
Hunt & Hike Maryland's Eastern Shore
Posted on: November 23, 2020
Paul Agrillo
Exploring Maryland’s wildlife and landscapes through the fall and winter hunting season is a unique experience. With thousands of miles of Chesapeake shoreline and some of the most historic and scenic byways in the country, the state is perfect for a family road trip on your next hunting excursion.
In Part 3 of this series, we explored some great areas and roads in Southern Maryland. Now we end our trip at the Eastern Shore where rural land, a notable fishing sector and 23 wildlife management areas offer plenty of activities for a full family outing itinerary.
Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway
Called the “Everglades of the North” and one of the “Last Great Places,” Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge features a mixed landscape of forest, marsh and shallow water habitats. Containing one-third of the state’s tidal wetlands, Blackwater hosts a striking biodiversity. It was established in 1933 as a waterfowl sanctuary, but is also home to the largest breeding population of American bald eagles on the East Coast, north of Florida. During the fall and winter, the family can watch for a stunning variety of birds like blackbirds, ducks and geese, Tundra swans, Bald eagles and sometimes Golden eagles. Don’t miss out on the walking trails, water trails and the auto tour route to fully immerse yourself in this area’s atmosphere. You can also visit Blackwater’s observation platform where public spotting scopes provide a perfect view of eagles hunting nearby. If you can do a daylong trip, definitely stay for the fiery sunset that lights up the sky and reflects across the refuge waters.
If you’re looking for a good hunt, Blackwater welcomes archery, muzzleloader and shotgun hunts for white-tailed and sika deer. You’ll also find special hunting opportunities for every sportsman, no matter their age or ability. Recreational fishing and crabbing is also permitted.
To get to Blackwater Refuge, take the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Scenic Byway. The road follows a path that features African-American history that will inspire you and your family and spur conversations about freedom and liberty.Experience the exact landscape Harriet Tubman traversed 150 years ago to carry slaves to freedom while risking her life and those of her people. You can stop by the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center to learn more about this profound part of Maryland and American history.
A few notable stops along the road, like Bucktown, are great for biking, as well as canoe and kayak rentals. Don’t forget to stop at some of the other sites that are part of the Chesapeake Bay Loop, like various charters, historic lighthouses, bay water tours and seafood restaurants.
Pocomoke State Forest and Chesapeake Country Road
Pocomoke State Forest hosts large areas of loblolly pine, mixed pine-hardwood, bottomland hardwood, bald-cypress forests and Cypress swamps that border the forest river. The forest also has tributaries and several marshes. With six trails containing various tracts and loops, it is easy for the family to enjoy a variety of recreational activities. Fishing and canoeing along the river, and hiking and mountain biking, are a must.
The forest also offers a diverse population of game birds and mammals. White-tailed deer, wild turkeys and gray squirrels abound, as well as eastern cottontail rabbit, mourning dove and American woodcock. There are also several species of waterfowl, including wood ducks and mallards that make for a great harvest. Rifle, handgun, shotguns, bow and muzzleloader hunting is permitted in designated areas. So bring your hunting method of choice and enjoy the season.
Your best bet to enjoy the sights of this tidewater region is to take the Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway, which traverses the country roads by the bay’s edge where the waterman’s lifestyle has long lived. You can stop by Pemberton Historical Park to enjoy some nature trails and involve the little ones in environmental education or stop by the self-guided Delmarva Discovery Center where everyone can explore the history of Delmarva and how its people lived in relation to the bay, the Atlantic Ocean and the natural environment across time.
Plan and Explore
You could take the highway, but Maryland’s scenic byways are the best way to maximize your road trip experience. The state’s Open Road Itineraries will take the guesswork out of planning your drive and provide you with both local and historic points of interest.
To plan your next trip across Southern Maryland, visit Fish & Hunt Maryland’s Plan Your Trip page