Hunting Access Problems at Newtowne Neck State Park

C

Crow Bait

New Member
getbent said:
Did "they" ever say why is wasn't opened back up for hunting purposes?
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The current explanation from the MD Park's Service is that hunting is temporarily suspended while the Park's master plan is being drafted. This is a 1-2 year process that began in April. In the mean time - the park is open to "Passive Activities", which (apparently) hunting is not. Hunters are getting involved in the master planning process to make sure hunting is part of the long term plan for the property (and balanced with other uses), but would like the hunting access reopened while the master plan is being drafted. There is no reason to miss out on another season.

Several of us attended the Open House and everyone we talked to said that they really didn't have a problem with hunting, but wanted to make sure it was done safely if they should happen to be hiking, walking their dog, etc. As a hunter, I want that too. Also, almost everyone that lived nearby said that deer had become a problem since the Park's closure in 2012. I heard many firecracker, paintball, and bb gun stories.
 
getbent

getbent

Thats how them b*tch's R
Crow Bait said:
The current explanation from the MD Park's Service is that hunting is temporarily suspended while the Park's master plan is being drafted. This is a 1-2 year process that began in April. In the mean time - the park is open to "Passive Activities", which (apparently) hunting is not. Hunters are getting involved in the master planning process to make sure hunting is part of the long term plan for the property (and balanced with other uses), but would like the hunting access reopened while the master plan is being drafted. There is no reason to miss out on another season.

Several of us attended the Open House and everyone we talked to said that they really didn't have a problem with hunting, but wanted to make sure it was done safely if they should happen to be hiking, walking their dog, etc. As a hunter, I want that too. Also, almost everyone that lived nearby said that deer had become a problem since the Park's closure in 2012. I heard many firecracker, paintball, and bb gun stories.
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Thanks for the explanation. I would not doubt the deer are having a field day over at the park with no one to help thin the herds. Hopefully the outcome works for everyone. Maybe they could do certain days for hunting while they figure everything out.
 
N

nutz

Well-Known Member
getbent said:
I never said the rider was in the wrong. Cut your sensitivity pill in half. If you read my posts, I'm concerned about both parties. I have a family member that has ridden there before and my husband is also an avid hunter so I have 2 dogs in this fight.
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My reading comprehension is perfectly ok. Your grammar and spelling leave something to be desired.
 
N

nutz

Well-Known Member
Crow Bait said:
The current explanation from the MD Park's Service is that hunting is temporarily suspended while the Park's master plan is being drafted. This is a 1-2 year process that began in April. In the mean time - the park is open to "Passive Activities", which (apparently) hunting is not. Hunters are getting involved in the master planning process to make sure hunting is part of the long term plan for the property (and balanced with other uses), but would like the hunting access reopened while the master plan is being drafted. There is no reason to miss out on another season.

Several of us attended the Open House and everyone we talked to said that they really didn't have a problem with hunting, but wanted to make sure it was done safely if they should happen to be hiking, walking their dog, etc. As a hunter, I want that too. Also, almost everyone that lived nearby said that deer had become a problem since the Park's closure in 2012. I heard many firecracker, paintball, and bb gun stories.
Click to expand...

There's also pending ramifications from Senate bill 966, sponsored by state Senators Roy Dyson (D-29) and Thomas Middleton (D-28), establishes a program in Charles and St. Mary’s Counties to train rifle shooters to hunt deer for the purpose of controlling the deer population in those counties. SB 966, as amended, passed in the House of Delegates by a 125 to 6 vote and concurred in the Senate by a 45 to 1 vote.
 
C

Crow Bait

New Member
nutz said:
There's also pending ramifications from Senate bill 966, sponsored by state Senators Roy Dyson (D-29) and Thomas Middleton (D-28), establishes a program in Charles and St. Mary’s Counties to train rifle shooters to hunt deer for the purpose of controlling the deer population in those counties. SB 966, as amended, passed in the House of Delegates by a 125 to 6 vote and concurred in the Senate by a 45 to 1 vote.
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On Saturday, I asked the park manager if Crop Damage Hunting (authorized under a permit) has been allowed since the Park's closure (and re-opening) and was told it was not. The new law does provide some wrinkles to the current situation, but I don't think it really applies in this case.

The Law States Specifically:

1) In St.Mary's and Charles Counties the law allows for the training of rifle shooters to participate in Crop Damage Hunts, on lands where crop damage permits are issued (both public and private). This activity is permitted outside of the normal deer hunting seasons (and is a giant waste in my opinion - but that's another issue). Also:
a) DNR Controls where these permits are issued (protecting public safety and welfare is a specific consideration).
b) Crop Damage Hunting may not occur on Sundays. (It should be noted that there is no hunting on Sundays -of any kind- on public lands in SoMD)

2) In St.Marys and Charles counties shotgun season for deer is extended through March.
a) Unless DNR decides against the extension on certain lands.

3) This law "sunsets" in 3 years, meaning it is only in effect for 3 years. It dies on June 30, 2017.

The law can be found here: http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2014RS/Chapters_noln/CH_574_sb0966e.pdf
 
PrchJrkr

PrchJrkr

Long Haired Country Boy
Ad Free Experience
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I was number 396 to sign. I fish that shoreline from a boat and have seen deer at the waters edge. The herd must be getting pretty thick.
 
Gilligan

Gilligan

#*! boat!
PREMO Member
PrchJrkr said:
I fish that shoreline from a boat and have seen deer at the waters edge. The herd must be getting pretty thick.
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I'll bet it is. I was out working on St. Catherine's Island last weekend and did a quick "deer survey" while I was there. It's obvious that the current population is only a dozen or so, where sometimes it's easily 4 or 5 times than many. We usually take that to mean that they are over on the mainland (Colton's Point, Newtowne Neck) peninsulas instead. Never have determined any specific reason for why they move back and forth from year to year..although the island does get overpopulated sometimes.
 
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Crow Bait

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