Hunting
If you hear what sounds like an elk bugle coming from the marshes of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, you aren't imagining things. The shrill bugle is coming from a sika, a small Asian elk species that thrives at this refuge. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge offers fantastic hunting for sika and white-tailed deer during archery, muzzleloader and shotgun seasons. A refuge permit is required and can easily be obtained via the Recreation.gov website. Hunters have many options and can choose to hunt more than 12 weeks of archery from September through January, up to 10 days of muzzleloader, and up to eight days of shotgun. In addition, the refuge offers a special two-day youth hunt for hunters 16 and under. More than 16,000 acres are open to hunting across the refuge’s 20-plus hunt units, including two units that are designated for hunters with permanent disabilities. Parking is distributed throughout the refuge, and hunters access their units on foot. The refuge also offers boat-accessible waterfowl hunting October through January in both inland and Chesapeake Bay waters. Finally, turkey hunters can apply for a lottery for the refuge’s spring turkey hunt, which takes place in April and May, including a special day for youth hunters.
Learn about the "First Shot" mentored hunt program here! Applications for the 2025-26 program are now open!
Hunting and Fishing Plan
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released a final hunting and fishing plan for Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex in Maryland, which includes Blackwater and Eastern Neck NWRs. No significant changes were made between the draft and final versions of the Hunting and Fishing Plan. As part of the new plan, Blackwater and Eastern Neck NWRs will propose a non-lead requirement, which will take effect on September 1, 2026. Other changes that are now in effect include the use of straight wall cartridges during shotgun hunts, the incidental take of coyotes, and an early teal season.
The final plan can be viewed here.
Hunting at Blackwater
Unless otherwise stated in the refuge regulations for each hunt, Blackwater NWR follows State of Maryland hunting rules and regulations. In addition to the proper Maryland hunting license(s), those hunting at Blackwater NWR must obtain a refuge hunting permit that is issued through our contractor, Recreation.gov. Hunters are responsible for reviewing and abiding by all regulations established by the State of Maryland and the refuge.
Hunters are required to possess on their person at all times during all refuge hunting and scouting days:
- an electronic or printed copy of a valid Maryland hunting license and all required stamps,
- an original valid government-issued photo identification (no copies or photos),
- and a valid electronic or printed refuge hunting permit issued by Recreation.gov.
Applying for Hunt Permits
Please note that you MUST apply for the refuge hunts via an online application system located at Recreation.gov. Hunters apply directly on the website or by calling the recreation.gov customer service number, 877-444-6777. Once you access the website, you will need to create an account and search for "Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Permits". Choose the hunt you are applying for, and instructions on the website will guide you through the application process.
Application tips:
- We recommend using a standard desktop or laptop computer when applying for hunts, as opposed to a smartphone.
- Set up your Recreation.gov account before applying for hunts, and keep your information up to date.
- Keep your Maryland DNR ID number handy while applying. We require this number on the application (NOT your hunting license number).
Turkey Hunt
The 2026 turkey hunt information is posted below. This year's regulations, table of dates, and map are contained in one file.
Applications for the turkey hunt lottery at Blackwater NWR are available on Recreation.gov . Although the primary lottery process is over, unclaimed hunt dates have been released for purchase, and several remain available.
Deer Hunt
The 2025-26 deer hunt has ended. The 2025 regulations, table of dates, and map can be found on the Library Page. Keep in mind this is for reference only, as dates and some regulations may change for the 2026 season.
Next season's deer hunt information is typically posted to this page in June.
The Avenza deer hunt map has been updated for 2025 to reflect some minor boundary changes. Please download this file so you will have the most up-to-date information.
Waterfowl Hunt
The 2025-26 waterfowl hunt has ended. The 2025 regulations file can be found on the Library Page. Keep in mind this is for reference only, as dates and some regulations may change for the 2026 season.
Next season's waterfowl hunt information is typically posted to this page in August.
Waterfowl hunting maps of each site and pictures of access points can be found on our Library Page.
Lead-Free Incentive
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge continues to offer the lead-free hunting ammunition incentive.
Hunters, try lead-free hunting ammunition this spring turkey hunting season. Blackwater hunters can submit receipts to receive a gift card for up to $50 per box of lead-free hunting ammunition ($25/box for shotgun). Limit 2 boxes of ammunition per eligible hunter. The incentives will be provided on a first, come first serve basis until the available funds at each refuge are exhausted.
Please submit the following online at the Lead-Free Ammunition Incentive | FWS.gov
- current year refuge permit for a firearm hunt
- photo of purchased box(es) of lead-free hunting ammunition
- your purchase receipt(s)
The incentives are received and distributed by the North American Lead-free Partnership; if you have further questions on the program, please email them at incentives@nonleadpartnership.org .
Wayfinding Map for Smartphones
Wayfinding maps for Blackwater’s hunt units are now available using the AVENZA MAPS smartphone app. This free app uses your phone’s GPS to find your location, and works without a signal from your carrier. It is available for Apple and Android devices. Learn how to install the Avenza app here. After installing the app on your phone, download the Blackwater Avenza Hunt Unit Map below to use with the app while hunting on the refuge. Please note that any boundary markings you find on the ground trump boundary lines on the hunt unit map.
