Deer in Spring Landscape

Two ducks enjoying the sunset at one of the marsh areasMyrtle Grove WMA


Located in western-central Charles County, Myrtle Grove WMA contains hardwood forests, wildlife plantings, natural and man-made wetlands and early succession habitats. This 1,723-acre tract is located in the forested bottomlands of Mattawoman Creek and was once home to the Piscataway Indians. Myrtle Grove WMA is dominated by mature upland and bottomland forests consisting of oaks, hickories, maples, sycamores, poplars, beech, and several other tree species.

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What To See

The mature riparian forest along the Mattawoman is home to the barred owl, a species particularly fond of this type of habitat. The barred owl's call, which sounds like "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all!" can be heard in the early evenings as the birds call back and forth to each other. Mature hardwoods, green-tree reservoirs, lakes, ponds, streams, and early succession habitats surround many of the trails and support a rich variety of wildlife species.

What To Do

Visitors will find a 23-acre lake, a 10-acre pond, two green-tree reservoirs, and numerous streams on Myrtle Grove WMA. The 23-acre Myrtle Grove Lake and the greentree reservoirs yield a bountiful harvest of large-mouth bass, bluegills, pickerel and catfish. Here, anglers will find year-round fishing and easy access. Sportsmen can pursue white-tailed deer, squirrels, woodcock, rabbits, quail, waterfowl, mourning doves, wild turkeys and other game species.

Area Regulations

  • Use of Myrtle Grove WMA is generally permitted seven days a week throughout the year.
  • Hunting is allowed in accordance with open seasons, shooting hours, and bag limits.
  • Trapping is by permit only.
  • Motorized vehicles are prohibited.

Non-hunting Uses

  • Non-hunting visitors are welcome.
  • Be aware of open hunting seasons and visit accordingly.
  • Fishing for large-mouth bass, bluegills, pickerel, catfish is available in the 23-acre lake and the 10-acre pond.
  • Trout are stocked in the 23-acre lake and the 10-acre pond on a seasonal basis.
  • There is a series of roads and trails that receive varying degrees of maintenance.

    • Shooting Range

  • An eight-station firearm shooting range, trap range, and three-station archery range are open for public use by permit. Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader and pistol target shooting are permitted. The range is closed during deer firearms season.
  • A permit is required for everyone age 18 and older. Shooters 17 and younger MUST have a hunter safety certificate and be accompanied by someone 18 or older with a valid range permit.
  • Seasonal Range permits are $20 and can be obtained from any License Agent, Online, by mail using this form or over the phone at (800) 918-2870.  
  • Daily permits are $5 and may be obtained at the Myrtle Grove office only. Call (301) 743-5161 for additional information on obtaining a one day permit.
  • Range Hours:

    • March through October: Sunday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Monday from 1:00 pm to 6:pm and Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
    November through February: Sunday and Monday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm and Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
    The range will open at 9:00 am on any Monday that falls on a State Holiday.

    Site Management Practices

  • Myrtle Grove provides critical habitat for all types of wildlife from the ever-popular white-tailed deer and the majestic barred owl, to fish, turtles, upland game, forest game, waterfowl and migratory birds.
  • Approximately 15 of acres are kept in wildlife plantings and early succession vegetation to provide habitat and food for upland wildlife.
  • Wood ducks and other waterfowl flock to the flooded-forest areas, called "greentree" reservoirs. Two green-tree reservoirs were built to provide food and wintering habitat for waterfowl. These are deliberately flooded in the fall and winter while the trees are dormant. The nuts and seeds dropped by the trees are used by migrating and wintering waterfowl.  
  • White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, mourning doves, bobwhite quail, cottontail rabbits, songbirds and waterfowl routinely use these managed areas.
  • More than 100 wood duck and bluebird nest boxes are present.  
  • The fields and forested areas are burned in rotation to perpetuate native vegetation and provide excellent turkey brood habitat.

    • Myrtle Grove WMA is located in Charles county in southern MarylandDirections

    Myrtle Grove WMA is located in Charles County about 5 miles west of LaPlata on MD 225. Take U.S. Rt. 301 south to MD 225, about 5 miles south of Waldorf. Go west on MD 225 to Myrtle Grove WMA. For additional information contact the Myrtle Grove Work Center at (301) 743-5161

    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.