Meade Natural Heritage Association

05/29/2026

https://downloads.regulations.gov/FWS-HQ-NWRS-2026-1223-0002/attachment_40.pdf

05/09/2026

Annual Veteran hunt was once again successful. Freedom Hunters sent us great vets with lots of laughs.

Thanks to Mission BBQ for their continued support providing lunch.

03/30/2026

Turkey lottery emails have been sent out. Selected hunters are strongly encouraged to utilize the list of available highly experienced and free Turkey Guides in the letters. Call ahead of time to ensure availability. Any issues questions or concerns, contact Kyle Donaldson who is the Turkey hunting program coordinator.

02/08/2026

All;

The season has officially come to a close. We hope everyone had some level of success this year! Please check your email inboxes for a short survey / data collection for the 26/27 season. We NEED feedback. Survey closes on Feb 15th.

01/30/2026

The North Tract will be open for hunting on Friday, January 30, 2026. HCS opens at 5AM.

Please be aware of the following:

We strongly recommend that you are prepared to deal with the road conditions. Use a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Bring a shovel. If you get stuck, US FWS and MNHA do not have the resources to assist you.
The HCS parking lot and drive up window road are not plowed. If you don’t have 4 wheel drive, you may have to park on Bald Eagle and walk to the HCS following the cleared foot path.
Do not block roads - be respectful of other hunters and US FWS personnel who may need to drive on the road.
Not all hunt areas may be accessible - the side roads are not plowed. Be careful.
Central Tract /Schaffer Farm, South Tract, and Impact Zones (D, E, F, G, H) are CLOSED.

01/28/2026

Closed for another day. Thursday January 29th

⚠️Important Notice ⚠️

Please be aware that all areas of Patuxent Research Refuge will be closed on Thursday, January 29th, 2026. The gates will be closed, and no access will be provided. We appreciate your patience as we recover from the recent winter storm.

01/27/2026

And now the refuge is closed Wednesday. Sorry guys ☹️

⚠️Important Notice ⚠️

Please be aware that all areas of Patuxent Research Refuge will be closed on Wednesday, January 28th, 2026. The gates will be closed, and no access will be provided. We appreciate your patience as we recover from the recent winter storm.

01/27/2026

Closed for another day, Tuesday
Refuge staff is still working to clear snow.

Created to conserve and protect wildlife and wildlands through research, Patuxent Research Refuge offers 13,000 acres of tranquil forest, meadow and wetlands amid a densely populated urban area. Countless birds, mammals, pollinators, amphibians, and more call it home. Immerse yourself in this natura...

01/25/2026

Refuge will be closed to hunting on Monday.
Please stay warm and safe.

12/08/2025

Another fantastic buck taken on the central tract hunt.