MD HB857

Authorizes hunters licensed by the Department of Natural Resources who wound a deer during legal hunting hours to pursue and kill that deer after legal hunting hours

Permits the use of spotlights, headlights, artificial lights, batteries, or other light-casting devices while pursuing a wounded deer after hours, overriding existing restrictions on light use

Requires hunters to use only the hunting methods authorized for the applicable season or permit when killing the wounded deer

Directs the Department of Natural Resources to adopt regulations implementing the new provisions

Takes effect July 1, 2025; approved by Governor Wes Moore on May 13, 2025