Delaware and Maryland now share a reciprocal hunting license agreement for snow goose hunting. But each state's waterfowling stamps and Harvest Information Program (HIP) permits are still required to hunt greater snows on either side of the state line. For more information on waterfowling opportunities in Delaware, including season dates, contact the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife at 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19903; or call (302) 739-5295/5297. You can also visit them online.

MARYLAND
Maryland has a multitude of public lands with very diversified habitats. These areas attract a great variety of waterfowl. The region offers Old Line State hunters some of the best options for late-season duck and goose hunting in the Mid-Atlantic.

Assateague Island
Assateague Island begins just south of Ocean City in Worcester County and continues south along Maryland's Eastern Shore into Virginia. This 37-mile barrier island is bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by Sinepuxent Bay and farther south by Chincoteague Bay. The entire island is made up of Assateague Island National Seashore, but also contains Assateague Island State Park and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, just over the Virginia line.

All of Maryland's waterfowl hunting is conducted in Assateague Island National Seashore, since there is no hunting in the state park. Because of the island's geography, location and proximity to wildlife refuges, it's considered one of the best waterfowling destinations in Maryland and possibly the entire U.S.

Assateague Island's diverse waterfowl afford hunters some excellent opportunities to take snow geese, Canada geese and ducks of all kinds. The area receives little hunting pressure, possibly because the best hunting spots are difficult to access and usually require a boat or 4WD vehicle -- or both. The island's paved roads quickly give way to sand, where off-road vehicles are allowed by permit only on a 13-mile stretch. The annual off-road vehicle permit costs $70, and certain safety equipment is required on the vehicle.

According to ranger Ted Morlock, approximate 22 maintained blinds are strategically positioned throughout the island, as well as some walk-in areas. "A daily lottery for blind selection is conducted each morning at 5 a.m., Monday through Saturday during the waterfowling season."

Morlock said that the lottery is held at the Sinepuxent District Ranger Station and that prospective hunters must also posses a valid off-road vehicle permit. He went on to mention that only three people are allowed per blind and that no offshore hunting is allowed at Assateague Island.