Agriculture - Catastrophic Damage Caused by Deer

SB 958 defines "catastrophic damage" as the loss of 50% or more of crops in a single field due to deer. It authorizes Maryland's Department of Agriculture to approve extraordinary measures - like targeted deer removal - to reduce deer populations causing such severe crop losses. The bill requires the Department to adopt regulations mandating that individuals using these measures report the number of deer harvested at each affected field. This policy directly affects farmers experiencing major crop losses from deer, with the new rules taking effect October 1, 2025.