Hunting Guidelines

HUNTING GUIDELINES FOR 2025-2026 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 send them to Info@mnha.net. 

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

2025-2026 Guidelines Corrections and Clarifications

Christmas Closing Time. Section II.B - Hunting ends at 12:00 noon and the station closes at 1PM. 

February Close Date. Section XIV - Last day of hunting is Feb 7 (Youth, Veteran, and Military Waterfowl Day).

Baiting is PROHIBITED.  Possession or use of bait will result in fines and loss of hunting privileges.  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. 

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!

Air Guns. Air guns that meet MD regulations are permitted at the refuge. This includes air guns that shoot bolts and bullets (PCP air guns).  They are considered firearms and can only be used to hunt deer during the firearms season.

North Tract Zone Closures.  Beginning November 29, 2025, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), in coordination with the Federal law enforcement partners, will expand Federal law enforcement partners use of the firing ranges located on the North Tract. To ensure everyone’s safety during range operations, access to five hunting zones—Zones D, E, F, G and H—will be closed to the public except for specified dates. Zones D, E, F, G and H will be open for hunting on the following dates:

Monday, December 1, 2025
Friday, December 5, 2025
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Monday, December 8, 2025
Friday, December 12, 2025
Saturday, December 13, 2025

Zone Z will be archery only for deer, turkey, and small game hunting; waterfowl hunters can use firearms (shotgun) as permitted.   The remaining North Tract, South Tract, and Schaffer Farm zones will be open as usual.