Maryland Department of Natural Resources

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Indian Springs WMA

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Indian Springs WMA is a 6,400-acre tract in Washington County near the town of Clear Spring. Pictured above is Blair's Valley Lake, a popular fishing spot. Field trials, where man and dog display their outdoor skills, are held here six times a year. Approximately 90% of the site is dominated by forest consisting of oaks and other hardwoods, with some very steep hills. Fairview Mountain, loca​ted on the area, served as a Civil War military signal.

 

 

What To See

Visitors enjoy strolling a self-guided nature trail, learning about many plants which are used by wildlife. History buffs look for the ruined pioneer homesteads and family cemeteries that dot Indian Springs WMA. Songbirds of forests and fields fill the air with color and sound all year long. Visitors may catch a glimpse of white-tailed deer enjoying an evening snack in the farm fields maintained to help feed the animals. In the spring, a hollow drumming fills the forest as ruffed grouse announce their territories and breeding condition.

What To Do

Indian Springs archery deer hunting area is famous for a challenging hunt. Hunters also enjoy deer firearm and muzzleloader seasons, as well as the pursuit of squirrels, turkey, grouse, woodcock, rabbits and quail. Limited waterfowl hunting is also offered. Hunters may freely use all of Indian Springs. Anglers enjoy the stocked trout in Blair's Valley Lake and Indian Springs Pond. In early spring, gourmet cooks from far and wide come to collect fresh edible wild mushrooms. Also in spring, a hollow drumming fills the forest as ruffed grouse announce their territories and breeding condition. Check out a map of the area.

Area Regulations

  • Use of Indian Springs WMA is generally permitted seven days a week throughout the year. 
  • Hunting is allowed in accordance with open seasons and shooting hours
  • No special permits or drawings are required to hunt this area, except appropriate licenses and stamps.
  • Trapping by permit only.
  • Field trials are by permit only.
  • No gasoline motors are permitted on the lake.

Dog Training

Indian Springs WMA has a designated dog training area and a field trial area.
  • Use of the dog training area is allowed year round. This area is indicated on the map​ and by signs in the field. No reservations are required.
  • If releasing live birds, a Retriever Dog Training Permit​ is required.
  • The field trial area, located in the Blairs Valley section of the WMA, requires a permit from the Service if used for organized field trial events.
    • Field trials may be permitted during the following timeframes: September 1 through October 15 and March 1 through April 15.
    • Contact the Indian Springs Wildlife Office at 301-842-2702 for information on how to submit an application.
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Non-hunting Users Guide

  • Non-hunting visitors are welcome.
  • Be aware of open hunting seasons and visit accordingly
  • Season dates available in newspapers, on the Internet, and at some area stores.
  • Trails are maintained but not actively marked.
  • Hardwood forests surround many of the trails and support a rich variety of song birds and other wildlife species, depending on the time of year.

Special Areas

  • There is disabled hunter access located off of Mooresville Road.
  • The trail system noted on the map is suitable for hiking and birding as well as hunting.
  • Much of the field habitat in Blair's Valley is a designated field trial area.
  • The area has two ponds that are stocked with trout.
  • The larger 30-acre pond has a boat launch area.

Site Management Goals

  • The primary management goal of this WMA is to provide habitat for forest and upland wildlife.
  • The agricultural fields at Indian Springs are planted to provide habitat and winter food for game and non-game wildlife.
  • Species routinely using the area are white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, mourning doves, cottontail rabbits, songbirds and waterfowl.
  • A 30-acre impoundment was built to provide habitat for ducks and other wildlife, and is also a popular fishing site.

Indian Springs WMA is located in Washington county MarylandDirecti​​​ons

From I-70, take the Clear Spring exit and travel north on Route 68. Cross Old Route 40, bearing left onto Mill Street. Continue to a fork and bear right onto Broadfording Road going east approximately 1 mile. Take the first left onto Blair's Valley Road. The entrance to the WMA is approximately 3 miles north. For more information, contact the Indian Springs Wildlife Office at (301) 842-2702.

Click Here for Map​​

 

This area is a part of Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources public land system and is managed by the Wildlife and Heritage Service. The primary mission of the WMA system is to conserve and enhance wildlife populations and their respective habitats as well as to provide public recreational use of the State’s wildlife resources.

Eighty-five percent of the funding for Maryland's state wildlife programs comes from hunting license fees and a federal excise tax on sport hunting devices and ammunition. The federal aid funds are derived from the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration (or Pittman-Robertson) Fund, which sportsmen and women have been contributing to since 1937. Each state receives a share of the funds, which is administered by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service; these funds are used for wildlife conservation and hunter education programs, including the management of the WMA system.

Other sources of funds for land acquisition include Program Open Space Funding for Maryland's State and local parks and conservation areas, provided through The Department of Natural Resources' Program Open Space. Established in 1969, Program Open Space symbolizes Maryland's long-term commitment to conserving natural resources while providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities.​