Located to the north of Westminster, Maryland the property is owned by Carroll County Government. The 600 acre tract was purchased as a potential site for a future watershed.

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Management

Sawmill CWMA hunting access 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. Sawmill CWMA is primarily forested land. Using sustainable forestry practices, periodic timber harvests are conducted on the area. Sawmill CWMA provides habitat for upland and forest wildlife species primarily white-tailed deer, rabbit, squirrel, and songbirds.

Regulations for All Users

Unless otherwise posted or with a permit issued by the Service or Carroll County Government 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 unless engaged in a permitted hunting activity.
• 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.

Hunting

Public hunting on Speigel CWMA 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, except waterfowl, in accordance with current hunting laws and regulations established by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.​

• Hunting access is restricted to seasonal permit holders with daily reservations from September 1st through February 15th.
• There are 12 reservations available per day.
• Hunting is permitted Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays except during the two week deer firearms season that begins the Saturday after Thanksgiving Day when the property is open for hunting Monday through Saturday.
• Permitted hunting devices include archery equipment, muzzleloaders, and shotguns. The use of rifles and handguns is prohibited.
• The opening day of Deer Firearms Season is drawn by lottery.
• Spring Turkey hunting is NOT allowed.
• Trapping is not allowed.

Non-Hunting Users

From September through February, non-hunting users may access the property on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. During the two week deer firearms season that begins the Saturday after Thanksgiving Day, non-hunters may only access the property on Sundays. No permit or reservation is needed. Outside these timeframes, Sawmill CWMA is open Sunday through Saturday for the following activities:

• Hiking
• Fishing
• Biking on established trails
• Bird Watching
• Nature Photography
• Swimming is prohibited
• Pets must be leashed at all times.

Directions

Sawmill CWMA is located on the north side of Westminster, Maryland. Public access to this area is off of Maryland State Route 97 to the west and MD State Route 496 to the east. Refer to the map for parking areas. For additional information or seasonal permits, contact the Gwynnbrook Wildlife and Heritage Service Office at 410-356-9272.

White-tailed antlered deer, photo of Majestic Beauty by Duane Tucker​