Catalytic Revitalization Project Tax Credit - Alterations
HB 511 would amend Maryland’s natural resources law governing hunting regulations to prevent the Department of Natural Resources from prohibiting certain licensed bow hunters from openly carrying a handgun for personal protection while hunting in specified areas. Under the bill, a hunter must be at least 21 years old, otherwise authorized to carry the handgun under state law, and may not use the handgun to take wounded wildlife. The bill applies in Deer Management Region A and, specifically, in Frederick County and Washington County during deer hunting season.
The measure narrows the Department’s regulatory authority over hunting weapons by creating an express exception for open handgun carry by eligible bow hunters. It also preserves the Department’s broader ability to regulate hunting weapons and ammunition, and it requires hunting regulations to be distributed with each hunting license. The bill takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB 511 would amend Section 10-408 of the Natural Resources Article to limit the Department of Natural Resources’ ability to regulate handguns in the specific context of bow hunting. It would create a statutory right for qualifying bow hunters in Frederick County and Washington County, and in Deer Management Region A, to openly carry a handgun for personal protection while hunting, so long as they comply with existing handgun-carry law and do not use the handgun to dispatch game. The bill affects bow hunters, the Department of Natural Resources, and the scope of hunting regulations in the affected counties.
Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears to be framed as a targeted hunting and self-defense accommodation rather than a broad firearms policy change. No committee transcript or vote data is available, so there is no recorded debate or roll-call sentiment to assess. The bill’s sponsor and geographic focus suggest support from Frederick County interests, while the main policy theme is balancing hunter safety with existing wildlife-management rules.
The likely point of contention is the bill’s carve-out from DNR hunting regulations for openly carried handguns, which could raise concerns about firearms in hunting settings and the limits of agency authority. Supporters would likely emphasize personal protection for bow hunters and the narrow geographic and seasonal scope of the exception, while opponents may question whether the exception is necessary or whether it could complicate enforcement of hunting rules. Because no hearing transcript or vote record is provided, specific arguments from legislators or stakeholders are not available.