Hunting
Over 1,800 acres of public land open for all seasons and weapons, except trapping. Game types include forest game, upland game, dove, waterfowl, and whitetail deer. Whitetail deer seasons are open for bow, muzzleloader, and firearms-rifle and shotgun.
All seasons and game regulations are listed in the Maryland Guide to Hunting & Trapping.
Click here for more information about hunting at Patuxent River State Park, Seneca Creek State Park, and the Monocacy Natural Resources Management Area.
Hunting Map
Location
Monocacy Natural Resources Management Area is located between Park Mills Road to the northwest, and the Frederick and Montgomery County lines to the southeast. The Monocacy River runs through the area, and a boat launch is located off of Park Mills Road.
Permit
No special permits are required.
Parking
Small parking lots are located on Dr. Belt Road, Dickerson Road (MD 28), Park Mills Road (roadside and the Park Mills Boat Ramp), and Ed Sears 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 rifle that shoots bottleneck cartridges?
A: Yes. Monocacy NRMA falls within that part of Frederick County that allows all firearms legal for deer hunting during firearms season. A map of Frederick County with specific firearm zone designations can be found here: Frederick County Deer Hunting Zones.
Q: Do I need the (Free) Public Hunting Permit OR the $35 Managed Hunt Permit to hunt at Monocacy?
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: Monocacy Hunting Map
Q: Can I hunt migratory waterfowl on the Monocacy River within Monocacy NRMA?
A: Yes. Very specific regulations apply for hunting waterfowl on and along the Monocacy River. Additional information can be found in A Guide to Maryland’s Laws and Regulations Related to Offshore Waterfowl Hunting
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 parcel of Monocacy NRMA west of Dickerson Road and north of the Monocacy River?
A: No. At this time, there is no legal area to park to access that parcel. All ground access is through private property and is considered trespassing. Additionally, that area is currently administratively designated as a No Hunting area.
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.
