reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 2 - Organization and Authority of Unit Pertaining to Wildlife -- in General › Section 10-205 - Regulations Affecting Wildlife; Lottery-Based System for Issuance of Licenses, Permits, or Stamps

(a)    Having a due regard for the distribution, abundance, economic value, and breeding habits of wildlife, the Secretary may adopt regulations to enlarge, extend, restrict, or prohibit hunting, possessing, selling, purchasing, shipping, carrying, transporting, or exporting wildlife.
(b)    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Department may use a lottery–based system to issue hunting licenses, permits, or stamps.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 2 - Organization and Authority of Unit Pertaining to Wildlife -- in General › Section 10-206 - When Department May Reduce Wildlife in Identifiable Areas

The Department may reduce the wildlife population in any county, election district, or other identifiable area of the State after a thorough investigation reveals that protected wildlife is seriously injurious to agricultural or other interests in the affected area. The method of reducing the wildlife population is at the Department’s discretion, except that trapping is preferred whenever feasible. The Department shall dispose of wildlife taken pursuant to the provisions of this section as the Department deems advisable.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 2 - Organization and Authority of Unit Pertaining to Wildlife -- in General › Section 10-208 - Assent to Public Law 415, 75th Congress

The State assents to the provisions of the act of Congress entitled “An Act to provide that the United States shall aid the state in wildlife-restoration projects, and for other purposes”, approved on September 2, 1937, Public Law 415, 75th Congress, 50 Stat. 917. The Department shall perform every act necessary to conduct and establish administrative cooperative wildlife-restoration projects as defined in this act of Congress in compliance with this act of Congress and regulations the United States Secretary of Agriculture adopts pursuant to this act of Congress.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 2 - Organization and Authority of Unit Pertaining to Wildlife -- in General › Section 10-209 - State Wildlife Management and Protection Fund

(a)    In this section, “Fund” means the State Wildlife Management and Protection Fund.
(b)    There is a State Wildlife Management and Protection Fund in the Department.
(c)    The purpose of the Fund is to finance the scientific investigation, protection, propagation, and management of wildlife.
(d)    The Department shall administer the Fund.
(e)    (1)    The Fund is a special, nonlapsing fund that is not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article.
(2)    The Treasurer shall hold the Fund separately and the Comptroller shall account for the Fund.
(f)    The Fund consists of:
(1)    Any money received for a license, stamp, application, or permit fee under this title, unless otherwise provided;
(2)    Any investment earnings of the Fund; and
(3)    Fines and restitution paid for violations relating to wildlife trafficking under Subtitle 2B of this title.
(g)    The Fund may be used only for:
(1)    The scientific investigation, protection, propagation, and management of wildlife; and
(2)    Administrative costs calculated in accordance with § 1–103(b)(2) of this article.
(h)    (1)    The Treasurer shall invest the money of the Fund in the same manner as other State money may be invested.
(2)    Any investment earnings of the Fund may not be transferred or revert to the General Fund of the State, but shall remain in the Fund.
(i)    Expenditures from the Fund may be made only in accordance with the State budget.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 2 - Organization and Authority of Unit Pertaining to Wildlife -- in General › Section 10-210 - Wild Waterfowl Sampling Methods

In the planning of sampling methods and the compilation of estimates of the number of wild waterfowl in the State, the Department shall take advantage of other surveys made by reliable organizations including, but not limited to:
(1)    The Grand National Waterfowl Hunt, Incorporated; and
(2)    The Maryland Outfitters Association.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 2 - Organization and Authority of Unit Pertaining to Wildlife -- in General › Section 10-211 - Population Control of Mute Swan

(a)    The Department shall establish a program to control the population of the nonnative bird species known as the mute swan.
(b)    The program established under this section, where appropriate, may include:
(1)    The managed harvest of adult mute swans; and
(2)    The solicitation of licensed hunters to participate in the managed harvest of adult mute swans established under this subsection.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 2 - Organization and Authority of Unit Pertaining to Wildlife -- in General › Section 10-212 - Hunting Heritage Protection

(a)    The General Assembly finds and declares that:
(1)    Hunting is an important and traditional activity in which 14,000,000 Americans who are at least 16 years old participate;
(2)    Hunters have been and continue to be among the foremost supporters of sound wildlife management and conservation practices in the United States;
(3)    Hunters and hunting organizations provide direct assistance to wildlife managers and enforcement officers of federal, state, and local governments;
(4)    Fees for hunting licenses, permits, and stamps, and taxes on goods used by hunters, have generated billions of dollars for wildlife conservation, research, and management;
(5)    Hunting is an essential component of effective wildlife management, as it is an important tool for reducing conflicts between people and wildlife and provides incentives for the conservation of wildlife, habitats, and ecosystems on which wildlife depends;
(6)    Hunting is an environmentally acceptable activity that occurs and can be provided for on State public lands without adverse effects on other uses of the lands; and
(7)    Poaching, as defined in § 10–101 of this title, is not only a violation of the public trust doctrine, but also violates the tenets of sound wildlife management and conservation practices strictly adhered to by law–abiding sportsmen and sportswomen who deem the act intolerable.
(b)    The Department shall:
(1)    Keep land managed by the Department open for hunting unless the Department determines that the land must be closed for reasons of public safety, fish or wildlife management, or homeland security, or as otherwise required by law;
(2)    Manage land under its authority to support, promote, and enhance hunting opportunities to the extent authorized under State law; and
(3)    Manage land under its authority to prevent, to the greatest practical extent, any net loss of acreage available for hunting opportunities on land managed by the Department.
(c)    By October 1, 2006, and each year thereafter, the Department shall submit to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, a report describing the land managed by the Department that:
(1)    The Department closed to hunting during the previous year and the reasons for the closures; and
(2)    To comply with subsection (b) of this section, the Department opened to hunting during the previous year to compensate for the acreage closed as described under item (1) of this subsection.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 2 - Organization and Authority of Unit Pertaining to Wildlife -- in General › Section 10-213 - Venison Donation Grant Program -- Purpose -- Applying for Grants

(a)    In this section, “Program” means the Venison Donation Grant Program established under this section.
(b)    There is a Venison Donation Grant Program in the Department.
(c)    The purpose of the Program is to provide grants to defray the costs of butchering and processing deer that are donated to venison donation programs in the State.
(d)    Subject to availability of funds appropriated to the Program, a county, a municipal corporation, or an organization that is exempt from taxation under § 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code may apply for a grant from the Program for the costs of butchering and processing deer that:
(1)    Are hunted in compliance with State hunting laws and regulations;
(2)    Are donated to a program administered by the applicant that provides nutritional support or food for low income individuals or the homeless; and
(3)    Have a dressed weight of at least 50 pounds.
(e)    The Department shall approve applications for grants from the Program on a first–come, first–served basis.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 2A - Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act › Section 10-2A-01 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    (1)    “Conserve” means to use all methods and procedures for the purpose of increasing the number of individuals within species or populations up to the optimum carrying capacity of their habitat and maintaining these levels.
(2)    “Conserve” includes all activities associated with scientific resources management such as research, census, law enforcement, habitat acquisition and maintenance, propagation, live trapping, and transplantation, including the periodic or total protection of species or populations as well as regulated taking.
(3)    With respect to endangered and threatened species, “conserve” means to use all methods and procedures including those described in this subsection which are necessary to bring any endangered or threatened species to the point at which the measures provided for these species pursuant to this subtitle are no longer necessary, except that regulated taking as a method and procedure shall be limited to the extraordinary case where population pressures within a given ecosystem cannot be otherwise relieved.
(c)    “Ecosystem” means a system of living organisms and their environment, each influencing the existence of the other and both necessary for the maintenance of life.
(d)    (1)    “Endangered species” means any species whose continued existence as a viable component of the State’s wildlife or plants is determined to be in jeopardy.
(2)    “Endangered species” includes any species of wildlife or plant determined to be an “endangered species” pursuant to the Endangered Species Act.
(e)    “Endangered Species Act” means the Endangered Species Act of 1973, 87 Stat. 884.
(f)    “Incidental taking” means the taking of listed species that is incidental to, and not the purpose of, the carrying out of an otherwise lawful activity.
(g)    “Nongame species” means any wildlife species not legally classified as game birds or mammals, threatened species, or an endangered species by statute or regulation of the State.
(h)    “Optimum carrying capacity” means that point at which a given habitat can support healthy populations of wildlife species, having regard to the total ecosystem, without diminishing the ability of the habitat to continue that function.
(i)    (1)    “Plant” means any member of the plant kingdom.
(2)    “Plant” includes seeds, roots, and other parts of the plant.
(j)    “Species” includes any subspecies of wildlife or plant and any other group of wildlife of the same species or smaller taxa in common spatial arrangement that interbreed when mature.
(k)    “Take” means to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct.
(l)    “Threatened species” means any species of wildlife or plants which appears likely, within the foreseeable future, to become endangered including any species of wildlife or plant determined to be a “threatened species” pursuant to the Endangered Species Act.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 2A - Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act › Section 10-2A-02 - Findings of General Assembly

(a)    The General Assembly finds that:
(1)    It is the policy of the State to conserve species of wildlife for human enjoyment, for scientific purposes, and to insure their perpetuation as viable components of their ecosystems;
(2)    Species of wildlife and plants normally occurring within the State which may be found to be threatened or endangered within the State should be accorded the protection necessary to maintain and enhance their numbers; and
(3)    The State should assist in the protection of species of wildlife and plants which are determined to be “threatened” or “endangered” elsewhere pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, 87 Stat. 884, by prohibiting the taking, possession, transportation, exportation, processing, sale, offer for sale, or shipment within the State of endangered species and by carefully regulating these activities with regard to the threatened species.
(b)    Exceptions to the prohibitions in subsection (a) of this section, for the purpose of enhancing the conservation of these species, may be permitted as set forth in this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 2A - Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act › Section 10-2A-03 - Investigations by Secretary; Regulations Generally; Taking, Possessing, Transporting, etc., Prohibited Generally

(a)    The Secretary shall conduct investigations of nongame wildlife in order to develop information relating to population, distribution, habitat needs, limiting factors, and other biological and ecological data to determine conservation measures necessary for their continued ability to sustain themselves successfully. On the basis of these determinations the Secretary shall issue proposed regulations not later than July 1, 1977 and develop conservation programs designed to insure the continued ability of nongame wildlife deemed in need of conservation to perpetuate themselves successfully. The Secretary shall conduct ongoing investigations of nongame wildlife.
(b)    The Secretary, by regulations, shall adopt limitations relating to taking, possession, transportation, exportation, processing, sale or offer for sale, or shipment necessary to conserve nongame wildlife.
(c)    (1)    Except as provided in regulations adopted by the Secretary, a person may not take, possess, transport, export, process, sell, offer for sale, or ship nongame wildlife deemed by the Secretary to be in need of conservation pursuant to this section.
(2)    A common or contract carrier may not knowingly transport or receive for shipment nongame wildlife deemed by the Secretary to be in need of conservation pursuant to this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 2A - Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act › Section 10-2A-05 - Changes in Listings; Regulations for Conservation of Species; Prohibited Acts; Transportation Under Valid Permit; Possession, Transportation, etc., for Scientific Purposes

(a)    Except with respect to species of wildlife or plants determined to be endangered or threatened pursuant to the Endangered Species Act, the Secretary, upon the petition of an interested person, shall conduct a review of any listed or unlisted species proposed to be removed from or added to the lists published pursuant to § 10-2A-04(f) of this subtitle, if the Secretary publishes public notice that the person has presented substantial evidence which warrants a review.
(b)    When any species of wildlife or plant is listed as a threatened species pursuant to § 10-2A-04(f) of this subtitle, the Secretary shall adopt regulations necessary and advisable to provide for the conservation of the species. The Secretary, by regulations, may prohibit with respect to any threatened species of wildlife or plant any act prohibited under subsection (c) of this section.
(c)    Except as provided in subsection (f) of this section and § 10-2A-05.1 of this subtitle, with respect to any endangered species of wildlife, a person may not:
(1)    Export the species from the State;
(2)    Take the species within the State;
(3)    Possess, process, sell or offer for sale, deliver, carry, transport, or ship the species by any means; or
(4)    Violate any regulation pertaining to the conservation of the species or to any threatened species of wildlife listed pursuant to this subsection and adopted by the Secretary pursuant to authority provided by this section.
(d)    Except as provided in subsection (f) of this section, with respect to any endangered species of plant, a person may not:
(1)    Export the species from the State;
(2)    Possess, process, sell, offer for sale, deliver, carry, transport, or ship the species by any means; or
(3)    Violate any regulation pertaining to the species or to any threatened species of plant listed pursuant to § 10-2A-04(f) of this subtitle and adopted by the Secretary.
(e)    Any endangered species of wildlife or plant which enters the State from another state or from a point outside the territorial limits of the United States and which is transported to a point within or beyond the State may enter and be transported without restriction in accordance with the terms of any federal permit or permit issued under the laws or regulations of another state.
(f)    The Secretary may permit, under the terms and conditions he prescribes, any act otherwise prohibited by subsections (c) and (d) of this section for scientific purposes or to enhance the propagation or survival of the affected species.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 2A - Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act › Section 10-2A-05.1 - Incidental Taking Permit for Endangered Puritan Tiger Beetle; Regulations

(a)    The Secretary shall issue a permit to an applicant that authorizes an incidental taking of the endangered Puritan Tiger Beetle if:
(1)    The applicant submits a conservation plan to the Department that specifies:
(i)    The impact that will likely result from the incidental taking;
(ii)    The steps that the applicant will take to minimize and mitigate the impact, and the funding that will be available to implement the steps;
(iii)    The alternative actions to the incidental taking that the applicant considered and the reasons that the alternatives were not used; and
(iv)    Any other measures that the Secretary requires as being reasonably necessary or appropriate for the purposes of the plan; and
(2)    The Secretary finds that:
(i)    The incidental taking will not appreciably reduce the likelihood of the survival or recovery of the Puritan Tiger Beetle in the wild;
(ii)    The applicant will, to the extent practicable, minimize and mitigate the impacts of the incidental taking;
(iii)    Adequate funding for the conservation plan is available and the plan will be implemented; and
(iv)    The applicant has obtained the required federal authorization for the incidental taking of the Puritan Tiger Beetle.
(b)    The Secretary shall adopt regulations to implement and enforce this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 2A - Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act › Section 10-2A-05.2 - Incidental Taking Permit for Endangered Delmarva Fox Squirrel

(a)    The Secretary may issue a permit to an applicant that authorizes an incidental taking of the endangered Delmarva fox squirrel if:
(1)    The applicant submits a conservation plan to the Department that specifies:
(i)    The impact that will likely result from the incidental taking;
(ii)    The steps that the applicant will take to minimize and mitigate the impact;
(iii)    The funding that will be available to implement the steps;
(iv)    The alternative actions to the incidental taking that the applicant considered and the reasons that the alternatives were not used; and
(v)    Any other measures that the Secretary requires as being necessary or appropriate for the purposes of the plan; and
(2)    The Secretary finds that:
(i)    The incidental taking will not appreciably reduce the likelihood of the survival or recovery of the Delmarva fox squirrel in the wild;
(ii)    The applicant will, to the extent practicable, minimize and mitigate the impacts of the incidental taking;
(iii)    Adequate funding for the conservation plan is available and the plan will be implemented; and
(iv)    The applicant has obtained the required federal authorization for the incidental taking of the Delmarva fox squirrel.
(b)    The Secretary may adopt regulations to implement and enforce this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 2A - Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act › Section 10-2A-06 - Programs for Conservation

(a)    The Secretary shall establish programs, including acquisition of land or aquatic habitat or interests in the land or aquatic habitats, necessary for the conservation of nongame, threatened, or endangered species of wildlife or plants. The Secretary shall use all vested authority to carry out the provisions of this subsection.
(b)    In carrying out programs authorized by this section, the Secretary shall consult with the State Secretary of Agriculture and other states having a common interest in particular species of nongame, endangered, or threatened species of wildlife or plants. The Secretary may enter into agreements with federal agencies, other states, political subdivisions of the State, or with individuals with respect to programs designed to conserve nongame, endangered, or threatened species of wildlife or plants, including agreements for administration and management established under this section or utilized for conservation of nongame, endangered, or threatened species of wildlife or plants.
(c)    The Governor shall review other programs administered by the Governor and utilize these programs in furtherance of the purposes of this subtitle. All State departments and agencies, in consultation with and with the assistance of the Secretary, shall utilize their authorities in furtherance of the purposes of this subtitle by carrying out programs for the conservation of endangered species and threatened species listed pursuant to § 10-2A-04(f) of this subtitle, and by taking any action necessary to insure that actions authorized, funded, or carried out by them do not jeopardize the continued existence of the endangered species or threatened species or result in the destruction or modification of habitat of the species which is deemed by the Secretary to be critical.
(d)    The Secretary shall adopt regulations necessary to implement this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 2A - Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act › Section 10-2A-06.1 - Birdwatcher's Fund

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Birdwatcher” means a person who engages in birdwatching.
(3)    (i)    “Birdwatching” means identifying, studying, and recording the presence of wild birds in their natural surroundings.
(ii)    “Birdwatching” does not include incidental sightings of wild birds in their natural surroundings.
(b)    The purpose of this section is to provide a special fund that shall be expended for the preservation of nongame wildlife species and threatened and endangered species.
(c)    There is a Birdwatcher’s Fund.
(d)    (1)    All revenue that the Department derives from the issuance of birdwatcher’s stamps and decals shall be credited to the Birdwatcher’s Fund.
(2)    The Secretary shall administer the Birdwatcher’s Fund.
(3)    Money in the Birdwatcher’s Fund shall be expended only for the preservation of nongame wildlife species and threatened and endangered species.
(e)    (1)    The fee for a birdwatcher’s stamp or decal is $5.
(2)    Private contributions, grants and donations may be made to the Birdwatcher’s Fund.
(3)    Any person engaged in a retail business who desires to sell birdwatcher’s stamps and decals as an agent under the Department’s control and supervision shall apply on forms prepared and prescribed by the Department.
(4)    An agent may retain 25 cents out of the birdwatcher’s stamp or decal fee for each birdwatcher’s stamp or decal the agent sells.
(5)    The Department, by regulation, shall provide procedures and forms for the sale of birdwatcher’s stamps and decals.
(f)    The purpose of this Fund is:
(1)    Dissemination of information pertaining to nongame wildlife species and threatened and endangered species conservation, management, and values;
(2)    Scientific investigation and survey of nongame wildlife species and threatened and endangered species for better protection and conservation;
(3)    Propagation, distribution, protection, and restoration of nongame wildlife species and threatened and endangered species;
(4)    Research and management of nongame wildlife species and threatened and endangered species;
(5)    Development of habitats for nongame wildlife species and threatened and endangered species;
(6)    Acquisition of habitats for nongame wildlife species and threatened and endangered species; and
(7)    Matching of funds available to the Department under federal programs for projects and activities authorized under this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 2A - Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act › Section 10-2A-07 - Penalties for Violation of 10-2a-05; Searches and Seizures; Forfeitures

(a)    Any person who violates the provisions of § 10-2A-05 of this subtitle, fails to procure any permit required by § 10-2A-05 of this subtitle, or violates the terms of any permit shall be fined not more than $1,000 or be imprisoned not more than 1 year, or both.
(b)    Any Natural Resources police officer or any law enforcement officer may conduct searches as provided by law, and execute a warrant to search for and seize any equipment, business records, merchandise, wildlife, or plants taken, used, or possessed in connection with a violation of any subsection. Any Natural Resources police officer or law enforcement officer, without a warrant, may arrest any person who the officer has probable cause to believe is violating, in the officer’s presence or view, this subtitle or any regulation or permit provided for by this subtitle. Any Natural Resources police officer or law enforcement officer who has made an arrest of a person in connection with any violation may search the person, premises, or business records at the time of arrest and may seize any wildlife, plants, records, or property taken, or used in connection with any violation.
(c)    Equipment, merchandise, wildlife, plants or records seized under the provisions of subsection (b) of this section shall be held by any Natural Resources police officer or law enforcement officer pending disposition of court proceedings, and after disposition of court proceedings shall be forfeited to the State for destruction or disposition as the Secretary may deem appropriate. Prior to forfeiture the Secretary may direct the transfer of wildlife or plants so seized to a qualified zoological, botanical, educational, or scientific institution for safekeeping, costs to be assessable to the defendant. The Secretary may issue regulations to implement this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 2A - Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act › Section 10-2A-08 - Exemptions From Subtitle

(a)    The provisions of this subtitle do not prohibit:
(1)    Importation into the State of wildlife or plants which may be lawfully imported into the United States or lawfully taken and removed from another state; or
(2)    Entry into this State or the possession, transportation, exportation, processing, sale, offer for sale, or shipment of any wildlife or plant which is designated an endangered or threatened species in this State but not in the state where originally taken, if the person engaging in the activity demonstrates by substantial evidence that the wildlife or plant was lawfully taken and lawfully removed from the state of origin.
(b)    This section does not permit the possession, transportation, exportation, processing, sale, offer for sale or shipment within the State of species of wildlife or plants determined, pursuant to the Endangered Species Act, to be an endangered or threatened species, except as permitted by § 10-2A-05 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 2B - Wildlife Trafficking Prevention › Section 10-2B-01 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Bona fide scientific or educational institution” means an institution that establishes educational or scientific tax–exempt status through documentation from the Internal Revenue Service.
(c)    “Covered animal species” means any species of:
(1)    Bonobo;
(2)    Cheetah;
(3)    Chimpanzee;
(4)    Elephant;
(5)    Giraffe;
(6)    Gorilla;
(7)    Hippopotamus;
(8)    Jaguar;
(9)    Leopard;
(10)    Lion;
(11)    Mammoth;
(12)    Mastodon;
(13)    Orangutan;
(14)    Pangolin;
(15)    Rhinoceros;
(16)    Sea turtle; or
(17)    Tiger.
(d)    “Covered animal species part or product” means any item that contains or is wholly or partly made from a covered animal species.
(e)    “Musical instrument” includes a string instrument or bow, a wind or percussion instrument, or a piano.
(f)    (1)    “Sell” means any act of selling, trading, or bartering for monetary or nonmonetary consideration.
(2)    “Sell” does not include a nonmonetary transfer of ownership by way of gift, donation, or bequest.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 2B - Wildlife Trafficking Prevention › Section 10-2B-02 - Application of Subtitle

(a)    This subtitle applies to any sale or transfer of ownership that occurs in the course of a commercial transaction for which:
(1)    The buyer takes physical possession of the covered animal species part or product in the State; or
(2)    The seller is located in the State.
(b)    This subtitle does not apply to:
(1)    Federal or State law enforcement activity;
(2)    Duties mandated by federal or State law;
(3)    Activity expressly authorized by federal law; or
(4)    A covered animal species part or product that is a fixed component of:
(i)    An antique that is not made wholly or primarily from the covered animal species part or product, provided that:
1.    The antique status is established by the owner or seller through documentation showing provenance and that the covered animal species part or product is at least 100 years old; and
2.    The total weight of the covered animal species part or product is less than 200 grams; or
(ii)    A musical instrument, knife, or firearm, provided that:
1.    The covered animal species part or product was legally acquired;
2.    The covered animal species part or product is a fixed or integral part of the item; and
3.    The total weight of the covered animal species part or product is less than 20% of the total weight of the musical instrument, knife, or firearm.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 2B - Wildlife Trafficking Prevention › Section 10-2B-04 - Sale or Purchase Prohibited of Covered Animal Species Part or Product

Except as provided in § 10–2B–05 of this subtitle, a person may not purchase, sell, offer for sale, or possess with intent to sell any item that the person knows or should know is a covered animal species part or product.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 2B - Wildlife Trafficking Prevention › Section 10-2B-05 - Institutions Allowed to Sell or Acquire Covered Animal Species Part or Product

(a)    Unless prohibited by federal law, the Department may allow the following institutions to sell, barter, or trade any lawfully acquired covered animal species part or product:
(1)    A bona fide scientific or educational institution; or
(2)    A scientific or educational institution authorized by the Department to sell, barter, or trade for scientific or educational purposes.
(b)    A list of institutions authorized by the Department under subsection (a)(2) of this section shall be made available on request.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 2B - Wildlife Trafficking Prevention › Section 10-2B-06 - Rebuttable Presumption Regarding Possession of Covered Animal Species Part or Product

There is a rebuttable presumption that a person possesses a covered animal species part or product with the intent to sell if the covered animal species part or product is possessed in a retail or wholesale establishment commonly used for the buying or selling of similar items.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 2B - Wildlife Trafficking Prevention › Section 10-2B-07 - Violations of Subtitle -- Penalties -- Use of Fees Imposed

(a)    A person that violates this subtitle:
(1)    For a first offense, is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding the greater of $3,000 or 2 times the value of the covered animal species part or product;
(2)    For a second or subsequent offense for which the value of the covered animal species part or product in question does not exceed $250, is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $6,000; or
(3)    For a second or subsequent offense for which the value of the covered animal species part or product in question exceeds $250, is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding the greater of $10,000 or 3 times the value of the covered animal species part or product.
(b)    If a person is convicted of violating this subtitle, in addition to any other penalty provided in this title, the court may order the person to pay restitution to the State in an amount not exceeding 2 times the value of the covered animal species part or product in question.
(c)    Fines and restitution imposed under this section shall be credited to the Department for the benefit of the State Wildlife Management and Protection Fund established under § 10–209 of this title, to be used only for the preservation of threatened or endangered species.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 2B - Wildlife Trafficking Prevention › Section 10-2B-08 - Handling of Seized Covered Animal Species Part or Product After Conviction

On a conviction under this subtitle, any seized covered animal species part or product:
(1)    Shall be forfeited; and
(2)    May be:
(i)    Maintained by the Department for educational or training purposes;
(ii)    Donated by the Department to a scientific or educational institution; or
(iii)    Destroyed.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 3 - Hunting Licenses › Section 10-301.2 - Patron's Licenses

(a)    There is a patron’s hunting license.
(b)    The Department shall issue on a yearly basis a patron’s hunting license to any person who:
(1)    Applies to the Department on a form provided by the Department; and
(2)    Pays $500.
(c)    The holder of a patron’s hunting license may hunt any game birds or mammals during any open season and in any manner permitted in the State without obtaining any other license or stamp, except the federal migratory wild waterfowl stamp and the Maryland migratory game bird stamp.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 3 - Hunting Licenses › Section 10-301.3 - Commemorative Lifetime Hunting License

(a)    There is a commemorative lifetime hunting license.
(b)    The Department shall issue a limited number of commemorative lifetime hunting licenses to certain nonprofit organizations, consistent with eligibility criteria developed by the Department, until December 31, 2011.
(c)    Nonprofit organizations issued hunting licenses under this section may, in cooperation with the Department, market and sell the hunting licenses.
(d)    All proceeds from sales of hunting licenses under this section shall be used by the Department to fund conservation law enforcement by the Natural Resources Police Force.
(e)    The Department may adopt regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 3 - Hunting Licenses › Section 10-302 - Sale of Licenses and Stamps by Persons Engaged in Retail Business

(a)    Any person engaged in a retail business who desires to sell the resident hunting license, either nonresident hunting license or individual hunting stamps as an agent under the Department’s control and supervision shall apply to the Department and provide a bond or other security deemed sufficient and adequate by the Department to ensure payment for the resident and nonresident hunting licenses of any type and individual hunting stamps.
(b)    License fees collected by an agent shall be forwarded to the Department on a schedule and in a manner prescribed by the Department.
(c)    (1)    An agent may not make any false statement concerning any date of issuance or other resident or nonresident hunting license of any type or individual hunting stamp data.
(2)    An agent may not issue any hunting license or individual hunting stamp without receiving the fees required by law.
(d)    In addition to any other penalty provided for by the provisions of this title, any agent convicted of violating the provisions of this section shall lose the agent’s privileges.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 3 - Hunting Licenses › Section 10-303 - Complimentary Licenses

(a)    (1)    The Department annually may issue a complimentary hunting license to the President of the United States, the governor of any state, or an official or an enforcement officer of the game and fish management agency of another state which reciprocally offers complimentary hunting licenses.
(2)    (i)    Subject to the requirements of § 10–301.1 of this subtitle, the Department may issue a lifetime complimentary hunting license to a Maryland resident who certifies that the resident is a former prisoner of war or 100% service connected disabled American veteran.
(ii)    Subject to the requirements of § 10–301.1 of this subtitle, the Department may issue a lifetime complimentary hunting license to an out–of–state person who certifies that the person is a former prisoner of war or a 100% service connected disabled American veteran if the person’s state of residence extends similar privileges to former prisoners of war or 100% service connected disabled American veterans of this State.
(3)    A complimentary license is not transferable.
(b)    For the purposes of this section, “former prisoner of war” means a person who, while serving in the active military, naval, or air service of the United States, was forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by an enemy government or its agents, or a hostile force, during a period of armed conflict.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 3 - Hunting Licenses › Section 10-304 - Disposition of Proceeds From Licenses

Any money the Department receives for hunter’s licenses shall be accounted for by the Department to the State Treasurer. The amount the Treasurer receives shall be credited to the State Wildlife Management and Protection Fund, and the Treasurer shall pay out of the Fund on warrant of the Comptroller upon requisition of the Department.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 3 - Hunting Licenses › Section 10-306 - Duty to Possess and Show License When Hunting

A person shall have in the person’s possession the person’s hunter’s license while hunting and, upon demand, shall exhibit the license to the Natural Resources police officer or any law enforcement officer, the landowner on whose property the person is hunting, or the landowner’s representative.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 3 - Hunting Licenses › Section 10-307 - Special Permit for Disabled Persons to Hunt From Vehicles

The Department may issue a special permit to a disabled person who has a hunting license authorizing the person to hunt from a stopped vehicle which is not on a public highway. The Department shall prescribe regulations requiring applicants to submit reasons for granting this permit, and shall require every licensee to possess this permit while hunting.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 3 - Hunting Licenses › Section 10-308.1 - Migratory Game Bird Stamp

(a)    In addition to any other requirement, a person hunting migratory game birds in the State first shall purchase a Maryland migratory game bird stamp.
(b)    (1)    A person may obtain a Maryland migratory game bird stamp for a fee of $9.00 from any person designated by the Department. The issuing person designated shall retain the sum of 75 cents as compensation for issuing each stamp. The balance of the fee is paid over and accounted for to the State Treasurer. The Treasurer shall credit all such fees received to the State Wildlife Management and Protection Fund, in accordance with § 10-209 of this title.
(2)    The Department may sell expired stamps below face value to the general public for a period of 3 years, after which time the Department shall shred any unsold expired stamps. All revenues derived from the sale of these stamps shall revert back to the Game Management Fund.
(c)    While hunting migratory game birds, a person must be in possession of proof of purchase of the Maryland migratory game bird stamp.
(d)    (1)    All revenues accruing to the Wildlife Management and Protection Fund from sales of the migratory game bird stamps shall be expended solely for the following purposes:
(i)    Migratory game bird projects included in an approved State program to create, develop, enhance, maintain, and manage nesting cover, winter foods, and other habitat components on public lands to satisfy the habitat requirements of a broad range of wintering migratory game birds and native migratory game bird species;
(ii)    Migratory game bird research, management, and surveys; and
(iii)    Not more than 30% to adopt and implement a program to control the species Phragmites communis (phragmites) on private lands.
(2)    To encourage waterfowl habitat conservation on private lands, the Department shall implement a 10-year licensing agreement for approved projects on privately owned lands detailing the landowner’s responsibilities. Expenditures by private landowners on private land for these waterfowl projects approved by the Department and covered by the licensing agreement shall be considered a contribution to the State.
(3)    The Governor shall appoint a Migratory Game Bird Advisory Committee of 9 members who have a practical knowledge of migratory game bird habitat conservation, migratory game bird ecology, migratory game bird management, or migratory game bird hunting.
(4)    The Committee shall advise the Department on:
(i)    Matters relating to expenditures of funds derived from the sale of Maryland migratory game bird stamps;
(ii)    Policy, regulations, and legislation related to migratory game birds; and
(iii)    Migratory game bird habitat conservation projects.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 3 - Hunting Licenses › Section 10-308.2 - Snow Goose Hunting by Nonresidents

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a nonresident may hunt snow geese in this State without a resident or nonresident Maryland hunting license if:
(1)    The nonresident possesses a valid hunting license from the nonresident’s home state;
(2)    The nonresident purchases a Maryland migratory game bird stamp; and
(3)    The nonresident’s home state allows a Maryland resident to hunt snow geese without a nonresident hunting license from the home state in accordance with the following conditions:
(i)    The Maryland resident must possess a valid Maryland hunting license; and
(ii)    The Maryland resident must purchase a migratory waterfowl stamp from the home state.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 3 - Hunting Licenses › Section 10-309 - Waterfowl Hunting Guide Licenses

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Waterfowl hunting guide” means an individual who:
(i)    Is an employee of a waterfowl outfitter; and
(ii)    Furnishes personal guiding services in assisting individuals to hunt wild waterfowl.
(3)    (i)    “Waterfowl outfitter” means an individual who receives monetary consideration for the outfitting or guiding of hunters to hunt wild waterfowl.
(ii)    A “waterfowl outfitter” may be:
1.    Self-employed; or
2.    An officer of a corporation or partner in a partnership that operates a commercial service that outfits or guides hunters to hunt wild waterfowl.
(iii)    “Waterfowl outfitter” does not include a waterfowl hunting guide, agent, employee, or helper of a waterfowl outfitter.
(b)    Except as provided in § 10–309.1 of this subtitle, an individual must be licensed by the Department as a waterfowl outfitter or a waterfowl guide before the individual may receive monetary consideration for outfitting or guiding a hunter to hunt wild waterfowl.
(c)    The Department shall adopt regulations that include:
(1)    Minimum qualifications to obtain a waterfowl outfitter and waterfowl hunting guide license and other application requirements;
(2)    Procedures for the review of applications;
(3)    Criteria for the issuance and denial of licenses;
(4)    Grounds for license suspension and revocation;
(5)    Standards for the conduct of waterfowl outfitters and waterfowl hunting guides; and
(6)    Any other provisions the Department finds necessary to regulate waterfowl outfitters and waterfowl hunting guides.
(d)    (1)    The fees for licenses are as follows:
(i)    Waterfowl outfitter     $300
(ii)    Waterfowl hunting guide     $50
(2)    The term of a waterfowl outfitter license and a waterfowl hunting guide license is 1 year from August 1 through July 31 of each year.
(e)    The Department may suspend or revoke a waterfowl outfitter license of an individual based on a conviction for a violation by a waterfowl hunting guide committed while the waterfowl hunting guide was employed by the waterfowl outfitter.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 3 - Hunting Licenses › Section 10-309.1 - Waterfowl Hunting Guide Services for Hunting Snow Geese

A nonresident may provide waterfowl hunting guide services for hunting snow geese in the State without a Maryland waterfowl hunting guide license if:
(1)    The nonresident possesses a valid waterfowl hunting guide license from the nonresident’s home state;
(2)    The nonresident’s home state allows a Maryland resident to provide waterfowl hunting guide services for hunting snow geese without a waterfowl hunting license from the nonresident’s home state if the Maryland resident possesses a valid Maryland waterfowl hunting guide license; and
(3)    The nonresident purchases a Maryland migratory game bird stamp.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Natural Resources › Title 10 - Wildlife › Subtitle 3 - Hunting Licenses › Section 10-311 - Inadvertent Violation of 10-306

If any person, convicted of violating § 10-306 of this subtitle under any penalty provided in this title, presents the person’s hunter’s license to the court within five days after the person’s conviction, the court, if it determines that the person held the license prior to the person’s arrest and that the violation was due to inadvertence, may reduce by one-half any penalty originally imposed.