Linkwood WMA

A remnant of a larger forest ecosystem, Linkwood WMA is predominantly a dense mixture of oaks, maple, black gum and loblolly pine. Located in Dorchester County, it's just shooting distance from the town of Linkwood. Its 313 acres include some of the most significant forests in the county and support a wide range of forest animals.

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What To See

Vibrant rainbows of color flash through the forest during the spring and summer months. Songbirds, like the brilliant scarlet tanager, nest here after migrating from their winter homes in Central and South America. Wildlife biologists are concerned about these birds, because of rain forest destruction on their winter ranges in South and Central America and forests fragmented by development in North America. For these birds, Linkwood is a forest haven. The endangered Delmarva fox squirrel can also be found here. Slightly larger than its gray cousin, this squirrel prefers the ground to the trees and can be found in forests where the understory is sparsely vegetated.

What To Do

Linkwood's forest supports a healthy population of white-tailed deer. Squirrel hunters will find many a gray squirrel, but be sure you can tell it's a gray squirrel and not an endangered Delmarva fox squirrel! Bird-watchers, bring your boots because the ground is often soggy.

Area Regulations

Use of Linkwood WMA is generally permitted seven days a week throughout the year.

Hunting is allowed in accordance with open seasons and shooting hours.

All State and Federal Hunting Laws and Regulations are applicable.

Trapping is by permit only. 

No motorized vehicles are allowed.

Non-hunting Users Guide

Non-hunting visitors are welcome.

Be aware of open hunting seasons and visit accordingly.

Season dates available in newspapers, on the Internet, and at some area stores. 

Trail system noted on the map is suitable for hiking and birding as well as hunting. 

Trails are maintained but not actively marked. 

Expect wet footing most of the year.

Site Management Goals

Protecting habitat for the Federally endangered Delmarva fox squirrel is the one of the goals of Linkwood WMA and the area serves as a habitat study area for this species.

Directions

From the Bay Bridge, take U.S. Route 50 east through Cambridge. Linkwood WMA is approximately 1/2 mile south of the town of Linkwood on the north side of Route 50. Access via marked parking area located off Route 50, between the towns of Linkwood and Salem. For additional information, contact the LeCompte Wildlife Office at (410) 376-3236.

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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.