Managed Deer Hunting Programs
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.
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 and locations for various Shooter Qualification events. A full list of participating sportsmen’s clubs and qualification sites will be available on the Shooter Qualification Calendar. Hunters interested in participating in managed hunts should contact the organization holding the hunt to learn more about their program and any additional requirements.
The Seneca Creek State Park managed deer hunt in Montgomery County has a limit of 30 hunters. For more information call 410-356-9272 or email. You can find the Seneca Creek application on the Maryland DNR’s Wildlife Management Area Central page.
The Anne Arundel County managed deer hunt has a limit of 140 hunters. For more information call 410-222-2844 or email.
Please visit Anne Arundel County’s Deer Management Program page for an application form and a complete list of rules and regulations.
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 (SERC) 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 allowed per hunter. Group applications of up to three hunters will be accepted.
- Shotguns with slugs and straight-walled cartridge rifles are now allowed during Firearms Season hunts. Ammunition and rifle must meet all regulations set forth by MD DNR for Anne Arundel County in the Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.
- 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.
- Must be at least 16 years old to qualify for the hunt. Junior hunters must be accompanied by a guardian.
- 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. 1st and 2nd, 2025.
- Smithsonian Environmental Research Center application form.
2025-2026 Lottery Hunt Dates:
Application Deadline – October 6, 2025
Lottery Drawing – October 10, 2025
Mandatory Scout Days – November 1st & 2nd, 2025
Hunt Day 1 – November 29, 2025
Hunt Day 2 – December 13, 2025
Hunt Day 3 – December 27, 2025
Hunt Day 4 – January 10, 2026
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.
