Hunting and Trapping Information

Hunting is permitted throughout the forest except where posted with safety zone signs. Big Run State Park and New Germany State Park are situated in the Savage River State Forest and hunting is prohibited in the state parks. The forest boundaries are marked with yellow paint on trees – a yellow bar as you enter the state forest and a yellow dot as you exit the state forest. Hunting on or crossing private land within or near the State Forest requires the written permission of the landowner. Parking is permitted along roadways, providing that traffic and forest gates are not blocked. Hunters must possess a valid Maryland Hunting License and should refer to the current Hunting and Trapping Guide for season dates and specific regulations.

Several roads are opened every fall to accommodate hunters. These gated roads are opened prior to squirrel season in September and remain open through January 31. Open roads can be used by all hunters and allow for licensed vehicular traffic. Due to the nature of these roads, the use of licensed four-wheel drive vehicles is recommended. No ORV’s are permitted on these roads.

Hunter safety classes are required for the purchase of a license. Classes are taught periodically through the Department of Natural Resources. Classes are usually offered at one of the state parks, local hunting clubs or the local community college.

Trapping is permitted on both land and in the water. A permit can be issued for trapping on Savage River State Forest at the Regional Wildlife Office in Flintstone. Trappers are required to obtain a certificate of trapper education from the Department of Natural Resources. Trapper education courses are offered statewide. Refer to the Hunting and Trapping Guide for complete regulations. A valid hunting license is required when applying for a trapping permit.

The Guide to Hunting & Trapping in Maryland contains the current regulations and seasons for hunting and trapping on Savage River State Forest.

Disabled Accessible

Savage River State Forest offers over 2.8 miles of accessible hunting areas. For additional accessible amenities in Maryland State Forests and Parks, visit the Access For All section of this website.

The following state forest road gates will be opened for public access as indicated for hunting and firewood cutting (permits available at headquarters).

• HARDSTUGGLE CAMP ROAD - 1.3 miles West of intersection with Rt. 219 at Keyser’s Ridge on the North side of Rt. 40
• KEYSER’S RIDGE - ½ mile West of Rt. 219 on the North side if Rt. 40
• COLLIER PLACE - across from Friend’s Stockyard, 1.3 miles South of Keyer’s Ridge on Rt. 219
• BOWMAN HILL - North & South of Bowman Hill Rd., 1.2 miles East of intersection with Rabbit Hollow Rd., 1.5 miles West of intersection with Amish Rd.
• AMISH ROAD - West side of Amish Rd., just North of Alexander Run
• FORT HILL - Past the end of Fort Hill Rd., just past Murphy Cemetery (pending approval of private access at the end of Fort Hill Rd.). Dry Run Road- 2.0 miles East of Black Hawk School Rd.
• Maynardier Ridge Road - Snowmobile trail on South side of Maynardier Ridge Rd., ¾ mile NW of intersection at New Germany Rd. & Otto Ln.
• FAIRVIEW ROAD - 1.75 miles South of intersection of Fairview Rd. & New Germany Rd., just South of the high-tension power line.
• ASA DURST PLACE - West side of West Shale Rd., 1 mile from New Germany Rd. (Outer gate only)
• WOLF SWAMP - North side of Twin Churches Rd., just East of private campground.
• ST. JOHNS ROCK - Across from Big Savage Trail Head off Beall School Rd. (open-year-round as part of ORV trail)
• RED DOG ROAD - North side of Avilton Lonaconing Rd., just West of the intersection at Swamp Rd. (Open year-round as part of ORV trail)
• LAUREL RUN - South side of Avilton Lonaconing Rd. at George’s Creek Church of the Brethren.

ACCESS FOR THE MOBILITY IMPAIRED

Only visitors who have in possession a valid handicapped hunter permit may operate motor vehicles on the following roads from August through closure. Check HQ or signage for dates:

• FRANK BRENNEMAN ROAD - North of Frank Brenneman Rd. through Maynardier Ridge Rd.
• WEST SHALE ROAD - .3 miles North of Otto Ln., East side of West Shale Rd.

TREESTANDS: Permanent tree stands are PROHIBITED on state property. Tree stands are limited to those of a temporary nature that cause no harm to trees and must be removed at the end of each day.