Hunting at the Chapter
Hunting is not only a valued American tradition but also a critical part of wildlife conservation. At the Bethesda–Chevy Chase Chapter, hunting is a privilege reserved for members only. Every hunter must read the Chapter’s rules and register before entering the field. These requirements ensure safety, accountability, and alignment with the League’s conservation mission, and members who wish to hunt must re-register at the start of each hunting season.
To support members, we operate rifle, pistol, shotgun, and archery ranges to enable our members to build the accuracy, safety, and discipline required for ethical and effective hunting.
Game Animals
Members typically pursue whitetail deer, turkey, dove, rabbit, and squirrel, always within Maryland seasons and bag limits. Each species plays a role in conservation: deer harvests protect forests and native plants, turkey and dove hunts balance game bird populations, while rabbit and squirrel hunting provide small-game opportunities that often introduce youth and new hunters to the tradition.
General Guidlines
Hunting is permitted with bows, rifles, or blackpowder firearms, in accordance with state law. Regardless of method, hunters are expected to take clean, ethical shots, recover all game, and harvest responsibly. Firearm and archery safety are paramount, and members must demonstrate respect for fellow hunters, the land, and the wildlife resource itself.
For additional information contact the Hunter Ethics and Oversight Committee.
Hunter Education Course
The Chapter proudly supports a world-class hunter education and safety course that promotes responsible, ethical hunting as a proven, non-government wildlife management tool. Hunters and anglers have historically contributed more time, money, and effort to wildlife conservation than any other group in society, primarily through license fees and the Pittman–Robertson Act excise taxes on firearms and ammunition.
Our Hunter Education Course is offered twice a year – spring and fall. See the Calendar for more information. This class is free of charge and open to anyone wishing to get certified. All participants must enroll online with the State of MD. Click the Hunter Education Registration button on this page. First select Maryland, then find events near zip code 20837. Finally, view the event for B-CC IWLA and register.
Intro to Hunting Seminar
Each Year the B-CC IWLA sponsors an Introduction to Hunting Seminar. This typically occurs in June, see the Calendar and Newsletter for more information.
This nationally recognized and award winning training will include instruction and discussions about:
* Conservation
* Ethical behavior
* Preparing to go hunting
* Techniques
* Animal habitats
* Tree stand location & safety
Plus much more…
