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[...]
With Maryland’s long history as one of the 13 original American colonies, the scenic byways that run through the state are perfect for a road trip where the family can enjoy memorable sites, drive through key historic areas, and experience Maryland’s unique character. Parker’s Creek and the Star-Spangled Banner If you’re looking for a daylong, outdoor experience, Parker’s Creek offers large tracts of forest with diverse topography. Dry upland woods, ravines and forested wetlands span[...]
Overview Catfishing on Maryland's Eastern Shore presents anglers with a network of brackish waterways, each teeming with opportunities to reel in impressive catches. The Chesapeake Bay, along with its tributaries such as the Choptank and Nanticoke Rivers, provides fertile grounds for Blue and Flathead Catfish. These estuarine environments offer a unique mix of freshwater and saltwater, creating diverse habitats where catfish thrive. With abundant forage and ample cover provided by marshes, oyster reefs, and submerged[...]
Called the "Stream of the Presidents" because of its proximity to Camp David, Hunting Creek is the most accessible trout stream in Maryland with natural trout populations as fly fishers can use the many pull-out parking areas located along Route 77 which parallels the creek as both wind down the mountain. Located within Cunningham Falls State Park above Thurmont in Frederick County, the minimum guaranteed stream flows from Cunningham Falls Lake together with long standing[...]
Turkeys usually conjure images of colorful leaves and crisp fall days, but with the arrival of spring comes the start of turkey hunting in Maryland. Spring turkey season begins April 18, 2018 and lasts through May 23rd, with a special youth turkey season scheduled the weekend of April 14-15. Found across Maryland, Eastern wild turkey populations are near an all-time high – now numbering around 40,000 – thanks, in part, to an intensive trap and[...]
Included in this wide span of surf is Assateague State Park, located on Assateague Island. This is the only oceanfront park in Maryland and is a barrier island bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Sinepuxent Bay on the west. This park is a great spot for weekend camping. Its 300 pet-friendly sites fill up fast so be sure to book early. Assateague’s two miles of ocean beaches offer swimming, beachcombing, sunbathing[...]
Three years ago, I decided to make the transition from hunting casually for a week a year for elk or mule deer to someone who does not stop hunting. That journey started with a sika deer hunt with Muddy Marsh Outfitters through the Sisterhood of the Outdoors. I started hunting 13 years ago after moving to Colorado from Maryland. Now as an avid hunter, I often kick myself for not enjoying the bounties of hunting[...]
Where To Go The Eastern Shore Maryland’s Eastern Shore offers a variety of choices for everyone in your family, from angler to beach bum. Summer is the perfect time to plan a family trip to the shore, with plenty of lodging and dining options, attractions and activities, not to mention some of the best fishing you can find. For the angler: With wonderful fishing opportunities over hundreds of square miles, this is a hot spot[...]
From the brackish waters (a mix of salt and freshwater) of the Chesapeake Bay’s tributary systems, to freshwater systems that riddle the state, these popular fish can be found all across Maryland. With easy access to fishing spots by land and boat access points, Maryland makes it easy for the serious angler and the first-timer to find a largemouth bass worth talking about. Fishing for Largemouth Bass Largemouth bass can be recognized by the lower[...]
Bear activity is increasing throughout western Maryland as the black bear population continues to expand eastward. With its rural landscape and vast forested land, western Maryland holds some prime bear habitat, much of which is found on public lands open for hunting. A Guide to Planning a Black Bear Hunt in Maryland There are a limited number of bear hunting permits available each year in Maryland and they are awarded through a lottery drawing. The[...]