DNR Managed Hunt Permit

Hunters are required to possess the DNR Managed Hunt Permit (MHP) before participating in certain managed hunts on DNR lands. A MHP costs $35.00 and is valid statewide wherever DNR charges for public hunting access. The MHP replaced the variety of fees charged on a tract-by-tract basis in the past. The funds generated by the sale of this permit will support the hunting programs on DNR lands that don’t otherwise receive funding from hunting revenues.

The MHP is available through license vendors, Regional Service Centers, over the Internet (http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/service/) and by telephone (1-800-918-2870).

A MHP is valid for an entire year, and only one MHP is needed to cover the additional fees previously associated with all managed hunts on DNR property. Purchasing the MHP is NOT required to participate in any lottery or other managed hunt drawing; it is needed only if a hunter is selected and participates in the hunt. Persons exempt from this requirement are those legally hunting with a Junior Hunting License or any person serving in the United States Armed Forces that is exempt from needing a Maryland Hunting License.

The MHP is NOT required on Wildlife Management Areas or Cooperative Wildlife Management Areas since their management is already funded by hunter dollars.

Requiring a fee to hunt on selected State Parks, Natural Resources Management Areas, and Natural Environment Areas is consistent with the approach of charging users additional fees for certain activities. These user-based fees are an important source of revenue to the Maryland Park Service.

Areas that require this permit have site-specific regulations as to the species hunted, weapons permitted, access to the area (i.e. lottery or daily reservation) or other restrictions. Hunters are responsible to know and adhere to these specific area regulations and conditions, which can be obtained by contacting the DNR office responsible for that area.