Hunting Guidelines

HUNTING GUIDELINES FOR 2024-2025 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 and the Maryland Hunting Regulations.  

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.

2024-2025 Guidelines Corrections and Clarifications

Please check back here for any corrections or clarifications that may be made during the season.

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. 

VII. WHITE TAIL DEER HUNTING.  Deer hunters may use vertical bows, crossbows, muzzle loaders, shotguns with slugs, straight-walled rifles, and air-guns in accordance with Maryland regulations.  Deer hunters are strongly encouraged to use non-toxic ammunition. Buckshot is prohibited. The use of toxic (lead) ammunition for deer hunting will be phased out by fall of 2026.

IV. Check In Procedures, Paragraph A - You must return to the HCS to change hunt zones and when you leave the refuge.  You can call in if you are changing method (e.g., switching from bow to shotgun).

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.

V. General Hunting Guidelines. Hunting is not permitted on, from, or across any road (paved, gravel, dirt, opened and/or closed); within 50 yards of any road; within 150 yards of any building or shed; nor within 25 yards of any designated “No Hunting” or “Safety Zone” areas, with following exceptions:

1. You may hunt from the vehicle, at designated areas, if you possess a Maryland State Universal Disability Pass  - see Section III.F of PRR guidelines.

2. You may hunt from the road, less than 50 yards beyond the gate at Blue Heron Pond. 

3. You may hunt from the road, less than 50 yards beyond the barricade at Wood Duck Pond. 

4. You may hunt waterfowl (goose/duck) from North Tract refuge permanent photo/hunt blinds. 

Non-Lead Ammunition.  By September 2026, FWS will phase out use of lead ammunition for ALL hunting on the refuge (deer included). Check out our Non-Lead Ammunition page for information about why it's a good idea to switch now!