Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) has released details for hunting waterfowl on the refuge during the 2017- 2018 season. Designated hunt units at the refuge can be reserved each week of the hunt via phone on a
first come, first served basis. Waterfowl hunting on the refuge will take place only on Wednesdays and Saturdays, October 14 –21, November 11- 22, December 13, 2017 – January 27, 2018.
A total of seven hunt units will be available for hunting during the early season in October and November: three units on the Blackwater River west of Route 335, two units at Beaver Dam Creek, and two units at Goose Dam Creek.
A total of six hunt units will be available during the late season (December and January): two each at Barren Island, Spring Island, and Bishop’s Head in the Chesapeake Bay. All hunt units are only accessible by boat. Retriever dogs are permitted. Hunters are encouraged to make a scouting trip to their desired hunt unit prior to hunting.
Hunters wishing to reserve a hunt unit must follow the refuge’s call-in procedure. R
eservations will be taken each Monday from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. for hunt days available that week. On the hunt brochure, please note call in date exceptions due to holidays. Hunters must call the refuge’s reservation line at (410) 221-8155.
Only the individual with the reservation, and up to three additional individuals, will be allowed to hunt each unit. Each hunter must possess a signed waterfowl hunt permit.
There is no fee for waterfowl hunting on the refuge. All hunting will follow Maryland State regulations and bag limits. In addition to a refuge waterfowl hunting permit, a hunter must be in possession of a valid Maryland State waterfowl hunting license, Federal Migratory Hunting and Conservation (Duck) Stamp, Maryland State Waterfowl Stamp, and government issued photo identification. If you have any questions about the hunt, please call (410) 228-2677 or visit the
Hunting at Blackwater NWR page.