Hunt unit · Patuxent Research Refuge

Area Z Hunt Unit Map & Access

Special regsPermit requiredYouth opportunity

The Area Z unit is one of 8 mapped hunt units on Patuxent Research Refuge in Anne Arundel County, MD. It covers approximately 60 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 ↗
60acres
Special regsstatus 2026–27
Yesrefuge permit
Anne Arundel Countycounty

Area Z 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 Maryland 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: Other.

Migratory game bird, small game, turkey and deer hunting, and fishing.

🧒 Junior Deer Firearms, Junior Waterfowl and Junior Spring Turkey Hunts are offered.

Game at Patuxent Research Refuge

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 Area Z unit

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Destination: center of the Area Z unit

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Decimal
39.05892, -76.73588
DMS
39°03′32.1″N 76°44′09.2″W

Nearest towns

  • Annapolis, MD14 mi NW of town
  • Baltimore, MD17 mi SW of town
  • Washington, DC19 mi NE 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 Area Z

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, 20266:04 AM6:34 AM7:39 PM13h 05m
Tue, Sep 15, 20266:17 AM6:47 AM7:17 PM12h 30m
Thu, Oct 1, 20266:31 AM7:01 AM6:51 PM11h 50m
Thu, Oct 15, 20266:45 AM7:15 AM6:29 PM11h 15m
Sun, Nov 1, 20266:03 AM6:33 AM5:07 PM10h 34m
Sun, Nov 15, 20266:19 AM6:49 AM4:54 PM10h 05m
Tue, Dec 1, 20266:36 AM7:06 AM4:45 PM9h 39m
Tue, Dec 15, 20266:48 AM7:18 AM4:45 PM9h 27m
Fri, Jan 1, 20276:55 AM7:25 AM4:53 PM9h 28m
Fri, Jan 15, 20276:54 AM7:24 AM5:06 PM9h 42m
Mon, Feb 1, 20276:44 AM7:14 AM5:26 PM10h 12m

Computed for 39.059, -76.736 (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 Patuxent Research Refuge

UnitStatusAcresPermit
Central Tract Lottery Hunt AreaOpen1,445Required
Lake AllenSpecial regs20Required
MillraceSpecial regs382Required
North TractSpecial regs7,854Required
Schafer FarmSpecial regs470Required
South TractSpecial regs2,379Required
ClosedClosed331Required

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