Waterfowl Hunting at Deal Island and Fairmount

Department Now Accepting Lottery Applications

Hunters can now submit applications for the annual permit-only waterfowl hunting days at Deal Island and Fairmount wildlife management areas, located in Somerset County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Permits will be issued through a lottery drawing, with assignments based upon a hunter’s stated preference for each area and/or date. Applications are due prior to Sept. 12. 

Waterfowl hunting within the areas is by permit only on the opening days of each of the three separate splits of duck season. After which, hunting is restricted to certain days and/or holidays through the remainder of each split season.

“The impoundments at these areas are among the best known public areas for waterfowl hunting in the state,” Game Bird Program Leader Bill Harvey said. “Recent changes in water level management together with restrictions on boat motors have resulted in greatly improved waterfowl habitats at these locations.”

All hunters are reminded that motorized boats, except those powered by electric motors, are prohibited at the impoundments between Oct. 1, 2016 and March 31, 2017. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources established this strategy two years ago to limit the impact on important habitat.

The motorized boat regulations and schedule of open waterfowl hunting days apply only within the impoundment areas at both the Deal Island Wildlife Management Area and Fairmount Wildlife Management Areas. Boat use and waterfowl hunting outside of these restricted impoundments remains open and unchanged.

For more information, please contact the Wellington Wildlife Management Area Office at 410-543-8223.