1. (a) In this section, “handgun” means a firearm:

   1. (1) With a barrel length not exceeding 6 inches; and
   2. (2) That does not have a scope or an electronic device attached.

2. (b)

   1. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Department shall:

      1. (i) Prescribe by regulation the means or weapons for hunting designated wildlife; and
      2. (ii) Set forth any restrictions relating to weapons used to hunt designated wildlife, including the amount and size of ammunition for designated game birds or mammals.

   2. (2) The Department may not prohibit a licensed bow hunter from openly carrying a handgun that the hunter is otherwise authorized to carry under § 4-203 of the Criminal Law Article if the bow hunter:

      1. (i) Is at least 21 years old;
      2. (ii) Is hunting in deer management Region A as defined by the Department's Guide to Hunting and Trapping;
      3. (iii) Is carrying the handgun for personal protection; and
      4. (iv) Does not use the handgun to kill wildlife wounded by a vertical bow or crossbow.
3. (c) The Department shall make the regulations available for distribution with each hunting license purchased.
4. (d) This section does not authorize the Department to restrict the use of firearms except in the activity of hunting designated wildlife.

Added by Acts 1973, 1st Sp. Sess., c. 4, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 1974. Amended by Acts 1990, c. 6, § 2; Acts 1996, c. 525, § 1, eff. June 1, 1996; Acts 2014, c. 476, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2014.

Formerly Art. 66C, § 132.