Del. Wendell Beitzel has withdrawn House Bill 990, “Garrett County – Deer Hunting – Three-Point Rule,” from further consideration by the Maryland General Assembly. The bill was requested by the Garrett County Chapter of Quality Deer Management (QDM) and other local hunting enthusiasts.
The bill proposes to require a three-point restriction on the main beam on one side exclusive of the brow tine, just for Garrett County.
Beitzel said the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has expressed concerns about the bill’s restriction on the age and size of antlered deer that hunters could harvest during regulated deer seasons. The delegate said he agreed to withdraw the bill following discussions with the Garrett QDM chapter and after receiving assurances from DNR wildlife manager Paul Peditto that the agency would work with all stakeholders to consider this issue.
“I agree that this matter should be addressed by DNR and consideration should be given to all of the stakeholders, including landowners, to determine if an antlered point restriction can produce better hunting practices,” said Beitzel. “Therefore, I have decided to withdraw the bill.”
He also asked DNR to work with the Allegany-Garrett County Sportsmen’s Association, QMD, other sportsmen’s groups, hunters, landowners, and other stakeholders to develop consensus on this issue. Should DNR fail to follow up on its promise, Beitzel indicated he would consider a legislative solution during a future session of the Maryland General Assembly.
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