More parks | WMAs | Outdoor activities | Nature Tourism/Outdoor Adventures | DNR home page





Hunting
Location Two Sand Islands in the Susquehanna Flats
Susquehanna State Park, 410-557-7994
Harford County
Access Public boat ramps in city of Havre de Grace. Boat required to reach the islands. Four blind sites are available by lottery on the islands.
Season Check the Hunting and Trapping in Maryland Guide for seasons for specific waterfowl.
Suitable For Families? No
Hazards/Restrictions Permit is required, which is available by lottery. Contact Rocks/Susquehanna State Park office, 410-557-7994, at the end of September for drawing information. Hunters must have the permit, a waterfowl license and appropriate stamps from DNR. Check the Hunting and Trapping in Maryland Guide for seasons and bag limits. The islands are located approximately two miles from Havre de Grace. A boat is required to reach the islands. Beware of severe wind, weather and related boating hazards. Shallow waters limit boat size on low tide. Check tide charts.
Potable Water/Restrooms Available at the public boat ramps.
Natural Features The sand islands are on the edge of the Susquehanna Flats National Wildlife Refuge, which have abundant bay grasses providing waterfowl and wildlife habitat. This estuary is located at the head of the Chesapeake Bay, its largest river water source.
Historic/Cultural Features The City of Havre de Grace provides several historical sites and museums, including the Maritime Museum and Decoy Museum. The Susquehanna Flats was a prime area for hunting canvasbacks in the United States, which peaked in the early 1900's through the 1930's. Hunting during the depression provided subsistence food for families. Major shipments were sent to restaurants in the major metropolitan areas including New York City in canvas bags. Waterfowl were shot in masses with battery guns out of boats. Other hunters shot from sinkboxes. Many waterfowl populations have been threatened by loss of bay grass habitat, but are making a comeback.
Guiding/Rentals None
Camping Closed for the season.
Other Points of Interest Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, Maritime Museum
Other Accommodations Bed and breakfasts located in Havre de Grace and Darlington. Hotels available in towns of Havre de Grace, Perryville and Aberdeen.
Fees or Permits Call Rocks/Susquehanna State Park, 410-557-7994 at the end of September for lottery drawing information and permit fees.
Description Shotgun hunting for waterfowl by permit on Susquehanna Flats near National Wildlife Refuge at the head of the Chesapeake Bay. This large estuary has shallow waters, which provide excellent waterfowl habitat for Canada Geese, Mallards, Wood Ducks, Mergansers and Teal and some less common species such as Shovelers.


Resources Recommended Gear and Safety Tips

Return to the Nature Tourism/Outdoor Adventures homepage

Return to the Parks and Lands homepage