Located
along the northern shore of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, east of
Chesapeake City, Maryland, this property is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers and leased to the Department of Natural Resources for wildlife
management and recreation. Elk Forest MHA provides habitat for upland game,
waterfowl, and forest species, primarily white-tailed deer, gray squirrels,
rabbits, and songbirds.
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Management
Elk Forest 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 wldlife resources through hunting and other wildlife-dependent recreation.
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 Elk Forest MHA 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 year-round. See your Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping for available Sunday hunting in Cecil County.
- No hunting reservations are required unless utilizing a designated waterfowl site.
- Two waterfowl pond sites are available for use. Reservations are required during any waterfowl season from September through January.
- Waterfowl hunters not utilizing an established pond site must be 250 yards away from an established site. No waterfowl hunting is allowed from the tidal shoreline.
- Spring Turkey hunting is allowed. Hunters must have the Central Region Public Hunting Permit but no reservations are required.
- Permitted hunting devices include archery equipment, muzzleloaders, and shotguns. The use of rifles and handguns is prohibited.
- Trapping is allowed by permit only. Contact the Gwynnbrook Wildlife Office at 410-356-9272 for more information.
Non-Hunting Users
Elk Forest MHA is open year-round to non-hunters. A C&D Canal Lands Non-Hunting Permit is required. Be aware of active hunting seasons. The property is open for the following activities:
Directions
Elk Forest MHA is located just east of Chesapeake City along the C&D Canal. Take Rt. 213 to Elk Forest Rd. Parking is available just past McKeown Rd. For additional information or seasonal permits, contact the Gwynnbrook Wildlife and Heritage Service Office at 410-356-9272.
Leaping Red fox, photo by Tom Koerner
