Meade Natural Heritage Association
Meade Natural Heritage Association (MNHA) partners with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to provide the public with high-quality outdoor recreational experiences at the Patuxent Research Refuge (PRR). MNHA manages hunting activities on the PRR to assist with the management of wildlife in accordance with the PRR Hunting Plan. Our unique partnership increases and improves hunting access and opportunities with an emphasis on under-represented groups including women, minority, youth, disabled, and veteran hunters.
The Latest News
Para obtener información sobre Cazando en US Fish and Wildlife Service Patuxent Research Refuge por favor haga clic aquí.
AREA "E" is CLOSED until December 19. US FWS has closed Area E.
TEMPORARY HCS PHONE NUMBER 301-328-1518. We have a temporary number while we correct our telephone service problems. This number can also recieve text messages. Please use this number until further notice.
Officer Elections. Electronic ballots have been sent to MNHA members. If you are an MNHA member and did not receive an email, please check your spam folder. If you can't find it, contact VicePresident@mnha.net.
Guideline Clarifications. We occasionally update the Hunting Guidelines page with clarifications - please keep an eye on that page. If what you are looking for is not in the PRR guidelines please check the DNR regulations. And if you're still not sure, contact us at HCS@MNHA.net.
2025 Range Dates Posted. Please see Membership Range Days for details.
Harvest Update. Hunters are having great luck on the refuge. The 2024-2025 Trophy Pages have been updated - check it out.
MNHA Member Meeting. Next meeting is Tuesday 01/14 at 6:30PM at the HCS. All are welcome. This is a great time to meet fellow hunters and learn about what’s going on at the refuge.
Deer Cooler. The deer cooler refrigeration unit requires an overhaul. We are evaluating options. If you own or work for a refrigeration company and willing to discount repairs in exchange for a "deer cooler sponsorship," please email info@mnha.net.
We want your help to maintain and improve the refuge hunting habitat. Our monthly maintenance days are great opportunities to give back to the PRR and the MNHA hunting community and meet fellow hunters. Read more on the Volunteer Opportunities page or contact us at VolunteerCoordinator@mnha.net.
Volunteer Opportunity. As we continue to expand our outreach to under-represented groups, we are looking for help translating application forms and other materials into Spanish. This is a “do it at home” project. If you would like to volunteer, please send an email to VicePresident@mnha.net .
STICKERS AND OTHER LITTER. Do NOT place stickers on gate posts or any other structure on the refuge. This is considered litter and will not be tolerated. Do not leave trash in the woods or anywhere else in the refuge. If you find trash in the woods, consider picking it up - your fellow hunters, PRR visitors, and the wildlife appreciate your efforts.
Baiting is PROHIBITED. Please be an ethical hunter (you signed an ethics statement as part of your application). See the Guidelines for the list of prohibited devices and activities.
New Gate 10 Procedure. We have a combination lock on Gate 10. Hunters who access this gate will be given the code at the HCS. Please remember to lock the two locks together so that the other tenant can access the gate using their lock. (See picture to right.)
Hunter Parking. USFWS Law Enforcement reminds hunters that you must park in designated areas. DO NOT BLOCK GATES. North Tract - please park on the side of the road next to the area you are hunting. South Tract/Schafer Farm - please park in the designated locations shown on the maps.
Please close ALL gates! So long as the metal or wooden gates are unlocked, you may open them, drive through, and immediately close the gate behind you.
These gates keep the general public from driving where they should not be. It's a safety issue - recently we had a general visitor walking around Lake Allen while the ranges were active.
If you come upon an open gate, please close it.
The refuge staff and law enforcement appreciate your cooperation.
Please note the "car prohibited" symbols on the signs next to the gates. Hunters are permitted to go through these gates.
Report Dead Animals, Trail Cameras, and Unexploded Ordinance (UXO). Please report recent dead animals (deer, fox, turkey, coyotes, etc.). A picture and GPS coordinates are extremely helpful. You can screenshot your map, compass, or GPS app. This helps the USFWS biologist to monitor the health of the refuge animals.
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MNHA Hunting Control Center
200 Bald Eagle Drive
Laurel, MD 20724
301-317-3819
