A Message From the Secretary of the
Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Greetings and Welcome Maryland Hunters:

Hunting provides a chance for rejuvenation.  It gives us a chance to melt into some of the most beautiful landscapes in Maryland, and in the nation, and experience it  with all our senses.  Perhaps no other outdoor experience engenders such a sense of place – the hunter’s sense of place in the natural world, and man’s sense of place in the ecosystem.

This time-honored recreation is not only affordable, it also is accessible to a growing number of people – including those with physical challenges.  In fact, our hunting opportunities and experiences are held in such high regard, that over 30,000 hunters from other states choose to hunt in Maryland each year.

Hunters and trappers contribute to successful wildlife management in many ways – helping to control wildlife populations, funding habitat conservation and management, and perhaps most importantly, instilling a natural resources stewardship ethic in others.  These contributions are immensely helpful to DNR, as we work to ensure the viability and ecological integrity of Maryland’s wildlife, promote sustainable and compatible uses of these resources, and proactively address emerging threats.   Finally, we can all be proud as hunters and conservationists that our collective efforts return nearly $600 million annually to the State’s economy.

DNR’s wildlife professionals have a strong history of dedication to our living resources, and we are proud to serve and work with Maryland’s hunters and trappers.  We wish you many safe and happy experiences during the 2007-2008 hunting seasons.

Sincerely,


John R. Griffin
Secretary