In order to hunt with a crossbow, hunters must meet the following criteria: "Crossbows may be used to hunt deer only, with the exception of special crossbow permits for disabled hunters who may pursue all game legal for a vertical bow. The crossbow shall have a draw of not less than 75 pounds and the use of telescopic sights is permitted. Deer hunting with a crossbow during the deer bow season is limited to the following dates in accordance with season regulations: Oct. 1-15, 2005, and Jan. 16-31, 2006."

There are special regulations that apply to hunters who have certain physical disabilities, and those categorized as senior citizens. "Any hunter who is 65 years of age or older, or possesses a Resident Senior Hunting License, can hunt deer with a crossbow in all Maryland deer hunting seasons. Hunters with physical disabilities that prevent them from using a traditional bow may apply for a special crossbow permit to hunt deer during the bow season."

Urban sprawl has not only displaced Maryland's wildlife, but additionally, displaced its hunters as well. Finding a place to hunt is no longer a matter of talking to the nearest farmer or landowner and asking permission. Developers have gobbled up most of the small to midsized farms. Fortunately, there have been a few suburban locations where bowhunters can now pretty much be assured of bagging a whitetail, and still be within reasonable driving distance from homes situated near metropolitan Baltimore and the surrounding counties.

LIBERTY AND PRETTYBOY RESERVOIRS
While Loch Raven Reservoir's watershed is still closed to all forms of hunting, both Liberty and Prettyboy reservoirs now permit bowhunting. Both watersheds are immense and hold huge populations of deer and other species of upland game. A special permit is required to hunt both watersheds, and there are two options for obtaining one: online or by mail. You can download the permit at www.dnr.state.md.us, and fill out the form online. Click on "Hunting" and then the bowhunting link at "Bowhunting and Trapping on Public Lands."

At both Liberty and Prettyboy watersheds, the terrain consists of dense stands of loblolly pines, oak, hickory, beech, poplar and a few lesser species of trees. Hunters will find lots of access points; however, you cannot park or drive any motor vehicles on the various trails and fire-roads within these watershed properties. You can park in designated parking areas and on any hard-surface roadway where parking is legal. Additional restrictions include the prohibition of hunting with 50 feet of any high-water line along the impoundments' shores, and any form of game may be hunted during the regular seasons, by bow only.

The bottom line at both watershed properties is if you can't bag a whitetail there, you should probably consider taking up golf or basket weaving. Driving the roads surrounding each impoundment is like driving through an obstacle course, especially early and late in the day. Roaming herds of whitetails have consumed much of each watershed's understory vegetation.

"Both watersheds are excellent areas to hunt whitetails, as there is no competition from firearms hunters and there are lots of deer at both locations. There is no deadline for permit application, and you'll find the permit on page 39 of our most recent hunting and trapping guide. You just need the permit in your possession in order to hunt either property. There's no limit to the number of hunters at either location, and the only real restriction is that you cannot possess a firearm while hunting the watershed properties," biologist Hotton said.