Goose Hunting in Kent County, Maryland

Maryland's Eastern Shore is located in the heart of the Atlantic Flyway and is known among hunters as one of the best places in the world to hunt Canadian Geese. My husband and I look forward to the opening season of goose season each year and this year is no exception.

I have seen pictures of the old time hunts where geese weren't hunted but slaughtered. Hundreds of geese and ducks spread out in front of a handful of hunters. Over - hunting of waterfowl led to a moratorium in the late 1990's, of goose hunting that lasted seven years. Today thanks to conservation and sound management practices the geese population has not only stabilized but has increased. Today hunting is the third most important industry in Kent County.

Kent County, Maryland is located about 90 minutes from Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington , D.C.
making it close enough for a weekend get away. There are several motels, Inns and B&B's in the county from which to choose and plenty of places to eat.

To hunt in Kent County you will need a Maryland State Hunting License. In state resident license cost
$24.50 for ages 16 to 64. Under 16 years of age cost $10.50 and over 65 cost $5.00. Non resident license cost $130.00 for adults and $65 for youth under 16 years of age. Maryland offers a short term - 3 day license for waterfowl for $45.00. In addition to the state license a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp is required at $9 along with a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp at $15.00. www.dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide

Along with your license and shot gun you will need camouflage clothes, warm water proof boots, non toxic
shot, tungsten alloy #2 and above.

If you have never hunted Waterfowl before consider using a professional hunting guide. These guides will take you to where the birds are, and call them in for you. Goose calling is an art and a science and can make all the difference in landing the bird. The World Championship Waterfowl Calling Contest is held each year not far from Kent County, in Talbot County. Check out my article on the 39th Annual Waterfowl Festival on associated content.

There are a number of hunting guides available in Kent County, some specializing in a particular game.
I recommend Eastern Shore Waterfowlers at 410-928-9958 or e-mail waterfowl@goeaston.net. They have over thirty years in the guiding business and are reasonability priced. Check them out at www.easternshorewaterfowlers.com

If you know your way around goose hunting and want to go it alone check out the Millington Wildlife Management Area. Here you will find over 3,800 acres for hunting. They offer 8 goose blinds available with reservations that can be made up to five days in advance. A daily permit is also required to hunt on the property which can be obtained at the entrance to the Management Area. For further information call the office at 410-928-3650 or check out their site at www.dnr.state.md/us/publicland/eastern/millington.asp