Hunting Guidelines

HUNTING GUIDELINES FOR 2023-2024 SEASON

Please read the entire document. A number of items have been reorganized and clarified.  

It is every hunter's obligation to know and abide by these guidelines.  

If you have any questions or comments, please direct them to Info@mnha.net. 

For additional information about hunting at PRR, see Hunting - Patuxent Research Refuge at the FWS website.

2023-2024 Guidelines Corrections and Clarifications

Duck Season Correction.  The correct dates for the first split of duck season are 10/14/23-10/21/23 (Eastern Zone).  Youth, Veteran, and Military Hunting days are 11/4/23 and 2/3/24.  A new calendar has been posted  see Hunting Calendar .

II- HUNTING GUIDELINES FOR ALL HUNTERS , Section G - The range impact areas (D, E, F, and G) will be closed Monday through Thursday throughout the season with the following exceptions: 1) During Deer Muzzleloader and Firearms seasons. 2) During the early goose season (September 1-25) areas E, F, and G will be open until 8:00 AM. 3) During the early goose season (September 1-25) Lake Allen and Range 1 in Area D will remain open until 12PM, all other locations in Area D will close at 8:00 AM.

V- Youth Hunting, Section C - Youth Turkey Hunt Dates: April 13, 20, 27 and May 4, 11, and 18, 2024. 

VIII – Deer Hunting - You may harvest no more than 3 deer for the 2023-2024 season for the entire refuge (NT, ST, SF, and CT).   You may harvest no more than 1 buck and no more than 2 does.  (I.e., you may not harvest 3 does.) Deer harvested during Central Tract Lottery Hunts count toward your 2023-2024 limit of 3 deer.

A consolidated Seasons and Bag Limits table is available below.

Reive's Pond Safety Alert.  Reive's pond is located in area P near the intersection of South and Kingfisher Roads.  Waterfowl hunting is prohibited.  It is open for fishing except during muzzleloader and firearms seasons.  Fishing persons are reminded that they should wear orange.  Hunters please be cautious and give yourself extra room for safety.