Outdoor Activities and Amenities in Maryland

The following State Parks, State Forests and Wildlife Management Areas offer access to hunters with mobility impairments. A link is provided to each facility's homepage where additional information is available.

Hunting and trapping on public hunting lands is permitted in accordance with state and federal laws and restrictions for each area. Call to check on rules or conditions for each location. Office hours may vary. Call before visiting. Leave a message if appropriate, so that staff can return your call.

The Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) listed are generally undeveloped and are available for hunting in season. Special provisions have been made for vehicular access in some areas to allow hunting from vehicles for individuals with disabilities. A call to the individual Wildlife Management Area can address specific questions regarding access and need. Use Maryland Relay 411 (in Maryland) or 800-735-2258.

Public hunting and trapping opportunities are permitted in designated areas of certain state parks and forests. Vehicles and off-road vehicles are prohibited except on public highways and at approved parking facilities.

Special Restrictions and Permits

For hunting rules and regulations, read the Guide to Hunting and Trapping in Maryland.

DNR's Wildlife and Heritage Service issues special permits for hunters with disabilities, as follows:

Crossbow Permits are no longer required in Maryland.

Universal Disability Pass (formally Hunt From a Vehicle permit)

Hunters with mobility impairments may obtain a special permit so they may hunt from a vehicle. Applications are available from Wildlife & Heritage Service Offices or online: Universal Disability Pass (formally Hunt From a Vehicle permit). A physician must certify your permit application.

The permittee and one other non-hunting companion that is there to assist the permittee, are allowed inside the vehicle while beyond the entrance to the posted areas. The permit holder may not shoot or have a loaded weapon in the vehicle while the vehicle is on a public roadway or the shoulder of the roadway. These areas are restricted and designed for use only by hunters with a permit to hunt from a vehicle.

The permit holder must:

1. Have the Universal Disability Pass Permit on his or her person while hunting.

2. Keep the vehicle at a complete stop with the motor turned off while shooting, aiming or firing the weapon.

3. Allow only him or herself or other permittees and a companion to be in the vehicle while hunting. A hunter may serve as a companion but may not hunt from the vehicle.

4. Have all weapons unloaded, including no ammunition in the magazine, while the vehicle is in motion.

5. Not shoot or have a loaded weapon in the vehicle while the vehicle is on a public roadway or the shoulder of a roadway.

Disabled Accessible Public Hunting Lands

Maryland WMAs - Disabled Hunter Access Information
(.PDF File - Opens with Acrobat Reader)