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Natural Resources and State Park Benefits

State Park Day-Use Area Admission Fee Waivers

Day-Use Waiver for Active Duty Military / Maryland National Guard
Any member of the Maryland National Guard and all active duty military personnel who display their active duty military identification card to the gate attendant at any Maryland State Park day-use area will have their day-use entrance service charge waived. The waiver is valid for the military identification card holder only and not others in the same vehicle, unless a per-vehicle charge is in effect at the time.  in that case, the per-vehicle fee is waived.  No other facility use service charges will be waived.
Day-Use Waiver for Veterans
All applicable day-use entrance charges are waived for all veterans of the United States Armed Forces. This waiver applies to both resident and out-of-state veterans. The waiver is applicable to the veteran only and not others in the same vehicle, unless a per-vehicle charge is in effect at the time. In that case, the per-vehicle fee is waived.  No other facility use service charges will be waived.

Another option for veterans and their families, is the Maryland State Park and Trail Passport that can be purchased for a yearly fee of $75 ($100 for non-residents). This pass entitles the holder to unlimited day-use entry for everyone in the vehicle (up to 10 people) to Maryland’s state parks, including unlimited boat launching.

Visit Maryland Department of Natural Resources Military One Stop Shop website to learn more.

Complimentary Lifetime Hunting Licenses

A complimentary lifetime hunting license  is available to Maryland residents certified as a former prisoner of war or a 100% service connected disabled American veteran (Veterans Administration documentation required). The lifetime license is available only at DNR Licensing and Registration Service Centers and includes the bow stamp, muzzleloader stamp, and furbearer permit. The Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp is not part of the Complimentary License. The Migratory Game Bird Stamp, Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, and the Big Game Harvest Record are required for each year and can be obtained from a DNR Licensing and Registration Service Center, a sport license agent, or online.

To learn more visit the Department of Natural Resources website.

For more information, contact the Department of Natural Resources at 410-260-3220.

Information for Hunters in the Armed Forces

Maryland residents serving in the United States Armed Forces and stationed in Maryland must purchase a Resident Hunting License before hunting, unless they are on official leave and possess a copy of their official leave orders. Maryland residents serving in the United States Armed Forces, while hunting during official leave in Maryland, do not need to purchase a hunting license, deer stamps, or DNR Managed Hunt Permit; however, they must purchase a Maryland Migratory Game Bird Stamp, a federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, and a Furbearer Permit.

You must possess a copy of your official leave orders while hunting and comply with the Hunter Education and Safety Requirement.

Any nonresident serving in the United States Armed Forces whose duty station is in Maryland must purchase a Resident Hunting License before hunting. Any nonresident serving in the United States Armed Forces who is on leave in Maryland, but not stationed in Maryland, must purchase a Nonresident Hunting License before hunting.

Visit the Department of Natural Resources website for more information.

For more information, contact the Department of Natural Resources at 410-260-3220.

Department of Natural Resources Wounded Warrior and Veteran Outreach Program

From the mountains of Western Maryland to the sandy beaches of Assateague, the Maryland Park Service is proud to offer wonderful recreational opportunities for our wounded warriors, veterans and their families to enjoy.  With 72 State Parks, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources provides activities such as hiking, biking, boating, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, team building ropes courses, hunting and camping. Such experiences as these support veteran mental and physical well-being and establish a new base of potential employees.

The Wounded Warrior and Veteran Outreach Program  is designed to provide our state’s servicemen and women with unique opportunities to work, learn, volunteer and recreate in the rich natural habitats of Maryland.

To learn more visit the Wounded Warrior and Veteran Outreach Program website.

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