Your search today will take you to one of Maryland's oldest
WMA's, the Belle Grove tract. Some history of the area follows:
In the 1920s and 1930s, wildlife biologists concentrated on
raising game birds to help bolster low populations in the wild. The
Belle Grove WMA was purchased for this purpose and was used
exclusively for raising wild turkeys. Nearby, at the Billmeyer WMA,
game birds were raised in hopes that surplus populations would
spread to adjacent lands. Today this 355-acre tract is no longer a
game bird farm. Forests and fields abound with wildlife, providing
natural beauty and recreation for many outdoor interests. Belle
Grove is situated within the ridge and valley physiographic
province, which is characterized by steep slopes. Elevations at
Belle Grove range from 800 feet to a high of 1,050 feet along the
ridge tops at Turkey Farm Road. This area is primarily comprised of
mixed oak forest with a few patches of conifers, mostly Virginia
pine. However about 55 acres are devoted to fields and small
wildlife openings.
Turkeys are abundant here. Hens with their chicks, called
"poults," can often be seen pecking through the fields for seeds
and insects. In the thick understory of the forest, ruffed grouse
find many a fallen log on which to drum out their territory and
breeding condition in the spring. White-tailed deer are a common
sight, leaping across the roads and fields. Forest management
techniques, which benefit wildlife and produce valuable timber, are
demonstrated.
Begin your search at the parking area for the WMA at the
coordinates listed above. Just across the road you will see a brown
information sign explaining the history and purpose of the area.
Information garnered from the sign will provide you with the
coordinates for the final cache. While in pursuit of the cache,
be sure to take in the view at the coords listed below, we think
you'll like it! :)
Find coords as follows:
39* 42.AB4, 78* 21.6CA
A-Last number in first date on sign.
B-Second number in both dates on sign.
C-First number in acreage of WMA.
Cache is a large Lock n Lock, hidden from view. Please replace
as well or better than found, thanks!
As this is a hunting area, please be aware of the various
hunting seasons and dress accordingly. (Blaze orange)
Reach Belle Grove tract from I-68 at exits 68 or 72. Belle Grove
WMA is located on Turkey Farm Road.
Spoiler hint below!