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 purchase a MNHA membership  to participate in archery and/or firearm qualification shoots.  We do not charge "per weapon" fees.   (You can qualify with bow, crossbow, muzzle loader, shotgun, and straight-wall rifle all for the same membership.)

If you are not 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: Sundays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

September - January: When the HCS is open, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

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

NEW CHECK-IN PROCEDURES.   You must check-in at the HCS and receive a pass to go to the Range.  If you are not an MNHA member, you must purchase a membership at that time. (Cash and check only.)  You must present a valid photo ID to the range security officers when you reach the range gate.  IDs will be checked at the HCS before you leave.  WHen you arrive at Range 8, you must park in the lot on the otherside of the road (on the hill) - this is a mandatory Range Control requirement.  Once you have completed shooting, you must exit the range immediately and return to the HCS to receive your Qualification Card.

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 get 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. 

2027 DATES WILL BE POSTED IN JANUARY WHEN WE RECEIVE THE DATES FROM RANGE CONTROL

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