Maryland hunters experienced similar conditions during the 2024 deer firearm season opener compared to last year, with a total harvest of 10,889 deer reported. The harvest included 4,947 antlered and 5,605 antlerless white-tailed deer, as well as 181 antlered and 156 antlerless sika deer. Despite below normal temperatures and high winds, hunters had a successful opening weekend.
Junior hunters also had a successful Junior Deer Hunt Days, with a total harvest of 2,490 deer, a 12% increase from last year. Hunters in Region A saw an 18% decrease in antlered deer harvest, while those in Region B had a 10% decrease in antlered deer and a 13% increase in antlerless deer harvest.
The opening weekend harvest was nearly identical to last year, with hunters in different counties reporting their harvest numbers. The two-week deer firearm season will continue until December 14. Overall, Maryland’s deer management efforts were successful during the opening weekend, and junior hunters contributed significantly to the total harvest.
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Photo credit news.maryland.gov