Eastern Shore Waterfowl Hunting Applications Now Being Accepted

Permits for Deal Island and Fairmount Wildlife Management Areas

Hunters can now submit applications for the annual permit-only waterfowl hunting days at Deal Island Wildlife Management Area and Fairmount Wildlife Management Area impoundments in Somerset County. 

Applications to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources must be received by Sept. 10.

Permits will be issued through a lottery drawing, with assignments based on a hunter’s stated preference for area and date.

Waterfowl hunting within the impoundments is by permit only on the opening days of each of the three separate splits of duck season. After that, hunting is restricted to certain days 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 two impoundments between Oct. 1, 2018, and March 31, 2019. The department established this strategy years ago to limit the impact on important wildlife habitat. Boat use and waterfowl hunting outside of these areas remain open and unchanged.

For more information on the lottery or waterfowl hunting, please contact the Wellington Wildlife Management Area at 410-543-8223.