First Shot Mentored Hunt Program

When: October 30/31, 2026
Where: Dorchester County, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding area
Who: Anyone 18 years and older. Applicants must be able to acquire a hunting license if selected.
Application deadline: September 9, 2026

Register Today​

Contact Torey Vayer at [email protected] for any questions regarding this event 

This event is intended for first-time adult hunters (18 and older) who would like to learn and hunt with skilled veteran hunters. Selected individuals will be paired with an experienced mentor for a hunt in Dorchester County on one of two days this fall, October 30 or 31. No experience is necessary to participate.

​This program is presented through a partnership between the National Wild Turkey Federation Maryland State Chapter, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. 

Visit the application to learn more and sign up!

Wye Island R3 Hunting Opportunities – Early Muzzleloader R3 Hunt

These events are ideal for advanced beginners and lapsed hunters, but all are welcome to apply. Visit the FAQ page to learn more.

Applications for hunt opens September 21, 2026. Link will be found here.

Application Deadline: October 4th, 2026

Early Muzzleloader R3 Hunt Opportunity:
This is a three day hunt for whitetail deer during the early muzzleloader season. Thursday (10/22) through Saturday (10/24). Twenty-five individuals will be selected by lottery and may hunt any or all of the dates during the three day period. Scouting is encouraged and permitted any day during daytime hours. Hunters selected for this hunt may choose to set up a blind or stand prior to the hunt. Temporary blinds or stands may be set up 48 hours before the hunt and must be removed the Sunday after the hunt concludes. All hunters must clearly label their stand with their DNR ID. Hunters are encouraged to bring a helper if needed. Antlered or antlerless deer may be harvested. See the hunting guide for more information about bag limits and weapon limitations.

Wye Island R3 Hunting Opportunities
​ – Youth R3 Hunt

These events are ideal for advanced beginners and lapsed hunters, but all are welcome to apply. Visit the FAQ page to learn more.

Applications for hunt opens September 21, 2026. Link will be found here.

Application Deadline: October 15th, 2026.

Youth R3 Hunt Opportunity:
This is a one day (11/14) hunt for whitetail deer. 25 hunters will be selected for the Saturday hunt. This hunt is open only to youth hunters. All hunters must be accompanied by a licensed adult 21 years or older. Scouting is encouraged and permitted any day during daytime hours. Hunters may set up a blind or stand up to 48 hours before the hunt. If hunters set up a blind or stand, they must label it with their DNR ID number. All blinds and stands must be removed by the Sunday after the hunt concludes. Antlered or antlerless deer may be harvested. See the hunting guide for more information about bag limits and weapon limitations.

Wye Island R3 Hunting Opportunities
– Firearms R3 Hunt

These events are ideal for advanced beginners and lapsed hunters, but all are welcome to apply. Visit the FAQ page to learn more​.

Applications for hunt opens September 21, 2026. Link will be found here.

​Application Deadline: October 28th, 2026

​Firearms R3 Hunt Opportunity:
This is a whitetail deer hunt for the first 7 days of firearms season. Saturday (11/28) through Saturday (12/5). Hunting is not permitted on Sunday. Selected hunters may hunt any of the dates during the 7 day period. Scouting is encouraged and permitted any day during daytime hours. Hunters selected for this hunt may set up a blind or stand before the hunt. Temporary blinds or stands may be set up 48 hours before the hunt and must be removed the Sunday after the hunt concludes. If a hunter sets up a stand or blind it must be clearly labeled with the hunter's DNR ID. Hunters are encouraged to bring a helper if needed. Antlered or antlerless deer may be harvested. See the hunting guide for more information about bag limits and weapon limitations.