Maryland Natural Resources Police issued multiple citations in St. Mary’s County for fishing and hunting violations between September and November 2025, targeting illegal gillnet use, baited waterfowl hunting, and spotlighting deer. Enforcement actions highlighted ongoing efforts to protect regional fisheries and wildlife in Southern Maryland’s waterways and fields.
On September 5, officers responded to a tip about illegal gillnet fishing in Martin Cove on the St. Mary’s River. They located two men from Silver Spring, aged 52 and 41, in possession of nine female crabs, six male crabs, two undersized black drum, four spanish mackerel, three striped bass, four bluefish, 18 white perch, 24 croaker, and 15 spot, all caught with a monofilament gill net. The individuals received 32 citations total for use of a monofilament gill net, catching fish with improper gear, crabbing gear violations, striped bass possession and size violations, size limit violations for spanish mackerel, croaker, and black drum, and several boating safety equipment violations.
On October 11, officers conducting surveillance on a St. Mary’s County swamp known to be baited with milo, corn, and wheat seed observed four men hunting waterfowl illegally. The group, consisting of a 31-year-old from Welcome, a 33-year-old from Leonardtown, a 27-year-old from Newburg, and a 30-year-old from Leonardtown, hunted from a camouflage blind near a feeder and over visible bait on the swamp bank. Police seized 11 wood ducks, and each man received a citation for hunting waterfowl over bait, punishable by a maximum fine of $1,500.
On October 30, officers investigated reports of illegal nighttime deer hunting near Ridge. A 27-year-old man from St. Inigoes shot five deer from his vehicle at night on agricultural fields and private property. He received citations for hunting deer with spotlights, nighttime hunting, shooting from a vehicle, and shooting from or across a public roadway, facing maximum total fines of $6,000 if found guilty.
St. Mary’s County, part of Southern Maryland’s tri-county area with Charles and Calvert counties, relies heavily on natural resources for recreation and commercial activities. The St. Mary’s River and surrounding swamps support diverse fisheries and waterfowl habitats, while agricultural fields attract deer populations. Maryland Department of Natural Resources regulations prohibit gill nets for recreational fishing, baiting for migratory birds under federal rules, and spotlighting to ensure fair chase and sustainable harvests.
These incidents reflect broader enforcement priorities in the region. The Chesapeake Bay’s tributaries, including the St. Mary’s River, face pressures from illegal gear that depletes stocks of species like striped bass and crabs. Waterfowl baiting violations undermine migratory bird protections, with wood ducks among protected species during fall seasons. Spotlighting, often called jacklighting, poses safety risks on rural roads and disrupts deer management.
Southern Maryland’s outdoor economy benefits from compliant hunting and fishing. St. Mary’s County hosts public access points and wildlife management areas, drawing residents for seasonal activities. Citations fund conservation through fines, supporting stocking programs and habitat restoration. Previous enforcement reports note recurring violations in tidal waters, prompting increased patrols.
The Maryland Natural Resources Police encourages reporting suspicious activity through hotline tips, aiding investigations in remote areas. Cases proceed through district courts, with penalties varying by offense severity.