MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES MARYLAND PARK SERVICE

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Hunting at Gunpowder Falls

Archery Hunting for Deer

Hereford Area
There are two areas in the Hereford zone that are open to archery hunting for whitetail deer. The Free Public Hunting permit and sign-in required. These areas are within the CWD containment Zone. All regulations apply.

Area A is open from the first day of Archery Season until the last day of the primitive season. Monday – Saturday. 25 hunters per day. Approximately 1000 acres.

Area B is open from October 17, 2024, through the last day of primitive season. Thursday – Saturday only. 25 hunters per day. Approximately 400 acres

For a map of the Hereford hunting areas click here. 

Jarrettsville Pike/ Loch Raven Archery Deer hunting Area – New this year
The Jarrettsville Pike hunting area consists of 225 acres and is adjacent to the Loch Raven CWMA. The Free Public Hunting permit required. Hunters may park in the designated parking area shown on the map or in designated parking areas for the Loch Raven CWMA. Hunting is permitted during all deer ​seasons, Monday – Saturday. Archery hunting for deer only. This area falls within the CWD containment zone. All regulations apply.

For a map of the Jarrettsville Pike hunting area click here. 

Franklinville Archery Deer Hunting Area – New this year
The Franklinville hunting area consists of 200 acres. The Free Public Hunting Permit and a reservation are required. Archery hunting for deer only. Five hunters per day. Parking in designated location only. The Baltimore County Portion of the property is located in the CWD Containment zone. All regulations apply.

For a map of the Franklinville Hunting area click here.

Sweet Air Archery Deer Hunting Area – New this year
The Sweet Air Hunting area is approximately 600 acres and has two designated parking areas. The Free Public Hunting Permit and a reservation are required. 20 hunters will be permitted per day. Archery hunting for deer only. Parking is only permitted in designated locations. The Baltimore County Portion of the property is located in the CWD Containment Zone. All regulations apply.

For a map of the Sweet Air Archery Deer Hunting Area click here.

Dundee Creek Archery Deer Hunting Area – New this year
The Dundee Creek archery deer hunting area is approximately 170 acres. The area will be open to hunting Dec 1st through the end of primitive season. The Free Public Hunting Permit and a reservation are required. Five hunters will be allowed per day. This area is within the CWD containments zone. All regulations apply.

For a map of the Dundee Creek Archery Deer Hunting Area click here. -

Permits and Regulations

The Free Public Hunting Permit is available on Compass, at the Gwynnbrook Wildlife Office, or through the mail.

  • Reservations are made through the Gwynnbrook Wildlife Office at 410-356-9272. Monday-Friday, 7:30am-11:30am
  • Hunters must park in the designated parking areas.
  • Hunters may enter the park no earlier than 1.5 hours before sunrise and must be out no later than 1.5 hours after sunset.
  • Hunters must contact Natural Resources Police at 410-260-8888 before tracking a wounded deer after hours, off State Park property, or outside of the designated hunting area.

Waterfowl Hunting

Days Cove
Eleven waterfowl sites are available for use along the Bird River and in the Days Cove area of Gunpowder Falls State Park. The Free Public Hunting Permit and a reservation are required. All sites must be accessed by water.

Click here to see a map of Days Cove and the Bird River. - ​forthcoming

Dundee Creek and Cunninghill Cove
There are two sites in Dundee Creek (25&26) and two sites in Cunninghill cove (27&46) that offer waterfowl hunting. All of these sites will be open for waterfowl the third split and the veteran/youth hunt only and require the Free Public Hunting Permit and a reservation. The sites in Cunninghill Cove can only be accessed by water and hunting must conclude by 10 am. The two sites in Dundee Creek are accessible by land and offer all day hunting. Ask about access when making a reservation.

Click here for a map of the Cunninghill Cove and Dundee Creek blind sites. ​


General Waterfowl Hunting Information:

A Free Public Lands Hunting Permit is required and may be obtained through COMPASS or anywhere Maryland hunting licenses are sold.

  • Reservations are made through the Gwynnbrook Wildlife Office at 410-356-9272.
  • The first Saturday of each duck split is drawn by lottery.
  • For a full list of regulations visit the Central Region Public Hunting Lands page or consult the regulations packets that accompanied your Free Public Hunting Permit.