Hunting
Hunting is available at Wye Island NRMA for both Canada Goose and White Tailed Deer through managed hunts and special lotteries. Hunting is not permitted on Sundays.
Deer
Archery hunting for deer is permitted on a posted schedule with a maximum of 35 hunters at one time. The area is open first come first served and sign in is required. When the sign in sheet is full, the area is full.
Archery hunting is available Sept 11 - Oct 21, Oct 26 - Nov 13th, Nov 16th - Nov 27th, Dec 14 - Dec 18, Jan 3rd - Jan 7th and Jan 11th - Jan 31st. Archery hunting for deer is not permitted during the youth firearm season.
Firearms hunting for deer is available by lottery. Dates for general firearms hunting will be Dec 7th - December 12th. To apply for the general firearms hunt, fill out this
online application by 4pm on October 29, 2026
Goose Hunting
Goose hunting is also limited and controlled through a lottery drawing process. Individuals who are mobility impaired are encouraged to apply for the lottery as there are blinds available that accommodate wheelchairs.
Goose Hunting is available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays during the AP Canada Goose Season. To apply for a blind, fill out this online application by 4 pm on October 29, 2026.
Goose blinds will also be available during the special youth and veterans hunt on February 6th. To apply for this hunt, fill our this online application by 4pm on October 29, 2026
Special Opportunities for Youth, Novice and Lapsed Hunters.
New This Year
- As part of a nationwide R3 effort to increase participation in hunting, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources will offer several special deer hunting opportunities for youth, novice or lapsed deer hunters at Wye Island NRMA. Applications for the following hunts will be posted on this page as they become available.
As part of a nationwide R3 effort to increase participation in hunting, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources will offer several special deer hunting opportunities for youth, novice or lapsed deer hunters at Wye Island NRMA. Applications for the following hunts will be posted on this page as they become available. More information about the R3 program can be found here: https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/hunt_trap/HSS_Outreach.aspx. For more specific questions about the Wye Island R3 Hunts, please read the FAQs here.
- On October 22nd, 23rd and 24th, a deer muzzleloader hunting opportunity will be available for youth, novice and lapsed hunters.
- On November 14th, a firearms deer hunting opportunity will be available for youth hunters.
- On November 28th through December 5th a firearms deer hunting opportunity will be available for youth, novice and lapsed hunters.
Furbearer/ Rabbit
Fox and rabbit chasing is by lottery only. Applications will be available on the Wye Island NRMA webpage at a later date. Raccoon hunting is available on a limited basis by permit only.
Trapping is not permitted for any species on Wye Island. For more information regarding hunting opportunities/lotteries contact the facility office via email at[email protected] via phone at 410-820-1668.
Hunting Policy Overview
- Archery hunting for deer permitted on 2,500 acres with daily sign-in required.
- General Firearms hunting for deer permitted on 2,500 acres by lottery.
- Migratory goose blind sites / hunting by lottery.
- Provisions for hunters with mobility impairments include an accessible goose blind and a hunt from a vehicle area for deer hunters. Call the Tuckahoe State Park office for more information. 410-820-1668.
- Special deer hunting opportunities for youth, novice and lapsed hunters.
