STOCKED IN AREAS AROUND THE STATE

photos courtesy Fish and Hunt Maryland

Stocked Pheasant Hunts- November 20-21, 2021

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will be offering “do-it-yourself” hunts for stocked pheasants. Apprentice license holders, junior license holders, new hunters and hunters who have previously held a Maryland hunting license, but have let it lapse are eligible to apply. The pheasant hunts will take place on public lands across the state on November 20 and 21, 2021.

Check back for application information, dates, locations and other resources as they become available.

FAQ

• Who may apply?
  Any youth (junior) hunter, apprentice hunter or lapsed hunter. A lapsed hunter is one who has held a MD hunting license in the past, but has not purchased a hunting license for any three of the last five years.
• When does the lottery open and close?
  The 2021 Stocked Pheasant Hunt Lottery will be open to receive applications July 1, 2021 through October 15, 2021.
• Is this a guided hunt?
  No, this is a “do-it-yourself” hunt. All participants will supply their own gear and firearms and be expected to have the necessary hunting license.
• Can I bring a parent or friend?
  Friends, family or mentors may accompany the selected participant, but only the individual chosen in the lottery is able to carry and use a firearm.
• How will I be notified if I am selected?
  Selected applicants will be listed on this webpage by their DNRId by October 25, 2021.
• Who may I contact if I have additional questions?
  You may contact Chris Markin at Christopher.Markin@Maryland.gov for any additional questions or concerns.
• How to Apply for the Stocked Pheasant Hunts

  In order to apply to participate in the stocked pheasant hunts, taking place on November 20-21, 2021, you will need to log in to your Compass​ account and enter the lottery. If you do not have a Compass account, you will need to create one. There is no charge to create an account and there is no charge to apply for the pheasant hunt lottery or participate in the stocked pheasant hunts.

  You will be able to select a first, second and third choice for the area you want to hunt, but you will only be able to select one day. You will not be able to apply to hunt both days since space is limited at each of the areas. The entire Wildlife Management Area (WMA), or state forest, will not be open to pheasant hunting, but we will provide you with a map showing the general area where the pheasants are stocked and the area(s) where you can hunt. Each area will be clearly signed the day of the hunt.

  Once you have logged into Compass, please follow these steps to complete your application to enter the lottery for the stocked pheasant hunts:

  • Log in to Compass with existing account or create a new account
  • Select “Purchase New License.”
  • Select “Hunting.”
  • Select “2021 Pheasant Hunt Lottery Entry.”
  • At the top of the page, select “Add item to cart.”
  • At top of page, select “Proceed to checkout.”
  • One next page, select “Checkout.”
  • Answer pheasant hunt survey questions.
  • Select “Checkout” at the end of the survey.
  • Print receipt.

Selection Procedure

Participants will be selected at random from all eligible applicants. In order to be eligible, you must be a youth (junior) hunter, apprentice hunter or a lapsed hunter. A lapsed hunter is one who has held a MD hunting license in the past, but has not purchased a hunting license for any three of the last five years. The deadline to apply to participate in the stocked pheasant hunts is October 15, 2021. After that date, a random drawing will be held and selected applicants will be listed on this webpage by their DNR Id by October 25, 2021.

Resources

• General Hunting Regulations
• Small Game Hunting Regulations
• Small Game Hunting Seasons and Bag Limits
• Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Management Areas

Upcoming Events​

**During these unprecendented times, we implore all participants to follow the most up to date guidance from the State in order to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing video meetings, email, text and phone calls will help to reduce risk. Practicing social distancing and masks when meeting in person in the outdoors is another way for participants to mitigate risk while still taking opportunity of the program and events.**​​​