I'm about to relocate to Maryland (Silver Spring) and I'd like some advice on public land. I'm a small game hunter (as in, "if it's small and you can eat it, I'm looking to shoot it"). Any suggestions on public game lands with some good hiking and hunting? I don't mind driving a couple few hours. I've noticed Green Ridge State Forest and Frederick City Watershed on the DNR website and they seem big enough to get off the beaten path and enjoy some hunting. Any opinions?
Md is tough for public shotgunnin. Few places on the Eastern Shore in Dorchester and Queen Annes counties. I drive there every weekend. There are a few places in Indian Springs near clear springs.
Lots of public bowhunting, just very lean on shotgunnin. I miss it too.
That's too bad, as I do love shotgunnin. I have noticed the resrictions on weapons while browsing the MD DNR website, which is not something I'm familiar with. Anyhow, I haven't hunted in a long time and just last year picked up a NEF single shot 20 ga. I'm hoping to pick up a 12 ga. pump this winter. I will check out the areas you suggested, so thanks!
That's too bad, as I do love shotgunnin. I have noticed the resrictions on weapons while browsing the MD DNR website, which is not something I'm familiar with. Anyhow, I haven't hunted in a long time and just last year picked up a NEF single shot 20 ga. I'm hoping to pick up a 12 ga. pump this winter. I will check out the areas you suggested, so thanks!
squirrelstew
Some public duck hunting however in the bay and tribs. You always got duck hunting in the potomic.
If you want a big one, find out how to hunt the Black Hills Park stuff in Montgomery County, a short drive away from Silver Spring. I'm too far removed to remember the details, but they have some absolute monsters and I believe they have a lottery style system set up. My cousin got a Booner in the mid 90's hunting there.
If you really want a big one, try and get some Montgomery County farmers to let you hunt their area. Most, if not all, will turn you down, but the Comus, Maryland area has HUGE deer. I had a killer spot, a very nice family let me hunt it for years, now it's an upscale development. Had I been my age now instead of a 16 year old kid, I would have had the Maryland State Record typical, but sadly I blew it big time and only got to gaze upon him for a few minutes....
Two really good areas I know of are Savage Mountain. And Sidling Hill area. Savage area has less hunters, and tons of game. Black bear everywhere in Savage area.
I have a friend whose inlaws own alot of acreage next to the Sidling Hill area. Squirrels every where on those oak ridges, and full of turkey. Killed alot of deer intht area. Their property borders alot of game lands and we hunt the game lands and come in from their property. Very little pressure. Tom.
Both areas are just a couple of minutes off of I-68.
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West by God Virginia.
We need to stop using these terms today, "Sniper Rifle", "Tactical", "Assault Weapon".
You won't have to worry about firearms regs for hunting if you're hunting with a shotgun except for shot capacity and shot size (turkeys #4, 5 or 6 only, no Buckshot except in parts of Dorchester Co).
As far as places, just about every public piece I've been to has squirrel. The thing to look out for is bowhunters. The seasons coincide, so be sure of your background before taking a shot.
As far as fowl, as stated above, the Potomac is a good place to start, but do a little research about the area you're looking to hunt before heading it because some places are off limits (due to town regs or due to being privately owned).
Also, check out the MD DNR website as they have listings for their public lands there, sometimes complete with maps and a general overview of the place.
Otherwise, welcome to MD and good luck!
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Last edited by slicendice; 10-13-2010 at 11:22 AM.
Public Lands in Maryland?
Had I been my age now instead of a 16 year old kid, I would have had the Maryland State Record typical, but sadly I blew it big time and only got to gaze upon him for a few minutes....
