Experience Our States Best Kept Secret

The Patuxent Research Refuge was established in 1936 by an executive order from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. With land surrounding the Patuxent and Little Patuxent Rivers between Washington D.C. and Baltimore, MD, the refuge has grown from the original 2,670 acres to its present size of 12,750 acres and encompasses land formerly managed by the Departments of Agriculture and Defense. A wide range of hunting opportunities await the outdoor sportsman who ventures in the woods and fields of the Patuxent Research Refuge.

Hunting for upland game, waterfowl, and white-tail deer exist and is managed by both refuge officials and the volunteer staff of the Meade Natural Heritage Association (MNHA). Through the use of a permit system, MNHA is cooperating with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, providing outdoor opportunities to avid sportsmen. Hunting is permitted from September through January, based on Maryland state hunting seasons. The varied hunting opportunities at Patuxent Research Refuge are due to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and MNHA efforts to effectively manage refuge wildlife resources. Close cooperation in this partnership has established a model program for other refuges. By using a daily sign-in system, weapon qualifications for deer hunters, hunter education classes and hunter density limits in each hunting area, MNHA personnel strive to provide the safest and highest quality outdoor experience to the outdoor sportsman.

MNHA has grown since it's inception in 1991 to over 700 permit hunters. Hunting activities are controlled by the MNHA staff at the Hunting Control Station (HCS), located on Bald Eagle Drive. Permit sales, daily sign-in and harvest recording (deer checking) are performed at the HCS. MNHA begins permit sales in August of each year and continues through the hunting season. Permit purchasers need a current Maryland hunting license, hunter safety course card (from any state), and a check or money order for $60 ($30 for youth / senior).

How MNHA Membership Benefits the Sportsman and Wildlife

The Meade Natural Heritage Association is an incorporated, non-profit organization that is dedicated to the purpose of wildlife conservation, management, and to promote and support outdoor sporting activities. As part of this program MNHA manages hunting activities on the refuge, with the distinction of having one of the largest federal public-use hunting programs in the United States in regard to season length and number of hunters. MNHA's membership is active throughout the year in support of these activities. Through a wide variety of activities and services, MNHA offers benefits to its members, refuge hunters, the refuge, and our wildlife. Most importantly, MNHA offers the opportunity to GET INVOLVED. Habitat restoration, refuge clean ups and other projects allow sportsmen to give back for the improvement of the refuge and the hunting program. As a volunteer organization, MNHA depends on the contributions of its members.

MNHA Membership Benefits Include:
 The MNHA newsletter, a quarterly newsletter detailing Patuxent Research Refuge hunting information and MNHA activities.
 MNHA range days for Members only, providing the opportunity to maintain firearms proficiency throughout the year.
 Voting status, become a voice in determining your association and your hunting program.
 Use of MNHA’s Bow Range.
 Use of MNHA’s bulletin board to post items for sale.
 Entrance to MNHA’s Annual Banquate!!

Membership is just $10 per year. To join stop by the HCS to pick up a MNHA brochure. The HCS is located on Bald Eagle Drive, approximately 1/4 mile from Rt. 198. Become a part of the organization dedicated to hunting sportmen and the Patuxent Research Refuge wildlife we all enjoy.

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2008-2009 MNHA Hunting Permit and Membership Sales!

Permits and memberships will be going on sale at the Hunting Control Station beginning Saturday, August 2nd from 10AM until 2PM!! Hunting permits for the 2008-2009 Season will cost $60 ($30 for Juniors / Seniors). Please help support MNHA continue to run your hunting program by introducing new hunters (friends, family, co-workers) to our hunting association! MNHA Memberships!!

• Permit Sales Throughout August: Saturdays / Sundays 10AM until 2PM and Wednesdays from 6PM until 8 PM at the Hunting Control Station. Please remember to bring your hunting license, hunter safety card and check or cash.
• Don't forget to add a MNHA Membership to your Permit sale for an additional $10.

Membership Benefits: Quarterly MNHA Newsletter detailing North Tract hunting information and MNHA activities, several MNHA range days for members only to maintain firearm proficiency, voting status giving you a voice in determining your hunting association’s future, ability to utilize MNHA’s bow range, bulletin board available to post items for sale, and a yearly Membership Banquet!

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Please contact Krista Listmann, MNHA’s Vice President of Public Relations, at publicrelations@mnha.net for additional information. Also, please visit our website at www.mnha.net !!