Deer in Spring Landscape

Antlered White Tail Deer at edge of forest courtesy of John WhiteLoch Raven Reservoir CWMA

Loch Raven Reservoir is located in central Baltimore County, north of Baltimore City. The 1600 acre tract, opened to bow hunting for deer, is owned by the City of Baltimore and is managed to protect the Reservoir.

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What To See

Loch Raven CWMA provides habitat for upland and forest wildlife species primarily white-tailed deer, wild turkey, rabbit, squirrel, and songbirds.

What To Do

A specific section of the Loch Raven Reservoir is open to archery hunting for deer only during the regulated hunting season established by the Maryland Wildlife and Heritage Service. Refer to Loch Raven CWMA map for boundaries of deer bow hunting area. Hunters are required to have a permit to access the area. The Baltimore City Department of Public Works asks hunters to field dress deer at the harvest location and not to dispose of remains in public areas of watershed property. Throughout the year, this area is open to hiking, bird watching, and nature photography.

Area Regulations

  • Loch Raven CWMA is open to public archery hunting, for deer only, with a permit during the state established bow seasons.
  • Bowhunter Permit Registration Forms can be obtained on-line or found in our Guide to Hunting & Trapping in Maryland.
  • No hunting is allowed within fifty feet of high water shoreline.
  • Hunters must adhere to all regulations established by the City of Baltimore Department of Public Works.
  • No motorized vehicles are allowed except on hard-surfaced roads.
  • No fires are permitted on the watershed at any time.
  • Horseback riding is permitted on fire roads when conditions are not wet or muddy.
  • Public parking is available along numerous roads throughout watershed property, unless otherwise designated as a no parking zone.
  • Hunting is permitted only from sunrise to sunset.
  • Hunting is prohibited on the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail/NCR Trail.
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    Non-Hunting Uses

  • Loch Raven CWMA is open to hiking, horseback riding, nature photography, and bird watching.

    • Site Management Practices

  • Loch Raven CWMA is primarily forested land surrounding the Reservoir.
  • Management of Loch Raven CWMA is intended to protect the Reservoir.

    • Maryland Map depicting approximate location of Loch Raven ReservoirDirections

    Loch Raven Reservoir is located primarily in central Baltimore County, north of Baltimore City. Numerous public roads provide access points to this area. For additional information or seasonal permits, contact the Gwynnbrook Wildlife and Heritage Service Office at 410-356-9272.

    Photograph of antlered white-tail deer, courtesy of John White.

    This area is a part of Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources public land system and is managed by the Wildlife and Heritage Service. The primary mission of the WMA system is to conserve and enhance wildlife populations and their respective habitats as well as to provide public recreational use of the State’s wildlife resources.

    Eighty-five percent of the funding for Maryland's state wildlife programs comes from hunting license fees and a federal excise tax on sport hunting devices and ammunition. The federal aid funds are derived from the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration (or Pittman-Robertson) Fund, which sportsmen and women have been contributing to since 1937. Each state receives a share of the funds, which is administered by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service; these funds are used for wildlife conservation and hunter education programs, including the management of the WMA system.

    Other sources of funds for land acquisition include Program Open Space Funding for Maryland's State and local parks and conservation areas, provided through The Department of Natural Resources' Program Open Space. Established in 1969, Program Open Space symbolizes Maryland's long-term commitment to conserving natural resources while providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities.