BALTIMORE, MD—Maryland Natural Resources Police took action to stop illegal hunting during the state’s annual black bear hunt, held October 21-26 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington counties. Officers cited several hunters who, although legally permitted to participate in the hunt, were unlawfully using bait to attract and lure bears.

While baiting is legal for white-tailed deer in Maryland on private property, baiting bears is prohibited and is a tightly-controlled aspect of the annual week-long black bear hunt. Due to the nature of the hunt, targeting bears must take place 150 yards or more from a baited location, and if hunting a location previously baited for deer, 10 days must pass after all bait has been removed. Hunters that violate the baiting law for black bears can face up to $1,500 for a first offense and up to $4,000 for a second offense.

Each year, 950 hunters are randomly selected by lottery to partake in the state’s black bear hunt, and may target the species on public or private lands.

On October 22, a 54-year-old Parkville man was found illegally hunting over a baited area on private property in Garrett County.

Bacon grease, cob corn, apple peelings and apple processing waste were found between 23 and 50 yards from the individual’s hunting blind. Bacon grease is considered “bear-specific” bait, and hunting over a property baited with bear-specific bait is prohibited in Maryland.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police have not released the man’s identity.

Photo by Ranger Sarah Milbourne, Maryland Department of Natural Resources.