Deer Management Program

Park Closures Due to Deer Management

Quiet Waters Park

Quiet Waters Park will close at 5:00 p.m. on the following dates for deer management operations:

• Tuesday, January 20
• Thursday, February 5

Kinder Farm Park

Kinder Farm Park will close at 5:00 p.m. on the following dates for deer management operations:

• Tuesday, January 27
• Tuesday, February 10

Compass Pointe Golf Course

Compass Pointe Golf Course will close at 5:00 p.m. on the following dates for deer management operations:

• Thursday, January 29
• Thursday, February 12

Glendening Nature Preserve

Glendening Nature Preserve will close at 5:00 p.m. on the following dates for deer management operations:

• Thursday, January 22
• Tuesday, February 3
• Tuesday, February 17
• Thursday, February 19

River Farm Park

River Farm Park will close at 5:00 p.m. on the following dates for deer management operations:

• Thursday, January 22
• Tuesday, February 3
• Tuesday, February 17
• Thursday, February 19

Emory Waters Nature Preserve

Emory Waters Nature Preserve close at 5:00 p.m. on the following dates for deer management operations:

• Thursday, January 22
• Tuesday, February 3
• Tuesday, February 17
• Thursday, February 19

All hunter applicants must provide the following:

• Participant Information Form (including a Questionnaire for new hunters)
• Proof of Maryland Residency (Valid MD License or ID, or Military ID with Maryland residency proof).
• A $25.00 non-refundable administrative processing fee payable to Anne Arundel County (previous season participants must pay this fee as well).
• Recreation & Parks Volunteer Background Check. This includes a separate $7.00 fee.

Qualified applicants (new hunters) will be contacted and scheduled for an in-person interview. Individuals who successfully pass the interview process and other prerequisites will be accepted into the program. Hunters who do not pass our requirements will be contacted by phone. Accepted applicants will then need to provide the following items before they will be allowed to participate in a hunt:

• A $50.00 registration fee payable to the Friends of Jug Bay (these funds are returned directly to the Deer Management Program for supplies) (previous season participants must pay this fee as well).
• Valid 2025-2026 Maryland Hunting License.
• Valid Hunter Safety Card.
• 2025-2026 Maryland Shooter Qualification Card for the firearm type(s) to be used during the hunt.

• Managed Deer Hunt Procedures, Rules and Regulations (2025)
• Deer Management Program Application Letter (2025)
• Managed Deer Hunting New Hunter Application (2025)
• Managed Deer Hunting Returning Hunter Application (2025)

Wildlife management strives to reach a balance between wildlife and people. Recognizing that one important function of park property is to provide wildlife habitat, current park management guidelines promote tolerance of wildlife in parks while still safeguarding private and public property resources. 

In most cases, Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks will work to minimize disruption of native wildlife while protecting the natural landscape, park amenities and neighboring property. Depending on the situation various methods including visual deterrents and protective fencing will be utilized to avoid wildlife interaction and damage.

In rare situations, removal of wildlife or use of other population control measures may be necessary. In these cases, all efforts will be made to minimize disturbance to park visitors and park neighbors.

In an effort to ensure that park users can safely coexist with wildlife, the parks department asks that park users follow the guidelines listed below:

• Remain calm during any wildlife encounter
• Do not approach wildlife and ensure that wildlife has a clear escape route
• Do not feed wildlife. Feeding wildlife can create a dangerous situation for
  park visitors and wildlife, and may result in the necessary removal of
  wildlife.
• Keep children and pets away from wildlife
• Keep pets leashed at all times

To report a wildlife incident within an Anne Arundel County Park, please contact Park Headquarters at 410-222-7317.

For more information on wildlife management or the Anne Arundel County Deer Management Program, please contact Resource Conservation and Protection at 410-222-2844.