Maryland State Chapter QDMA

2012 ANNUAL SPORTSMAN'S BANQUET

2012-01-12T16:39:00.000-05:00

The Bachman Valley Branch will be holding their Annual Sportsman's REACH Banquet on March 17, 2012 at the VFW Post 467 in Westminster, Maryland!

Our featured Guest Speaker will be Dale Gertz with his Maryland No#1 Pope & Young Buck harvested in 2011 with a score of 208-7/8!
YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS!

Tickets will be available soon! Check on www.marylandqdma.com for availability!

QDM REALLY WORKS!

2011-10-27T14:41:00.001-04:00

If you have any doubts about QDM and if it works, this is a prime example that it does. The Chester River QDMA Co-op on the Eastern Shores of Maryland has 22,000 acres that are under the QDM principles. This year a 194-3/8 inch buck was harvested by Brian Sears during the early muzzleloader season. They have been managing their doe population and letting the young bucks walk and this is the results. Healthier deer, less crop damage and larger bucks! Any questions?

Maryland State Chapter QDMA presents Award of Appreciation to Barbara Joyce

2011-07-27T08:45:00.000-04:00

Barbara Joyce has tirelessly organized outdoor events for many years and recently retired. The Maryland State Chapter QDMA presented her with an award of appreciation for her dedication and hard work over the past many years. We truly appreciate all Barbara has done for women and youth outdoor sporting events. She will be missed. Without people like Barbara promoting and organizing these events, a lot of people would have never gotten into outdoor activities.
Thank you Barbara!

HUNTER'S CHALLENGE 3D SHOOT, AUGUST 21, 2011

2011-07-24T09:40:00.000-04:00

We have changed our 3D Shoot Date and Location. We are now having the 3D Shoot at Mayberry Archers, 2555 Mayberry Road, Westminster, Maryland 21158 on Sunday, August 21, 2011. Please make your plans to attend.

June 18, 2011 - Maryland State Chapter QDMA at Junior Hunter's Field Day hosted by the DNR

2011-07-14T15:13:00.000-04:00

E.W. Grimes and Cheri Winter had a display and E.W. presented a QDMA seminar for the event. There were lots of Junior Hunters present and they all had a wonderful time! Great to see all the youth and their parents interested in the outdoors and hunting!

Public Comment Forum Proposed Regulations to Limit the Spread of Chronic Wasting Disease in Maryland

2011-06-02T08:35:00.000-04:00

In February 2011, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) received laboratory confirmation that a white-tailed deer harvested in Maryland tested positive for chronic wasting disease (CWD). This was the first confirmed case of CWD in Maryland. A hunter in Allegany County reported taking the deer in November 2010 in Green Ridge State Forest. Maryland is now one of 21 states and Canadian provinces with CWD documented in deer, elk or moose.

CLICK HERE FOR DNR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Maryland has worked closely with wildlife professionals nationally and in adjacent states to identify the most effective means to limit the spread of this disease to other locations. As a result, the Wildlife and Heritage Service is proposing regulations to prohibit the feeding of deer in the CWD Management Area, where the positive case was found. Regulations are also being proposed to restrict the movement of hunter-harvested deer parts from the CWD Management Area.

“Our goal with these regulation proposals is to slow the spread of this disease to other areas in Maryland and nearby states,” said DNR’s Game Program Manager Pete Jayne. “We have focused these restrictions to be effective and enforceable while minimizing impacts to the strong deer hunting traditions found in Western Maryland,” Jayne added.

The proposed regulations are summarized below and are open to public comment until close of business (5:00 pm) on June 16, 2011:

CWD Management Area

That portion of Allegany County noted as Private Land Code 233 in the annual Guide to Hunting and Trapping. This section includes Green Ridge State Forest east of Flintstone and Oldtown.

Feeding Ban

Prohibit the feeding of forest game birds and mammals in the CWD Management Area. The proposal would ban feeding on a year-round basis and includes feed placed for non-hunting purposes. The proposal would ban placing, exposing, depositing, distributing or scattering fruit, vegetables, nuts, hay, corn, wheat, other feed, salt or other mineral-based attractants.

Urine and gland-based lures would still be permitted.

Normal agricultural practices and operations would be exempted from this ban, including the planting and harvesting of crops and livestock care.

Forest game birds and mammals are defined as wild turkeys, grouse, deer, bears and squirrels.

The normal feeding of song birds would remain legal.

Carcass Transport Restrictions

The transportation of certain parts of deer carcasses out of the CWD Management Area is restricted unless the carcass is being transported directly to a deer processor within the county.

The following parts of deer may be transported out of the CWD Management Area:

Antlers with no meat or soft tissue attached;

Finished taxidermy mounts;

Hides when clean with no head attached;

Boneless meat; and

Skull plates cleaned of all meat and brain tissue.

THE TIMING OF MARYLAND'S "RUT" - JUNE 2011

2011-05-13T14:49:00.000-04:00

Introduction

Every hunter anxiously anticipates arrival of the breeding season in their area. The rut provides deer behavior and activity that can make even the most tenured whitetail hunter’s heart race.

Many factors impact what we observe during the rut including the deer herd’s adult sex ratio and age structure,

density relative to the habitat’s carrying capacity, weather, amount of hunting pressure, and likely other variables

that we’re not aware of or at least don’t understand very well yet. Are lunar cycles responsible for cueing breeding in whitetails? The lunar-based model predicted the rut would be three weeks later in 2010 than 2009.

This isn’t to say that lunar cycles may not have some effect on deer behavior – just not on the actual timing of breeding. Fawns hitting the ground three weeks later than normal in 2011 would put them at a tremendous

disadvantage.

The Maryland State Chapter QDMA and the Bachman Valley Branch QDMA started collecting fetal data in 2008 from does from crop damage permits (Deer Management Permits) DMP and Deer Population Managed Hunts. Our goal was to determine the peak of the rut in our state. This study expanded with the help and support from QDMA members and public land managers. In 2009 the study expanded to collect biological data from all deer harvested at locations where possible and not just does (female).

With the completion of the collection of 2010-11 data, we are able to start to compare three year trends in data. While some questions may start to get answered, others have arisen. We hope to continue this Maryland annual study and with funding, this may be possible. Data collection would not be possible without the hands on support from QDMA members, volunteers and public land managers.

Special thanks to:

All the volunteers and personnel working the managed hunts.

Cheri Winter, Maryland State Chapter & Bachman Valley Branch QDMA

Barry Harden, Maryland State Chapter & Bachman Valley Branch QDMA

Ray Tully, Maryland State Chapter & Bachman Valley Branch QDMA

Tommy Leach, Maryland State Chapter & Bachman Valley Branch QDMA

Roland Cox, Maryland State Chapter & Bachman Valley Branch QDMA

Andy Pederson, Nanjemoy, MD. QDMA

Respectfully,

E.W. Grimes

Director Maryland State Chapter QDMA

Advantage Whitetail Deer Management Inc.

Go to www.marylandqdma.com to read entire article under the Director's Stump.

APRIL 21, 2011 - NEW MARYLAND QDMA BRANCH FORMED AT FROSTBURG STATE UNIVERSITY!

2011-04-22T09:49:00.000-04:00

A new Maryland QDMA Branch was formed at Frostburg State University on April 21, 2011. 17 students have formed the first ever university branch! E. W. Grimes presented a QDMA seminar on April 14th and as a result, this branch was formed. Ryan Furrer, Regional Director met with the students and helped them with their paperwork to form the charter members. This is a great opportunity for the students to become involved with QDMA and Whitetail-ed Deer Management across Maryland. Great Job E. W.!
We will post more information as we receive it. Congratulations to the students and all involved!

FROSTBURG STATE UNIVERSITY QDMA BRANCH!

April 7th Press Release from DNR - Quality Deer Management Chapter Presents Award To Maryland Conservation Corps

2011-04-12T15:09:00.000-04:00

Quality Deer Management Chapter Presents Award To Maryland Conservation Corps
Westminster, Md. (April 7, 2011) —The Maryland Chapter of the Quality Deer
Management Association (QDMA) presented an award to the Maryland
Conservation Corps (MCC) at the annual QDMA Banquet on March 19, honoring
MCC’s efforts in an ongoing deer research project in Maryland State Parks.
“We are so appreciative of the MCC’s hard work,” said Nita Settina,
Superintendent of the Maryland Park Service. “These young men and women
were so eager to learn and contribute to the project; they were such an
asset.”
After accepting QDMA’s invitation, corps-members worked at recent State
Park managed deer hunts, assisting in weighing, aging and collecting
reproductive data from the harvested deer. Many MCC crewmembers commented
that it was an excellent educational opportunity working with the
experienced biologists. Biologists from the Maryland Chapter have been
working in Maryland State Parks since 1998, collecting data for this
study.
“It was great to see the MCC corps-members recognized,” said Andrew
Hangen, Assistant Manager at Gunpowder Falls State Park, who witnessed the
MCC crews putting in several very long days collecting data under the
guidance of the QDMA biologists. “These individuals did a wonderful job,”
he said.
The Maryland Chapter of QDMA annually presents this award to individuals
who have had a positive effect on deer management in Maryland. QDMA is a
non-profit organization whose mission is to promote a management
philosophy/practice that unites landowners, hunters and managers in a
common goal of producing biologically and socially balanced deer herds
within existing environmental, social and legal constraints. For more
information about QDMA, visit http://www.marylandqdma.com/.
The Maryland Conservation Corps (MCC) is an AmeriCorps program that
engages young adults in extensive natural resource management and park
conservation projects. Managed by the Maryland Park Service since 1984,
MCC provides members with opportunities for skill development and personal
growth through a supportive, team-based environment, emphasizing the
satisfaction of completing projects that benefit Maryland’s natural
resources. To learn more about MCC, go to www.dnr.state.md.us
www.dnr.state.md.us/dnrnews/

SUBURBAN DEER MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP - MAY 26, 2011

2011-04-11T12:17:00.000-04:00

REGISTER NOW! SUBURBAN DEER MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP!
Local government officials, land managers, park managers, police, homeowner associations, non- profit organizations, private property owners , business owners and other decision-makers are invited to attend the workshop, Suburban Deer Management: Options and Choices for Decision-Makers, on May 26, 2011 at the Elks Club in Bowie, MD from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The workshop is being offered by the University of Maryland Extension in partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Register by May 16.
Click on the link below for more information and registration form.
Suburban Deer Management Workshop

04-10-2011 - Sportsman's Day presented by Frederick County Sportsman's Council

2011-04-10T19:03:00.002-04:00

E.W. Grimes, Director of the Maryland State Chapter and Tommy Leach, Maryland State Chapter with his son, Hunter attended and had a display table set up for the Sportsman's Day at Thurmont, Maryland. This is an Annual Event and all types of vendors and organizations attended.

Spring Fest at Charlotte's Quest Nature Center - May 1, 2011

2011-04-01T08:24:00.000-04:00

The Maryland State Chapter QDMA will have a QDMA Display at Spring Fest at Charlotte's Quest Nature Center in Manchester, Maryland on May 1, 2011 from 12 noon to 4:00PM.

Sportsman's Day - April 10, 2011

2011-04-01T08:22:00.000-04:00

The Maryland State Chapter and Bachman Valley Branch QDMA will have a QDMA Display at the Sportsman's Day presented by the Frederick County Sportsman's Council on April 10, 2011 from 9:30AM to 3:00PM at the Thurmont Conservation and Sportsman's Club, 11617 Hunt Road, Thurmont, Maryland. This is open to the public.

QDMA Seminar at Frostburg University - April 14, 2011

2011-04-01T08:08:00.000-04:00

E.W. Grimes, Director/President of the Maryland State Chapter QDMA has been inviited to present a seminar (Who we are & What We Do) at the Frostburg University on April 14, 2011 from 5PM to 6Pm to the student body. The seminar will be held in the Compton Room 327.

Junior Hunter Field Day by Maryland DNR - June 18, 2011

2011-04-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

The Maryland State Chapter QDMA will have a QDMA Display and E.W. Grimes, Director/President will be the Guest Speaker at the Junior Hunter Field Day hosted by the Maryland DNR. This year’s event will be held at the Somerset County Fair Grounds, same location as last year. This event will be held on June 18, 2011 starting promptly at 8:30am and should end around 3:30pm. The agenda will run the same as previous years with 100 students participating throughout the day at four stations.

The MD-DNR, Wildlife & Heritage Service is committed to this educational youth program, to provide children ages 8 to 16 a chance to learn how to become involved in wildlife management activities and to learn about hunting & trapping as one of the key factors in wildlife conservation.

Make your plans to attend this event.

03-28-2011 Quality deer management effort expands in Garrett

2011-03-28T18:02:00.000-04:00

A cooperative effort in Garrett County has set aside more than 25,000 acres belonging to 80-some landowners that will restrict the harvest of young bucks this coming deer season, according to A.J. Fleming, president of the Mountain Maryland Chapter of the Quality Deer Management Association. That means 6 percent of the county’s 656 square miles will operate under rules intended to create healthier deer herds and, yes, bucks with bigger antlers.
“And it is continuing to grow,” Fleming said recently. “We are adding landowners and acres just about every day.” Considering that the effort to form the co-op began in December, the amount of ground brought into the fold is impressive.

“It is made up of landholdings of 10 acres up to 4,400 acres,” Fleming said. He estimates that the lands will be hunted by more than 1,000 hunting license holders. Some of the parcels are already owned or leased by hunting clubs, representing many members.
Fleming said each landowner is allowed to choose how buck hunting will be restricted. The idea, of course, is that older bucks have larger antlers and become better trophies.
“A lot of the people are choosing to shoot only bucks that have an antler spread of at least 15 inches,” Fleming said. “Going by width is the best way to get a buck to be three years old. You can have an 8-point yearling, for example, that would have a small set of antlers.”
About 20 percent of the hunters will use the 15-inch rule and another 25 percent will demand that bucks have 8-points before they can be shot, according to Fleming.

Click on the link below to read entire article.
Quality deer management effort expands in Garrett

12/10/2010 - Does QDM Affect the Timing of the RUT?

2011-03-27T23:38:00.000-04:00

DIRECTOR'S STUMP

Written by E.W. Grimes, Director of the Maryland State Chapter QDMA

There are always many views from deer hunters on the timing of the rut. Deer hunters target this time of the year as this is when those older class bucks get love sick and are most visible during daylight hours. This past season seemed to have most Deer hunters/Managers talking about this somewhat more than other years. Many hunters have stated that they haven’t seen as much rutting action (the deer woods exploding with bucks chasing and breeding does) while others are seeing normal (same as years past) rutting action while most of the time these conversations lead to conclusions with the question “what do you think the reason is?” In this article we are going to take a look into a few of the possible reasons “why” rut action seems to vary from area to area.

There has been much research into when whitetail deer breed. Members of QDMA (Quality Deer Management Association) have an edge with Quality Whitetails the journal provides feature articles increasing their knowledge of whitetail deer and their habitat. We know that the length of daylight triggers the whitetail breeding season. As hunters/managers, we start looking for “rutting signs” rubs and scrapes signs bucks display leading up to the rut. Kip’s Korner article “The Modern Deer Hunter” Kip’s Korner (June 2007) written by Kip Adams, a Certified Wildlife Biologist and Northern Director of Education and Outreach for the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) describes today’s hunters having a lot of useable tools for making decisions related to hunting and managing their deer.

A look into “what the reasons and why rut action seems to vary and can QDM Management effect this timing?” Talking with QDMA members and other deer hunters, this statement comes up often”are we harvesting too many does”. These are my views and how I come up with my conclusions.

· Harvesting too many does effects rutting action? QDM properties across our state and some Maryland Counties have QDM program in place to reduce deer population in needed areas. With over 10 years of doe management in some of these areas, all the managers/hunters said the same; where doe numbers have been reduced “Rutting action has increased or hasn’t changed” but many older class bucks have been seen with healthier head gear. As far as “timing of rut action” no change from year to year. It should be noted that less does are being breed in the second and third rut. No surprise here, knowing that length of daylight triggers breeding, and with more male deer in managed herds in these areas where does are targeted to harvest and young antlered bucks are protected. On private QDM managed lands targeting doe management for early or after breeding season will help in managing hunter pressure. Nanny Does are targeted for doe management and antlered deer are limited to age. Doe management is an important part of deer management and should NOT be overlooked.

· Hunter’s Observations adversely will vary with the amount of time in the stand. Using my Property Deer Observation Log Book and Deer Harvest Log (available from the QDMA’s Shed Product Store). Logging in over 300+ hours per year in the stand in 3 different counties for the past 5 years, I have recorded several Quality Bucks which are bucks that are 2.5 years or older using QDMA’s 15” outside antler spread rule. Also I recorded some other bucks less than 15” and while most were yearlings; some 2.5 year olds were documented less than 15”. Also Doe’s, Fawns and Unknown were counted along with location, AM & PM hours in stand and other notes. The second and third weeks of November having the most sightings.

“Note: The difference in 2010-2011 was due to more stand time spent on one property instead of near equal time in the other areas as previous years.”

· Deer Cameras or trail cameras have become a year round deer managers/hunters tool. Trail Camera location and set-up tips how to capturing more photos of mature bucks and much more. “Deer Camera’s, The Science of Scouting” a NEW publication from QDMA has it all and a must have for deer camera users. I’ve been putting trails cameras to work ever since they have been around. When bucks start to rub and place scrapes relocating your camera to these locations can provide useable intelligence. Not only what bucks are in the area but most of the time overlooked does will start visiting scrapes more often as they go into estrous. As does start going into estrous, bucks that were visiting scrape tend to not visit as much and other never seen before bucks may start being seen. Making notes of this change can show a pattern and indicate the timing of rut activity.

· QDM Co-ops are by far the best way to collect and share information; forming QDM Cooperatives provide the opportunity to better share information while managing the density, age structure, sex ratio and distribution of your local deer herd. QDMA Branches and Co-ops take part in the Maryland State Chapters QDMA ongoing Fetus Study. Samples collected from across Maryland are providing local breeding information. Only 2 years of collecting is a good start, more years are needed to chart trends in rutting activities.

Conclusion;

Does QDM management have any effect on the timing of the rut? We know of several research projects have shown that QDM programs can affect the timing by drastically “tightening” the breeding period and even shifting it a little earlier in the year. This is most likely caused by a more balanced sex ratio so more does are being bred in their first estrous, and a more balanced age structure with older bucks start showing breeding behaviors much sooner than younger bucks. These factors have been seen more in southern herds. As QDM management expands in our area, with more bucks in older age classes, hunters are more likely to see more bucks looking for hot does. My observations documented as the effect of QDM management progressed (Reference Observation Chart above) quality bucks were seen more. Because of the explosion of QDMA memberships and members reading articles in Quality Whitetails (by monthly journal of QDMA) I would expect to hear more conversation about rutting activities more deer hunters are paying more attention to their deer in the areas they hunt/manage and logging more time in the stand.

When is the best time to be in the deer’s woods? As for me “anytime” I can get out there I will. When looking at the “by the week” average chart from 2008 and 2009 fetus study, this gives an average yearly peak of breeding, however when we looked at November “by the day” we have a little different picture.

This chart concludes that does were being bred throughout the entire month of November. What this information tells me is “how we can possibly know when a doe from a particular area will go in to estrous?” If we put it all together we can improve our chances with averages by the week and by observation collections. Along with putting on my lucky QDMA hat and getting in the deer’s woods as much as possible has worked for me.

Hunt hard in November and hunt safe.

E.W. Grimes

Director/President

Maryland State Chapter QDMA

www.marylandqdma.com

QDMA PARTNER'S WITH PENN STATE SCHOOL OF FOREST RESOURCES WITH WEBINARS

2011-03-26T09:41:00.000-04:00

The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) in partnership with Penn State Cooperative Extension and the Penn State School of Forest Resources Web Seminar Center announces the White-tailed Deer Management Webinar Mini-Series. A series of three webinars will be provided "live" at noon and 7:00 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month beginning in March and running through May. Each will last approximately one hour.
March 15, 2011
Implementing a Successful Deer Management Program
April 19th
White-tailed Deer Breeding Biology and Communication
May 17th
Providing Quality Habitat for White-tailed Deer
Participation in the web seminar does not require any special software. To view live and previously recorded seminars all you need is a high-speed Internet connection and sound.
To register and take part in the live seminars or to view previously recorded webinars click on the link below.
PENN STATE WEBSITE FOR WEBINARS

MARCH 23, 2011 - SUNDAY HUNTING BILL PASSES!

2011-03-26T09:38:00.000-04:00

The Carroll County Sunday Hunting Bill HB 625 passed on the house floor 03-23-2011 for Five Bow Hunting Sundays and One Gun Hunting Sunday. The Maryland State Chapter QDMA was part of the group that pushed for this bill with writing letters and attending all the hearings.

MARCH 19, 2011 - BACHMAN VALLEY BRANCH ANNUAL SPORTSMAN'S BANQUET

2011-03-26T09:05:00.000-04:00

We had a great turnout with good food and lots of fun. Thanks to all those who attended and to all our sponsors.
BASS PRO SHOP, ARUNDEL MILLS,
CHESAPEAKE TAXIDERMY
AUTUMN SKY OUTFITTERS
BUCK-N-BASS PRODUCTIONS
ADVANTAGE WHITETAIL MANAGEMENT
OUTDOOR GRAPHIX
C.J. MILLER, LLC
VFW POST 467
SHARON DAMERON
E.W. Grimes, President and Director of the Maryland State Chapter presented the participants of the Fetus Study from the Maryland Conservation Corps with an award for their involvement. The Maryland Conservation Corps (MCC) is an award-winning AmeriCorps program that engages young adults in extensive natural resource management and park conservation projects.
Managed by the Maryland Park Service since 1984, MCC provides members with opportunities for skill development and personal growth through a supportive, team-based environment, emphasizing the satisfaction of completing projects that benefit Maryland’s natural resources. Under the supervision of experienced Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff, MCC members work in crews of 5-7 members. From State parks and forests to the Chesapeake Bay, they are engaged in projects in Maryland's most beautiful places.

E.W. Grimes presenting award to the Maryland Conservation Corps

Maryland Conservation Corps with Award

Brian Eyler, Deer Project Manager for DNR commending the Maryland Conservation Corps

February 5, 2011 - Delaware Quality Deer Management Session a Success!

2011-03-26T08:58:00.001-04:00

The Quality Deer Management Association, Delaware Department of Agriculture and the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife held an education lecture session on February 5, 2011. Approximately 200 people turned out for the various educational seminars of which one was given by our own E. W. Grimes, Director of the Maryland State Chapter.

Left to right: Dr. Mark Connor (Chesapeake Farms), Joe Hamilton (Founder of QDMA), Joe Brown (President of Western Chesapeake Watershed QDMA Branch of Maryland), Kip Adams (QDMA), E.W. Grimes (Director of the Maryland State Chapter QDMA)

Joe Hamilton Wins Budweiser 2011 Conservationist of the Year!

2011-03-26T08:56:00.000-04:00

The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) is pleased to announce that its founder, Joe Hamilton of South Carolina, has been named the 2011 Budweiser Conservationist of the Year, an honor bestowed through an open public vote that elected Joe from among four national finalists. The award includes a $50,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, which Joe has chosen to give to the organization he founded in 1988 – QDMA – to ensure the future of white-tailed deer, wildlife habitat and our hunting heritage.
“We have done a commendable job of managing deer and their habitats in QDMA’s relatively brief history,” Joe said. “The $50,000 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation will enable the QDMA to devote more energy and attention toward educating, nurturing, and guiding future stewards of our precious natural resources.”
Joe Hamilton’s involvement in wildlife management and conservation spans 40 years, beginning in the early 1970s with his research on the ecology of the black bear in southeastern North Carolina while working on his master’s degree in wildlife biology at the University of Georgia. As a young wildlife biologist with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Joe saw how deer populations in the Southeast and other regions were being mis-managed, to the detriment of habitat and the health of deer and many other species. He formed the nonprofit Quality Deer Management Association in 1988 to educate hunters about sound deer and habitat management.

JANUARY 28-30, 2011 - NRA GREAT AMERICAN HUNTING OUTDOOR SHOW

2011-03-24T23:21:00.002-04:00

The 2nd Annual Great American Hunting & Outdoor Show was hosted by the NRA In Westminster, Maryland on January 28-30, 2011 at the Carroll County Agriculture Center. With over 200 exhibitors, seminars and the Mason/Dixon Big Buck Contest, the nearly 5,000 attendees were treated to an outstanding show.
The Maryland State Chapter QDMA (MSC), Bachman Valley Branch (BVB) and Western Chesapeake Watershed Branch (WCWB) combined efforts and manned the QDMA booth and received a steady flow of sportsmen asking questions about QDM programs and QDMA events throughout Maryland. The rotating branch members kept the crowd entertained.