A Regulated Shooting Area (RSA) is a tract of land, including any waters, on which the licensee may release and shoot captive-raised pheasant, bobwhite quail, chukar partridge, Hungarian partridge, turkeys (turkeys may be released only by those permitted to do so before September 1, 1992) and mallard ducks. The RSA Permit allows the holder of the permit to raise and release properly marked, captive-raised birds.

A person may not operate an unlicensed RSA. Upon receipt of an application, a copy of a tax map on which the applicant has clearly shown the tract of land to be licensed, and the annual fee of $150.00, the Wildlife and Heritage Service may issue a permit to operate a commercial or non-commercial RSA. The permit is valid from the date of issuance until the following June 30.

[Note: A Commercial RSA means a regulated shooting area that is open to the public, while a Non-commercial RSA is closed to the public or has closed membership.]

The Department of Natural Resources may issue an RSA permit on payment of a reasonable fee after determining that the establishment and operation of the RSA does not conflict with any reasonable prior public interest and that granting the permit will not have any adverse impact on the conservation of native game species.

The regulations governing this activity include definitions, application procedures, qualifications and record keeping requirements.

Following are links for the forms the applicant will need to complete, as described in the regulations:

• Application for a Regulated Shooting Area

• Annual Reporting Form

• Habitat Management Plan and Guidelines
  [Note: The Habitat Management Plans and Guidelines are only required for free-flying mallard ducks]

If the permittee intends to sell birds that will be transported off the Regulated Shooting Area property alive, the permittee will also need to obtain a Game Husbandry Permit from the Wildlife and Heritage Service. Retriever training may occur at any time of the year upon the premises covered by a regulated shooting area permit.

Request by E-mail:
(include US Mailing Address)
customerservice.dnr@maryland.gov

Request by Phone:
(410) 260-8540
Toll-free in Maryland:
1-877-620-8DNR [8367], Extension 8540
TTY: Maryland Relay via 1-800-735-2258 or 711

Request by Mail:
Wildlife Permit Coordinator
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife and Heritage Service
580 Taylor Ave., E-1
Annapolis MD 21401

Commercial Regulated Shooting Areas