13
118+of this article; 14
114119
115- (10) Any land whose conversion to development would significantly affect
116-water quality or unique natural habitat; [and]
120+ (6) Any land designated as a unique ecological area under the Natural 15
121+Heritage Program in the Department; 16
117122
118- (11) Natural areas that have been designated by the State or submitted by
119-a county for designation as areas of critical State concern under § 5–611 of the State
120-Finance and Procurement Article; AND
123+ (7) Any wilderness area that remains relatively undisturbed by human 17
124+encroachment; 18
121125
122- (12) LANDS THAT CAN BE USE D BY THE GENERAL PUB LIC FOR
123-HUNTING.
126+ (8) Lands supporting rare, threatened, or endangered plants or animals; 19
124127
125-10–103.
128+ (9) Lands that support diverse ecological communities of plants or animals; 20
126129
127- (A) IN THIS SECTION, “PROGRAM” MEANS THE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION ,
128-EDUCATION, AND OUTREACH PROGRAM.
130+ (10) Any land whose conversion to development would significantly affect 21
131+water quality or unique natural habitat; [and] 22
129132
130- (B) THERE IS A WILDLIFE CONSERVATION , EDUCATION, AND OUTREACH
131-PROGRAM IN THE DEPARTMENT .
133+ (11) Natural areas that have been designated by the State or submitted by 23
134+a county for designation as areas of critical State concern under § 5–611 of the State 24
135+Finance and Procurement Article; AND 25
132136
133- (C) THE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM IS TO:
137+ (12) LANDS THAT CAN BE USE D BY THE GENERAL PUB LIC FOR 26
138+HUNTING. 27
134139
135- (1) PROVIDE OUTREACH ON O UTDOOR RECREATION AN D
136-STEWARDSHIP TO SUBUR BAN AND EXURBAN COMM UNITY LEADERS ,
137-ORGANIZATIONS , SCHOOLS, AND UNIVERSITIES ;
140+10–103. 28
141+ 4 HOUSE BILL 983
138142
139- (2) CONNECT ELEMENTARY AN D MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDEN TS, THEIR
140-PARENTS, AND UNIVERSITY STUDE NTS LOCATED IN SUBUR BAN AND EXURBAN
141-AREAS TO OUTDOOR REC REATION AND STEWARDS HIP OPPORTUNITIES ;
142- Ch. 544 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
143143
144-– 4 –
145- (3) FOSTER INTEREST IN TH E USE OF PRIVATE LAN D AND
146-UNDEVELOPED PUBLIC L AND FOR OUTDOOR RECR EATION; AND
144+ (A) IN THIS SECTION, “PROGRAM” MEANS THE WILDLIFE CONSERVATION , 1
145+EDUCATION, AND OUTREACH PROGRAM. 2
147146
148- (4) FOSTER INTEREST IN HU NTING AND WILDLIFE C ONSERVATION .
147+ (B) THERE IS A WILDLIFE CONSERVATION , EDUCATION, AND OUTREACH 3
148+PROGRAM IN THE DEPARTMENT . 4
149149
150- (D) THE DEPARTMENT , IN CONSULTATION WITH PROGRAM STAFF , SHALL
151-DEVELOP A PLAN TO IN CREASE ENGAGEMENT OF COMMUNITIES THAT
152-HISTORICALLY HAVE NO T HAD ACCESS TO HUNT ING AND CONSERVATION
153-PROGRAMS AND ENGAGEM ENT OF VETERANS IN :
150+ (C) THE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM IS TO: 5
154151
155- (1) OUTDOOR RECREATION AN D STEWARDS HIP;
152+ (1) PROVIDE OUTREACH ON O UTDOOR RECREATION AN D 6
153+STEWARDSHIP TO SUBUR BAN AND EXURBAN COMM UNITY LEADERS , 7
154+ORGANIZATIONS , SCHOOLS, AND UNIVER SITIES; 8
156155
157- (2) HUNTING; AND
156+ (2) CONNECT ELEMENTARY AN D MIDDLE SCHOOL STUD ENTS, THEIR 9
157+PARENTS, AND UNIVERSITY STUDE NTS LOCATED IN SUBUR BAN AND EXURBAN 10
158+AREAS TO OUTDOOR REC REATION AND STEWARDS HIP OPPORTUNITIES ; 11
158159
159- (3) WILDLIFE CONSERVATION .
160+ (3) FOSTER INTEREST IN TH E USE OF PRIVATE LAN D AND 12
161+UNDEVELOPE D PUBLIC LAND FOR OU TDOOR RECREATION ; AND 13
160162
161-10–301.
163+ (4) FOSTER INTEREST IN HU NTING AND WILDLIFE C ONSERVATION . 14
162164
163- (c) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the following
164-persons are not required to obtain a hunter’s license, bow and arrow stamp, black powder
165-stamp, [or] bonus antlered deer stamp, OR SIKA DEER STAMP :
165+ (D) THE DEPARTMENT , IN CONSULTATION WITH PROGRAM STAFF , SHALL 15
166+DEVELOP A PLAN TO IN CREASE ENGAGEMENT OF COMMUNITIES THAT 16
167+HISTORICALLY HAVE NO T HAD ACCES S TO HUNTING AND CON SERVATION 17
168+PROGRAMS AND ENGAGEM ENT OF VETERANS IN : 18
166169
167- (i) With respect to hunting on farmland only:
170+ (1) OUTDOOR RECREATION AN D STEWARDSHIP ; 19
168171
169- 1. The resident owner of the farmland and the owner’s
170-spouse, child, and child’s spouse;
172+ (2) HUNTING; AND 20
171173
172- 2. A tenant and the tenant’s spouse, child, and child’s spouse.
173-A tenant is a person holding land under a lease, or a sharecropper who resides in a dwelling
174-on the land, but a tenant does not include any employee of the owner or tenant; and
174+ (3) WILDLIFE CONSERVATION . 21
175175
176- 3. A nonresident owner of a parcel of farmland and the
177-owner’s spouse, child, and child’s spouse if:
176+10–301. 22
178177
179- A. The parcel of farmland is located in Maryland and an
180-adjacent state;
178+ (c) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the following 23
179+persons are not required to obtain a hunter’s license, bow and arrow stamp, black powder 24
180+stamp, [or] bonus antlered deer stamp, OR SIKA DEER STAMP : 25
181181
182- B. The owner’s primary residence is on the parcel of
183-farmland; and
182+ (i) With respect to hunting on farmland only: 26
184183
185- C. The adjacent state extends similar privileges to a resident
186-of Maryland;
187- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 544
184+ 1. The resident owner of the farmland and the owner’s 27
185+spouse, child, and child’s spouse; 28
186+ HOUSE BILL 983 5
188187
189-– 5 –
190- (ii) Any resident serving in the armed forces of the United States
191-while on leave in the State, during the resident’s leave period, if, while hunting, the resident
192-possesses a copy of the resident’s official leave order;
193188
194- (iii) Any person serving in the armed forces of the United States who
195-has a service–connected disability, if, while hunting, the person possesses valid military
196-identification; and
189+ 2. A tenant and the tenant’s spouse, child, and child’s spouse. 1
190+A tenant is a person holding land under a lease, or a sharecropper who resides in a dwelling 2
191+on the land, but a tenant does not include any employee of the owner or tenant; and 3
197192
198- (iv) Any unarmed person participating in an organized foxhunt.
193+ 3. A nonresident owner of a parcel of farmland and the 4
194+owner’s spouse, child, and child’s spouse if: 5
199195
200- (2) (i) Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, in
201-order to qualify for the license and stamp exemption in accordance with paragraph (1) of
202-this subsection, a child or child’s spouse must be eligible to purchase a junior resident or
203-junior nonresident hunting license.
196+ A. The parcel of farmland is located in Maryland and an 6
197+adjacent state; 7
204198
205- (ii) If a child or child’s spouse is ineligible to purchase a junior
206-resident or junior nonresident hunting license, the child or child’s spouse shall qualify for
207-the license and stamp exemption if the child or child’s spouse:
199+ B. The owner’s primary residence is on the parcel of 8
200+farmland; and 9
208201
209- 1. Lives on the farmland;
202+ C. The adjacent state extends similar privileges to a resident 10
203+of Maryland; 11
210204
211- 2. Worked on the farmland for 30 or more days during the
212-prior 12–month period; or
205+ (ii) Any resident serving in the armed forces of the United States 12
206+while on leave in the State, during the resident’s leave period, if, while hunting, the resident 13
207+possesses a copy of the resident’s official leave order; 14
213208
214- 3. Manages the farmland.
209+ (iii) Any person serving in the armed forces of the United States who 15
210+has a service–connected disability, if, while hunting, the person possesses valid military 16
211+identification; and 17
215212
216- (3) (i) In this paragraph, “armed forces” includes the U.S. Coast Guard
217-and the U.S. Merchant Marine.
213+ (iv) Any unarmed person participating in an organized foxhunt. 18
218214
219- (ii) Subject to subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph, a person who is
220-a retired former member of the armed forces of the United States is not required to obtain
221-a hunting license to hunt on farmland that is:
215+ (2) (i) Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, in 19
216+order to qualify for the license and stamp exemption in accordance with paragraph (1) of 20
217+this subsection, a child or child’s spouse must be eligible to purchase a junior resident or 21
218+junior nonresident hunting license. 22
222219
223- 1. In active farming status; and
220+ (ii) If a child or child’s spouse is ineligible to purchase a junior 23
221+resident or junior nonresident hunting license, the child or child’s spouse shall qualify for 24
222+the license and stamp exemption if the child or child’s spouse: 25
224223
225- 2. Owned by the person or the person’s spouse, child, child’s
226-spouse, parent, grandparent, sibling, niece, or nephew.
224+ 1. Lives on the farmland; 26
227225
228- (iii) A person who hunts on farmland without a hunting license under
229-this paragraph shall possess:
226+ 2. Worked on the farmland for 30 or more days during the 27
227+prior 12–month period; or 28
230228
231- 1. The retired–military identification card of the person;
229+ 3. Manages the farmland. 29
232230
233- 2. Written permission from the owner of the farm property to
234-hunt on the property that includes:
235- Ch. 544 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
231+ (3) (i) In this paragraph, “armed forces” includes the U.S. Coast Guard 30
232+and the U.S. Merchant Marine. 31
233+ 6 HOUSE BILL 983
236234
237-– 6 –
238- A. A specified period of time that the person is authorized to
239-hunt on the property; and
240235
241- B. The relationship of the person to the owner of the property;
242-and
236+ (ii) Subject to subparagraph (iii) of this paragraph, a person who is 1
237+a retired former member of the armed forces of the United States is not required to obtain 2
238+a hunting license to hunt on farmland that is: 3
243239
244- 3. Any required hunting stamps.
240+ 1. In active farming status; and 4
245241
246- (g) (1) (I) 1. There [shall be the following types of hunting licenses in
247-the State:
242+ 2. Owned by the person or the person’s spouse, child, child’s 5
243+spouse, parent, grandparent, sibling, niece, or nephew. 6
248244
249- (i) A] IS A resident hunting license that enables the purchaser to
250-hunt all legal game birds and mammals during any appropriate season in Maryland
251-without the purchase of additional stamps, unless the purchaser is hunting migratory game
252-birds [or], deer during bow and arrow season or black powder season, OR SIKA DEER.
245+ (iii) A person who hunts on farmland without a hunting license under 7
246+this paragraph shall possess: 8
253247
254- 2. To hunt migratory game birds the purchaser must also
255-buy a Maryland migratory game bird stamp and to hunt wild waterfowl the purchaser must
256-buy both a Maryland migratory game bird stamp and a federal migratory bird hunting and
257-conservation stamp.
248+ 1. The retired–military identification card of the person; 9
258249
259- 3. To hunt deer during bow and arrow season and black
260-powder season the purchaser must also purchase a bow and arrow or black powder stamp.
250+ 2. Written permission from the owner of the farm property to 10
251+hunt on the property that includes: 11
261252
262- 4. TO HUNT SIKA DEER THE PURCHASER MUST ALSO
263-PURCHASE A SIKA DEER STAMP.
253+ A. A specified period of time that the person is authorized to 12
254+hunt on the property; and 13
264255
265- (ii) 1. [A] THERE IS A nonresident hunting license that enables
266-the purchaser to hunt all legal game birds and mammals during any appropriate season
267-without the purchase of additional stamps unless the purchaser is hunting migratory game
268-birds [or], deer during bow and arrow season or black powder season, OR SIKA DEER.
256+ B. The relationship of the person to the owner of the property; 14
257+and 15
269258
270- 2. This license enables the purchaser to hunt migratory
271-game birds only with the purchase of a Maryland migratory game bird stamp and to hunt
272-wild waterfowl only with the purchase of both a Maryland migratory game bird stamp and
273-a federal migratory bird hunting and conservation stamp.
259+ 3. Any required hunting stamps. 16
274260
275- 3. This license enables the purchaser to hunt deer during
276-bow and arrow season and black powder season only with the purchase of a nonresident
277-bow and arrow or black powder stamp.
261+ (g) (1) (I) 1. There [shall be the following types of hunting licenses in 17
262+the State: 18
278263
279- 4. THIS LICENSE ENABLES THE PURCHASER TO HUNT
280-SIKA DEER ONLY WITH THE PURCHASE OF A NO NRESIDENT SIKA DEER STAMP.
281- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 544
264+ (i) A] IS A resident hunting license that enables the purchaser to 19
265+hunt all legal game birds and mammals during any appropriate season in Maryland 20
266+without the purchase of additional stamps, unless the purchaser is hunting migratory game 21
267+birds [or], deer during bow and arrow season or black powder season, OR SIKA DEER. 22
282268
283-– 7 –
284- (iii) 1. [A] THERE IS A nonresident 3–day hunting license that
285-enables the purchaser to hunt all legal game birds and mammals except deer and turkey
286-for the 3 consecutive legal hunting days in a single season that are specified on the license
287-by the issuing agent.
269+ 2. To hunt migratory game birds the purchaser must also 23
270+buy a Maryland migratory game bird stamp and to hunt wild waterfowl the purchaser must 24
271+buy both a Maryland migratory game bird stamp and a federal migratory bird hunting and 25
272+conservation stamp. 26
288273
289- 2. The purchaser must also purchase a Maryland migratory
290-game bird stamp to hunt migratory game birds and a federal migratory bird hunting and
291-conservation stamp to hunt wild waterfowl with this license.
274+ 3. To hunt deer during bow and arrow season and black 27
275+powder season the purchaser must also purchase a bow and arrow or black powder stamp. 28
292276
293- 3. Under no circumstance does this license authorize the
294-purchaser to hunt deer and turkey.
277+ 4. TO HUNT SIKA DEER THE PURCHASER MUST ALSO 29
278+PURCHASE A SIKA DEER STAMP. 30
295279
296- (iv) 1. [An] THERE IS AN apprentice hunting license that
297-enables the purchaser to hunt all legal game birds and mammals in a single season without
298-the purchase of additional stamps unless the purchaser is hunting migratory game birds
299-[or], deer during bow and arrow season or black powder season, OR SIKA DEER.
280+ (ii) 1. [A] THERE IS A nonresident hunting license that enables 31
281+the purchaser to hunt all legal game birds and mammals during any appropriate season 32 HOUSE BILL 983 7
300282
301- 2. This license enables the purchaser to hunt migratory
302-game birds only with the purchase of a Maryland migratory game bird stamp and to hunt
303-wild waterfowl only with the purchase of both a Maryland migratory game bird stamp and
304-a federal migratory bird hunting and conservation stamp.
305283
306- 3. This license enables the purchaser to hunt deer during
307-bow and arrow season and black powder season only with the purchase of a bow and arrow
308-or black powder stamp.
284+without the purchase of additional stamps unless the purchaser is hunting migratory game 1
285+birds [or], deer during bow and arrow season or black powder season, OR SIKA DEER. 2
309286
310- 4. THIS LICENSE ENABLES THE PURCHASER TO HUN T
311-SIKA DEER ONLY WITH THE PURCHASE OF A SI KA DEER STAMP .
287+ 2. This license enables the purchaser to hunt migratory 3
288+game birds only with the purchase of a Maryland migratory game bird stamp and to hunt 4
289+wild waterfowl only with the purchase of both a Maryland migratory game bird stamp and 5
290+a federal migratory bird hunting and conservation stamp. 6
312291
313- [2. A.] 5. A person may obtain an apprentice hunting license
314-on satisfactory completion of a short online or electronic course of instruction in competency
315-in firearms and hunter safety approved by the Department.
292+ 3. This license enables the purchaser to hunt deer during 7
293+bow and arrow season and black powder season only with the purchase of a nonresident 8
294+bow and arrow or black powder stamp. 9
316295
317- [B.] 6. A. [A] EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN
318-SUBSUBSUBPARAGRAPH C OF THIS SUBSUBPARAGR APH, A person may hunt under an
319-apprentice hunting license only if accompanied and directly supervised by another person
320-who is at least 18 years of age and possesses a valid resident nonapprentice hunting license
321-issued under this subtitle.
296+ 4. THIS LICENSE ENABLES THE PURCHASER TO HUN T 10
297+SIKA DEER ONLY WITH THE PURCHASE OF A NO NRESIDENT SIKA DEER STAMP. 11
322298
323- [C.] B. A person who accompanies and directly supervises
324-an apprentice hunting licensee shall maintain close visual and verbal contact with, provide
325-adequate direction to, and be in a position to immediately assume control of the firearm of
326-the apprentice hunting licensee.
327- Ch. 544 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
299+ (iii) 1. [A] THERE IS A nonresident 3–day hunting license that 12
300+enables the purchaser to hunt all legal game birds and mammals except deer and turkey 13
301+for the 3 consecutive legal hunting days in a single season that are specified on the license 14
302+by the issuing agent. 15
328303
329-– 8 –
330- [3.] C. Except for a person participating in a junior hunt
331-approved by the Department, an apprentice hunting licensee who has obtained a certificate
332-of competency in firearms and hunter safety under § 10–301.1 of this subtitle may hunt
333-without supervision.
304+ 2. The purchaser must also purchase a Maryland migratory 16
305+game bird stamp to hunt migratory game birds and a federal migratory bird hunting and 17
306+conservation stamp to hunt wild waterfowl with this license. 18
334307
335- [4.] 7. An apprentice hunting license:
308+ 3. Under no circumstance does this license authorize the 19
309+purchaser to hunt deer and turkey. 20
336310
337- A. May be issued to a person only once in the person’s
338-lifetime;
311+ (iv) 1. [An] THERE IS AN apprentice hunting license that 21
312+enables the purchaser to hunt all legal game birds and mammals in a single season without 22
313+the purchase of additional stamps unless the purchaser is hunting migratory game birds 23
314+[or], deer during bow and arrow season or black powder season, OR SIKA DEER. 24
339315
340- B. May not be renewed; and
316+ 2. This license enables the purchaser to hunt migratory 25
317+game birds only with the purchase of a Maryland migratory game bird stamp and to hunt 26
318+wild waterfowl only with the purchase of both a Maryland migratory game bird stamp and 27
319+a federal migratory bird hunting and conservation stamp. 28
341320
342- C. May not be issued to a person who has previously been
343-issued any hunting license under this subtitle.
321+ 3. This license enables the purchaser to hunt deer during 29
322+bow and arrow season and black powder season only with the purchase of a bow and arrow 30
323+or black powder stamp. 31
344324
345- (2) Residents may purchase a senior hunting license beginning in the
346-calendar year in which they attain the age of 65.
325+ 4. THIS LICENSE ENABLES THE PURCHASER TO HUN T 32
326+SIKA DEER ONLY WITH THE PURCHASE OF A SI KA DEER STAMP . 33
327+ 8 HOUSE BILL 983
347328
348- (3) (I) [A] EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBPARAGRAPH (II) OF THIS
349-PARAGRAPH , A nonresident of any age must purchase either a nonresident hunting license
350-or a nonresident 3–day hunting license to hunt in the State.
351329
352- (II) A NONRESIDENT ATTENDIN G A COLLEGE OR UNIVE RSITY IN
353-THE STATE MAY PURCHASE A RESIDENT HUNTING LIC ENSE IF THE NONRESID ENT
354-PROVIDES TO THE DEPARTMENT PROOF THAT THE NONRESIDENT IS E NROLLED AT
355-A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY IN T HE STATE.
330+ [2. A.] 5. A person may obtain an apprentice hunting license 1
331+on satisfactory completion of a short online or electronic course of instruction in competency 2
332+in firearms and hunter safety approved by the Department. 3
356333
357- (4) Subject to paragraph [(6)] (7) of this subsection, the fees for hunting
358-AND TRAPPING licenses are according to the following schedule:
334+ [B.] 6. A. [A] EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN 4
335+SUBSUBSUBPARAGRAPH C OF THIS SUBSUBPARAGR APH, A person may hunt under an 5
336+apprentice hunting license only if accompanied and directly supervised by another person 6
337+who is at least 18 years of age and possesses a valid resident nonapprentice hunting license 7
338+issued under this subtitle. 8
359339
360- (i) Resident, junior, under the age of 16 years ..........[$10.50] $15.00
340+ [C.] B. A person who accompanies and directly supervises 9
341+an apprentice hunting licensee shall maintain close visual and verbal contact with, provide 10
342+adequate direction to, and be in a position to immediately assume control of the firearm of 11
343+the apprentice hunting licensee. 12
361344
362- (ii) Resident, regular, at least 16 years old and under the age of 65
363-years .................................................................................................................[$24.50] $35.00
345+ [3.] C. Except for a person participating in a junior hunt 13
346+approved by the Department, an apprentice hunting licensee who has obtained a certificate 14
347+of competency in firearms and hunter safety under § 10–301.1 of this subtitle may hunt 15
348+without supervision. 16
364349
365- (iii) Resident, senior, at least 65 years old ....................................$5.00
350+ [4.] 7. An apprentice hunting license: 17
366351
367- (iv) Nonresident, regular, at least 16 years old ......[$130.00] $160.00
352+ A. May be issued to a person only once in the person’s 18
353+lifetime; 19
368354
369- (v) Nonresident, junior, under the age of 16 years ....[$65.00] $80.00
355+ B. May not be renewed; and 20
370356
371- (vi) Complimentary license authorized to be issued under § 10–303
372-of this subtitle................................................................................................................... No fee
357+ C. May not be issued to a person who has previously been 21
358+issued any hunting license under this subtitle. 22
373359
374- (vii) Nonresident 3–day hunting license .....................[$45.00] $65.00 WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 544
360+ (2) Residents may purchase a senior hunting license beginning in the 23
361+calendar year in which they attain the age of 65. 24
375362
376-– 9 –
363+ (3) (I) [A] EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN SUBPARAGRAPH (II) OF THIS 25
364+PARAGRAPH , A nonresident of any age must purchase either a nonresident hunting license 26
365+or a nonresident 3–day hunting license to hunt in the State. 27
377366
378- (viii) Resident apprentice ..............................................[$10.00] $15.00
367+ (II) A NONRESIDENT ATTENDIN G A COLLEGE OR UNIVE RSITY IN 28
368+THE STATE MAY PURCHASE A RESIDENT HUNTING LIC ENSE IF THE NONRESID ENT 29
369+PROVIDES TO THE DEPARTMENT PROOF THAT THE NONRESIDENT IS E NROLLED AT 30
370+A COLLEGE OR UNIVERS ITY IN THE STATE. 31
379371
380- (ix) Nonresident apprentice ........................................[$20.00] $40.00
372+ (4) Subject to paragraph [(6)] (7) of this subsection, the fees for hunting 32
373+AND TRAPPING licenses are according to the following schedule: 33
381374
382- (X) NONRESIDENT TRAPPING LICENSE .............................$50.00
375+ (i) Resident, junior, under the age of 16 years ..........[$10.50] $15.00 34 HOUSE BILL 983 9
383376
384- (5) The fees for individual hunting stamps are according to the following
385-schedule:
386377
387- (i) Bow and arrow stamp .............................................................$6.00
388378
389- (ii) Nonresident bow and arrow stamp ......................................$25.00
379+ (ii) Resident, regular, at least 16 years old and under the age of 65 1
380+years .................................................................................................................[$24.50] $35.00 2
390381
391- (iii) Black powder stamp ...............................................................$6.00
382+ (iii) Resident, senior, at least 65 years old ....................................$5.00 3
392383
393- (iv) Nonresident black powder stamp ........................................$25.00
384+ (iv) Nonresident, regular, at least 16 years old ......[$130.00] $160.00 4
394385
395- (v) Maryland migratory game bird stamp ...................[$9.00] $15.00
386+ (v) Nonresident, junior, under the age of 16 years ....[$65.00] $80.00 5
396387
397- (vi) Resident bonus antlered deer stamp ....................................$10.00
388+ (vi) Complimentary license authorized to be issued under § 10–303 6
389+of this subtitle................................................................................................................... No fee 7
398390
399- (vii) Nonresident bonus antlered deer stamp for each type of deer
400-hunting season ......................................................................................................[$25] $25.00
391+ (vii) Nonresident 3–day hunting license .....................[$45.00] $65.00 8
401392
402- (VIII) RESIDENT SIKA DEER ST AMP .......................................$10.00
393+ (viii) Resident apprentice ..............................................[$10.00] $15.00 9
403394
404- (IX) NONRESIDENT SIKA DEER STAMP ...............................$25.00
395+ (ix) Nonresident apprentice ........................................[$20.00] $40.00 10
405396
406- (6) THE FEES FOR FURBEARE R PERMITS ARE ACCORD ING TO THE
407-FOLLOWING SCHEDULE:
397+ (X) NONRESIDENT TRAPPING LICENSE .............................$50.00 11
408398
409- (I) INDIVIDUAL ....................................................................$5.00
399+ (5) The fees for individual hunting stamps are according to the following 12
400+schedule: 13
410401
411- (II) GROUP ..........................................................................$50.00
402+ (i) Bow and arrow stamp .............................................................$6.00 14
412403
413- [(6)] (7) The Department shall establish a program to provide discounted
414-hunting licenses and any associated State–issued stamps or permits to Maryland residents
415-who are recipients of the Purple Heart Award.
404+ (ii) Nonresident bow and arrow stamp ......................................$25.00 15
416405
417-10–308.1.
406+ (iii) Black powder stamp ...............................................................$6.00 16
418407
419- (a) In addition to any other requirement, a person hunting migratory game birds
420-in the State first shall purchase a Maryland migratory game bird stamp.
421- Ch. 544 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
408+ (iv) Nonresident black powder stamp ........................................$25.00 17
422409
423-– 10 –
424- (b) (1) (I) A person may obtain a Maryland migratory game bird stamp for
425-a fee of [$9.00] $15.00 from any person designated by the Department.
410+ (v) Maryland migratory game bird stamp ...................[$9.00] $15.00 18
426411
427- (II) The issuing person designated shall retain the sum of 75 cents
428-as compensation for issuing each stamp.
412+ (vi) Resident bonus antlered deer stamp ....................................$10.00 19
429413
430- (III) The balance of the fee is paid over and accounted for to the State
431-Treasurer.
414+ (vii) Nonresident bonus antlered deer stamp for each type of deer 20
415+hunting season ......................................................................................................[$25] $25.00 21
432416
433- (IV) The Treasurer shall credit all such fees received to the State
434-Wildlife Management and Protection Fund, in accordance with § 10–209 of this title.
417+ (VIII) RESIDENT SIKA DEER ST AMP .......................................$10.00 22
435418
436- (2) (I) The Department may sell expired stamps below face value to the
437-general public for a period of 3 years, after which time the Department shall shred any
438-unsold expired stamps.
419+ (IX) NONRESIDENT SIKA DEER STAMP ...............................$25.00 23
439420
440- (II) All revenues derived from the sale of [these] THE stamps SOLD
441-UNDER SUBPARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH shall revert back to the Game
442-Management Fund.
421+ (6) THE FEES FOR FURBEARE R PERMITS ARE ACCORD ING TO THE 24
422+FOLLOWING SCHEDULE : 25
423+ 10 HOUSE BILL 983
443424
444- (c) While hunting migratory game birds, a person must be in possession of proof
445-of purchase of the Maryland migratory game bird stamp.
446425
447- (d) (1) All revenues accruing to the Wildlife Management and Protection Fund
448-from sales of the migratory game bird stamps shall be expended solely for the following
449-purposes:
426+ (I) INDIVIDUAL ....................................................................$5.00 1
450427
451- (i) Migratory game bird projects included in an approved State
452-program to create, develop, enhance, maintain, and manage nesting cover, winter foods,
453-and other habitat components on public lands to satisfy the habitat requirements of a broad
454-range of wintering migratory game birds and native migratory game bird species;
428+ (II) GROUP ..........................................................................$50.00 2
455429
456- (ii) Migratory game bird research, management, and surveys; and
430+ [(6)] (7) The Department shall establish a program to provide discounted 3
431+hunting licenses and any associated State–issued stamps or permits to Maryland residents 4
432+who are recipients of the Purple Heart Award. 5
457433
458- (iii) [Not more than 30% to adopt and implement a program to control
459-the species Phragmites communis (phragmites) on private lands] MIGRATORY GAME
460-BIRD PROJECTS THAT C ONSERVE MIGRATORY GA ME BIRD BREEDING HAB ITATS IN
461-CANADA.
434+10–308.1. 6
462435
463- (2) (I) To encourage waterfowl habitat conservation on private lands,
464-the Department shall implement a 10–year licensing agreement for approved projects on
465-privately owned lands detailing the landowner’s responsibilities.
466- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 544
436+ (a) In addition to any other requirement, a person hunting migratory game birds 7
437+in the State first shall purchase a Maryland migratory game bird stamp. 8
467438
468-– 11 –
469- (II) Expenditures by private landowners on private land for these
470-waterfowl projects approved by the Department and covered by the licensing agreement
471-shall be considered a contribution to the State.
439+ (b) (1) (I) A person may obtain a Maryland migratory game bird stamp for 9
440+a fee of [$9.00] $15.00 from any person designated by the Department. 10
472441
473- (3) ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 1 EACH YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT
474-SHALL REPORT TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF
475-THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ANY
476-EXPENDITURES FROM TH E WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION FUND FOR
477-MIGRATORY GAME BIRD PROJECTS UNDER PARAG RAPH (1)(III) OF THIS
478-SUBSECTION.
442+ (II) The issuing person designated shall retain the sum of 75 cents 11
443+as compensation for issuing each stamp. 12
479444
480- [(3)] (E) (1) The Governor shall appoint a Migratory Game Bird
481-Advisory Committee of 9 members who have a practical knowledge of migratory game bird
482-habitat conservation, migratory game bird ecology, migratory game bird management, or
483-migratory game bird hunting.
445+ (III) The balance of the fee is paid over and accounted for to the State 13
446+Treasurer. 14
484447
485- [(4)] (2) The Committee shall advise the Department on:
448+ (IV) The Treasurer shall credit all such fees received to the State 15
449+Wildlife Management and Protection Fund, in accordance with § 10–209 of this title. 16
486450
487- (i) Matters relating to expenditures of funds derived from the sale
488-of Maryland migratory game bird stamps;
451+ (2) (I) The Department may sell expired stamps below face value to the 17
452+general public for a period of 3 years, after which time the Department shall shred any 18
453+unsold expired stamps. 19
489454
490- (ii) Policy, regulations, and legislation related to migratory game
491-birds; and
455+ (II) All revenues derived from the sale of [these] THE stamps SOLD 20
456+UNDER SUBPARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS PARAGRAPH shall revert back to the Game 21
457+Management Fund. 22
492458
493- (iii) Migratory game bird habitat conservation projects.
459+ (c) While hunting migratory game birds, a person must be in possession of proof 23
460+of purchase of the Maryland migratory game bird stamp. 24
494461
495-10–410.
462+ (d) (1) All revenues accruing to the Wildlife Management and Protection Fund 25
463+from sales of the migratory game bird stamps shall be expended solely for the following 26
464+purposes: 27
496465
497- (a) (12) Except as provided in paragraphs (8) through (10) AND (13) of this
498-subsection and subject to paragraph (7) of this subsection, a person may not hunt on Sunday
499-in:
466+ (i) Migratory game bird projects included in an approved State 28
467+program to create, develop, enhance, maintain, and manage nesting cover, winter foods, 29
468+and other habitat components on public lands to satisfy the habitat requirements of a broad 30
469+range of wintering migratory game birds and native migratory game bird species; 31
500470
501- (i) Baltimore City;
471+ (ii) Migratory game bird research, management, and surveys; and 32 HOUSE BILL 983 11
502472
503- (ii) Baltimore County;
504473
505- (iii) Howard County; or
506474
507- (iv) Prince George’s County.
475+ (iii) [Not more than 30% to adopt and implement a program to control 1
476+the species Phragmites communis (phragmites) on private lands] MIGRATORY GAME 2
477+BIRD PROJECTS THAT C ONSERVE MIGRAT ORY GAME BIRD BREEDI NG HABITATS IN 3
478+CANADA. 4
508479
509- (13) A person may [not] hunt migratory game birds on Sunday.
480+ (2) (I) To encourage waterfowl habitat conservation on private lands, 5
481+the Department shall implement a 10–year licensing agreement for approved projects on 6
482+privately owned lands detailing the landowner’s responsibilities. 7
510483
511- SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That:
512- Ch. 544 2023 LAWS OF MARYLAND
484+ (II) Expenditures by private landowners on private land for these 8
485+waterfowl projects approved by the Department and covered by the licensing agreement 9
486+shall be considered a contribution to the State. 10
513487
514-– 12 –
515- (a) On or before December 1, 2023, the Department of Natural Resources, in
516-consultation with the Department of Agriculture, shall develop a plan to address the
517-overpopulation of deer in the State.
488+ (3) ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 1 EACH YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT 11
489+SHALL REPORT TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, IN ACCORDANCE WITH § 2–1257 OF 12
490+THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE, ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ANY 13
491+EXPENDITURES FROM TH E WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION FUND FOR 14
492+MIGRATORY GAME BIRD PROJECTS UNDER PARAG RAPH (1)(III) OF THIS 15
493+SUBSECTION. 16
518494
519- (b) The plan shall include:
495+ [(3)] (E) (1) The Governor shall appoint a Migratory Game Bird 17
496+Advisory Committee of 9 members who have a practical knowledge of migratory game bird 18
497+habitat conservation, migratory game bird ecology, migratory game bird management, or 19
498+migratory game bird hunting. 20
520499
521- (1) the feasibility of implementing a rotational closure hunting strategy on
522-State land, including State park system lands and hunting on State land on Sundays;
500+ [(4)] (2) The Committee shall advise the Department on: 21
523501
524- (2) any legislative, budgetary, or regulatory changes needed to implement
525-a rotational closure hunting strategy on State–owned land;
502+ (i) Matters relating to expenditures of funds derived from the sale 22
503+of Maryland migratory game bird stamps; 23
526504
527- (3) subject to subsection (c) of this section, the feasibility of implementing
528-a rotational closure hunting strategy on locally owned land;
505+ (ii) Policy, regulations, and legislation related to migratory game 24
506+birds; and 25
529507
530- (4) proposals the Department of Natural Resources determines are viable
531-and effective for addressing the overpopulation of deer in the State; and
508+ (iii) Migratory game bird habitat conservation projects. 26
532509
533- (5) suitable uses for any increased federal funding to the State Wildlife
534-Management and Protection Fund.
510+10–410. 27
535511
536- (c) The Department of Natural Resources shall consult with local governments
537-regarding the feasibility of a rotational closure hunting strategy under subsection (b)(3) of
538-this section.
512+ (a) (12) Except as provided in paragraphs (8) through (10) AND (13) of this 28
513+subsection and subject to paragraph (7) of this subsection, a person may not hunt on Sunday 29
514+in: 30
539515
540- SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That if the State Wildlife
541-Management and Protection Fund or the Department of Natural Resources receives an
542-increase in federal funds due to the increased fees under § 10–301 of the Natural Resources
543-Article, as enacted under Section 1 of this Act:
516+ (i) Baltimore City; 31
544517
545- (1) any portion of the increase may be transferred to the Heritage
546-Conservation Fund for the acquisition of conservation easements or fee simple or other
547-interests in lands that can be used by the general public for hunting; and
518+ (ii) Baltimore County; 32
519+ 12 HOUSE BILL 983
548520
549- (2) a portion of the increase shall be used for:
550521
551- (i) the creation of eight Position Identification Numbers for the
552-Department of Natural Resources to hire staff for the Wildlife Conservation, Education,
553-and Outreach Program established under Section 1 of this Act; and
522+ (iii) Howard County; or 1
554523
555- (ii) the creation and funding of a farmer cost–share program to
556-provide funding for farmers to plant forage crops on private agricultural land to:
524+ (iv) Prince George’s County. 2
557525
558- 1. reduce the loss of commercial crops due to wildlife
559-foraging; and
560- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 544
526+ (13) A person may [not] hunt migratory game birds on Sunday. 3
561527
562-– 13 –
563- 2. increase forage habitat for wildlife.
528+ SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That: 4
564529
565- SECTION 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect July
566-1, 2023.
530+ (a) On or before December 1, 2023, the Department of Natural Resources, in 5
531+consultation with the Department of Agriculture, shall develop a plan to address the 6
532+overpopulation of deer in the State. 7
567533
568-Approved by the Governor, May 8, 2023.
534+ (b) The plan shall include: 8
535+
536+ (1) the feasibility of implementing a rotational closure hunting strategy on 9
537+State land, including State park system lands and hunting on State land on Sundays; 10
538+
539+ (2) any legislative, budgetary, or regulatory changes needed to implement 11
540+a rotational closure hunting strategy on State–owned land; 12
541+
542+ (3) subject to subsection (c) of this section, the feasibility of implementing 13
543+a rotational closure hunting strategy on locally owned land; 14
544+
545+ (4) proposals the Department of Natural Resources determines are viable 15
546+and effective for addressing the overpopulation of deer in the State; and 16
547+
548+ (5) suitable uses for any increased federal funding to the State Wildlife 17
549+Management and Protection Fund. 18
550+
551+ (c) The Department of Natural Resources shall consult with local governments 19
552+regarding the feasibility of a rotational closure hunting strategy under subsection (b)(3) of 20
553+this section. 21
554+
555+ SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That if the State Wildlife 22
556+Management and Protection Fund or the Department of Natural Resources receives an 23
557+increase in federal funds due to the increased fees under § 10–301 of the Natural Resources 24
558+Article, as enacted under Section 1 of this Act: 25
559+
560+ (1) any portion of the increase may be transferred to the Heritage 26
561+Conservation Fund for the acquisition of conservation easements or fee simple or other 27
562+interests in lands that can be used by the general public for hunting; and 28
563+
564+ (2) a portion of the increase shall be used for: 29
565+
566+ (i) the creation of eight Position Identification Numbers for the 30
567+Department of Natural Resources to hire staff for the Wildlife Conservation, Education, 31
568+and Outreach Program established under Section 1 of this Act; and 32 HOUSE BILL 983 13
569+
570+
571+
572+ (ii) the creation and funding of a farmer cost–share program to 1
573+provide funding for farmers to plant forage crops on private agricultural land to: 2
574+
575+ 1. reduce the loss of commercial crops due to wildlife 3
576+foraging; and 4
577+
578+ 2. increase forage habitat for wildlife. 5
579+
580+ SECTION 4. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect July 6
581+1, 2023. 7
582+
583+
584+
585+
586+Approved:
587+________________________________________________________________________________
588+ Governor.
589+________________________________________________________________________________
590+ Speaker of the House of Delegates.
591+________________________________________________________________________________
592+ President of the Senate.