Maryland Department of Natural Resources

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Earleville Wildlife Management Area

Nest of squirrels - Photo by Russ PooleLocated in the southwestern portion of Cecil County, Maryland, this property is owned and managed by the Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service and managed for public hunting. The property was acquired by the State in 1968 and is dedicated to wildlife conservation.

Click Here for Map​

Management

Earleville WMA is managed by the Wildlife and Heritage Service. The mission of the Wildlife and Heritage Service is to conserve and enhance diverse wildlife populations and associated habitats while providing for public enjoyment of the State’s wildlife resources through hunting and other wildlife-dependent recreation. Of the 190 acres, Earleville WMA consists roughly of 50 acres in warm season grasses with the remaining acreage being forested. Land management practices include mowing and periodic prescribed burns to maintain the warm season grass fields. Earleville WMA provides habitat for upland game and forest game, primarily white-tailed deer, gray squirrels, rabbits, and songbirds.

Regulations for All Users

Unless otherwise posted or with a permit issued by the Service it is UNLAWFUL to:

  • Operate or possess a vehicle on roads, trails, or waterways not open to general traffic.
  • Bait or feed wildlife.
  • Use or construct permanent blinds or tree stands. All portable blinds or stands must be removed at the end of the day.
  • Ignite, cause to be ignited, or maintain a fire.
  • Camp
  • Remove, disturb, damage, or destroy any mineral, plant, rock, tree, or nongame animal.
  • Have dogs off leash from April 15 through August 15.
  • Use dogs to chase fox and raccoons.
  • Release any animal or plant.
  • Conduct commercial activities.
  • Place a cache for the purpose of geocaching.
  • Operate, possess, or use combustibles, explosives, or fireworks.
  • Dig for relics and treasures, remove prehistoric or historic artifacts, or use a metal detector without a permit from the Office of Archeology.
  • Deposit litter or refuse including, but not limited to, animal carcasses, appliances, brush, debris, furniture, garbage, hazardous material, tires, waste paper, yard waste, or other litter.
  • Vandalize real property including any blind, building, crop, equipment, gate, habitat, plant, road, sign, trail, vehicle, vessel, or other public property.
  • Graze cattle, goats, horses, sheep, or other domestic animals.
  • Place decoys prior to 1 hour before legal shooting hours, leave decoys overnight, or remove decoys later than 1 hour after legal shooting hours.
  • Target shoot​.

Hunting

Public hunting on Earleville WMA is permitted during legal hunting seasons with restrictions (see below). A free permit is required and available from the DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service Gwynnbrook Wildlife Office or online. Hunting is available for all legal game species in accordance with current hunting laws and regulations established by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

  • Click here to apply for the Free Public Hunting Permit.
  • ​Hunting is allowed all legal days of the week. See your Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping for available Sunday hunting in Cecil County.
  • ​Reservations are only required to hunt deer during a deer muzzleloader or firearms season. Reservations are limited to 6 deer hunters per day. Reservations are not required for the junior hunt days or the primitive season.
  • During Spring Turkey Season reservations are required daily from opening day through the second Saturday. Three reservations are available per day. After the second Saturday hunting is allowed seven days a week without a reservation.
  • Permitted hunting devices include all legal devices allowed in Cecil County.​​
  • Some provisions exist for licensed vehicle use on trails for hunters with a Universal Disability Pass.
  • Trapping is allowed by permit only. Contact the Gwynnbrook Wildlife Office at 410-356-9272 for more information.

Non-Hunting Users

Earleville WMA is open year-round to non-hunters. No permit or reservation is needed. Be aware of active hunting seasons. The property is open for the following activities:

  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Biking on established trails
  • Bird Watching
  • Nature Photography
  • Dogs must be leashed from April 15 through August 15

DirectionsMaryland Map showing approximate location of Earleville WMA

Earleville WMA is located in southwest portion of Cecil County. Take Rt. 213 to Glebe Rd to Fingerboard Schoolhouse Rd. For additional information or seasonal permits, contact the Gwynnbrook Wildlife and Heritage Service Office at 410-356-9272.

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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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