Hunt unit · Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge

Northern Hunt Zone Hunt Unit Map & Access

Special regsPermit required

The Northern Hunt Zone is one of 7 mapped hunt units on Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in Accomack County, VA. It covers approximately 3,823 acres and is listed as “open – special regulations apply” for 2026–2027. That means hunting is permitted, but refuge-specific rules — such as limited species, dates, weapon types, access methods or quota permits — apply on top of state regulations. A refuge permit is required.

Navigate to unit Refuge overview Official hunt info ↗
3,823acres
Special regsstatus 2026–27
Yesrefuge permit
Accomack Countycounty

Northern Hunt Zone map

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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
Downloads (whole refuge):KMLGPX

Rules & permits for this unit

Status: Open – special regulations apply

Hunting is allowed, but refuge-specific rules apply in addition to Virginia regulations. Typical special regulations include limited species or seasons, quota/lottery permits, weapon restrictions (e.g. archery or shotgun only), shooting-hour limits, blind or stand rules and restricted access.

Refuge permit required. Type: Other OMB-Approved Permit. Obtain via: Mail, Online FWS, Visitor Center.

Waterfowl and Deer Hunting

Game at Chincoteague NWR

Species listed for the refuge as a whole — a special-regulation unit may be limited to certain species. Confirm in the hunt brochure.

Getting to the Northern Hunt Zone

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Destination: center of the Northern Hunt Zone

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Decimal
37.97545, -75.29435
DMS
37°58′31.6″N 75°17′39.7″W

Nearest towns

  • Chincoteague, VA5.6 mi NE of town
  • Salisbury, MD31 mi SE of town
  • Lewes, DE56 mi S of town

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

The navigation point is a point inside the unit polygon, not necessarily a parking area or legal access point. Use satellite view to find roads, gates and designated parking, and respect closed areas and private inholdings.

Shooting hours at this unit

Today at Northern Hunt Zone

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, 20266:00 AM6:30 AM7:32 PM13h 03m
Tue, Sep 15, 20266:11 AM6:41 AM7:11 PM12h 29m
Thu, Oct 1, 20266:25 AM6:55 AM6:45 PM11h 51m
Thu, Oct 15, 20266:38 AM7:08 AM6:25 PM11h 17m
Sun, Nov 1, 20265:55 AM6:25 AM5:03 PM10h 38m
Sun, Nov 15, 20266:11 AM6:41 AM4:50 PM10h 09m
Tue, Dec 1, 20266:28 AM6:58 AM4:42 PM9h 45m
Tue, Dec 15, 20266:39 AM7:09 AM4:42 PM9h 33m
Fri, Jan 1, 20276:46 AM7:16 AM4:51 PM9h 34m
Fri, Jan 15, 20276:45 AM7:15 AM5:03 PM9h 48m
Mon, Feb 1, 20276:36 AM7:06 AM5:22 PM10h 16m

Computed for 37.975, -75.294 (EDT / DST-aware). Check state rules — big game hours vary.

Weather forecast

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

Other units at Chincoteague NWR

UnitStatusAcresPermit
Archery Only Zone 1Special regs1,429Required
Archery Only Zone 2Special regs1,544Required
Archery Only Zone 3Special regs1,171Required
Migratory Game Bird Only ZoneSpecial regs1,928Required
Closed Area - MDClosed172Required
Closed Area - VAClosed2,084Required

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