A Message From the Director of the Maryland Wildlife and Heritage Service

Someone recently asked me what I liked the most about hunting.

The answer was simple: kids, dogs and first-light.

There is nothing more satisfying than watching a youngster, especially one new to hunting, become a member of the great hunting and trapping fraternity. Witnessing youngsters taking their first trip afield or taking their first game from the field is an extraordinary addition to any outdoor experience and one that can fortify our own passion for continuing to participate.

For altogether different reasons, watching a great dog work is why many of us like to hunt. Pointers, setters, hounds, and my personal favorite, the retrievers, all provide fuel for great hunting opportunities and memories. A great retrieve under difficult conditions, the cacophony of a long chase with a perfect conclusion, a rock-solid point coupled with a perfect ‘back’, all can turn a good day outdoors into a life-time memory. 

First-light, or the first glimpse of sun in the morning, is also one of the reasons we love to hunt. Unless you are a pre-dawn commuter, most people rarely see the raising-up of sunshine in the morning darkness. Those that do, rarely get to truly ‘experience’ that amazing moment in time. The beauty and silence of those first few moments of a fall or winter day inspire us to rise well before dawn and race to get outside and sit in the cool darkness. To sit, look, listen and enjoy that sliver of sunshine coupled with the buzz of teal, woodies or cans in the half-light; the thunder of a gobbler preparing to leave the roost; or the gentle footfall of a deer slipping through the awakening dawn; and you quickly realize why it’s often not about the taking of game, but about simply being there.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources continues to provide great opportunities for young people to get outside and enjoy hunting, trapping, fishing and more. I have been particularly pleased with the individual commitment of our staff in the Wildlife and Heritage Service who dedicated their own personal time to mentor young outdoor-enthusiasts in the past year. Many of these same people continue their passion to bring canine partners into the field as well. I urge all of you to do the same.

I also urge you to remember the values, ethics and traditions that our predecessors embraced as they laid the foundation for future generations of hunters, trappers and outdoor enthusiasts. It is on that foundation that we should all endeavor to build a more rigid stewardship and personal outdoor ethic. 

Finally, this year I ask that you consider making more opportunities to mentor a youngster and train a pup by rising early, sitting silently and simply enjoying one of the greatest experiences available to all Marylanders.  

See you in the field!

Paul