Hunting Rules

THE HUNTING REGULATIONS ESTABLISHED AND PROMULGATED BY THE STATE OF MARYLAND SHALL BE OBSERVED ON THE BETHESDA CHEVY CHASE CHAPTER CONSERVATION FARM. THE WILDLIFE COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ADDITIONAL EXCEPTIONS TO THESE STATE REGULATIONS. THESE EXCEPTIONS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE NEWSLETTER ANNUALLY. ALSO THESE ADDITIONAL RULES AND GUIDELINES WILL APPLY:

  1. Hunters must follow the B-CC IWLA Registration System before taking part in hunting activities on the property.
  2. GUEST HUNTERS ARE NO LONGER PERMITTED AT B-CC IWLA. So many of our 1000 members want to hunt the B-CC IWLA's 500+ acres that it is too dangerous to allow guest hunters. One escorted youth hunter, 16 or under, may accompany the member hunter.
  3. Hunters at B-CC IWLA will abide by the rules & regulations set forth by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in its annual Hunting & Trapping in Maryland Booklet.
  4. Hunters must be able to prove that they have successfully completed a state Hunter Safety Course unless grandfathered by the state of Maryland.
  5. Hunters must carry their B-CC IWLA Membership Card and have their B-CC IWLA Parking Sticker Decal clearly displayed on or in their vehicle while hunting on the property.
  6. Hunters are prohibited from driving off any road on B-CC IWLA property (regardless of your desire to retrieve game or equipment). Special board of governors (BOG) approval requires an annual written letter be submitted by you at any monthly BOG meeting which explains the reasons for your special off-road driving request. Each request is subject to denial or approval. Approval of such a request may be rescinded at any point in time.
  7. Hunters of DOVE on B-CC IWLA property will pay an "opening day" donation (to be determined by the BOG) to offset the expense incurred by the chapter for the farming operations necessary for a successful dove hunt. Remember to remove all shotgun shell cases at the end of each hunt; failure to do so could result in higher "opening day fees" to cover clean- up costs. Regarding guest dove hunters - see #2 above.
  8. Hunters are known as the ultimate conservationists and as such they are expected to remove garbage/trash when it is encountered. In order to maintain good hunting conditions we require that hunters be vigilant when it comes to proper disposal of trash regardless of origin.
  9. Hunters entering a vehicle parking area must unload their firearm beforehand. Muzzleloaders should have their percussion caps removed or be discharged in a downward direction into soft soil.
  10. Hunters are prohibited from using deer drives (pushes) at B-CC IWLA. These activities impose upon the non-participating hunters and increase the risk of an accident.
  11. Hunters should have their firearms and bows sighted-in every year to insure precision shooting. The success ratio of claiming game is enhanced when a hunter practices with his/her hunting device.
  12. Hunters should choose not to shoot at running deer. This temptation often results in the swinging of a loaded firearm in the direction of other hunters.
  13. Hunters may use tree stands if the following is observed:
    a) Tree stands must be temporary and not damage our B-CC IWLA trees.
    b) Tree stands must be removed at the end of each day (to leave one on a tree or in our woods is to forfeit your stand if found).
    c) Tree stands must not require the use of invasive tree steps (screw-in type).
    d) Hunters must use a fall restraint harness or belt at all times when using a portable tree- stand on chapter grounds.
    c) The user accepts all responsibility and liability in the event of an accident or theft.
  14. Hunters must honor property lines (blue painted trees) to the best of their ability in order to avoid conflict with neighboring property owners. Hunters who disregard these markers will irritate adjacent land-owners. Disciplinary action may be taken against individuals who flagrantly violate B-CC IWLA boundary lines.
  15. Hunters are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship. This farm operates on a first come first served basis and we demand that our hunters respect the rights of others. This means that hunters should spread out as much as possible and minimize excessive talking and shooting.
  16. Hunters are to conduct themselves in a cordial manner at all times while on the property. If any member becomes physically confrontational, membership termination is likely. Such problems should be reported to a board member immediately.
  17. Hunters are strongly urged not to use profanity.
  18. Hunters are prohibited from consuming alcohol while hunting.
  19. Hunters should respect the game which they pursue by attempting to place lethal shots which deliver a quick and decisive death.
  20. Hunters should have the appropriate safety equipment such as safety harness, straps & belts, blaze orange vest & hat (as required by the State of Maryland), hearing & eyesight protection, haul line, etc.
  21. Only individuals who possess and carry a current B-CC IWLA Membership Card may hunt the B-CC IWLA property.
  22. Hunting within the conservation farm shall be accomplished only by means of either a shotgun, bow and arrow, or black powder muzzle loading rifle. Shotgun hunting with rifled slugs or sabots is permitted during regular firearm deer season only. Hunting with a black powder muzzle loading pistol is permitted for deer during muzzle loading deer season and firearms season. All other firearms are permitted only on the rifle and pistol range.
  23. The hunting of waterfowl is permitted in all fields normally open to hunting, except within 150 yards of the big pond.
  24. The use of hunting dogs is permitted for members only during the hunting and training seasons, in accordance with the laws promulgated by the State of Maryland and any additional restrictions imposed by the Board of Governors. Notice of anyadditional restrictions will be published in the B-CC newsletter.
  25. Trapping within the conservation farm shall be coordinated with and under the direction of the Wildlife Committee, and be subject to approval by the Board of Governors.
  26. The Board of Governors reserves the option of adjusting the various hunting seasons (shorten or close). Notice of such adjustments will be published in the newsletter monthly, for as long as they are in effect.
  27. Hunting within the Archery Range, Trap and Skeet Range, Rifle and Pistol Range, Campground Area, and general chapter house ground is prohibited, with the following exceptions:
    I.- Squirrel Hunt Breakfast Day - During Squirrel Hunt Breakfast Day, the archery range and the campground area will be closed to campers but open for squirrel hunting.
    II.- The campground area will be closed to campers during:
        a) Shotgun Deer Season
        b) Black Powder Deer Season
        c) Archery Deer Season (Opening Weekend)
        d) Turkey Season (First and Second Weekends)
    III.- Youth Deer Hunting Day- During the Youth Deer Hunting Day the campground will be closed to campers.
  28. Permanent tree stands are not permitted on the conservation farm. No one may build a permanent tree stand, or hunt from one built by some one else, with the following exception:
    a. The Archery Range may build and maintain a permanent tree stand as a practice position. The Range Committee will mark this stand clearly to establish its purpose.
    b. Temporary Tree Stands are permitted as long as they follow the prerequisites as stated in #13 above.
  29. Wild quail season is closed on the conservation farm until further notice.
  30. Members who choose to hunt the B CC farm and not follow these Regulations, Sign-in procedures and sportsman's Ethics will be subject to a Suspension and / or Expulsion as defined by Article X in the By-Laws of B CC IWLA. 
    Revised as approved by the BOG (July 19,2006)

Download a .pdf copy of the BCC-IWLA Hunting Rules here.