Managed Deer Hunting Programs

Managed Deer Hunting Programs

In addition to satisfying licensing, Maryland hunter safety and stamp requirements; lottery selection and a Shooter Qualification Card are required to participate in the following managed deer hunting programs:

• Gunpowder Falls State Park

Department of Natural Resources Shooter Qualification Card Program

Through the Shooter Qualification Program local sportsman’s clubs, shooting clubs and other groups avail their facilities and expertise to certify hunters for the program. Hunters who meet certain shooting qualification standards become certified and receive a Maryland State Shooter Qualification Card valid for the current hunting license year. This card serves as “proof of proficiency” and enables a qualified hunter to be eligible for many of the managed deer hunts held across Maryland.

The qualification event held at the Notchcliff Army National Guard Range in Baltimore County for the Gunpowder Falls hunting program will be held on Dec. 10, 2023 (All hunters must arrive by 9:00 a.m.).

Other Shooter Qualification events are held at different times and locations throughout the year. Many of the organizations that host these events charge a fee. The Department of Natural Resources will issue a press release in the summer announcing the dates for the various qualifications and will list the website addresses of participating sportsmen’s clubs and other locations where Shooter Qualifications will be held. The website address for all this information is: dnr.maryland.gov/huntersguide/Documents/shoot_qual_cal.pdf. Hunters interested in participating in managed hunts should contact the organization holding the hunt to learn more about their program and any additional requirements.

For the managed deer hunt at Gunpowder Falls:

• Hunters will be chosen by lottery. Only one application per hunter. Group applications of up to three hunters will be accepted and must be stapled together.
• Only shotguns using slugs or rifles that fire straight-walled cartridges may be used for these hunts.
• The use of scopes is encouraged.
• Deer taken during these hunts will not count toward the hunter’s regular deer Firearms Season bag limit.
• Hunters participating in the Gunpowder Falls hunt will be allowed to harvest four antlerless deer and approximately one out of 10 hunters will be chosen by drawing on the morning of the hunt to harvest an antlered deer in lieu of one of the four antlerless deer.
• If a hunt date is cancelled by the Park Service, those hunters selected may be given preference in the lottery for the following season.

The Gunpowder Falls State Park, Sweet Air Area managed deer hunt in Baltimore County has a limit of 90 hunters. For more information call 410-356-9272 between 7:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. or 410-592-2897. The Gunpowder Falls application is online at dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/publiclands/wmacentral.aspx.

Any new State Park hunting opportunities that are approved after this guide is printed will be advertised on the DNR website.

The Anne Arundel County managed deer hunt has a limit of 140 hunters. For more information call 410-222-3407 or 410-222- 6141 between 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. or email [email protected].

Please visit their website for an application form and a complete list of rules and regulations. aacounty.org/services-and-programs/deer-management-program

The Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks Department managed deer hunt in Anne Arundel County has these provisions:

• A Shooter Qualification Card and verification that the hunter has complied with the Hunter Education and Safety Requirement are required to participate in this hunt.
• Hunters and hunting dates will be chosen by lottery.
• Hunters must pass background checks and participate in an interview.
• Rifles that fire straight-walled cartridges, Shotguns and Muzzleloaders are the only firearms allowed for these hunts. Ammunition type is restricted.
• MD residency or active duty military with proof of station in MD is required.
• Hunters must provide their own and use a portable tree stand.
• The use of iron sights and/or scopes is required.
• There is a mandatory pre-hunt meeting as well as mandatory scout dates.
• Additional fees apply.

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center managed deer hunt in Anne Arundel County has these provisions:

• A Shooter Qualification Card and verification that the hunter has complied with the Hunter Education and Safety Requirement are required to participate in this hunt.
• Hunters will be chosen by lottery. Only one application per hunter. Group applications of up to three hunters will be accepted and must be stapled together.
• Shotguns with slugs are the only firearms allowed during Firearms Season hunts.
• Hunters are responsible for their own safety and the use of a tree harness is encouraged.
• The use of scopes is encouraged.
• The use of a portable tree stand is required.
• Accommodations will be made for hunters with a Universal Disability Pass that will allow them to hunt from a vehicle.
• Pre-hunt mandatory scout dates are Nov. 4 and Nov. 5, 2023.
• The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center application form can be found at: https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/publiclands/wmasouthern.aspx

The Wye Island Natural Resources Management Area managed deer hunt in Queen Anne’s County has these provisions:

• Hunters will be chosen by lottery for both the October muzzleloader deer hunt and the December firearms deer hunt.
• For more information call 410-827-7577.