National Wildlife Refuge · Maryland · FWS Region 5

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Hunting & Fishing Guide 2026–27

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is located in Dorchester County, Maryland, with about 34,381 acres of land owned in fee by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Its lands extend into Delaware. For the 2026–2027 season the refuge has 39 mapped hunt units: 37 open with special regulations and 2 closed, covering about 19,972 huntable acres.

37 with special regs2 closedPermit requiredYouth hunts
View hunt map Directions Official hunting page ↗
39hunt units
20Khuntable acres
34.4KFWS-owned acres
4game categories

Blackwater NWR hunt unit map

Hunt units are colored by 2026–2027 status. Toggle layers for FWS-owned land, the approved refuge boundary and private easements. Use satellite imagery to scout marshes, timber edges and access points.

Loading interactive map…
OpenSpecial regulationsClosedFWS-owned landWPA (public)Refuge boundaryEasement (private) Tip: switch to Satellite or USGS Topo in the layer menu · click the map for GPS coordinates
Take it into the field: KML (Google Earth / onX) GPX waypoints GeoJSON

Hunting at Blackwater NWR

Permitted hunting categories are big game, waterfowl, wild turkey, and small game, subject to state seasons and refuge-specific rules. Fishing is available — tidal / saltwater fishing and shellfishing & crabbing. A refuge permit is required for at least some activities, in addition to your state license. Special youth hunting opportunities are offered.

If you hear what sounds like an elk bugle coming from the marshes of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, you aren't imagining things. The shrill bugle is coming from a sika, a small Asian elk species that thrives at this refuge.

Youth hunting

A youth deer hunt is offered.

All refuges with youth hunts →
Big GameWhite-tailed and mule deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, bear and other large mammalsWaterfowlDucks, geese, brant, swans (where legal) and cootsWild TurkeySpring and fall wild turkeySmall GameSquirrel, rabbit, hare, raccoon, opossum and other small mammals

Categories are those listed by USFWS for this station; exact species, seasons and bag limits follow Maryland regulations plus refuge-specific rules.

Hunt units (39)

Acreage by status
Special regulations: 19,972 (56%)Closed: 15,902 (44%)20Khuntable acres
  • Special regulations19,972 ac 56%
  • Closed15,902 ac 44%
Units by size (acres)
Closed to Hunting
14,935 ac
M2
1,911 ac
U
1,909 ac
E
1,890 ac
S
1,490 ac
T
1,439 ac
X
1,437 ac
R
1,152 ac
N
1,066 ac
Nanticoke
1,064 ac
M1
1,063 ac
Mentored Hunt Area
966 ac
A
804 ac
W
724 ac
UnitStatusAcresPermitDetails
A
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 804 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
B1
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 367 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
B2
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 81 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
B3
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 321 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
Barren Island North
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 224 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
Barren Island South
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 210 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
Beaverdam Creek East
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 31 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
Beaverdam Creek West
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 67 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
Bishop's Head East
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 125 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
Bishop's Head West
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 111 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
Blackwater River Central
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 95 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
Blackwater River East
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 41 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
Blackwater River West
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 114 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
D1
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 72 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
D2
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 384 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
D3
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 194 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
D4
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 107 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
E
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 1,890 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
Goose Dam Creek North
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 15 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
Goose Dam Creek South
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 15 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
M1
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 1,063 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
M2
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 1,911 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
N
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 1,066 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
Nanticoke
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 1,064 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
Nanticoke-River
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 232 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
Owens Creek-River
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 14 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
Q1
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 665 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
Q2
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 136 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
R
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 1,152 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
S
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 1,490 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
Spring Island East
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 98 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
Spring Island West
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 104 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
T
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 1,439 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
U
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 1,909 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
U1
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 203 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
W
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 724 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
X
Show on map · Directions		 Special regs 1,437 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
Closed to Hunting
Show on map · Directions		 Closed 14,935 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.
Mentored Hunt Area
Show on map · Directions		 Closed 966 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.
🧒 A youth deer hunt is offered.

Blackwater NWR by the numbers

With about 19,972 huntable acres, Blackwater NWR ranks #1 of 4 refuges and stations with mapped hunting land in Maryland and #116 of 420 nationwide. Roughly 56% of the acreage inside its mapped hunt units is open to hunting in some form.

The largest huntable unit is M2 (1,911 acres, special regulations), while the smallest, Owens Creek-River, covers 14 acres. Every huntable unit requires a refuge permit.

2 units totaling 15,902 acres are closed to hunting (Closed to Hunting and Mentored Hunt Area). Closed areas often serve as sanctuaries — learn their boundaries before you set up nearby.

Besides 34,381 acres of federally owned land, the station administers conservation easements on about 335 acres of private land. Easement land protects habitat but is not open to public hunting.

When to hunt Blackwater NWR

Typical U.S. season windows for the game categories offered here. Maryland sets the exact dates, and refuges often open fewer days than the statewide season — use this to plan scouting, then confirm the 2026–2027 dates in the state regulations and the refuge hunt brochure.

Typical season windows — Big Game, Waterfowl, Wild Turkey, Small Game
AugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJun
🦌 Big Game
Archery deerFirearm deer
🦆 Waterfowl
Early teal & gooseRegular duck & goose
🦃 Wild Turkey
Spring gobblerFall (some states)
🐇 Small Game
Squirrel & rabbit

Permits & licenses

Refuge permit

Required

Turkey and deer (white-tail and sika). Signed permit required for waterfowl thru recreation.gov.

Type: Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar

How to get it:

  • 💻 Online (e.g. Recreation.gov)

You'll also need

  • A valid Maryland hunting license and any required tags or stamps — Maryland DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service
  • Federal Duck Stamp (waterfowl hunters 16+) and HIP certification for migratory birds
  • Non-toxic shot for waterfowl (federal requirement)
  • Hunter education certification where your state requires it
  • The current refuge hunt brochure / regulations (often must be signed and carried)

Fishing at Blackwater NWR

  • 🌊 Tidal / saltwater fishing
  • 🦀 Shellfishing & crabbing

Recreational fishing and crabbing are permitted at the refuge, but there are restrictions. Maryland state regulations apply while fishing and crabbing on the refuge.

State fishing licenses and regulations apply. Some waters close seasonally to protect wildlife.

How to get to Blackwater NWR

Navigate

Destination: Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (FWS reference point)

Google Maps Apple Maps Waze
Decimal
38.41745, -76.08290
DMS
38°25′02.8″N 76°04′58.4″W

Download for GPS / onX / Google Earth:KMLGPX

Nearest towns

  • Cambridge, MD9.9 mi S of town
  • Salisbury, MD26 mi W of town
  • Annapolis, MD45 mi SE of town
  • Chincoteague, VA51 mi NW of town

Closest airports

  • SBY Salisbury–Ocean City31 mi
  • BWI Baltimore/Washington61 mi

Straight-line distances. Driving routes are longer; many refuge roads are gravel and may close seasonally.

The navigation point is the station reference location published by USFWS — often the headquarters or main entrance. For a specific hunt unit, open its page or click it on the map for coordinates and parking planning.

Sunrise, sunset & shooting hours

Today at Blackwater NWR

Legal light*–
Sunrise–
Sunset–

*½ hour before sunrise — the standard federal shooting-hour start for migratory game birds. Times in New York local time.

Full season calculator →

2026–2027 season sun table

DateShooting lightSunriseSunsetDaylight
Tue, Sep 1, 20266:02 AM6:32 AM7:36 PM13h 04m
Tue, Sep 15, 20266:14 AM6:44 AM7:14 PM12h 30m
Thu, Oct 1, 20266:28 AM6:58 AM6:49 PM11h 50m
Thu, Oct 15, 20266:41 AM7:11 AM6:27 PM11h 16m
Sun, Nov 1, 20265:59 AM6:29 AM5:06 PM10h 36m
Sun, Nov 15, 20266:15 AM6:45 AM4:52 PM10h 08m
Tue, Dec 1, 20266:32 AM7:02 AM4:44 PM9h 43m
Tue, Dec 15, 20266:44 AM7:14 AM4:44 PM9h 31m
Fri, Jan 1, 20276:51 AM7:21 AM4:53 PM9h 32m
Fri, Jan 15, 20276:50 AM7:20 AM5:05 PM9h 46m
Mon, Feb 1, 20276:40 AM7:10 AM5:24 PM10h 15m

Computed for 38.417, -76.083 (EDT / DST-aware). Check state rules — big game hours vary.

7-day hunting weather

Loading National Weather Service forecast…

Forecast from the National Weather Service. Wind direction matters — plan your approach downwind of where game beds.

Guides for hunting Blackwater NWR

Deer Hunting on National Wildlife Refuges: Quota Hunts, Archery Units and Stand Rules

How refuge deer hunts work — lotteries and quota permits, archery-only and muzzleloader units, tree-stand rules…

Public-Land Duck Hunting on National Wildlife Refuges: Tactics That Work

How to find ducks, beat the crowds and set up on refuge marshes and WPAs — scouting, timing, small decoy spreads for…

Federal Duck Stamp Explained: Who Needs One, Where to Buy It and Where the Money Goes

Everything waterfowl hunters need to know about the Federal Duck Stamp — who must carry it, signing rules, the…

Nontoxic Shot Guide for Refuge and WPA Hunters

Why lead shot is banned for waterfowl, which nontoxic loads are approved, how steel, bismuth and tungsten compare, and…

Turkey Hunting on Wildlife Refuges: Lotteries, Pressured Birds and Safety

How spring and fall turkey hunts work on National Wildlife Refuges, how to scout and call public-land gobblers, and…

Your First Public-Land Hunt: A Step-by-Step Checklist for New Hunters

Hunter education, licenses, choosing a first species, gear, practice, scouting with maps and what to expect on your…

Blackwater NWR FAQ

Is hunting allowed at Blackwater NWR?

Yes. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge offers hunting in 37 units (19,972 acres) during 2026–2027 for big game, waterfowl, wild turkey, and small game. Seasons follow state regulations plus refuge-specific rules in 50 CFR Part 32.

Do I need a permit to hunt Blackwater NWR?

Yes — Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge requires a refuge permit for some or all hunting. Permit type: Other OMB-Approved Permit and Signed Brochure or Similar. Permits can be obtained online (e.g. recreation.gov). You also need the appropriate state hunting license and, for waterfowl, a Federal Duck Stamp.

Can you fish at Blackwater NWR?

Yes. Fishing is permitted (tidal / saltwater fishing and shellfishing & crabbing). State fishing licenses and regulations apply along with refuge rules.

Where is Blackwater NWR located?

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is in Dorchester County, Maryland, about 10 miles S of Cambridge, MD (straight-line). GPS: 38.41745, -76.08290.

What are legal shooting hours at Blackwater NWR?

Migratory game bird shooting hours are generally one-half hour before sunrise to sunset; big game and other seasons follow state rules. See the sunrise/sunset table on this page and confirm in the refuge hunt brochure.

Nearby refuges & public land

Martin NWR

MD · 28 mi S

2 closed
No hunting listed

Eastern Neck NWR

MD · 43 mi N

1 special1 closed
🦌🦃🐇🎣

2K huntable acres

Wallops Island NWR

Accomack County, VA · 48 mi SE

1 special
🦌🦆🦃🕊️🐇

365 huntable acres

Rappahannock River Valley NWR

Richmond County, VA · 52 mi SW

18 special2 closed
🦌🦆🦃🐇🎣

6.8K huntable acres

Chincoteague NWR

Accomack County, VA · 53 mi SE

5 special2 closed
🦌🦆🦃🕊️🐇🎣

9.9K huntable acres

Prime Hook NWR

Sussex County, DE · 53 mi NE

8 special2 closed
🦌🦆🐦🕊️🐇🎣

7K huntable acres

All refuges in Maryland →

Data: USFWS National Hunt Units 2026–2027, Hunting & Fishing Opportunities, Realty Boundaries & Tracts. Page updated October 28, 2026.