Hunt unit · Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge
Open Hunt Unit Map & Access
The Open unit is one of 2 mapped hunt units on Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge in Charles County, MD. It covers approximately 31 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.
Open map
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.
Game at Southern Maryland Woodlands 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 Open unit
Navigate
Destination: center of the Open unit
- Decimal
38.43823, -77.22890- DMS
38°26′17.6″N 77°13′44.0″W
Nearest towns
- Fredericksburg, VA16 mi NE of town
- Washington, DC34 mi S of town
- Tappahannock, VA40 mi NW 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 Open
*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
| Date | Shooting light | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Sep 1, 2026 | 6:07 AM | 6:37 AM | 7:41 PM | 13h 04m |
| Tue, Sep 15, 2026 | 6:19 AM | 6:49 AM | 7:19 PM | 12h 30m |
| Thu, Oct 1, 2026 | 6:33 AM | 7:03 AM | 6:53 PM | 11h 50m |
| Thu, Oct 15, 2026 | 6:46 AM | 7:16 AM | 6:32 PM | 11h 16m |
| Sun, Nov 1, 2026 | 6:04 AM | 6:34 AM | 5:10 PM | 10h 36m |
| Sun, Nov 15, 2026 | 6:20 AM | 6:50 AM | 4:57 PM | 10h 07m |
| Tue, Dec 1, 2026 | 6:37 AM | 7:07 AM | 4:49 PM | 9h 42m |
| Tue, Dec 15, 2026 | 6:48 AM | 7:18 AM | 4:49 PM | 9h 31m |
| Fri, Jan 1, 2027 | 6:55 AM | 7:25 AM | 4:57 PM | 9h 32m |
| Fri, Jan 15, 2027 | 6:54 AM | 7:24 AM | 5:10 PM | 9h 46m |
| Mon, Feb 1, 2027 | 6:44 AM | 7:14 AM | 5:29 PM | 10h 14m |
Computed for 38.438, -77.229 (EDT / DST-aware). Check state rules — big game hours vary.
Weather forecast
Loading National Weather Service forecast…
Forecast from the National Weather Service. Wind direction matters — plan your approach downwind of where game beds.
Other units at Southern Maryland Woodlands NWR
| Unit | Status | Acres | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closed | ✕Closed | 0.3 | — |