The Department of Natural Resources announced proposed changes in hunting seasons and regulations late last week, including the possibility of a one-day deer hunt dedicated to junior hunters.
Joshua L. Sandt, director of the Wildlife Division, said the junior hunt could be held Saturday, Nov. 18, with those under the age of 16 eligible to participate if they have passed a hunter safety course and are accompanied by a licensed hunter age 21 or older.
Special youth hunts have been held in Southern Maryland, but the proposed one-day hunt would be open statewide.
Among other proposed changes:
* The bow season for deer would be closed during the early muzzleloader season Oct. 19-21. Bow hunters could take a deer, but it would have to count against the muzzleloader limit.
* The traditional December-January muzzleloader season would be pushed back to Dec. 23-Jan. 6 to allow deer to settle down after the modern firearms season.
* For the cottontail rabbit season, all of Allegany County would be added to the western region (Allegany and Garrett counties), in which the season would run from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31. In all other areas the season would run from Nov. 7 to Feb. 7.
* Quail season would be shortened by one week and open on Nov. 7, except in Allegany and Garrett counties. The changes are being made in response to requests from hunters for more time to hunt before deer firearms seasons open.
* Pheasant season, which has been closed in Garrett County for a number of years, will be open statewide from Nov. 7 through Dec. 31.