For AlleganyPlayground.com
CUMBERLAND — A Cumberland man was cited earlier this month for multiple alleged hunting violations at Wills Mountain State Park in Cumberland.
This Maryland Natural Resources Police photo shows an alleged illegal bait site at Wills Mountain State Park.
Maryland Natural Resources Police Officer Erica Garver was on patrol on or about Dec. 3 when she observed Walter Edward Taylor, 62, of Valley Street, hunting in a non-designated area, according to an agency news release. The area was baited with scent hangers, corn and apples, which is prohibited on all public lands, the news release said.
Further investigation revealed that Taylor placed a permanent blind near the bait, and trimmed five trees to create a shooting lane for himself.
Taylor was charged with hunting in a non-designated area and hunting over bait on state land. Taylor also received several warnings for cutting multiple trees, placing bait, and placing a permanent blind.
If convicted, Taylor faces up to $720 in fines.
The NRP urges hunters to be mind of the rules for hunting on public land, including:
- You can’t use or build permanent tree stands. all portable tree stands must be removed at the end of the day; and
- Cutting trees, branches, shrubs, or other vegetation is prohibited. This includes cutting shooting lanes.
Discussion