Tagging Horseshoe Crab Management DNR Fisheries Casual Surveying Horseshoe Crabs at Other Beaches One of the most important goals of the Horseshoe Crab Spawner Survey is to determine where horseshoe crabs are spawning in Maryland. To achieve this, we need to look at a broad range of beaches. Clothing and accessories Wear appropriate clothing for weather and wet conditions at the water's edge. Consider sunscreen during the day and insect repellent when needed. If thunderstorms are present do no go onto beach.
Shoes are a necessity.
We recommend watershoes, old sneakers, or boots. Do not go barefoot. Surveying Picking the time to look for the crabs is critical. Horseshoe crabs spawning activity peaks on the higher of the two daily high tides near the full or new moon in late May and June. Generally, the higher tide is the one that occurs early in the morning.