Hunting
Location
Soldiers Delight NEA is located in Owings Mills, Maryland in Baltimore County. There are eight hunting zones.
Special Hunt Dates Added at Soldiers Delight NEA
(Shotgun or Straight-Wall Rifle)
October 24, 31
November 1, 7, 11, 22
January 31
A healthy, balanced ecosystem at Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area is essential for the continued success of the sensitive and endangered plant species found there. To help maintain this balance, managed hunting was introduced and has expanded over the past 15 years. In response to ongoing pressures and threats to these species—and with the goal of promoting long-term sustainability—these additional hunting opportunities have been added this year. Hunters must make advance reservations by calling the Gwynnbrook Wildlife Office at 410- 356-9272.
All visitors hiking in the area during hunting season are advised to wear bright orange or pink for visibility and safety.
Seasons and Bag Limits
Soldiers Delight NEA is open for deer hunting only. Consult the
Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping for bag limits. The opening date of each zone varies (see below).
- Zone 1 – 280 acres (Open the opening day of Archery Season through Primitive Season)
- Zone 2 – 150 acres (Open the opening day of Archery Season through Primitive Season)
- Zone 3 – 140 acres (Open the opening day of Firearms Season through Primitive Season)
- Zone 4 – 115 acres (Open November 11th through Primitive Season)
- Zone 5 – 230 acres (Open November 11th through Primitive Season)
- Zone 6 – 230 acres (Open November 11th through Primitive Season)
- Zone 7 – 150 acres (Open November 11th through Primitive Season)
- Zone 8 – 130 acres (Open the opening day of Archery Season through Primitive Season)
Hunting Devices Allowed
Soldiers Delight NEA allows the use of archery equipment, muzzleloaders, shotguns, and straight-walled cartridge rifles during established seasons which allow them. See your
Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping for season dates.
Permits and Regulations
A Free Public Hunting Permit is required to hunt Soldiers Delight NEA. The permit may be obtained online through
COMPASS or in person through the Gwynnbrook Wildlife Office (410-356-9272) or Myrtle Grove Wildlife Office (301-743-5161). Call for other options.
- Daily reservations are required for all zones. Reservations are made through the Gwynnbrook Wildlife Office at 410-356-9272.
- Hunters must park in designated parking areas. Some parking areas are available only for hunters and require a gate code. This code is provided with the Free Public Hunting Permit.
- 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.
- No scouting is allowed in each zone until it is open for hunting.
- Established trails are open year round for public use.
- 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.
