With one of the highest hunter success rates in the Mid-Atlantic region – and with one of the most generous bag limits in the country – Maryland offers some of the best deer hunting opportunities in the country. Heading to Southern Maryland’s public land areas offers hunters the chance to experience all the beauty of the Free State. Here are the top three public lands to hunt deer in Southern Maryland, along with some great hotel rates for hunters:

Parkers Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA)

Parkers Creek WMA is an 1877-acre property, located in Calvert County near Prince Frederick, MD. The WMA is deer hunting only and open for all legal deer seasons. Parkers Creek is mostly forested, but also consists of bottomland swamp, marsh, upland field and agricultural field elements.

Cedar Point Wildlife Management Area (WMA)

Cedar Point WMA is 1914 acres in size and is located in western Charles County. This diverse WMA is located along the Potomac River between Kings Creek and Goose Creek.  Cedar Point has a large agricultural component on the property, which is a great focus for deer hunting. Having nutrient rich soils and a wide diversity of habitat and dense cover, this WMA has the right ingredients to grow mature deer. For the hunter willing to scout and put their time in the woods, a successful quality hunt is a strong possibility. Southern Maryland

Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management Area (WMA)

Myrtle Grove WMA is a 5018-acre property in western Charles County just south of Waldorf, MD. Being the largest WMA in the southern region, Myrtle Grove is somewhat fragmented by roadways, creating many different access points. The WMA is mostly forested, but also has some upland areas, swamp and wetland components. Being largely forested, there are many oak flats, which provide a great food source for deer, as well as ample hunting opportunity. The Myrtle Grove WMA public hunting office is also located on the property so feel free to stop in and gather more information about other public hunting opportunities in the southern region.

Popes Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA)Popes Creek

Popes Creek WMA is located in southern Charles County, this 522-acre site is adjacent to Popes Creek which feeds into the Potomac River. Consisting of a mix of forested and upland habitats and agricultural fields, this property does not include the tidal marsh of Popes Creek itself. The property opened to the public in 2019 and with habitats ranging from agricultural fields to mature forest along steep slopes, Popes Creek WMA has a wide variety of wildlife.  For additional information, contact the Myrtle Grove Wildlife Office at (301) 743-5161.

Plan Your Trip

Be sure to visit Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping before heading out. Click here for more information on Maryland’s white-tailed and sika deer; here for deer archery and muzzleloader seasons; and here for information on how to acquire hunting licenses.  Be sure to visit Maryland Department of Natural Resources online for more information on seasons and regulations before heading out!

Places to Stay

From rustic to regal Maryland offers a variety of places to stay. Search for lodging options across the state and check out current deals and discounts as you are planing.

Images courtesy of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources