E. H. Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge hosts a white-tailed deer hunt program in conjunction with Mason Neck State Park to manage the deer population. Refuge staff administers a three day deer hunt, typically in November and December. Hunters may use buckshot or slugs. Hunters are required to apply to a lottery, attend an orientation, and qualify their firearms at designated firing ranges. Click below for a deer hunt application and more information. 
Deer Hunt Application and Information. 

Though exploring the refuge is restricted to established nature trails, you’ll find that these winding forested corridors are rich in nature and history. Visitors to the refuge can enjoy hiking our 4 miles of trails to view birds and other wildlife, or simply enjoy the solitude.

Download the bird list (pdf)

Interpretation facilities on the refuge include three kiosks with informative panels. Two are located at the trails heads of Great marsh and Woodmarsh Trails. An additional kiosk is located further down Woodmarsh Trail toward Sycamore Road. Each kiosk contains a map panel to physically orient the visitor and additional panels covering topics such as viewable wildlife, bald eagles, invasive and exotic plants and animal species, and white-tailed deer.

The refuge features an environmental education loop trail off Sycamore Road. This area is not open to the general public and requires a Special Use Permit for access (refer to permit section). Environmental education activities are primarily self-guided field trips exploring topics prepared by the teacher. Educators may arrange appointments with staff to tour the refuge and prepare for a field trip. Field study equipment is available for loan including a small audio visual library. Interested educational groups or institutions are required to obtain a Special Use Permit to gain refuge access for their program. Fees may be waived for education programs.

The digital photo age has made nature photography both fun and easy. Vistas and overlook platforms located along our hiking trails provide secluded viewing points to capture photographs of wildlife and colorful landscapes. Enjoy the search for woodland songbirds, waterfowl, and eagles as you hike through the mature upland forests of oak and hickory to the expansive tidal marsh.