Warrior Mountain WMA

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A view of the green rolling mountains in Western Maryland.

Site Management Goals

Guide to Hunting and Trapping

Remotely located in central Allegany County, Warrior Mountain WMA's 4,400 acres of forest blanket the ridge and stream valley topography which is typically found in Western Maryland. At the peak of Warrior Mountain, a power line clearing overlooks a spectacular view of the surrounding terrain. Warrior Mountain WMA has served for many years as an outdoor wildlife classroom for students from grade school through college.
Did You Know....
Abandoned farms and cemeteries, some dating back to the mid-19th century, dot the landscape and old roads, perfect for a day's hike, wind through the forest. Photographers will find picture-perfect scenery and sometimes cooperative wildlife to capture for future memories.
A primitive campground on this WMA provides overnight accommodations for hardy hunters during the fall and winter. Hunters will enjoy an excellent day afield pursuing wild turkeys, white-tailed deer and gray squirrels.
What To See
Wild turkeys were here long before the earliest American settlers. In the spring, gobblers fill the air with their familiar calls, as they advertise for a mate. Throughout the spring and summer, warblers, vireos, tanagers and other brightly colored songbirds nest in the extensive forest. Visitors will see flashes of yellow, red, blue and green among the trees through the dark shadows and dappled sunlight. For those fascinated with the lives of early Maryland families, abandoned farms and cemeteries, some dating back to the mid-19th century, dot the landscape.
What To Do
Hunters will enjoy an excellent day afield pursuing wild turkeys, white-tailed deer and gray squirrels. A primitive campground on this WMA provides overnight accommodations for hardy hunters during the fall and winter. Old roads, perfect for a day's hike, wind through the forest. Hikers may find a special spot where some detail in the life of wildlife is revealed. A bare patch on the bark of a young tree might be a territorial message from one male deer to others of its kind. A bare patch of ground among the dry leaf litter may be a dusting spot for songbirds. Photographers will find picture-perfect scenery and sometimes cooperative wildlife to capture for future memories. Check out a Map of the Area.
Area Regulations

Use of the Warrior Mountain WMA is generally permitted seven days a week throughout the year.

Hunting is allowed in accordance with open seasons and shooting hours.

Trapping is by permit only.

No special permits or drawings are required to hunt this area, except appropriate licenses and stamps.

Trails are closed to vehicular traffic.

Site Management Goals

Warrior Mountain WMA is managed to provide habitat for a variety of forest and upland wildlife.

The agricultural fields and orchards at Warrior Mountain are planted and maintained to provide habitat for game and non-game wildlife.

The property provides excellent opportunity to pursue species such as white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, gray squirrels, cottontail rabbits, and ruffed grouse.

Special Areas

There is a primitive camping area available on the area, accessed via Ruby Road. The area is available for all hunting seasons on a first come, first served basis. There are no electric hook-ups available.

Non-hunting Users Guide

Non-hunting visitors are welcome.

Be aware of open hunting seasons and visit accordingly.

Season dates available in newspapers, on the Internet, and at some area stores.

Trails are maintained but not actively marked.

Trails are closed to vehicular traffic

Hardwood forests surround many of the trails and support a rich variety of song birds and other wildlife species, depending on the time of year.

Directions
From I-68 take Exit 62 (15-Mile Creek Road), bear right and make an immediate left onto MD Route 144 and drive approximately 6 miles. Turn left on Town Creek Road and drive 13 miles. Turn right on Oliver Beltz Road and proceed to a four-way dirt road intersection. Turn left to reach the former office on the east side of Warrior Mountain WMA. Access also via Ruby Road from the North and Route 51 to East Wilson Road from the South. For additional information, contact the Billmeyer Wildlife Office at (301) 478-2525.

This area is a part of Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources public land system and is managed by the Wildlife and Heritage Service. The primary mission of the WMA system is to conserve and enhance wildlife populations and their respective habitats as well as to provide public recreational use of the State’s wildlife resources.

Eighty-five percent of the funding for Maryland's state wildlife programs comes from hunting license fees and a federal excise tax on sport hunting devices and ammunition. The federal aid funds are derived from the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration (or Pittman-Robertson) Fund, which sportsmen and women have been contributing to since 1937. Each state receives a share of the funds, which is administered by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service; these funds are used for wildlife conservation and hunter education programs, including the management of the WMA system.

Other sources of funds for land acquisition include Program Open Space Funding for Maryland's State and local parks and conservation areas, provided through The Department of Natural Resources' Program Open Space. Established in 1969, Program Open Space symbolizes Maryland's long-term commitment to conserving natural resources while providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities.

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Last Updated November 1, 2007