Hunting will be allowed on land south of Bittinger
Michael A. Sawyers
— BITTINGER — A new state wildlife management area, only the second in Garrett County, will provide public hunting as well as protection for some plant and bird species.
The Cunningham Swamp Wildlife Management Area opened in May. Public access, including a parking lot, is available by turning west off state Route 495 about 100 yards north of the entrance to the Western Maryland 4-H Education Center.
The 258-acre unit includes grassy fields, evergreen and deciduous forest and, of course, a swamp. Some of the unit sits atop reclaimed strip mines.
“We encourage deer hunting at the WMA because deer eat the rare and endangered purple-fringed orchids,” said Ed Thompson of the Maryland Wildlife & Heritage Service, the managing agency within the Department of Natural Resources.
Thompson said deer also like to eat Canada yew, another plant with which he is concerned.
“The yew plant is like candy to a deer,” he said.
The WMA offers a variety of open fields and thick cover.
Jim Mullan, regional manager for WHS, said deer hunting should be popular and productive at the new unit.
“This part of Garrett County is well-known for having bears,” Mullan said. Bear hunting is by special permit only in Maryland.
A kiosk providing information about the WMA is located at the grassy parking lot.
Rare birds, including the golden-winged warbler and alder fly catcher, use the WMA, according to Thompson.
The state paid $550,000 from Program Open Space funds for the land.
To inquire, call 301-334-4255.
