Delegation advances bill allowing handguns for bowhunters in Frederick County during hunting season

The Frederick County Delegation voted to forward a bill that would add northern Frederick County (and Washington County) to a zone permitting bowhunters to carry a handgun for self-defense during hunting season.

Chair Pippe introduced the measure, explaining the language adds Frederick County to a zone where DNR already allows handgun carry for certain hunting situations. Members cited wildlife-related safety concerns in rural parts of the county. "When you're in the woods and it's 6 in the morning and it's pitch black, there are bear and other animals, that can pose a serious danger," a member said during discussion. Delegate Boucher raised the issue of coyotes and their increasing presence; Delegate Valentine said coyotes are common in the county’s northern areas and supported the bill from a safety standpoint.

Delegates noted DNR’s existing zone structure and said the bill adds the county’s northern areas to that zoning arrangement. A motion to approve the bill was made, seconded, and members voted in favor; the chair moved the bill out of the delegation for submission.

The bill’s passage by the delegation sends it to the General Assembly for consideration; any change to hunting regulations or weapon rules would ultimately be subject to state statute and DNR rulemaking as applicable.