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Duck Hunting on the Maryland Eastern Shore: Somerset County

Oct 14
4 min read
A flush of mallard ducks taking flight together over a marsh during waterfowl season on Maryland's Eastern Shore.
A group of Mallards taking flight.

There's just something about duck hunting season on Maryland's Eastern Shore.

Maybe it's those cold mornings when the marsh is still quiet, the coffee is hot, and the sun hasn't quite made its way over the water. Or the sound of a boat heading down the creek before daylight. It's something that's been part of life on Maryland's Eastern Shore for generations.

We think it's something worth sharing.


If you're coming from Baltimore, Annapolis, Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, Delaware, New York City or Philadelphia area, Somerset County might be closer than you think. We're just a few hours down the road, perfect for a hunting getaway.

Bring your hunting friend. Stay at our hotel or farm. Let us cook for you at our Restaurant.



Duck Hunting in Somerset County, Maryland

If you've spent any time in Somerset County, you know we're pretty proud of what we have here.

Miles of tidal marshes, winding creeks, the Manokin and Annemessex rivers, and open water stretching toward the Tangier Sound and the Chesapeake Bay.

It's the kind of place where you can take a back road and find yourself looking out over a marsh that seems to go on forever.

During duck hunting season, there's no place quite like it.

Depending on the time of year and conditions, you might see black ducks, pintails, gadwall, wigeon, teal, and other waterfowl moving through our part of the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

Places like Fairmount, Deal Island, Rumbley, and Crisfield have long been part of Somerset County's waterfowl hunting traditions.

Of course, anyone who's spent a morning hunting knows there are no guarantees. The time spent in the marsh sure is special. Some mornings everything seems to fall into place. Other mornings, well, at least you've got a good story to tell when you get back.

And sometimes those are the stories that get better every year.


Bring Your Boat. We've Got Plenty of Water.

One thing we sometimes forget to appreciate around here is just how much access we have to the water.

Somerset County has public boat ramps scattered throughout the area, including around Rumbley, Frenchtown, Coulbourne Creek, Crisfield, Jenkins Creek, and Shelltown.

For hunters bringing their own boats, that means there are several areas to consider when planning a trip.

You can explore the marsh country around Fairmount and Rumbley, head toward Deal Island, or make your way farther south toward Crisfield and the lower county.

Each part of Somerset County has a little different feel, and that's part of what makes spending a few days here worthwhile.

Check current Maryland waterfowl seasons, hunting regulations, public-land requirements, boat ramp access, tides, and weather conditions. Public boat access doesn't necessarily mean the surrounding waters or marshes are open to hunting.

We want you to enjoy your time here and get home safely, too.


Stop in and See Our Friends at Wink's Sporting Goods

Now, if you're coming down to duck hunt in Somerset County, there's one local stop we'd encourage you to make.

Wink's Sporting Goods in Princess Anne.

If you've hunted or fished around here before, chances are you've already heard of Wink's.

It's one of those local sporting goods stores where you can pick up a little local knowledge and gear.

They're part of what makes small Eastern Shore towns special. Locally owned businesses, familiar faces, and people who understand the outdoor traditions that bring folks here in the first place.

So stop in, look around, and support a local business while you're in town.


Come Down. We'll Have Dinner Waiting.

Instead of treating Somerset County like a place to hunt for a few hours before heading home, come down and spend some time with us.

Make your way to downtown Princess Anne on an evening, check into the historic Washington Hotel, and come downstairs to Sugar Water Resturant for dinner.

Our building dates back to 1744, and with just 10 guest rooms.

Farm stays are also available for larger hunting parties, offering a comfortable and convenient home base for your Somerset County duck hunting getaway.

So whether you've driven a few hours to get here or you're just coming in from down the road, we want you to feel right at home.

Have dinner. Enjoy a drink. Catch up with your hunting friends.

When you're ready to call it a night, your room is just upstairs.

A good night's sleep before a morning on the marsh.


  • Historic Washington Hotel
  • Room at Historic Washington Hotel
  • Sugar Water 1744 Restaurant

Ask Us About Our Duck Hunting Package

Our Somerset Duck Hunt Package at the Washington Hotel and Sugar Water is being designed with hunters in mind.

Just a comfortable place to stay, good food, to-go breakfast arrangements, and a few special touches to make your trip a little easier.

If you're coming with a group, let us know. We'd love to help you plan ahead.



Come for the Ducks. Stay for Somerset County.

If you're looking for a duck hunting trip on Maryland's Eastern Shore, we'd love for you to give Somerset County a try.

Stay with us at the historic Washington Hotel in downtown Princess Anne. Hunting with your friends? Check out our Farm Stays.

Please reserve your room in advance.

We are offering a Somerset Duck Hunting Package which is good for single occupancy with the option to add a second person.

The package includes:

-One night stay (or more) with guaranteed 1pm check out to allow you to clean up before heading home

-Dinner (1 entree and dessert)

-Welcome Bar Drink

-Sugar Water Duck Hunting Gift and More

-Breakfast and Coffee to go

Additioanl perosn can be added for $75 (contact us to add a person)

Package can only be booked directly through our website


Booking ahead also gives us time to coordinate your early breakfast arrangements and any special Duck Camp offerings that may be available.

Whether you're coming for one night or staying for a few days we'd be happy to have you.

Good people, good food, and a good reason to get outside.

Hunt Somerset County. Stay in Somerset County.

We'll leave the light on for you.

The Washington Hotel & Sugar Water Restaurant Historic Downtown Princess Anne, Maryland Visit Sugar Water 1744

Please check current Maryland DNR waterfowl regulations, hunting access rules, and boating conditions when planning your visit





 
 
 

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