Meade Natural Heritage Association (MNHA) partners with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to provide the public with high-quality outdoor recreational experiences at the Patuxent Research Refuge (PRR).  MNHA manages hunting activities on the PRR to assist with the management of wildlife in accordance with the PRR Hunting Plan. Our unique partnership increases and improves hunting access and opportunities with an emphasis on under-represented groups including women, minority, youth, disabled, and veteran hunters.

The Latest News

Para obtener información sobre Cazando en US Fish and Wildlife Service Patuxent Research Refuge  por favor haga clic aquí.

Volunteer Opportunity.  As we continue to expand our outreach to under-represented groups, we are looking for help translating application forms and other materials into Spanish.  This is a “do it at home” project.  If you would like to volunteer, please send an email to VicePresident@mnha.net .

Officer Nominations. The offices available this year are: Vice-President, Treasurer, and one (1) Member-at-Large.  We also have vacant positions (by appointment) for VP of Public Relations, VP of Membership, and one Member-at-Large. Information about the positions can be found on our webpage at https://www.mnha.net/board-members.  If you, or someone you know, would be interested in these positions - please send an email to President@mnha.net and include name, position of interest, and 2-3 relevant qualifications.

Harvest Update.  Hunters are getting out and seeing movement.  As of 10/1 we have 6 deer (4 bucks, 2 does) and 1 goose.  We’re working on getting pictures posted on the website.

Firearm Qualifications. Next opportunity is Sunday October 6,  from 9 to 12.  If you participate in managed deer hunts and need a shooter qualification  - see the Weapon Qualifications page for details.

MNHA Membership Range Day this Sunday October 6,  from 9 to 12.  The range will be divided for the firearm qualifications - please pay close attention to the range officers.

REFUGE ALERT: Patuxent Research Refuge has changed its public visiting hours effective Oct. 1, 2024:  The USFWS has changed general visiting hours, however this does not impact hunters.  (Your permit fees at work!)  

• National Wildlife Visitor Center hours will be modified to Wednesday through Saturday 10am to 4pm. On Tuesdays, ST grounds will close at 4pm.

• North Tract will be closed for a one-month transitional period (all of October) to allow refuge management to implement changes necessary for public & staff safety. During this time, we will be working on a transition plan to allow for open access from 8 AM to 4 PM every Sunday. 

New Gate Procedures. A combination lock in place for Gate 10.  Hunters who access this gate will be given the code at the HCS.  Please remember to lock the two locks together so that the other tenant can access the gate using their lock.  

Hunter Parking.  USFWS Law Enforcement would like to remind hunters that you must park in designated areas.  DO NOT BLOCK GATES.   North Tract - please park on the side of the road next to the area you are hunting.  South Tract/Schafer Farm - please park in the designated locations shown on the maps.  

Watch your Speed. Please watch your speed on the refuge, the speed limit is 25 MPH.  The roads are narrow, there are animals and people. Please watch out for Eastern Box Turtles.  These turtles are declining in number and it takes 10 years for them to mature to reproduce.  

Report Dead Animals, Trail Cameras, and Unexploded Ordinance (UXO).  Please report recent dead animals (deer, fox, turkey, coyotes, etc.). A picture and GPS coordinates are extremely helpful.  You can screenshot your map, compass, or GPS app.  This helps the USFWS biologist to monitor the health of the refuge animals.

Baiting is PROHIBITED.  Please be an ethical hunter (you signed an ethics statement as part of your application). See the Guidelines for the list of prohibited devices and activities. 

Permit Sales. Available when the HCS is open during the hunting season.  Youth Permits are FREE with a paying parent/guardian.   See the guidelines for details about youth hunters.

Recruit, Retain, Reactivate Drive.  We are working hard to recruit, retain, and reactivate hunters.  You'll see on this page and our emails that we are taking numerous actions to fulfill our mission statement to increase under-represented groups.  We recently published a Spanish brochure in preparation for Latino Conservation Week. Please encourage your friends to hunt at Patuxent - there's plenty of room. Maryland Hunting Quarterly published an article about hunting at Patuxent Research Refuge.  Check it out and share it with your friends.

Corporate Sponsorships.  MNHA is looking for sponsors.  If you/your company is interested, contact VicePresident@mnha.net for more details.  Sponsors will have their logos on the MNHA website (with a hyperlink) and placed on a wall poster in the HCS.

And we want to thank our sponsor - Bucks-Bears-Stags.   BBS publishes Maryland’s big game record book.  They are part of the Ellis Outdoors - publishers of Maryland Hunting Quarterly.  If you come by on August 10th - please thank them for supporting MNHA and the PRR hunting program.

2024-2025 Refuge Maps.  Refuge maps are available on the Hunting Maps page.  We will not be providing paper maps at the HCS.  We recommend downloading a copy to your phone so you can reference it in the field.

Patuxent Research Refuge Hunting Page 

Please visit and thank our sponsors!