Permit-only Sites on the Eastern Shore to open to Goose Hunting

Hunters Can Apply through Lottery Drawing

Marylanders can now apply to take part in permit-only migratory Canada goose hunting days at Sassafras Natural Resources Management Area (NRMA), Tuckahoe State Park and Wye Island NRMA. All permits will be issued through a lottery drawing, with one application per hunter, per park permitted.

At Sassafras NRMA, the hunting dates are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, from Nov. 21-27 and Dec. 15- Feb. 3 (excluding Jan. 9). To get an application, download it here or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Sassafras NRMA Goose Hunt c/o Tuckahoe State Park, 13070 Crouse Mill Road, Queen Anne, MD 21657.

At Tuckahoe State Park, hunting dates are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from Nov. 21-27 and Dec. 15-Feb. 3. To get an application, download it here or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Tuckahoe State Park, 13070 Crouse Mill Road, Queen Anne, MD 21657.

At Wye Island NRMA, hunting dates are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from Dec. 15-Feb. 3. To get an application, download it here or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Wye Island NRMA, 632 Wye Island Road, Queenstown, MD  21658.

Migratory goose hunting applications must be received at their respective  offices by 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 16 to be accepted. Permits will be selected by a random drawing for Tuckahoe State Park and Wye Island NRMA on Oct. 20 at 1 p.m. and for Sassafras NRMA Oct. 21 at 1 p.m. Permit recipients will be notified of their hunting date and pit location by mail; results of the drawing will not be given out over the telephone.

Participants must hunt from their assigned pit only. Parties are limited to four hunters maximum, and all members must possess a valid hunting license and Managed Hunt Permit. Hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Waterfowl harvested at these sites will be considered part of the daily and season bag limit. Bag limits and season dates a can be found in the 2015-2016 Maryland Guide to Hunting and Trapping.