Baltimore City - Natural Resources - Archery Hunting Safety Zones
Summary
SB 879 expands Sunday hunting opportunities in Baltimore City and adjusts archery hunting safety-zone rules. The bill authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to permit deer hunting on each Sunday of the deer bow hunting season in Baltimore City, which is a new Sunday deer-hunting authorization for the city. It also amends the state’s archery safety-zone statute so that Baltimore City, with one exception for Legislative District 43A, is included among the jurisdictions where the safety zone for archery hunters is reduced to 50 yards from certain occupied structures rather than the default 150 yards.
The bill also makes a technical conforming change to the regulated shooting ground permit statute so that the cross-reference to Sunday hunting authorization matches the renumbered provisions in § 10-410. The effective date is July 1, 2026. In practical terms, the bill changes Maryland’s Natural Resources law by adding Baltimore City to the list of places where the Department may allow Sunday deer bow hunting and by narrowing the distance restrictions that apply to archery hunters in most of the city.
Impact
SB 879 amends Article - Natural Resources, specifically §§ 10-410 and 10-906 of the Maryland Code. It expands the Department of Natural Resources’ authority to allow Sunday deer bow hunting in Baltimore City and modifies the archery safety-zone provision so Baltimore City is treated like several other jurisdictions with a 50-yard safety zone, except in Legislative District 43A. The bill affects hunters, nearby property owners, and the Department’s administration of Sunday hunting and regulated shooting grounds.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad legislative support. It passed the Senate 42-0 and the House 124-5, indicating strong overall approval with only limited opposition. The committee report was favorable with amendments, suggesting the bill was generally acceptable but received some refinement during the legislative process.
Contention
The main points of contention are likely the expansion of Sunday hunting in an urban jurisdiction and the reduced archery safety zone near occupied structures. Those changes may raise concerns for residents, churches, and property owners about noise, safety, and proximity of hunting activity, while supporters likely view the bill as a targeted wildlife-management and hunting-access measure. The exception for Legislative District 43A suggests local sensitivity within Baltimore City, and the narrow House opposition indicates any objections were limited rather than widespread.