Meade Natural Heritage Association (MNHA) partners with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 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 for all hunters.

Para obtener información sobre Cazando en US Fish and Wildlife Service Patuxent Research Refuge  por favor haga clic aquí.  Las directrices de caza están disponibles en español, consulte el enlace a continuación.

Latest News

Adverse Weather Policy. Check the Patuxent Research Refuge Facebook page for closure alerts.  If Patuxent Research Refuge is closed, no hunting will be permitted. If North Tract is closed, then all hunting will be closed on all tracts. If the South Tract, Central Tract, and Schafer Farm are closed but North Tract remains open, hunting will be permitted on North Tract ONLY. 

North Tract Zone Closures.  Beginning November 29, 2025, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), in coordination with the Federal law enforcement partners, will expand Federal law enforcement partners use of the firing ranges located on the North Tract. To ensure everyone’s safety during range operations, access to five hunting zones—Zones D, E, F, G and H—will be closed to the public except for specified dates.  Zones D, E, F, G and H will be open for hunting on the following dates:

Monday, December 1, 2025
Friday, December 5, 2025
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Monday, December 8, 2025
Friday, December 12, 2025
Saturday, December 13, 2025

Zone Z will be archery only for deer, turkey, and small game hunting; waterfowl hunters can use firearms (shotgun) as permitted.  The remaining North Tract, South Tract, and Schaffer Farm zones will be open as usual.   Updated Hunting Guidelines and Maps are available on the website. Please read the guideline changes and monitor our website and Facebook page for updates as we continue to work through the changes.

South Tract Area C Access.  Due to road damage, vehicle travel past Mabbott Pond is not possible. There will be areas marked for parking before Mabbott Pond on Telegraph Road. See the updated South Tract map on the  Hunting Maps page.

If you have questions, concerns, or comments please email info@mnha.net. 

December CT Lottery Hunt.  The December 6 CT lottery hunt drawing was held 11/20 and selected hunters have been notified.  For more information see December Central Tract Lottery Hunt. 

Annual Member Meeting Postponed.  Due to the Federal Government shutdown, we have to postpone our annual meeting.  We will announce a new date after the shutdown is resolved.  Thank you for your patience.  

Lose Something? Find Something ? If you find someone else's hunting gear on the PRR, please leave it with the HCS manager.  We all know how expensive hunting can be, please help each other out.  

Reminder that PRR is Public Hunting. Please be respectful of other hunters and leave plenty of room.  

Harvest Update. See Deer Trophy Case - 2025/26 for pictures and stats.

Next MNHA Monthly Member Meeting is 12/9 at 6:30PM at the HCS. 

Next Membership Range Day will be in February.  Schedule will be posted after Jan 1.  See Membership Range Days for more information.  

Baiting is illegal at Patuxent Research Refuge.  It is illegal to possess or use bait of any kind including, but not limited to: corn, mineral/salt licks, deer cane, mock scrape ropes. 

El uso de cebos es ilegal en Patuxent Research Refuge. Es ilegal poseer o usar cualquier tipo de cebo, incluyendo, entre otros: maíz, piedras para lamer minerales o sal, "deer cane," y cuerdas de raspado artificiales.

2025-2026 Permits.  Permits are on sale on Mon-Sat during the season (the HCS is closed on Sundays during the season). Applications are available at the HCS and on the Hunting Permits page - save time and print them out, fill them out, and bring them with you.  When you get to the NT gate call the HCS at 301-328-1518 and they will let you in. 

2025-2026 Guidelines.  The 2025-2026 Hunting Guidelines are available.  There are many changes - please read the guidelines carefully and check the Guidelines page for corrections and clarifications throughout the season.  NOTE: Area W is now Open!!!

Las Directrices de Caza 2025-2026 ya están disponibles en español. Hay muchos cambios: lea atentamente las pautas y consulte la página de Directrices de Caza para obtener correcciones y aclaraciones durante la temporada. NOTA: ¡El Área W ya está abierta! Gracias a Gustavo Herrara por ayudar con la traducción.

We want your help to maintain and improve the refuge hunting habitat. Our monthly maintenance days are great opportunities to give back to the PRR and the MNHA hunting community and  meet fellow hunters.  Read more on the Volunteer Opportunities page or contact us at VolunteerCoordinator@mnha.net.

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.

Please visit and thank our sponsors!

Thank You to our Turkey Hunt Sponsors. Thanks to Bass Pro Shops provided a camo bag, decoys, and calls for all of our youth hunters; Freedom Hunters for supporting the Veterans who came to hunt; and Donut Shack and Mission BBQ for catering the Veterans' Hunt.