Maryland Department of Natural Resources – Wildlife and Heritage Service

Gwynnbrook Wildlife Management Area
3740 Gwynnbrook Avenue
Owings Mills, Maryland 21117
410-356-9272

Central Region State Park Waterfowl Regulations

Forty-five waterfowl blind stakes are available for public hunting in Elk Neck, Gunpowder Falls (Days Cove and North Point), and Susquehanna State Parks. All hunters are required to have a Managed Hunt Permit ($35.00 and issued at a licensing agent) to hunt at any of the three State Parks. Additionally, waterfowl hunters need a Gwynnbrook Seasonal Permit (free) and reservation, both of which will be issued at the Gwynnbrook Office in Owings Mills, Maryland. Permits and reservations will be available as follows: Four days prior to opening day of waterfowl season and will close the last day of waterfowl season, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Monday through Friday. The permit office will be closed on all State Holidays. (Note: Maps of the waterfowl hunting areas are not available online. Maps are available through the Gwynnbrook Office.)

REGISTRATION: A seasonal permit will be issued to each hunter who registers with the permits coordinator at the Gwynnbrook Office. To register, a hunter may:

a.) Visit the Gwynnbrook Office (Mon. through Fri., 7:30 – 11:30 a.m.), and present their hunting license and applicable stamps/permits, at that time: or

b.) Mail a photocopy of their hunting license, and applicable stamps/permits, including current address, daytime phone # and vehicle tag # to the permits coordinator at the Gwynnbrook Office. (We do not accept licenses by fax.)

Hunters wishing to obtain a seasonal permit must include a 9 x 12 inch size self-addressed stamped envelope with .89 cents postage.

RESERVATIONS: A seasonal permit only entitles a hunter to make daily reservations. No one may hunt the waterfowl sites without having first obtained a seasonal permit. Daily reservations are required for all waterfowl sites.

Daily reservations are issued on a first-come, first-served basis, and may be made either in-person or by phone, Mon. through Fri., 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Reservations may be made up to 4 calendar days prior to the day of the hunt. A hunter may make one reservation per site and add up to three hunters at that site. Do not attempt to leave reservation requests on the answering machine. Reservations left on the answering machine will not be honored, and calls will not be returned.

Reservations will be required for all waterfowl sites and can be made up to four days in advance. A particular blind site may not be hunted by the same person more than once during the four day reservation period or on consecutive Saturdays, regardless of who reserved the site. This restriction does not apply if the blind has not been reserved the day before or the day of the hunt. Hunters may reserve or hunt at more than one blind site within a four day period or on consecutive Saturdays as long as they utilize different blind sites. If a hunter, who has made a reservation, is unable to hunt, please cancel your reservations at least 24 hours in advance so that another hunter may utilize the opportunity to hunt.

Permission to hunt does not include permission to target shoot and build permanent waterfowl blinds. Failure to comply with any of these rules, and any hunting regulations, will result in a fine and/or suspension from the program.

General Regulations

Hunting is only allowed at designated sites and is for waterfowl only. Each blind site is numbered. Site jumping or moving to an unoccupied blind site without a reservation is prohibited (Reservations are site specific). Hunting from either land or boat is permitted, but hunters must be within twenty-five feet of the blind marker. Waterfowl hunters are responsible for locating their own boat launch locations. Please be courteous and pick up all litter (including empty shotgun hulls) at each blind site.

Park Specific Regulations

Susquehanna and Elk Neck sites will be all day hunting and no lotteries. Hunters are only allowed to hunt from a boat on the Susquehanna River sites. At the Elk Neck sites, you may only hunt from a boat or by standing in the water within twenty-five feet of the blind site stake. Elk Neck sites will not be open until the second split of duck season.

Gunpowder sites will be a.m. hunting during the first duck season split and both of the later splits will be a.m./p.m. reservations. Morning hunters are required to be packed up and off the site no later than 12:00 p.m. (noon). Early resident goose and teal hunting on the Gunpowder sites must conclude no later than 9:30 a.m. Blind number six on Gunpowder requires hunters to have a dog, due to the thick vegetation that surrounds the site. Additionally, hunters of the Pleasure Island blind sites will be allowed to hunt form either side of the Island. Lottery days for the Gunpowder sites will be all day hunting.

Lottery Procedures for Gunpowder Sites

Reservations for four Saturdays (both Saturdays during the first duck season split and the first Saturday during the middle and late splits) will be issued by lottery.  An official application (attached) must be filled out and returned to the Gwynnbrook Office.  Applications for the first duck season will be accepted until 11:30 a.m. on September 18, 2009.  The lottery for the first duck season will be held at 12:30 p.m. on September 21, 2009.  Applications for the second (middle split) duck season will be accepted until 11:30 a.m. on October 9, 2009.  The lottery for the second duck season will be held at 12:30 p.m. on October 12, 2009.  Applications for the third (late split) duck season will be accepted until 11:30 a.m. on November 6, 2009.  The lottery for the third duck season will be held at 12:30 p.m. on November 9, 2009.  All lotteries will be held at the Gwynnbrook Office.  Additional applications are available from the Gwynnbrook Office.

Description of Days Cove Waterfowl Blind Sites

Site #1 This site is located on the North Shore of the Bird River approximately 250 yards east of Bowerman’s Marina. It is open water and is accessible during a low tide. Cover is limited and a camouflaged boat is recommended.

Site #2 This site is located on the North Shore of the Bird River approximately 500 yards east of Bowerman’s Marina. The site is at the rear of a slight cove on open water and is accessible during a low tide. Cover is limited and a camouflaged boat is recommended.

Site #3 This site is located on the North Shore of the Bird River approximately 750 yards east of Bowerman’s Marina. The site is on a slight point of land on open water and is accessible during a low tide. Cover is limited and a camouflaged boat is recommended.

Site #4 This site is located on the North Shore of the Bird River approximately 300 yards west of the mouth of Duck Creek on open water. The site is on a slight point of land on open water and is accessible during a low tide. Cover is limited and a camouflaged boat is recommended.

Site #5 This site is located on the North Shore of the Bird River at the mouth of Duck Creek. The site is on open water and is accessible during a low tide. A camouflaged boat is recommended.

Site #6 This site is located near the headwaters of Duck Creek. Travel up Duck Creek until the number six sign is visible (approximately 300 yards). The site is shallow at high tide and nearly impossible to access on a low tide. The creek is very narrow and the shoreline has a large stand of cattails and phragmites. A small boat is recommended and a retrieving type dog is required to hunt this site.

Site #7 This site is located on the North Shore of the Bird River where the main branch of the Big Gunpowder Falls joins the Bird River. The site is on a point of land on open water with good visibility of the Big Gunpowder Falls and the Bird River. This open water site is accessible during a low tide. Some cover is available and a camouflaged boat is recommended.

Site #8 This site is located on the western tip of the island. It is on the main branch of the Big Gunpowder Falls. The island is approximately 250 yards east of the mouth of the Little Gunpowder Falls. This river site provides fair cover, but a limited field of view. A small boat is advisable and access may be limited during a low tide.

Site #9 This site is on the North Shore of the main branch of the Big Gunpowder Falls approximately 350 yards east of the island. The river provides good cover, but a limited field of view. A small boat is advisable and access may be limited during a low tide.

Site #10 This site is located on the East Shore of the main branch of the Big Gunpowder Falls between the mouth of Days Cove and the mouth of the Little Gunpowder. This site has good water during a low tide and good visibility. Cover is limited and a camouflaged boat is recommended.

Site #11 This site is in the marsh between Days Cove and Mariner Point Marina. The site is located approximately 150 yards east of the main branch of the Big Gunpowder Falls on the only channel that runs east to west through the marsh. The marsh is covered with cattail and phragmites. There is good visibility at this site. Access to the site is limited during low tide and a small camouflaged boat is recommended.

Description of North Point Waterfowl Blind Sites

Site #12 This site is just north of Shallow Creek along the shore of North Point State Park. The water is very shallow and there are some reeds and bushes for cover. Depending upon the weather this site offers little cover from the wind and waves. Hunters should use caution and watch the weather carefully.

Site #13 This site is at the end Ferry Grove Pier at the sunken barges. Hunters using this site will either need to use a camouflaged boat or some hunters prefer to tie up behind the sunken barges and sit or lay down on the barges to hunt. Depending upon the weather this site offers little cover from the wind and waves. Hunters should use caution and watch the weather carefully.

Site #14 This site is north of Ferry Grove Pier along the shore of North Point State Park. There are reeds available for cover at this site. Depending upon the weather this site offers little cover from the wind and waves. Hunters should use caution and watch the weather carefully.

Site #15 This site is on the southern tip of Pleasure Island. There are reeds available for cover at this site. There are also submerged rocks on either end of the island near this site. Hunters may hunt either side of the island depending upon weather conditions (See map for exact location).

Site #16 This site is in the middle section of Pleasure Island. There are reeds available for cover at this site, however, on low tides it may not be possible to bring a boat up onto shore. Hunting a short distance offshore with a camouflaged boat would be recommended during a low tide. Hunters may hunt either side of the island depending upon weather conditions (See map for exact location).

Site #17 This site is on the northern tip of Pleasure Island, facing the southern end of Hart Miller Island. There are phragmites and reeds available for cover at this site. Hunters may hunt either side of the island depending upon weather conditions (See map for exact location).

Site #18 This site is southeast of the MES Pier on Hart Miller Island. In this small cove there are reeds and small trees available for cover to conceal a boat. Depending upon the weather this site offers little cover from the wind and waves. Hunters should use caution and watch the weather carefully. Also, due to the MES Pier and the road along the dike all shooting MUST be directed out over the open water.

Site #19 This site is on Drum Point of Hart Miller Island. Drum Point is on the west side of the island between the MES Pier and Hawk Cove. There is little cover at this site. A camouflage boat or portable blind is recommended because this site faces the setting sun.

Site #20 This site is on the point of land between Drum Point and the main camping area on Hart Miller Island. There are reeds for cover and the water is shallow at low tide. This site also faces the setting sun.

Site #21 This site is on a small section of riprap north of the Hart Miller Island swimming area. The water is shallow and there are no reeds available for cover. The water is shallow and you will be facing the setting sun.

Site #22 This site is north of the Hart Miller Island swimming area. There are reeds, bushes, and small trees available for cover. The water is shallow and you will be facing the setting sun.

Site #23 This site is on the northwest corner of Hart Miller Island in the back of a small cove. The water is shallow and there are reeds available for cover.

Site #24 This site is on the north shore of Hart Miller Island. There are remnants of an old wooden pier at this location. Depending on the weather, this site offers little cover from the wind and waves. Hunters should use caution and watch the weather carefully.

Description of Dundee Creek and Gunpowder River Waterfowl Blind Sites

Site #25 This site is on Dundee Creek. It is located east of the marina along the shore of the parks fishing area. Reeds and bushes are available for cover. This site will only be available during the December and January seasons.

Site #26 This site is on Government Cove in Dundee Creek. The site is located about 50 yards offshore. Hunters must anchor to the blind stake. This site will only be available during the December and January seasons.

Site #27 This site is on Cunninghill Cove in the Gunpowder River. The site is located northeast of the boat ramp. The water is shallow and there are reeds available for cover. This site will only be available during the December and January seasons.

Description of Elk Neck State Park Waterfowl Blind Sites

Elk River Sites

Site #28 This site is located north of the Thackery Point Wastewater Plant at the old boat launching ramp. It is protected from all but an east wind. Hunters need to be aware of the wave action from ships using the C & D Canal Route.

Site #29 This site is located in the cove between Thackery and Stoney Points. A large marsh is behind the blind site stake. Hunters will have open water to their front and should be aware of the wave action from ships using the C & D Canal Route.

Site #30 This site is located in the cove south of Stoney Point and north of the Rogues Harbor boating facility. A large marsh is behind the blind site stake. Hunters will have open water to their front and should be aware of the wave action from ships using the C & D Canal Route.

Site #31 This site is located south of the Chesapeake Isle Development and approximately 50 yards north of the northern most rock pile in the Elk River off of Turkey Point. A marsh is behind the blind site and the site stake is located east of a row of cedar trees on the shore line. Hunters should use caution and watch the weather carefully because this open water site is very susceptible to wind and wave action. A large boat is recommended.

Chesapeake Bay Sites

Site #32 This site is located on the western shore of Turkey Point where the blue trail exits the woods at the edge of the riprap. A southerly wind can create waves reaching 3-4 feet high. Hunters should use caution and watch the weather carefully because this open water site is very susceptible to wind and wave action. A large boat is recommended.

Site #33 This site is located in the cove north of the Chesapeake Isle Development on the west side of the Turkey Point Peninsula. Hunters should use caution and watch the weather carefully. A large boat is recommended.

Site #34 This site is located off of Rocky Point and south of the North East swimming beach. Open water is to the west and the Susquehanna Flats are in close proximity. Hunters should use caution and watch the weather carefully. A large boat is recommended.

Description of Susquehanna State Park Waterfowl Blind Sites

Sand Island Sites

Caution: Hunters must be aware of weather conditions due to the open water that must be traveled to reach the Sand Islands. High winds can cause waves that could be dangerous to open boats loaded with hunters and decoys. Cell phones are recommended for hunters that want to hunt these islands.

Site #35 This site is at the northern end of North Island. The blind stake is located approximately 20 feet from the shore in front of some downed trees. A boat can be anchored against the trees. On low tide and/or a north wind, access can be limited.

Site #36 This site is at the southern end of North Island. The blind stake is located approximately 20 feet from shore. On low tide and/or a north wind, access can be limited.

Site #37 This site is at the northern end of South Island. The blind stake is located approximately 20 feet from the shore in front of some downed trees. A boat can be anchored against the trees. On low tide and/or a north wind, access can be limited.

Site #38 This site is at the southern end of South Island. The blind stake is located approximately 20 feet from shore. The site is accessible during low tide and a camouflage boat is recommended.

Susquehanna River Sites

Site #39 This site is the northern most site of the two river sites. Harford County ADC Map Coordinate: MAP 13 K-12. Hunters must remain in the boat and be within 25 feet of the blind site marker. Hunting is prohibited from the shoreline and will be strictly enforced.

Site #40 This site is the southern most site of the two river sites. Harford County ADC Map Coordinate: MAP 13 K-13. Hunters must remain in the boat and be within 25 feet of the blind site marker. Hunting is prohibited from the shoreline and will be strictly enforced.

Site #42  This site is located on the north side of Robert’s Island  The blind site marker is located centrally on the north bank of the island with opportunities to hunt from a boat or on land.  Tidal conditions can make access very limiting.  Caution against rocks in this area during morning/evening boat travel. 

Site #43  This site is located on the north western most point of Robert’s Island.  The blind site marker is located along the shoreline.  Hunters can hunt from a boat or on shore within 25 feet of the blind site marker.  Tidal conditions can make access very limiting.  Caution against rocks in this area during morning/evening boat travel. 

Site #44  This site is located on the north eastern side of  Wood’s Island. The blind site marker is located along the shoreline.  Hunters can hunt from a boat or on shore within 25 feet of the blind site marker.  Tidal conditions can make access very limiting. 

Site # 45  This site is located on the south side of Robert’s Island.  The blind site marker is located on the eastern most point of the narrow strip of land located between Wood’s Island and Robert’s Island.  Hunters can hunt from a boat or on shore within 25 feet of the blind site marker. 

Tidal Information for Waterfowl Sites

Tidal information for specific hunting areas can be found at the following Maryland Department of Natural Resources fisheries website: www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries

Boat Ramps Near Days Cove

Mariner Point Park (410-612-1608)

Hours of Operation: 24 hours, 7 days a week

Cost: Free

Directions: Take Route 40 to Joppa Farm Road. Go approximately two miles and turn right onto Kearney Drive (A High’s and a Royal Farm Store will be on your right). Take Kearney Drive into the Park.

Bowerman Marina (410-335-8756)

Hours of Operation: Generally sunrise to sunset. Owner may make some exceptions.

Cost: $3.00. Owner requests that the $3.00 be put in an envelope marked “George” and taken to the clubhouse. It can be left inside the screened porch.

Directions: From Baltimore: Take Route 40 east and make a right onto Allender Road. Go approximately .7 miles and when you come to a “Y” in the road, bear left. The road becomes Bowerman Road. Go .5 miles and turn left at the sign for Bowerman Marina. Follow the road to the end for the boat ramp.
From Joppatowne: Take Route 40 West and make a left onto Allender Road, then follow the same directions as above.

Boat Ramps Near Hart Miller Island

Rocky Point Park (410-887-3873)

Hours of Operation: Year round/sunrise to sunset

Cost: Free

Directions: Take Route 702 south to Back River Neck Road. Make a left onto Barrison Point Road and follow it to the Park and boat ramps.

Miller’s Island Crab Pot Supply (410-477-9008)

Hours of Operation: 24 hours/7 days a week (if store is closed pay when you return)

Cost: $10.00

Directions: Take 695 to Route 20/151 south ramp (exit 42). Bear left at the end of the ramp and make a left at the first traffic light. Travel through the town of Edgemere to Route 20 (North Point Road) and make a left onto Miller’s Island Road (Bayshore Bar and Grill is on the corner). Make a right onto Miller’s Island Blvd. and they are the big white block building on the left.

View and print the waterfowl lottery applications