Hunting at Blackwater Refuge

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge offers limited hunting opportunities for white-tailed deer and the exotic sika deer (an introduced species of Asian elk) during the fall and winter months. Over 10,000 acres of refuge land is available for deer hunting during the archery, muzzleloader, and shotgun seasons. A special youth-only hunt is also held. A refuge permit is required in addition to a valid Maryland State hunting license. Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, with the application and permitting process taking place through the mail. Certain refuge-specific restrictions apply, and check-in is required during some hunts, so careful review of the regulations (sent with application packet) is a must. Applications can be requested by calling the Blackwater NWR Hunt Coordinator or the Visitor Center.