The Mentored Hunt Program aims to teach first-time hunters and lapsed hunters a new set of skills, whether it be hunting techniques or how to hunt specific species.

The program pairs skilled veteran hunters with first-time or lapsed hunters (mentees) and walks them through a series of technical lectures that cover a range of topics including firearm safety, hunting tips and hunting techniques and strategies, as well as providing range time to help the mentee begin their journey into hunting.

Throughout the program, staff and members from the partnering agencies and organizations all contribute their collective resources and knowledge to make the program as encompassing as possible.

From the moment the mentee is selected into the program, they are paired with a mentor. From there, the mentor and mentee can take the opportunity to meet in person, text, call or email each other (whichever they prefer) to talk about any questions or concerns the mentee may have.

The goal of the program, and the job of the mentor and all the partners, is to guide the mentee on their journey into hunting and make sure the mentee becomes as prepared as possible when they leave the program.

 

Why do we need a program like this?

Isn’t hunting an American tradition that is passed down from generation to generation? A recent U.S. Fish and Wildlife survey showed that fewer than 5% of Americans, 16 years of age and older, actually hunt. This is alarming because it is less than half of what it was 50 years ago and is not showing any signs of reversing direction on its own. Over half of the current hunters in the United States are over 45 years old, with 38% of those being over 55 years old. Many hunters hang up their boots as they begin to age, which leaves a major deficit. Conservation agencies depend on money generated from license fees and excise taxes on firearms and ammunition to manage wildlife, all wildlife, not just game species. Hunters spend approximately $26 billion dollars a year, with a large portion of that being distributed to state wildlife agencies. A decline in hunters means a decline in dollars from hunters, which leads to a decline in funding. All of which spells trouble for hunting and other conservation and management activities.

It is imperative that the trend be reversed and agencies must find new ways to bring attention and new hunters to the sport. It is time to adjust how and who we market to as conservation agencies because, just as the United States becomes more diverse, so must hunting. The female population is grossly under-represented with only 10% of all hunters being women. 97% of all hunters are white and the majority have a median household income of $40,000-$100,000. It is glaringly obvious that a massive portion of our population is untapped and we hope programs like the Mentored Hunt Program will help to introduce people from all walks of life to hunting as a means of gathering food and, ultimately, a lifestyle. We are surrounded by sustainable local food sources that many folks do not think about; wild game is the ultimate field to table food source.​

If you have any questions about the Maryland Mentored Hunt Program, please contact Torey Vayer at torey.vayer@maryland.gov.

Stocked Pheasant Hunts- November 19-20, 2022

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 19 and 20, 2022.

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

FAQ

• 2022 Stocked Pheasant Hunt Lottery Results


• ​ 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 2022 Stocked Pheasant Hunt Lottery will be open to receive applications July 1, 2022 through October 7, 2022.
  
  
• 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 28, 2022.
  Lottery winners will receive an email no later than November 2 with hunt details.​
  


• ​ 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 19-20, 2022, 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 “2022 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 7, 2022. After that date, a random drawing will be held and selected applicants will be listed on this webpage by their DNRId by October 28, 2022.

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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​

Check Back Often!​

Mentored Upland Bird Hunt Application Deadline: September 16, 2022 Notification (if accepted): September 23, 2022​ Hunt Dates: October 15, 2022 Location: Schrader’s Outdoors, Henderson, MD This Event Has Closed	​​The Mentored Upland Game Bird Hunt is intended to introduce youth (junior) hunters (13 and older), apprentice and lapsed hunters of any age to upland game bird hunting​. 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 years of the last five years. ​ Successful applicants will have the opportunity to hunt with skilled veteran hunters nearby to aid them throughout their hunt. Space is limited and participants will be selected via random lottery.
​ First Shot Mentored Deer Hunt Application Deadline: September 19, 2022 Notification (if accepted): September 23, 2022 Mandatory Orientation: October 23, 2022 Hunt Dates: October 28 or 29 or 30, 2022 Location: Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding areas This Event Has Closed​	The First Shot Mentored Deer Hunt is intended to introduce first time adult hunters (18 and older) that do not otherwise have the skill set or knowledge to hunt deer on their own and would like to learn and hunt with skilled veteran hunters. No experience is necessary to participate in this event including Hunter Education or a current hunting license. Space is limited and participants will be selected via random lottery.
Patuxent Research Refuge Mentored Deer Hunt Application Deadline: October 14, 2022 Notification (if accepted): October 19, 2022 Mandatory Orientation: November 13, 2022 Hunt Dates: December 3, 2022 Location: Patuxent Research Refuge and surrounding areas This Event Has Closed​	The Patuxent Research Refuge Mentored Deer Hunt is intended to introduce first time adult hunters (18 and older) that do not otherwise have the skill set or knowledge to hunt deer on their own and would like to learn and hunt with skilled veteran hunters. No experience is necessary to participate in this event including Hunter Education or a current hunting license. Space is limited and participants will be selected via random lottery. ​
Youth Day Mentored Waterfowl Hunt Application Deadline: January 18, 2023 Notification (if accepted): January 20, 2023 Hunt Date: February 4, 2023 Location: Southern, Central and Eastern Shore Counties For More Details and to Apply Click Here	The Youth Day Mentored Waterfowl Hunt is intended to give youth hunters an opportunity to hunt waterfowl under the guidance of experienced mentors. For this event, only hunters ages 11-16 years old will be eligible.​ No experience is necessary to participate in this event. Space is limited and participants will be selected via lottery. (Please note: only those selected will be notified) ​

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