Delegation moves archery‑hunting bill forward after testimony on deer overpopulation and safety concerns

Senate Bill 879, which would permit archery deer hunting on Sundays in Baltimore City and reduce the archery safety zone from 150 yards to 50 yards during archery season, was presented and moved favorably by the delegation after testimony and debate.

The sponsor (speaker 4) said the bill responds to constituent concerns about deer overpopulation and noted a letter of support from the mayor’s office and other local groups. “20 out of 23 counties already do this,” the sponsor said, arguing the change would align Baltimore City with many other jurisdictions and help address environmental damage in wooded open spaces.

Michael Pearson (speaker 10) testified as a private citizen about environmental impacts from deer overpopulation, saying open wooded areas are critical to resident well‑being and that permitting archery hunting and reducing the safety zone can help sustain wooded areas outside parks. He said he had consulted with the deer‑management program manager.

Other members raised safety and access concerns, especially near parks and trails such as Herring Run, and asked the sponsor whether particular districts (for example the 43rd District) could be excluded. The sponsor said he would not oppose narrower geographic carve‑outs but asked the delegation to act quickly because of crossover deadlines. After debate the delegation moved the bill favorably with a recorded single opposition and discussion about offering a drafting or district exclusion amendment in committee.

What happens next: the bill will be forwarded as moved by the delegation; members signaled interest in follow‑up to consider excluding sensitive areas and confirming any public‑notification or signage requirements.