Hunting & Shooting Sports Outreach Program
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The primary goal of this program is to provide initial and next steps for novice hunters and shooters such that they will feel comfortable moving forward in the shooting and hunting sports as a result of their experiences and the connections they are able to make in the program. The program is comprised of a variety of mini-workshops, mentored hunts and other events in partnership with shooting ranges, Non-Governmental Organizations and state, local and federal governmental agencies. This program is designed to be as hands-on as possible, giving participants enough knowledge to further pursue their interests once their participation in the program has concluded.
Upcoming Events
R3 Managed Hunt
When: December 13, 2024
Where: Seneca Creek State Park
Who: Self-sufficient new hunters and lapsed hunters
Application deadline: November 4, 2024 Applications are closed. Contact Torey Vayer at
torey.vayer@maryland.gov for any questions regarding this event. | This event is intended to give new hunters who are comfortable hunting on their own, but are still learning the ropes, as well as lapsed hunters an opportunity to attend a managed hunt at Seneca Creek State Park. This managed hunt is a great opportunity for adults who are learning to hunt on their own or for lapsed hunters seeking a more accessible and supportive hunting experience. This is a do-it-yourself hunt, participants must use a shotgun or straight-walled cartridge rifle. Bring your own firearm and ammunition and blind. All hunting will be conducted from the ground. |
Veteran Appreciation Managed Hunt
When: December 6, 2024
Where: Seneca Creek State Park
Who: Military Veterans
Application deadline: October 28, 2024 Applications are closed. Contact Torey Vayer at
torey.vayer@maryland.gov for any questions regarding this event. | Veterans, are you ready for a unique hunting experience? We would like to show our appreciation by offering a special opportunity to join us for a managed hunt at Seneca Creek State Park. This is a do-it-yourself hunt, participants must use a shotgun or straight-walled cartridge rifle. Bring your own firearm and ammunition and blind. All hunting will be conducted from the ground.
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First Shot Mentored Deer Hunt
When: October 25, 26 or 27, 2024
Where: Dorchester County, MD (Blackwater NWR and surrounding areas)
Who: New hunters (ages 18 and older)
Application deadline: September 9, 2024 Applications are closed. Contact Torey Vayer at
torey.vayer@maryland.gov for any questions
regarding this event.
| The First Shot Mentored Deer Hunt is intended to introduce first time adult hunters (18 and older) that do not otherwise have the skill set or knowledge to hunt deer on their own and would like to learn and hunt with skilled veteran hunters. Space is limited and participants will be selected via random lottery.
Selected participants will be paired with an experienced hunter to learn pre-hunt skills and culminating in the hunt. Selected participants will be required to attend a mandatory orientation (October 13, 2023) prior to the hunt. More details can be found on the application.
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Patuxent Mentored Deer Hunt
When: December 7, 2024
Where: Laurel, MD (Patuxent Research Refuge and surrounding areas)
Who: New hunters (ages 18 and older)
Application deadline: September 27, 2024
This event is closed. Contact Torey Vayer at
torey.vayer@maryland.gov for any questions regarding this event. | The Patuxent Mentored Deer Hunt is intended to introduce first time adult hunters (18 and older) that do not otherwise have the skill set or knowledge to hunt deer on their own and would like to learn and hunt with skilled veteran hunters. Space is limited and participants will be selected via random lottery. Selected participants will be paired with an experienced hunter to learn pre-hunt skills and culminating in the hunt. Selected participants will be required to attend a mandatory orientation (November 10, 2024) prior to the hunt. More details can be found on the application. |
Youth/Veteran Mentored Waterfowl Hunt
When: February 8, 2025
Where: Various locations throughout the state.
Who: Youth hunters (ages 16 and under) and Military veterans (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code) of any age, and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training).
Application deadline: January 8, 2025
Apply Here Contact Chris Markin at
christopher.markin@maryland.gov for any questions regarding this event. | The Youth and Veteran Hunt Day Waterfowl Event is intended to give youth and military veteran hunters an opportunity to hunt waterfowl on the special opportunity day offered by the Department of Natural Resources on February 8, 2025.
For this event, only military veterans and youth hunters ages 11-16 years old will be eligible. Youth hunters, as well as any military veteran hunter that chooses, will be given the opportunity to hunt under the guidance of experienced mentors. Space is limited and participants will be selected via lottery. |
For more information, please contact:
Victoria Vayer(she/her)
R3 Coordinator & Videographer
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Tawes State Office Building
580 Taylor Ave., E-1
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
Office: (410) 260-8554
torey.vayer@maryland.gov
