Hunting

Assateague Island National Seashore offers regulated hunting opportunities. This is not a casual walk-up activity. Know seasons, licenses, and closed areas before you go.

Assateague guide Official NPS

Summary for Ocean City visitors based on National Park Service Assateague guidance. Fees, hours, closures, and permit prices change—confirm on nps.gov/asis before you go.

Overview

Public hunting is recognized in Assateague Island National Seashore’s enabling legislation. Hunting is legal only in specifically designated areas during designated dates and times, under Assateague special regulations plus applicable state and federal rules.

The NPS hunt plan applies to the federally owned Maryland portion of the seashore. Assateague State Park and the Virginia district (Chincoteague NWR) have separate hunting programs—use those agencies’ pages for those lands.

Hunters share the island with campers, kayakers, birders, and beach visitors. Stay situationally aware; multiple uses often overlap in the same zones.

Highlights

Maryland hunting license (plus required stamps) and daily sign-in/sign-out with name and DNR ID are required—confirm current check-in methods at the North Beach Ranger Station.
Southern Hunt Zone vehicle access requires a valid OSV permit; without one, hunters walk in from designated parking via the Life of the Dunes approach.
Download the current Assateague Hunt Plan from NPS; printed copies are available at the ranger station.
Only species, weaponry, and seasons listed in the current plan are allowed—do not invent openings from social media.

Official National Park Service links

More Assateague topics

Plan your visit

Directions, fees, hours, weather, visitor centers, and what to pack from Ocean City.

Camping

Oceanside and bayside campsites, reservations, and backcountry options on Assateague.

Wildlife & wild horses

Feral horses, birds, and viewing tips—keep a safe distance and never feed wildlife.

Hiking

Short paved and unpaved loops plus 37 miles of beach—heat, insects, and tides matter.

Biking

Several miles of bike trails wind through Maryland and Virginia districts of the island.

Swimming & surfing

Swim at your own risk—strong surf and currents. Read beach and surf safety first.

Canoeing & kayaking

Launch from designated areas; respect weather, tides, and currents. Seasonal rentals in Maryland.

Surf fishing

Surf cast for flounder, drum, blues, and more—Maryland license required; no fishing in lifeguard beaches.

Crabbing & clamming

Blue crabs and bay shellfish—check size limits and seasons at the visitor center.

Horseback riding

Seasonal riding along the beach in the Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) zone.

Over Sand Vehicles (OSV)

Beach-driving permits via recreation.gov—equipment rules, density limits, and nesting closures.

Ranger-guided programs

Seasonal guided walks and talks that unlock barrier-island ecology and history.

Safety

Surf, sun, insects, ticks, lightning, wildlife distance, and emergency basics.

Shell collecting

Limit collecting to a gallon or less of unoccupied shells so beach life keeps its habitat.