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Prince George's delegation special‑orders bill to allow Sunday archery deer hunting after initial vote fails
Summary
At its March 28 meeting the Prince George's County House delegation debated HB 822, a bill to authorize Sunday bow/archery deer hunting on private property. An initial roll‑call produced conflicting tallies and the bill did not pass that vote; members then voted to place the measure on special order for later consideration.
Prince George's County House delegation members debated HB 822 on March 28, a measure sponsored by Delegate Chris Valderrama to authorize the Department of Natural Resources to allow bow hunters to hunt deer on Sundays on private property.
Valderrama said the bill was filed at the request of Senator Michael Jackson and described it as "for the purpose of authorizing bow hunters ... to hunt deer on Sunday." Staff clarified the measure applies only to deer bow hunting on private property and sets a 50‑yard archery safety zone around certain buildings such as churches and schools.
Several members voiced opposition on philosophical and safety grounds. "I always vote against all bills in the state for Sunday hunting," Delegate Healy said. Delegate Taylor described finding a bow and arrow in her front yard and said she was "a little concerned" about authorizing Sunday archery hunting in neighborhoods.
The delegation moved the bill for consideration and conducted a roll call. Clerks initially reported the bill "does not pass," and staff later reconciled the count, reporting "6 in favor, 5 against, and 2 passes." After a failed motion to postpone the measure indefinitely, members voted to place HB 822 on special order; Chair Nicole Williams announced, "the bill's been special ordered." The special order preserves the measure for later consideration by the delegation but does not enact the bill.
The discussion focused on private‑property limits and safety zones; no final legislative approval was recorded at this meeting. The sponsor and staff said they will continue to work with members on details before further action.
