Coronavirus: Can You Hunt, Fish, Go Crabbing In Maryland?
MARYLAND — Under the new stay-at-home order in Maryland, people may participate in outdoor time, with some caveats. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources provided more specific guidance about what is and is not permitted. Hunting, fishing and crabbing are still allowed, and so are walking, kayaking and bicycling around state parks, as long as people keep their distance.
Those participating in outdoor activities should bring extra hand sanitizer or soap.
Nobody who has been sick for the past two weeks should be engaging in outdoor recreational activities, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Participants must adhere to guidelines around social distancing, staying at least 6 feet away from others and only doing outdoor activities with immediate family members and those with whom they live. In all cases, people have to be around fewer than 10 individuals.
Here's what is not allowed:
Recreational boating is not allowed.
Boating to get food for you or your family is permitted.
Boats transporting essential employees/goods according to federal guidelines are allowed.
Kayaking and paddle-boarding are allowed because they are considered exercise.
You can stay on your boat if you live on it.
Permits for fishing tournaments, including virtual fishing tournaments, will not be issued.
Here is what is allowed:
Limited hunting and limited recreational fishing and crabbing may continue to provide food. "However social distancing must be adhered to strictly," officials say.
Commercial fishing is allowed because it is part of the food supply chain.
Charter boats can operate but must enforce social distancing and have fewer than 10 people aboard at any time.
The following are open:
Most state parks in Maryland are open.
Hiking, biking, and walking are allowed but people have to stay at least 6 feet apart and not congregate (be with fewer than 10 people if with others).
Choose a park closest to your house to limit travel, and check the parks website before going to ensure it's open.
Marinas and other facilities related to marine trades and marine services are open because they are considered essential.
"Governor Hogan has stressed that safely practiced outdoor recreation time is essential to health and well-being," the Maryland Department of Natural Resources said in a statement Monday. "Most Maryland state parks and other public lands remain open, and residents may engage in safe, isolated activities."
See the guide to social distancing and safe outdoor activity from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The following have been closed to prevent the potential spread of the virus:
Campgrounds (except for people who live in RVs and have no other place to live)
Pavilions
Playgrounds
Maryland Department of Natural Resources offices and licensing centers
Programs and events at state parks have been canceled.
Assateague State Park (except boat launch is open)
Sandy Point (except boat launch is open)
Newtowne Neck State Park
Swallow Falls State Park
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park
Maryland Natural Resources Police and park staff say they will continue patrols to enforce the governor's order, disperse crowds and protect the public, the department said in a statement.
"In recent weeks, department staff has reported that the vast majority of state park visitors are enjoying passive, solitary activities and complying with the governor’s orders on social distancing and avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people," the Maryland Department of Natural Resources reported Monday, March 30.
Violating the governor's stay-at-home order is a misdemeanor punishable by a $5,000 fine, up to a year in prison or both.
Related:
This article has been updated Tuesday with additional guidance provided by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources from its "frequently asked questions" guide in response to the governor's stay-at-home order.
This article originally appeared on the Perry Hall Patch
