HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources says it’s accepting public comment through Nov. 3 on a proposal to expand Sunday hunting opportunities in western Maryland.

The agency announced on Monday that the proposed regulatory changes have been published in the Maryland Register.

That’s a step the agency skipped when it tried to implement the rules as “emergency regulations.” earlier this year.

The Maryland Horse Council objected and forced the agency to go through the normal regulatory process.

The DNR says it wanted to implement the rules this fall to help reduce the deer population. It says the delay means the rules won’t be implemented until at least Dec. 22. That’s after the prime deer hunting period.

Groups representing horse riders, fox hunters and bird watchers have opposed the change.

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