This 1,044 acre site, located in the southeastern portion of Cecil County, north of Warwick, Maryland, consists primarily of agricultural fields, with the remaining acreage a mix of forest and non-tidal wetlands. The property was acquired from the Corporation of the Roman Catholic Clergymen in April 2009.
Management
Old Bohemia WMA is managed by the Wildlife and Heritage Service. The mission of the Wildlife and Heritage Service is to conserve and enhance diverse wildlife populations and associated habitats while providing for public enjoyment of the State’s wildlife resources through hunting and other wildlife-dependent recreation. Old Bohemia WMA provides habitat for migratory waterfowl, doves, and forest wildlife species including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, squirrels, and rabbits.
Approximately 100 acres are managed as early successional habitat to provide habitat for many game and non-game species. Fields of warm season grasses and wildflowers have been planted, as well as shrub hedgerows and small food plots. Managed dove fields are planted annually in sunflower. Other areas have been left fallow.
Early successional habitat is maintained through the use of prescribed fire and discing every 2-3 years. Management techniques are also implemented to control invasive plant species and unwanted hardwoods.
Regulations for All Users
Unless otherwise posted or with a permit issued by the Service it is UNLAWFUL to:
- Operate or possess a vehicle on roads, trails, or waterways not open to general traffic.
- Bait or feed wildlife.
- Use or construct permanent blinds or tree stands. All portable blinds or stands must be removed at the end of the day.
- Ignite, cause to be ignited, or maintain a fire.
- Camp
- Remove, disturb, damage, or destroy any mineral, plant, rock, tree, or nongame animal.
- Have dogs off leash from April 15 through August 15.
- Use dogs to chase fox and raccoons.
- Release any animal or plant.
- Conduct commercial activities.
- Place a cache for the purpose of geocaching.
- Operate, possess, or use combustibles, explosives, or fireworks.
- Dig for relics and treasures, remove prehistoric or historic artifacts, or use a metal detector without a permit from the Office of Archeology.
- Deposit litter or refuse including, but not limited to, animal carcasses, appliances, brush, debris, furniture, garbage, hazardous material, tires, waste paper, yard waste, or other litter.
- Vandalize real property including any blind, building, crop, equipment, gate, habitat, plant, road, sign, trail, vehicle, vessel, or other public property.
- Graze cattle, goats, horses, sheep, or other domestic animals.
- Place decoys prior to 1 hour before legal shooting hours, leave decoys overnight, or remove decoys later than 1 hour after legal shooting hours.
- Target shoot.
Hunting
Public hunting on Old Bohemia WMA is permitted during legal hunting seasons with restrictions (see below). A free permit is required and available from the DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service Gwynnbrook Wildlife Office or online. Hunting is available for all legal game species in accordance with current hunting laws and regulations established by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
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Click here to apply for the Free Public Hunting Permit.
- Hunting is allowed all legal days of the week year-round. See your Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping for available Sunday hunting in Cecil County.
- Reservations are only required to hunt deer during a deer muzzleloader or firearms season. Reservations are limited to 10 deer hunters per day. Reservations are not required for the junior hunt days or the primitive season.
- Managed Dove Fields are restricted in the months of September and October. Hunting in the Managed Dove Fields is allowed Opening Day, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from noon until 5:00pm. After October, dove hunting is allowed all legal days and times. See map for dove field locations. Reservations are required for dove hunting in September with 25 reservations available per day.
- Non-toxic shot is required for dove and waterfowl hunting.
- Seven goose fields and one pond site are available for use. Reservations are required during any waterfowl season from September through January. Goose fields will not be available until crops have been harvested.
- During Spring Turkey Season reservations are required daily from opening day through the second Saturday. Three reservations are available per day. After the second Saturday hunting is allowed seven days a week without a reservation.
- Permitted hunting devices include all legal devices allowed in Cecil County.
- Trapping is allowed by permit only. Contact the Gwynnbrook Wildlife Office at 410-356-9272 for more information.
Non-Hunting Users
Old Bohemia WMA is open year-round to non-hunters. No permit or reservation is needed. Be aware of active hunting seasons. The property is open for the following activities:
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Biking on established trails
- Bird Watching
- Nature Photography
- Dogs must be leashed from April 15 through August 15
Directions
Old Bohemia WMA is located in southeastern Cecil County, approximately one mile north of Warwick, Maryland on Church Road. Driving south on Rt. 213 from Chesapeake City turn left on Bohemia Church Road. Go about 3 miles to the Wildlife Management Area. Driving north on Rt. 213 at Cecilton take Rt. 282 East and go about 5 miles into Warwick, MD. Turn left onto Church Road and go about 1 mile to the Wildlife Management Area. For additional information or seasonal permits, contact the Gwynnbrook Wildlife and Heritage Service Office at 410-356-9272.
