Meade Natural Heritage Association (MNHA) partners with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 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 for all hunters.

Para obtener información sobre Cazando en US Fish and Wildlife Service Patuxent Research Refuge  por favor haga clic aquí. Las directrices de caza están disponibles en español, consulte el enlace a continuación.

Latest News

Las áreas A y B del sector sur están abiertas, además del sector norte.

Tenga en cuenta lo siguiente:

• Las áreas A y B del sector sur tienen estacionamiento limitado: 3 plazas en el Área A y 2 plazas en el Área B.

• Recomendamos encarecidamente que esté preparado para las condiciones de la carretera. Utilice un vehículo con tracción en las cuatro ruedas. Lleve una pala. Si se queda atascado, el Servicio de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de EE. UU. (US FWS) y MNHA no disponen de recursos para ayudarle.

• No bloquee las carreteras; sea respetuoso con otros cazadores y con el personal del US FWS que pueda necesitar circular por la carretera.

• El sector central/Granja Schaffer y las zonas de impacto (D, E, F, G, H) están CERRADOS.

• El Área D del sector sur está CERRADA: el condado ha quitado la nieve delante de la puerta y está bloqueada.

Adverse Weather Policy. We follow the Office of Personnel Management snow procedure.  You can find the status at OPM WDC Status.  US FWS staff will be working to plow the paved roads on the refuge so be patient.  When the refuge reopens, please keep in mind that the back roads are not plowed.  Be aware of your vehicle's capabilities and limitations and do not put yourself or others are risk by getting stuck in the snow. Check the Patuxent Research Refuge Facebook page for closure alerts.   We will keep you updated on this website, our FaceBook page, and via email.  Please read our Adverse Weather Policy in the PRR guidelines.    

Política de condiciones meteorológicas adversas. Seguiremos el procedimiento para casos de nieve de la Oficina de Gestión de Personal (OPM). Pueden consultar el estado en OPM WDC Status. El personal del Servicio de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de EE. UU. (US FWS) estará trabajando para despejar las carreteras pavimentadas del refugio, por lo que les pedimos paciencia. Cuando el refugio vuelva a abrir, tengan en cuenta que los caminos de tierra no se despejan. Tengan en cuenta las capacidades y limitaciones de su vehículo y no se pongan en riesgo ni a ustedes ni a los demás al quedarse atascados en la nieve. Consulten la página de Facebook del Refugio de Investigación Patuxent para obtener alertas de cierre. Los mantendremos informados a través de este sitio web, nuestra página de Facebook y por correo electrónico. Consulten nuestra Política de Condiciones Meteorológicas Adversas en las directrices de PRR.

Membership Range Days for 2026 are posted on the Membership Range Days  page.

Rescheduled Annual Members Meeting.  The meeting is being rescheduled for February. Last year's potluck was a big success and we will do the same this year. We will send out additional information when the date is confirmed.  

Officer Nominations. The offices available this year are: President and Secretary.  We also have vacant positions (by appointment) for Treasurer (1 year to complete term), VP of Public Relations, VP of Membership, and one Member-at-Large. Information about the positions can be found on our webpage at Board Members .  If you, or someone you know, would be interested in these positions - please send an email to mnha_board@mnha.net and include the person's name, position for which they are nominated, and a short description (4-5 sentences) of their relevant qualifications (years hunting at PRR, skills for position, etc.).

Important Hunting Reminders:
2/2-2/5 - Primitive Weapon Deer Season - see MD Regulations for weapon restrictions.
2/7 - Youth, Veteran, and Military Waterfowl Day
2/7 - Last day of Rabbit, Squirrel, and Woodchuck season
2/7 - End of all hunting at PRR until Spring Turkey season

North Tract Zone Closures.  Beginning November 29, 2025, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), in coordination with the Federal law enforcement partners, will expand Federal law enforcement partners use of the firing ranges located on the North Tract. To ensure everyone’s safety during range operations, access to five hunting zones—Zones D, E, F, G and H—are closed to the public.  

Zone Z will be archery only for deer, turkey, and small game hunting; waterfowl hunters can use firearms (shotgun) as permitted.  The remaining North Tract, South Tract, and Schaffer Farm zones will be open as usual.   Updated Hunting Guidelines and Maps are available on the website. Please read the guideline changes and monitor our website and Facebook page for updates as we continue to work through the changes.

South Tract Area C Access.  Due to road damage, vehicle travel past Mabbott Pond is not possible. There will be areas marked for parking before Mabbott Pond on Telegraph Road. See the updated South Tract map on the  Hunting Maps page.

If you have questions, concerns, or comments please email info@mnha.net. 

Lose Something? Find Something ? If you find someone else's hunting gear on the PRR, please leave it with the HCS manager.  We all know how expensive hunting can be, please help each other out.  

Reminder that PRR is Public Hunting. Please be respectful of other hunters and leave plenty of room.  

Harvest Update. See Deer Trophy Case - 2025/26 for pictures and stats.

Next MNHA Monthly Member Meeting is 2/10 at 6:30PM at the HCS. 

Baiting is illegal at Patuxent Research Refuge.  It is illegal to possess or use bait of any kind including, but not limited to: corn, mineral/salt licks, deer cane, mock scrape ropes. 

El uso de cebos es ilegal en Patuxent Research Refuge. Es ilegal poseer o usar cualquier tipo de cebo, incluyendo, entre otros: maíz, piedras para lamer minerales o sal, "deer cane," y cuerdas de raspado artificiales.

2025-2026 Permits.  Permits are on sale on Mon-Sat during the season (the HCS is closed on Sundays during the season). Applications are available at the HCS and on the Hunting Permits page - save time and print them out, fill them out, and bring them with you.  When you get to the NT gate call the HCS at 301-328-1518 and they will let you in. 

2025-2026 Guidelines.  The 2025-2026 Hunting Guidelines are available.  There are many changes - please read the guidelines carefully and check the Guidelines page for corrections and clarifications throughout the season.  NOTE: Area W is now Open!!!

Las Directrices de Caza 2025-2026 ya están disponibles en español. Hay muchos cambios: lea atentamente las pautas y consulte la página de Directrices de Caza para obtener correcciones y aclaraciones durante la temporada. NOTA: ¡El Área W ya está abierta! Gracias a Gustavo Herrara por ayudar con la traducción.

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.

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.

Please visit and thank our sponsors!

Thank You to our Turkey Hunt Sponsors. Thanks to Bass Pro Shops provided a camo bag, decoys, and calls for all of our youth hunters; Freedom Hunters for supporting the Veterans who came to hunt; and Donut Shack and Mission BBQ for catering the Veterans' Hunt.