Weapon Qualifications

Patuxent Research Refuge does not require a Maryland State Shooter Qualification Card to hunt deer.

However, MNHA provides opportunities for hunters to receive a Maryland State Shooter Qualification Card to participate in non-PRR managed deer hunts.

You must be a PRR Hunting Permit holder or a MNHA member to participate in archery and/or firearm qualification shoots.  There are no additional "per weapon" fees.   (You can qualify with bow, crossbow, muzzle loader, shotgun, and straight-wall rifle all for the same permit/membership.)

If you are not a permit holder nor a MNHA member, you may purchase an MNHA membership on the day of the qualification shoot.  As a MNHA member you receive additional benefits including use of the bow range and membership range days.  See MNHA Membership for additional information.

Archery Qualification

Archery qualifications are generally available when the Hunting Control Station is open.  Times may be limited based on staffing.  Please call ahead to confirm that archery qualifications are available.  Archery qualifications are:

August: Saturdays from 9AM to 2PM

September - January: When the HCS is open, from 9AM to 4PM

We follow state requirements for qualifications. Shooters are required to place 3 out of 5 shots in 9" qualification targets.  Targets are placed at random distances, 30 yards and less. 

All shots taken to qualify must be taken with broadheads or practice broadheads - NO EXCEPTIONS. 

Firearms Qualification

Firearms (muzzleloader, shotgun, and straight-wall rifles) qualifications are available on the dates and times listed below.

No one will be permitted to depart the Hunting Control Station one (1) hour before the range closing time. (This is based on the travel time to ge to the range and the Government Range Officer's direction to clear/clean up the range by the closing time.) 

We follow state requirements for qualifications. For shotgun and straight-wall firearms, shooters are required to place 3 out of 5 shots in 9" qualification targets.  For muzzleloader, shooters are required to place 2 out of 3 shots in 9" qualification targets. 

We are in need of volunteers on all range days.  If you would like to volunteer please call the hunting control station and/or arrive by 8:00AM to go out to the ranges. 

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