Maryland Department of Natural Resources

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Wetipquin WMA

A 100-acre pocket of mixed hardwoods and loblolly pine forest in southwestern Wicomico County, the Wetipquin WMA came to be under state ownership in 1991. Wetipquin WMA is a great spot for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy eastern Maryland's bountiful wildlife.

What To See

Forest wildlife, including many species of colorful songbirds dwell at Wetipquin WMA. Wood ducks and Great blue herons can be seen in the waters and marshes of Wetipquin Creek.

What To Do

Hunters come to Wetipquin WMA for the white-tailed deer, gray squirrels and wild turkey which roam the forests and adjacent fields. Wetipquin WMA is located next to a larger Chesapeake Forest parcel called the Whitehaven Tract. Hikers will find many unmarked trails for bird-watching, nature photography or just a daytime get-away.

Area Regulations

  • Use of Wetipquin WMA is generally permitted seven days a week throughout the year.
  • Hunting is allowed in accordance with open seasons and shooting hours.
  • All State and Federal Hunting Laws and Regulations are applicable.
  • Trapping is by permit only.
  • No motorized vehicles are allowed.

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 and suitable for hiking, nature photography, birding, hunting and other recreational activities, but are not actively marked.
  • Visitors to the management area should be aware that there may be biting flies, mosquitoes, and ticks present during April - November.

Site Management Goals

  • Invasive species are being managed to protect the wetland habitat.
  • The forest will be managed to prevent insect and disease outbreaks and the loblolly pine will be managed by selective harvesting or thinning.

DirectionsMaryland Map depicting approximate location of Tar Bay WMA

From U.S. Route 50, take MD 349 south to Wetipquin Creek and Head of the Creek Road. For additional information, contact the LeCompte Wildlife Office at (410) 376-3236.

Acrobat iconClick Here for Map

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.​