A measure to provide more Sunday hunting opportunities in Maryland has been signed by the governor.

On May 2, Gov. Robert Ehrlich signed HB 205 to allow Sunday deer hunting in Anne Arundel County. The extra hunting opportunity will be afforded on private property with landowner permission during the November bowhunt and the firearms season.

Grassroots action generated by the Maryland Sportsmen’s Association and numerous other sportsmen’s groups throughout the state helped the bill advance. House Bill 205, sponsored by Delegate Bob Costa, R-Deale, passed the House of Representatives on March 23, 118-11, and the Senate on April 4, 35-12.

The success of HB 205 demonstrates that the legislature paid heed to the sportsman’s voice.  The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance advocates statewide wildlife policies, not those broken down county-by-county or town-by-town.  The opening of hunting opportunities, Sunday hunting in this case, in all counties will put an end to the patchwork effect.

Maryland sportsmen can thank legislators and Gov. Ehrlich for their support of HB 205 by using the Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org.