§ 10-610. Offshore blind sites -- Construction by Department for public use

   (a) In general. --

   (1) In order to provide greater public access and use of wild waterfowl blinds, in each county of the State where wild waterfowl are adequate and hunting is allowed under this subtitle, the Department shall locate and construct blinds on public lands under the Department's control and make the blinds available for public use.

   (2) The Department may allow the hunting of wild waterfowl from a boat that is drifting or anchored or while standing in the water on the natural bottom in waters adjacent to lands owned or managed by the Department.

   (3) Except for the purpose of animal control, the Department may not allow waterfowl hunting on public land under this section unless the public land is open to public hunting.

(b) Encouraging local and federal government efforts. -- The Department shall encourage local and federal government to make opportunities available for the public to hunt waterfowl from blinds located on public lands under the jurisdiction of the local or federal government by:

   (1) Entering into an agreement with the local or federal government to construct the blinds and manage their use; or

   (2) Advising the local or federal government on the proper construction, location, and management of blinds to be used by the public for hunting wild waterfowl.

HISTORY: 1999, ch. 703, § 2.