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Carroll County bill to allow year-round Sunday hunting prompts heavy opposition from trail riders
Summary
Delegate Christopher Boucher presented a locally backed measure to permit all-day Sunday hunting in Carroll County year-round. Opponents — including horse owners, riding organizations and public-lands users — said Sundays have traditionally been a non-hunting day and raised safety concerns and incidents of stray projectiles.
Delegate Christopher Boucher told the House Environment and Transportation Committee on March 12 that House Bill 8-32 would add Sunday hunting to Carroll County's options year-round, arguing it would help farmers reduce deer-related crop losses and encourage younger hunters by allowing warmer-weather hunting with grandchildren.
Opponents testified at length that Sundays have served as a de facto non-hunting day that allows horseback riders, hikers and families to use parks and trails without fear of stray shots. Several witnesses—representing the Maryland Horse Council, local trail riders and long-time Carroll County residents—said deer and other game seasons already give hunters ample days to pursue game and that allowing all-day Sunday hunting "would mean year-round hunting on that day," because some species have open seasons for much of the year.
Multiple witnesses recounted personal safety incidents. One testified to being shot at while on public land, and others described arrows or bullets found near horse pastures or embedded in property. Jane Sigler of the Maryland Horse Council cited polling and agency surveys showing widespread public opposition to Sunday hunting and said a significant portion of outdoor users alter plans to avoid hunters.
Committee members questioned narrow compromises such as fixed-distance buffers and whether private crop-damage permits (which allow Sunday shooting in some cases) address the concerns. Several speakers said buffers would need to be large to be effective because arrows and some projectiles can travel substantial distances; others suggested the distinction between private and adjacent public land is practically difficult to manage because trails and small parcels often intermix.
No formal action was recorded; committee members called for continued discussion. The hearing drew numerous witnesses in opposition and extensive testimony about public-safety incidents, land-use conflicts and the recreational importance of a weekly non-hunting day.
