HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is putting expanded Sunday hunting opportunities in western Maryland on hold.

The agency said Friday that a dispute over the proper procedure for implementing the regulations means they cannot take effect until at least Dec. 22.

The rules would otherwise have been implemented Friday, creating new opportunities to hunt deer, certain other mammals and some game birds on Sundays this fall in Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett counties.

The Maryland Horse Council objected in August to the DNR’s plan to implement the rules as “emergency regulations.” The group requested a hearing before a legislative committee on whether the DNR’s action was proper.

The agency says that as a result of the complaint, it will implement the regulations through the normal process, which takes longer.

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