Frederick and Washington Counties - Bow Hunting - Openly Carrying Handguns
Summary
HB 511 would amend Maryland’s Natural Resources law governing hunting regulations to create a specific exception for licensed bow hunters in Frederick County and Washington County. Under the bill, the Department of Natural Resources could not prohibit a bow hunter who is at least 21 years old, is otherwise legally allowed to carry a handgun under state law, and is carrying the handgun for personal protection from openly carrying that handgun during deer hunting season in those two counties. The handgun could not be used to take wounded wildlife; the bill is limited to personal protection while bow hunting.
The bill also retains the Department’s general authority to regulate hunting weapons and ammunition, but narrows that authority in this one circumstance. It defines “handgun” for purposes of the section and keeps the existing requirement that hunting regulations be distributed with hunting licenses. The act would take effect July 1, 2025.
Impact
HB 511 would amend Section 10-408 of the Natural Resources Article, limiting the Department of Natural Resources’ ability to regulate firearms in the context of bow hunting in Frederick and Washington Counties. It creates a statutory carve-out for openly carrying a handgun during deer hunting season for eligible licensed bow hunters, while leaving the broader hunting-regulation framework intact. The bill affects bow hunters, the Department of Natural Resources, and enforcement of hunting and firearms rules in the two counties.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee testimony or votes in the provided materials, the available sentiment appears neutral and procedural rather than strongly contested. The bill is framed as a targeted local exception supported by the Frederick County Delegation, suggesting localized interest in allowing lawful hunters to carry a handgun for protection while bow hunting. No recorded opposition or floor debate is included in the materials provided.
Contention
The main point of contention is the balance between hunter self-protection and the Department of Natural Resources’ authority to regulate weapons used in hunting areas. Supporters would likely view the bill as a narrow safety measure for licensed adult bow hunters in rural counties, while critics could argue it weakens uniform wildlife-management rules or expands handgun presence during hunting. Another possible issue is the bill’s county-specific approach, which treats Frederick and Washington Counties differently from the rest of the state and from the existing deer management region framework.