MD HB1063

Department of Natural Resources may authorize deer population reduction on contiguous properties of at least 10 acres with documented deer damage, including permits allowing Sunday deer hunting for property owners, employees, lessees, or agents

Expands Sunday deer hunting hours in Wicomico, Kent, Montgomery, and Talbot counties during deer firearms season to include both morning (30 minutes before sunrise until 10:30 a.m.) and afternoon (3:00 p.m. until sunset) periods

Repeals the prohibition on Sunday hunting for migratory game birds and requires the Department to allow junior hunters, senior hunters, apprentice hunters, and full-time students to hunt migratory Canada geese (Atlantic population) on Sundays during open season

Beginning July 1, 2027, requires the Department to adopt regulations allowing Sunday hunting during game bird and game mammal seasons statewide, at minimum matching the hours and days authorized as of June 30, 2027 (this provision sunsets June 30, 2030)

Department must report to the General Assembly by December 1, 2029 on the effectiveness of the Act on deer management and balancing stakeholder interests, with input from all relevant stakeholders