The Mentored Hunt Program aims to teach first-time hunters and lapsed hunters a new set of skills, whether it be hunting techniques or how to hunt specific species.

The program pairs skilled veteran hunters with first-time or lapsed hunters (mentees) and walks them through a series of technical lectures that cover a range of topics including firearm safety, hunting tips and hunting techniques and strategies, as well as providing range time to help the mentee begin their journey into hunting.

Throughout the program, staff and members from the partnering agencies and organizations all contribute their collective resources and knowledge to make the program as encompassing as possible.

From the moment the mentee is selected into the program, they are paired with a mentor. From there, the mentor and mentee can take the opportunity to meet in person, text, call or email each other (whichever they prefer) to talk about any questions or concerns the mentee may have.

The goal of the program, and the job of the mentor and all the partners, is to guide the mentee on their journey into hunting and make sure the mentee becomes as prepared as possible when they leave the program.

 

Why do we need a program like this?

Isn’t hunting an American tradition that is passed down from generation to generation? A recent U.S. Fish and Wildlife survey showed that fewer than 5% of Americans, 16 years of age and older, actually hunt. This is alarming because it is less than half of what it was 50 years ago and is not showing any signs of reversing direction on its own. Over half of the current hunters in the United States are over 45 years old, with 38% of those being over 55 years old. Many hunters hang up their boots as they begin to age, which leaves a major deficit. Conservation agencies depend on money generated from license fees and excise taxes on firearms and ammunition to manage wildlife, all wildlife, not just game species. Hunters spend approximately $26 billion dollars a year, with a large portion of that being distributed to state wildlife agencies. A decline in hunters means a decline in dollars from hunters, which leads to a decline in funding. All of which spells trouble for hunting and other conservation and management activities.

It is imperative that the trend be reversed and agencies must find new ways to bring attention and new hunters to the sport. It is time to adjust how and who we market to as conservation agencies because, just as the United States becomes more diverse, so must hunting. The female population is grossly under-represented with only 10% of all hunters being women. 97% of all hunters are white and the majority have a median household income of $40,000-$100,000. It is glaringly obvious that a massive portion of our population is untapped and we hope programs like the Mentored Hunt Program will help to introduce people from all walks of life to hunting as a means of gathering food and, ultimately, a lifestyle. We are surrounded by sustainable local food sources that many folks do not think about; wild game is the ultimate field to table food source.​

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has teamed up with the International Hunter Education Association to bring a more comprehensive and streamlined solution to introducing new hunters to mentors throughout the state via their learnhunting.org website.

If you have any questions about the Maryland Mentored Hunt Program, please contact Torey Vayer at [email protected]. If you are having any issues with the learnhunting.org website, such as signing up, accessing your account or any other technical issues please visit https://www.learnhunting.org/contact-us/ to speak with the web administrators directly.

Stocked Pheasant Hunts - November 21-22, 2026

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will be offering “do-it yourself” hunts for stocked pheasants. Apprentice license holders, junior license holders, first-time full season license buyers and hunters who have previously held a Maryland hunting license, but have let it lapse are eligible to apply. The pheasant hunts will take place on public lands across the state on November 21 and 22, 2026.

Check back for application information, dates, locations and other resources as they become available.

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FAQ

• ​ Who may apply?
  Any youth (junior) hunter, apprentice hunter, first-time full season license buyers or lapsed hunter. A lapsed hunter is one who has held a MD hunting license in the past, but has not purchased a hunting license in the past two seasons.
  
  
• When does the lottery open and close?
  The 2026 Stocked Pheasant Hunt Lottery will be open to receive applications July 1, 2026 through October 2, 2026.
  
  
• Is this a guided hunt?
  No, this is a “do-it-yourself” hunt. All participants will supply their own gear and firearms and be expected to have the necessary hunting license. There will not be any "check-in" whether it be a specific location or with any individuals. Essentially, consider this as if you were heading out to public land to hunt on any given day.
  
  
• Where are the pheasants released?
  Each selected applicant will receive an email with a permit letter and map. The permit letter will have the name of location and the map will show the specific location of the release area. The highlighted area on the map will show the area that the pheasants are released and hunters may hunt anywhere they choose within that area.
  
  
• Can I bring a parent or friend?
  Friends, family or mentors may accompany the selected participant, but only the individual chosen in the lottery is able to carry and use a firearm.
  
  
• Wh​at are the hours of the hunt?
  This hunt follows all regulations for small game hunting​,​ including shooting hours.
  
  
• Am I allowed to bring a dog?
  In most cases yes, but rules may vary based on location. If selected, please check the rules and regulations for your specific site.
  
  
• How will I be notified if I am selected?
  Selected applicants will be listed on this webpage by their DNRId by October 23, 2026.
  
  Lottery winners will receive an email no later than October 23, 2026 with hunt details.


• ​​ Who may I contact if I have additional questions?
  You may contact Chris Markin at [email protected] for any additional questions or concerns.
  Please do not reach out with selection questions prior to the listing of winners on October 23, 2026.
  
  
• How to Apply for the Stocked Pheasant Hunts:
  In order to apply to participate in the stocked pheasant hunts, taking place on November 21-22, 2026, you will need to log in to your MD Outdoors account and enter the lottery. If you do not have a MD Outdoors account, you will need to create one. There is no charge to create an account and there is no charge to apply for the pheasant hunt lottery or participate in the stocked pheasant hunts.
  
  You will be able to select a first, second and third choice for the area you want to hunt, but you will only be able to select one day. You will not be able to apply to hunt both days since space is limited at each of the areas. The entire Wildlife Management Area (WMA), or state forest, will not be open to pheasant hunting, but we will provide you with a map showing the general area where the pheasants are stocked and the area(s) where you can hunt.

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Selection Procedure
Participants will be selected at random from all eligible applicants. In order to be eligible, you must be a youth (junior) hunter, an apprentice hunter or a lapsed hunter. A lapsed hunter is one who has held a MD hunting license in the past, but has not purchased a hunting license for any three of the last five years. The deadline to apply to participate in the stocked pheasant hunts is October 2, 2026. After that date, a random drawing will be held and selected applicants will be listed on this webpage by their DNRId by October 23, 2026.

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Resources

• General Hunting Regulations
• Small Game Hunting Regulations
• Small Game Hunting Seasons and Bag Limits
• Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Management Areas

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Mentored Hunt Events​​

First Shot Mentored Hunt Program When: October 30/31, 2026 Where: Dorchester County, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding area Who: Anyone 18 years and older. Applicants must be able to acquire a hunting license if selected. Application deadline: September 9, 2026 Register Today​ Contact Torey Vayer at [email protected] for any questions regarding this event	This event is intended for first-time adult hunters (18 and older) who would like to learn and hunt with skilled veteran hunters. Selected individuals will be paired with an experienced mentor for a hunt in Dorchester County on one of two days this fall, October 30 or 31. No experience is necessary to participate. ​This program is presented through a partnership between the National Wild Turkey Federation Maryland State Chapter, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.  Visit the application to learn more and sign up!
Wye Island R3 Hunting Opportunities – Early Muzzleloader R3 Hunt These events are ideal for advanced beginners and lapsed hunters, but all are welcome to apply. Visit the FAQ page to learn more. Applications for hunt opens September 21, 2026. Link will be found here. Application Deadline: October 4th, 2026	Early Muzzleloader R3 Hunt Opportunity: This is a three day hunt for whitetail deer during the early muzzleloader season. Thursday (10/22) through Saturday (10/24). Twenty-five individuals will be selected by lottery and may hunt any or all of the dates during the three day period. Scouting is encouraged and permitted any day during daytime hours. Hunters selected for this hunt may choose to set up a blind or stand prior to the hunt. Temporary blinds or stands may be set up 48 hours before the hunt and must be removed the Sunday after the hunt concludes. All hunters must clearly label their stand with their DNR ID. Hunters are encouraged to bring a helper if needed. Antlered or antlerless deer may be harvested. See the hunting guide for more information about bag limits and weapon limitations.
Wye Island R3 Hunting Opportunities ​ – Youth R3 Hunt These events are ideal for advanced beginners and lapsed hunters, but all are welcome to apply. Visit the FAQ page to learn more. Applications for hunt opens September 21, 2026. Link will be found here. Application Deadline: October 15th, 2026.	Youth R3 Hunt Opportunity: This is a one day (11/14) hunt for whitetail deer. 25 hunters will be selected for the Saturday hunt. This hunt is open only to youth hunters. All hunters must be accompanied by a licensed adult 21 years or older. Scouting is encouraged and permitted any day during daytime hours. Hunters may set up a blind or stand up to 48 hours before the hunt. If hunters set up a blind or stand, they must label it with their DNR ID number. All blinds and stands must be removed by the Sunday after the hunt concludes. Antlered or antlerless deer may be harvested. See the hunting guide for more information about bag limits and weapon limitations.
Wye Island R3 Hunting Opportunities – Firearms R3 Hunt These events are ideal for advanced beginners and lapsed hunters, but all are welcome to apply. Visit the FAQ page to learn more​. Applications for hunt opens September 21, 2026. Link will be found here. ​Application Deadline: October 28th, 2026	​Firearms R3 Hunt Opportunity: This is a whitetail deer hunt for the first 7 days of firearms season. Saturday (11/28) through Saturday (12/5). Hunting is not permitted on Sunday. Selected hunters may hunt any of the dates during the 7 day period. Scouting is encouraged and permitted any day during daytime hours. Hunters selected for this hunt may set up a blind or stand before the hunt. Temporary blinds or stands may be set up 48 hours before the hunt and must be removed the Sunday after the hunt concludes. If a hunter sets up a stand or blind it must be clearly labeled with the hunter's DNR ID. Hunters are encouraged to bring a helper if needed. Antlered or antlerless deer may be harvested. See the hunting guide for more information about bag limits and weapon limitations.

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