Hunting
Over 5,000 acres are open for hunting forest game, upland game, dove and deer (bow, muzzleloader and shotgun). All seasons listed in the Guide to Hunting and Trapping in Maryland.
Click here for information about hunting at Patuxent River State Park, Seneca Creek State Park, and the Monocacy Natural Resources Management Area.
Hunting Area Maps
Location
Patuxent River State Park is located along the Howard and Montgomery County line between Maryland Route 27 and 97.
Permit
No permit needed
Parking
Small parking areas are located at Brown’s Church Road, Long Corner Road, Mullinix Mill Road, Route 94, Annapolis Rock Road, Hipsley Mill Road, Jennings Chapel Road, Howard Chapel Road and Elton Farm Road.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Am I allowed to hunt small game (squirrels, rabbits, etc.) in the park?
A: Yes. .22 caliber rifles and 20 gauge shotguns are the most common calibers, but other size caliber rifles and gauge shotguns are permitted (.17 caliber rifles, .410/12 gauge shotguns).
- Q: Can I hunt deer with a straight-walled cartridge rifle during firearms season?
A: Yes. Straight-walled cartridges are permitted on both the Montgomery and Howard Counties sides of the park. A map of counties that permit various caliber rifles is available in the Guide to Hunting & Trapping, page 19. Also available online: https://www.eregulations.com/maryland/hunting/deer-seasons-bag-limits
- Q: Do I need the (Free) Public Hunting Permit OR the $35 Managed Hunt Permit to hunt at Patuxent?
A: No. Neither permit is required to hunt in the park.
- Q: Where can I find maps for hunting/no hunting areas in the park?
A: Online: https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/central/PatuxentRiver/Hunting.aspx
- Q: Can I hunt migratory waterfowl on crop fields during those seasons?
A: Yes, as long as certain guidelines are followed. Crops must be harvested first; all blinds and decoys must be removed at the end of the day; legal parking must be used. Park staff do not provide maps of crop fields.
- Q: Can I hunt coyotes at night in the park?
A: Yes, nighttime coyote hunting is permitted within designated hunting areas.
- Q: Can I hunt the parcels of the park south of Triadelphia Reservoir?
A: No, those parcels have been designated “No Hunting - Weapons Prohibited.” Signage reflecting that designation is either posted or pending postage (as of August 2021).
- Q: Are there a lot of deer in the park? / Where is the best place to hunt? / Have a lot of deer been taken this year?
A: The park is a beautiful place to hike around and find out! A pair of binoculars and good boots are all that are needed to find the information you seek.
- Q: Do I need to wear fluorescent orange during deer archery season?
A: Fluorescent orange is not required, although it is strongly encouraged as the park is multi-use and other users are recreating in the park.
