Bill > SB958

This bill authorizes the Maryland Department of Agriculture to take extraordinary measures to reduce deer populations when they cause significant crop damage. Specifically, the bill defines "catastrophic damage" as the loss of 50% or more of crops from a single field. If the Department determines that deer have caused such extensive damage, they may authorize special measures to reduce the deer population. The Department is required to develop regulations for implementing these measures, and these regulations must include a requirement that any individual using these extraordinary measures must report to the Department the number of deer harvested at each location where catastrophic damage has occurred. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, providing a clear timeline for implementation and giving farmers and agricultural officials time to prepare for the new guidelines.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0958?ys=2025RS