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.

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.

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.

The Chapter proudly supports a world-class hunter education and safety program 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.

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.