SALISBURY, Md. – Hunt clubs can enter a lottery to secure a hunting lease on Chesapeake Forest Lands in Wicomico and Worcester counties. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will accept online entries through August 21, 2025. Clubs are encouraged to visit available tracts before submitting a selection, as some areas have limited access. Successful applicants are expected to help maintain access roads, gates, and signage on the leased property. Only hunt club members who are at least 18 years old may participate. Each club must include at least two Maryland-licensed hunters and designate one member as president. Each member may submit a single lottery entry, and the drawing will take place at 2 p.m. on August 22. Winners will be awarded the first tract they choose. Chesapeake Forest Lands span more than 76,000 acres across 187 management units in six lower Eastern Shore counties. The state purchased the lands to protect natural resources and expand public access for outdoor recreation, including hunting, fishing, birding, and canoeing. Hunting licenses can be purchased or renewed online at the Maryland DNR’s MD Outdoors portal at https://mdoutdoors.maryland.gov/login.
Photo: Maryland.gov | Maryland Department of Natural Resources Photo