5 U.S.C. 301; 16 U.S.C. 460k, 664, 668dd, and 715i, 3901
(a) The regulations in this subchapter govern general administration of units of the National Wildlife Refuge System, public notice of changes in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service policy regarding Refuge System units, issuance of permits required on Refuge System units and other administrative aspects involving the management of various units of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The regulations in this subchapter apply to areas of land and water held by the United States in fee title and to property interests in such land and water in less than fee, including but not limited to easements. For areas held in less than fee, the regulations in this subchapter apply only to the extent that the property interest held by the United States may be affected. The regulations in this subchapter also apply to and govern those areas of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal over which management responsibility has been transferred to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Act of 1992 (Pub. L. 102-402, 106 Stat. 1961), before their establishment as a refuge and inclusion in the National Wildlife Refuge System.
(b) All national wildlife refuges are maintained for the primary purpose of developing a national program of wildlife and ecological conservation and rehabilitation. These refuges are established for the restoration, preservation, development and management of wildlife and wildlands habitat; for the protection and preservation of endangered or threatened species and their habitat; and for the management of wildlife and wildlands to obtain the maximum benefits from these resources.
(a) As used in the rules and regulations in this subchapter:
(b) Unless otherwise stated the definitions found in 50 CFR 10.12 also apply to all of subchapter C of this title 50.
Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to relieve a person from any other applicable requirements imposed by a local ordinance or by a statute or regulation of any State or of the United States.
(a) Except as provided below, all areas included in the National Wildlife Refuge System are closed to public access until and unless we open the area for a use or uses in accordance with the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), the Refuge Recreation Act of 1962 (16 U.S.C. 460k-460k-4) and this subchapter C. See 50 CFR 36 for details on use and access restrictions, and the public participation and closure process established for Alaska national wildlife refuges. We may open an area by regulation, individual permit, or public notice, in accordance with § 25.31 of this subchapter.
(b) We may open a national wildlife refuge for any refuge use, or expand, renew, or extend an existing refuge use only after the Refuge Manager determines that it is a compatible use and not inconsistent with any applicable law. Lands subject to the patent restrictions imposed by Section 22(g) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act are subject to the compatibility requirements of Parts 25 and 26 of 50 CFR except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
(1) We will complete compatibility determinations for uses of Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act 22(g) lands in compliance with the following requirements:
(i) Refuge managers will work with 22(g) landowners in implementation of these regulations. The landowners should contact the Refuge Manager in advance of initiating a use and request a compatibility determination. After a compatibility determination is requested, refuge managers have no longer than ninety (90) days to complete the compatibility determination and notify the landowner of the finding by providing a copy of the compatibility determination or to inform the landowner of the specific reasons for delay. If a refuge manager believes that a finding of not compatible is likely, the Refuge Manager will notify the landowner prior to rendering a decision to encourage dialog on how the proposed use might be modified to be compatible.
(ii) Refuge managers will allow all uses proposed by 22(g) landowners when the Refuge Manager determines the use to be compatible with refuge purposes.
(iii) Compatibility determinations will include only evaluations of how the proposed use would affect the ability of the refuge to meet its mandated purposes. The National Wildlife Refuge System mission will not be considered in the evaluation. Refuge purposes will include both pre-ANILCA purposes and those established by ANILCA, so long as they do not conflict. If conflicts arise, ANILCA purposes will take precedence.
(iv) A determination that a use is not compatible may be appealed by the landowner to the Regional Director. The appeal must be submitted in writing within forty-five (45) days of receipt of the determination. The appeals process provided for in 50 CFR 36.41(i) (3) through (5) will apply.
(v) Compatibility determinations for proposed uses of 22(g) lands will only evaluate the effects of the use on the adjacent refuge lands, and the ability of that refuge to achieve its purposes, not on the effects of the proposed use to the 22(g) lands.
(vi) Compatibility determinations for 22(g) lands that a use is compatible are
(vii) Refuge comprehensive conservation plans will not include 22(g) lands, and compatibility determinations affecting such lands will not to be automatically re-evaluated when the plans are routinely updated.(viii) Refuge special use permits will not be required for compatible uses of 22(g) lands. Special conditions necessary to ensure a proposed use is compatible may be included in the compatibility determination and must be complied with for the use to be considered compatible.
(c) The Refuge Manager may temporarily allow or initiate any refuge use without making a compatibility determination if necessary to protect the health and safety of the public or any fish or wildlife population.
(d) When we add lands to the National Wildlife Refuge System, the Refuge Manager will identify, prior to acquisition, withdrawal, transfer, reclassification, or donation of those lands, existing wildlife-dependent recreational public uses (if any) determined to be compatible that we will permit to continue on an interim basis, pending completion of the comprehensive conservation plan for the national wildlife refuge. We will make these compatibility determinations in accordance with procedures in § 26.41 of this subchapter.
(e) In the event of a threat or emergency endangering the health and safety of the public or property or to protect the resources of the area, the Refuge Manager may close or curtail refuge uses of all or any part of an opened area to public access and use in accordance with the provisions in § 25.31, without advance notice. See 50 CFR 36.42 for procedures on closing Alaska national wildlife refuges.
(f) We will re-evaluate compatibility determinations for existing wildlife-dependent recreational uses when conditions under which the use is permitted change significantly, or if there is significant new information regarding the effects of the use, or concurrently with the preparation or revision of a comprehensive conservation plan, or at least every 15 years, whichever is earlier. In addition, a refuge manager always may re-evaluate the compatibility of a use at any time.
(g) Except for uses specifically authorized for a period longer than 10 years (such as right-of-ways), we will re-evaluate compatibility determinations for all existing uses other than wildlife-dependent recreational uses when conditions under which the use is permitted change significantly, or if there is significant new information regarding the effects of the use, or at least every 10 years, whichever is earlier. In addition, a refuge manager always may re-evaluate the compatibility of a use at any time.
(h) For uses in existence on November 17, 2000 that were specifically authorized for a period longer than 10 years (such as right-of-ways), our compatibility re-evaluation will examine compliance with the terms and conditions of the authorization, not the authorization itself. We will frequently monitor and review the activity to ensure that the permittee carries out all permit terms and conditions. However, the Service will request modifications to the terms and conditions of these permits from the permittee if the Service determines that such changes are necessary to ensure that the use remains compatible. After November 17, 2000 no uses will be permitted or re-authorized, for a period longer than 10 years, unless the terms and conditions for such long-term permits specifically allows for modifications to the terms and conditions, if necessary to ensure compatibility. We will make a new compatibility determination prior to extending or renewing such long-term uses at the expiration of the authorization. When we prepare a compatibility determination for re-authorization of an existing right-of-way, we will base our analysis on the existing conditions with the use in place, not from a pre-use perspective.
(i) When we re-evaluate a use for compatibility, we will take a fresh look at the use and prepare a new compatibility determination following the procedure outlined in 50 CFR 26.41.
Lost articles or money found on a national wildlife refuge are to be immediately turned in to the nearest refuge office.
The Office of Management and Budget has approved the information collection requirements contained in subchapter C, parts 25, 32, and 36 under 44 U.S.C. 3501
Whenever a particular public access, use or recreational activity of any type whatsoever, not otherwise expressly permitted under this subchapter, is permitted on a national wildlife refuge or where public access, use, or recreational or other activities previously permitted are curtailed, the public may be notified by any of the following methods, all of which supplement this subchapter C:
(a) Official signs posted conspicuously at appropriate intervals and locations;
(b) Special regulations issued under the provisions of § 26.33 of this subchapter C.
(c) Maps available in the office of the refuge manager, regional director, or area director, or
(d) Other appropriate methods which will give the public actual or constructive notice of the permitted or curtailed public access, use, or recreational activity.
We authorize the refuge manager of the facility where an activity is to take place to issue permits required by this subchapter C unless the regulations in this subchapter C require the applicant to obtain the applicable permit from the Director or Secretary. In those situations, the refuge manager will so inform the applicant, giving the applicant all necessary information as to how and where to apply.
Any person on a national wildlife refuge shall upon request by any authorized official exhibit the required Federal or State permit or license authorizing their presence and activity on the area and shall furnish such other information for identification purposes as may be requested.
The refuge manager may terminate or revoke a permit at any time for noncompliance with the terms of the permit or of the regulations in this subchapter C; for nonuse; for violation of any law, regulation, or order applicable to the refuge; or to protect public health or safety or the resources of a national wildlife refuge.
(a) The provisions of this subsection shall govern the regulation of activities that affect easement interests acquired by the United States. All other provisions of subchapter C shall apply to activities within such easement areas, but only to the extent that those provisions are directly or indirectly related to the protection of those easement interests expressly acquired by the United States which are specified in the easement agreement itself, and are not inconsistent with the provisions of this subsection.
(b) We require permits for use of easement areas administered by us where proposed activities may affect the property interest acquired by the United States. Applications for permits will be submitted in writing to the Regional Director or a designee. We may grant special use permits to owners of servient estates, or to third parties with the owner's agreement, by the Regional Director or a designee, upon written determination that such permitted use is compatible. If we ultimately determine that the requested use will not affect the United States' interest, the Regional Director will issue a letter of non-objection.
(c) In instances where the third applicant is a governmental entity which has acquired a partial interest in the servient estate by subsequent condemnation, a special use permit may be granted to the governmental entity without the servient estate owner's agreement if the regional director or his or her designee determines:
(1) The permitted use is compatible; and
(2) The permitted use is consistent with the partial property interests obtained through condemnation.
(d) Regulations pertaining to rights-of-way in easement areas are contained in 50 CFR part 29.21.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
Reasonable charges and fees may be established for public recreational use of and, except in Alaska, entrance onto national wildlife refuges. Regulations regarding recreational use fees are contained in 36 CFR part 71. Regulations regarding entrance fees are contained in this subpart E.
To be designated as an “Entrance Fee Area”, a unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System must be found to demonstrate that:
(a) The level of visitation for recreational purposes is high enough to justify the collection of fees for admission permits for economic reasons;
(b) There is a practical mechanism in existence for implementing and operating a system of collecting fees for admission permits; and
(c) Imposition of a fee for admission permits is not likely to result in undue economic hardship for a significant number of visitors to the unit.
Entrance fees established for single visit permits at a designated Entrance Fee Area shall consider the following criteria with regard to the local area within which the refuge is located:
(a) The direct and indirect cost to the Government.
(b) The benefits to the permit holder.
(c) The public policy or interest served.
(d) The comparable fees charged by non-Federal public agencies.
(e) The economic and administrative feasibility of fee collection.
The public shall be notified that an entrance fee is charged through refuge publications and posted designation signs in accordance with § 25.31 of this part.
(a) Unless otherwise provided, persons entering an Entrance Fee Area shall obtain and be in possession of a valid admission permit.
(b) The following five types of permits allowing entrance onto an Entrance Fee Area will be available for issue or purchase at such area and, except for refuge-specific permits, at Fish and Wildlife Service Regional and Washington, DC Offices, and at other locations as may be designated.
(1) Single visit permit with a charge not to exceed $3 per person or $7.50 per noncommercial vehicle (single visit can be defined as 1-15 days, dependent upon a determination of the period of time reasonably and ordinarily necessary for such a visit at a particular refuge unit).
(2) Golden Eagle Passport.
(3) Golden Age Passport.
(4) Golden Access Passport.
(5) Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation (Duck) Stamp. To be valid, the Duck Stamp must be current and bear the signature of the holder on the front.
Permits issued or used for entrance onto Entrance Fee Areas are nontransferable. Failure to pay the entrance fee, to display upon request of an authorized official a valid permit, or to comply with other entrance fee provisions, rules or regulations, will be subject to the penalties prescribed in 50 CFR 28.31.
At Entrance Fee Areas:
(a) Special admission permits for uses, such as group activities, may be issued.
(b) No entrance fee shall be charged for persons under 16 years of age.
(c) No entrance fee shall be charged for travel by private noncommercial vehicle over any road or highway established as part of the National Federal Aid System (defined in 23 U.S.C. 101), which is commonly used by the public as a means of travel between two places which are outside the Entrance Fee Area.
(d) No entrance fee shall be charged for travel by private noncommercial vehicle over any road or highway to any land in which such person has a property interest if such land is within any Entrance Fee Area.
(e) Persons accompanying the holder of a valid single visit permit, Federal Duck Stamp or Golden Eagle, Age, or Access Passport in a single, private, noncommercial vehicle shall be entitled to general entrance.
(f) Where entry is by any means other than single, private, noncommercial vehicle, the spouse, children, or parents accompanying the holder of a valid single visit permit, Federal Duck Stamp or Golden Eagle, Age, or Access Passport shall be entitled to general entrance.
Public use facilities may be operated by concessionaires or cooperators under appropriate contact or legal agreement on national wildlife refuges where there is a demonstrated justified need for services or facilities including, but not limited to, boat rentals, swimming facilities, conducted tours of special natural attractions, shelters, tables, trailer lots, food, lodging, and related service.
Persons using national wildlife refuges shall comply with the safety requirements which are established under the provisions of this subchapter C for each individual refuge and with any safety provisions which may be included in leases, agreements, or use permits.
Accidents involving damage to property, injury to the public or injury to wildlife that occur within the boundaries of any national wildlife refuge are to be reported as soon as possible, but in no event later than 24 hours after the accident, by the persons involved, to the refuge manager or other personnel on duty at the national wildlife refuge headquarters. This report does not relieve persons from the responsibility of making any other accident reports which may be required.
5 U.S.C. 301; 16 U.S.C. 460k, 664, 668dd, 715i; Pub. L. 96-315 (94 Stat. 958) and Pub. L. 98-146 (97 Stat. 955).
The regulations in this part govern the circumstances under which the public can enter and use a national wildlife refuge.
(a) No person shall trespass, including but not limited to entering, occupying, using, or being upon, any national wildlife refuge, except as specifically authorized in this subchapter C or in other applicable Federal regulations.
(b) No unconfined domestic animals, including but not limited to dogs, hogs, cats, horses, sheep and cattle, shall be permitted to enter upon any national wildlife refuge or to roam at large upon such an area, except as specifically authorized under the provisions of § 26.34, § 27.91 or § 29.2 of this subchapter C.
(a) Any person entering or using any national wildlife refuge will comply with the regulations in this subchapter C, the provisions of any special regulations and any other official notification as is appropriate under § 25.31.
(b) A permit shall be required for any person entering a national wildlife refuge, unless otherwise provided under the provisions of subchapter C. The permittee will abide by all the terms and conditions set forth in the permit.
The headquarters office of any national wildlife refuge is open to public access and admission during regularly established business hours.
A permit is not required for access to any part of a national wildlife refuge by a person when accompanied by refuge personnel.
Access to and travel upon a national wildlife refuge by a person granted economic use privileges on that national wildlife refuge should be restricted to a specified area in accordance with the provisions of their agreement, lease, or permit.
A permit is not required for access to any national wildlife area for temporary shelter or temporary protection in the event of emergency conditions.
A permit is not required to enter, travel on, and exit from any national wildlife refuge on public waters and roads, and such roads, trails, footpaths, walkways, or other routes and areas which are designated for public use under the provisions of this subchapter C.
Public recreation will be permitted on national wildlife refuges as an appropriate incidental or secondary use, only after it has been determined that such recreational use is practicable and not inconsistent with the primary objectives for which each particular area was established or with other authorized Federal operations.
Recreational uses such as, but not limited to, sightseeing, nature observation and photography, interpretive centers and exhibits, hunting and fishing, bathing, boating, camping, ice skating, picnicking, swimming, water skiing, and other similar activities may be permitted on national wildlife refuges. When such uses are permitted the public will be notified under the provisions of this subchapter C.
(a) Special regulations shall be issued for public use, access, and recreation
(b) Special recreational use regulations may contain the following items:
(1) Recreational uses authorized.
(2) Seasons, period, or specific time of use.
(3) Description of areas open to recreation.
(4) Specific conditions or requirements.
(5) Other provisions.
(6) Special regulations for public use, access, and recreation are published in the daily issue of the
(a)
(2) As provided for in Pub. L. 98-146, “Up to 15 additional permits shall be granted to those persons meeting any one of the following conditions:”
(i) A resident as of July 1, 1982, who held a valid Service access permit for improved property owners at any time during the period from July 29, 1976, through December 31, 1979.
(ii) Anyone in continuous residency since 1976, in the area bounded on the north by the refuge boundary, and on the south by a straight line passing through a point in the east-west prolongation of the centerline of Albacore Street, Whaleshead Club Subdivision, Currituck County, North Carolina.
(iii) Any permanent, full time resident as of April 1, 1983, residing in the area outlined in paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section and not otherwise eligible, who can substantiate to the Secretary of the Interior that access is essential to their maintaining a livelihood; so long as they maintain full-time continuous employment in the Norfolk, Virginia, area may qualify for access.
(3) The burden of proving that the prospective permittee meets these criteria shall be on the applicant by presentation of adequate documentation to the refuge manager. Permittees may be required to submit additional documentation of their eligibility to the refuge manager in order to maintain access. Permits will be issued only to those who legally qualify for them.
(4) Only one permit will be issued per family. All permits issued will be terminated in the event that alternate access becomes available during the permit period.
(5) Permits are issued for the purpose of providing ingress and egress across the refuge beach to the permittee's residence. Personal access is limited to permittees, their families, relatives, and guests while being transported in the permittee's vehicle. “Personal access” means private, non-commercial use. Permits are not transferable by sale or devise.
(6) All vehicle occupants must provide positive identification upon the request of any refuge official.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(2) “Commercial service vehicle” means any vehicle owned or operated by or on behalf of an individual, partnership, or corporation that is properly licensed to engage entirely in the business of furnishing emergency repair services, including but not limited to plumbing, electrical, and repairs to household appliances.
(3) Emergency situations. The refuge manager, upon reasonable notification, will be able to authorize essential service/emergency repair access, outside the prescribed time periods, for emergency situations should they arise.
(i)
(j)
(2) Other businesses who have verified that their business operations on the Outer Banks of Currituck County, North Carolina, have been dependent since 1972 on ingress and egress to or across the refuge will be granted permits for access in accordance with the limitations outlined in paragraph (j)(1) of this section.
(3) Each commercial fisherman or other business may be granted a maximum of five designated employees to travel the refuge beach for commercial fishing or other business-related purposes only. Commercial fishing employees may carry only other commercial fishing employees as passengers. Other business employees may carry only other employees of that business. The hauling of trailers associated with the conduct of commercial fishing or other business activities is authorized.
(4) Employees of commercial fishermen and/or other businesses who apply for access permits shall have the burden of proving, by the presentation of appropriate documentation to the refuge manager, that they are an “employee” for purposes of this section of the regulations. Appropriate documentation is defined as the submission of standardized and verifiable employment forms including: Signed W-2 and W-4 forms, IRS form #1099, official earnings statements for specified periods, employee income tax withholding submissions to State and Federal tax offices (e.g., IRS form W-3 with W-2s attached), State unemployment tax information or other proof of actual employment. Documentation for each employee must be submitted in advance of access being granted, or, for new employees, within 30 days of their starting date. Failure to provide verification of employment for new employees within 30 days will result in termination of access privileges.
(k)
(2) The refuge manager may make exceptions to access restrictions, if they are compatible with refuge purposes, for qualified permittees who have demonstrated to the refuge manager a need for additional access relating to health or livelihood.
(3) The refuge manager may grant one-time use authorization for vehicular access through the refuge to individuals, not otherwise qualified above, who have demonstrated to the refuge manager that there is no feasible alternative to the access requested. Authorization for access under this provision will not be based on convenience to the applicant.
(4) Medical access waiver permits may be issued under the following conditions:
(i) The Regional Director may grant access to non-eligible permanent residents who can show proof that their physical health is such that life-threatening situations may result from more arduous travel conditions. The submission of substantiating medical records is required to be considered for a medical access waiver.
(ii) All medical access waiver permittees will be required to prove that their medical condition is or continues to be such that a life-threatening situation would result from more arduous travel conditions. Such proof shall be required prior to the issuance of an access permit, and at 3-year intervals thereafter.
(iii) A second medical opinion will be required by the Regional Director prior to the issuance or re-issuance of any such permit. This second opinion will be provided for at Service expense, by a government designated physician.
(iv) No additional medical access waiver permits will be issued after December 31, 1987.
(v) Previous holders of medical access waiver permits will retain access subject to paragraph (k)(4) (ii) and (iii) of this section.
(l)
(m)
(2) Vehicles shall be operated on the refuge beach only by the permittee or other authorized drivers. Permit holders shall not tow, transport or operate vehicles owned by non-permit holders through the refuge. Non-commercial permit holders may tow utility and boat trailers when being used for their personal use only. Any towed vehicle shall have advance approval from the refuge manager prior to being brought through the refuge. This access privilege is not to be used for any commercial purpose.
(3) The refuge manager may prescribe restrictions as to the types of vehicles to be permitted to ensure public safety and adherence to all applicable rules and regulations.
(4) A magnetic card will be issued to each authorized driver only for his or her operation of the computer controlled gate. No more than two cards will be issued per family. Only one vehicle will be permitted to pass for each gate opening. Unauthorized use of the magnetic card may result in suspension of the permit. A fee will be charged to replace lost or misplaced cards. Malfunctioning cards will be replaced at no charge.
(5) Access is granted for the purpose of travel to and from the permittee's residence and/or place of business. Access is not authorized for the purpose of transporting individuals for hire, or for the transport of prospective real estate clients to or from the Outer Banks of North Carolina, or for any other purpose not covered in this rule.
(n)
(o)
(p)
(q)
(r)
(s)
(2) Use by all groups exceeding 10 individuals will require a Special Use Permit, issued by the refuge manager.
(3) Registered motor vehicles and motorized bicycles (mopeds) are permitted on the paved refuge access road and parking lot at refuge headquarters. All other motorized vehicular use is prohibited, except as specifically authorized pursuant to this rule.
(4) The information collection requirement contained in this rule has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3501,
For
(a) There shall be no new private cabin site permits issued for national wildlife refuges. All appropriate provisions of 43 CFR part 21 apply to the phaseout of existing permits on national wildlife refuges.
(b) No new government owned cabin site permits for private recreational purposes shall be issued nor shall existing permits be renewed.
(a) Public meetings, assemblies, demonstrations, parades and other public expressions of view may be permitted within a national wildlife refuge open to public use, provided a permit therefore has been issued by the refuge manager.
(b) Any application for such permit shall set forth the name of the applicant, the date, time, duration, nature and place of the proposed event, an estimate of the number of persons expected to attend, and a statement of equipment and facilities to be used in connection therewith.
(c) The refuge manager may issue a permit on proper application unless:
(1) A prior application for the same time and place has been made which has been or will be granted; or
(2) The activity will present a clear and present danger to public health or safety, or undue disturbance to the other users or resources of the area; or
(3) The activity is of such nature that it cannot be reasonably accommodated in the particular national wildlife refuge; or
(4) The activity conflicts with the purposes of the national wildlife refuge.
(d) The permit may contain such conditions as are reasonably consistent with protection and use of the national wildlife refuge for the purpose for which it is maintained. It may also contain reasonable limitations on the time and area within which the activity is permitted.
The Refuge Manager will not initiate or permit a new use of a national wildlife refuge or expand, renew, or extend an existing use of a national wildlife refuge, unless the Refuge Manager has determined that the use is a compatible use. This section provides guidelines for making compatibility determinations, and procedures for documenting compatibility determinations and for periodic review of compatibility determinations. We will usually complete compatibility determinations as part of the comprehensive conservation plan or step-down management plan process for individual uses, specific use programs, or groups of related uses described in the plan. We will make all compatibility determinations in writing.
(a)
(1) The proposed or existing use;
(2) The name of the national wildlife refuge;
(3) The authorities used to establish the national wildlife refuge;
(4) The purpose(s) of the national wildlife refuge;
(5) The National Wildlife Refuge System mission;
(6) The nature and extent of the use including the following:
(i) What is the use? Is the use a priority public use?;
(ii) Where would the use be conducted?;
(iii) When would the use be conducted?;
(iv) How would the use be conducted?; and
(v) Why is the use being proposed?.
(7) An analysis of costs for administering and managing each use;
(8) The anticipated impacts of the use on the national wildlife refuge's purposes and the National Wildlife Refuge System mission;
(9) The amount of opportunity for public review and comment provided;
(10) Whether the use is compatible or not compatible (does it or will it materially interfere with or detract from the fulfillment of the National Wildlife Refuge System mission or the purpose(s) of the national wildlife refuge);
(11) Stipulations necessary to ensure compatibility;
(12) A logical explanation describing how the proposed use would, or would not, materially interfere with or detract from the fulfillment of the National Wildlife Refuge System mission or the purpose(s) of the national wildlife refuge;
(13) The Refuge Manager's signature and date signed; and
(14) The Regional Chief's concurrence signature and date signed.
(15) The mandatory 10- or 15-year re-evaluation date.
(b)
(c)
(d)
Sec. 2, 33 Stat. 614, as amended (16 U.S.C. 685); Sec. 5, 43 Stat. 651 (16 U.S.C. 725); Sec. 5, Stat. 449 (16 U.S.C. 690d); Sec. 10, 45 Stat. 1224 (16 U.S.C. 715i); Sec. 4, 48 Stat. 402, as amended (16 U.S.C. 664); Sec. 2, 48 Stat. 1270 (43 U.S.C. 315a); 49 Stat. 383 as amended; Sec. 4, 76 Stat. (16 U.S.C. 460k); Sec. 4, 80 Stat. 927 (16 U.S.C. 668dd) (5 U.S.C. 685, 752, 690d); 16 U.S.C. 715s).
The regulations in this part 27 govern those acts by the public which are prohibited at all times except as permitted in this part, part 26, and part 25, subpart D—Permits.
No person shall take any animal or plant on any national wildlife refuge, except as authorized under 50 CFR 27.51 and parts 31, 32, and 33 of this subchapter C.
Travel in or use of any motorized or other vehicles, including those used on air, water, ice, snow, is prohibited on national wildlife refuges except on designated routes of travel, as indicated by the appropriate traffic control signs or signals and in designated areas posted or delineated on maps by the refuge manager and subject to the following requirements and limitations:
(a) Unless specifically covered by the general and special regulations set forth in this chapter, the laws and regulations of the State within whose exterior boundaries a national wildlife refuge or portion thereof is located shall govern traffic and the operation and use of vehicles. Such State laws and regulations which are now or may hereafter be in effect are hereby adopted and made a part of the regulations in this part.
(b) No operator of a vehicle shall be under the influence of intoxicating beverages or controlled substances.
(c) Driving or operating any vehicle carelessly or heedlessly, or in willful or wanton disregard for the rights or safety of other persons, or without due care or at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under prevailing conditions, having regard to traffic, weather, wildlife, road, and light conditions, and surface, width, and character of the travel way is prohibited. Every operator shall maintain such control of the vehicle as may be necessary to avoid danger to persons or property or wildlife.
(d) The vehicle speed limit shall not exceed 25 m.p.h. except as otherwise legally posted.
(e)(1) Every motor vehicle shall at all time be equipped with a muffler in good working order, and which cannot be removed or otherwise altered while the vehicle is being operated on a national wildlife refuge. To prevent excessive or unusual noise no person shall use a muffler cut-out, bypass, or similar device upon a motor vehicle. A
(2) A refuge manager, by posting of appropriate signs or by marking on a map which shall be available at the refuge headquarters, may require that any motor vehicle operating in the designated area shall be equipped with a spark arrestor that meets Standard 5100-1a of the U.S. Forest Service, Department of Agriculture which standard includes the requirements that such spark arrestor shall have an efficiency to retain or destroy at least 80 percent of carbon particles, for all flow rates, and that such spark arrestor has been warranted by its manufacturer as meeting the above mentioned efficiency requirement for at least 1,000 hours, subject to normal use, with maintenance and mounting in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations.
(f) The operation of a vehicle which does not bear valid license plates and is not properly certified, registered, or inspected in accordance with applicable State laws is prohibited.
(g) Driving or permitting another person to drive a vehicle without valid license is prohibited. A valid driver's or operator's license must be displayed upon the request of any authorized official.
(h) Stopping, parking or leaving any vehicle, whether attended or unattended, upon any road, trail, or fire lane so as to obstruct the free movement of other vehicles is prohibited, except in the event of accident or other conditions beyond the immediate control of the operator, or as otherwise directed by an authorized official.
(i) All persons shall obey the lawful order or signal of any authorized official directing, controlling, or regulating the movement of traffic.
(j) Load, weight and width limitations, as may be necessary, shall be prescribed and the public advised under provisions of § 25.31. Such limitations must be complied with by the operators of all vehicles.
(k) A motor vehicle involved in an accident is not to be moved until an authorized official arrives at the scene of the accident, unless such vehicle constitutes a traffic or safety hazard.
(l) A motor vehicle shall not be operated at anytime without proper brakes and brake lights, or from sunset to sunrise without working headlights and taillights which comply with the regulations for operation on the roads of the State within whose boundaries the refuge is located.
(m) Such other requirements which are established under the provisions of this subchapter C.
(a) The use of boats in national wildlife refuges is prohibited except as may be authorized under and subject to the requirements set forth below.
(b) When the use of boats is permitted on any national wildlife refuge, the public will be notified under the provisions of this subchapter C and the following operational requirements and limitations will apply:
(1)(i) In addition to the regulations contained in this part, the U.S. Coast Guard Regulations, titles 33 and 46 CFR, are applicable on navigable waters of the United States.
(ii) Unless specifically covered by the general and special regulations set forth in this chapter, the laws and regulations of the State within whose exterior boundaries a national wildlife refuge or portion thereof is located shall govern boating and the operation and use of boats. Such laws and regulations which are now or may hereafter be in effect are hereby adopted and made a part of the regulations in this part.
(2) No operator or person in charge of any boat shall operate or knowingly permit any other person to operate a boat in a reckless or negligent manner, or in a manner so as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person, property or wildlife.
(3) No person shall operate or be in actual physical control of a boat while under the influence of intoxicating beverages or controlled substances.
(4) No person shall operate a boat in a manner which will unreasonably interfere with other boats or with free and proper navigation of the waterways of the areas. Anchoring in heavily traveled channels or main thoroughfares shall constitute such interference
(5) No person shall operate a boat on refuge waters that has a marine head (toilet) unless it conforms to Environmental Protection Agency regulations regarding sewage discharge.
(6) Every sailboat when underway from sunset to sunrise shall carry and exhibit a bright white light visible all around the horizon for a distance of two miles.
(7) Leaving any boat unattended, outside of designated mooring or beaching areas, for a period in excess of 72 hours without written permission of the refuge manager is prohibited and any boat so left may be impounded by the refuge manager.
(8) Government-owned docks, piers, and floats are not to be used for loading and unloading of boats, except in emergencies or unless specifically authorized by the refuge manager.
When water skiing is permitted upon national wildlife refuge waters, the public will be notified under the provisions of this subchapter C and the following requirements and limitations will apply:
(a) Water skiing is permitted only during daylight hours and during periods posted or otherwise designated under the provisions of this subchapter C.
(b) When a skier is in “tow” there must be two persons in the boat at all times, with one person not operating the boat, acting as an observer of the skier in tow.
(c) The direction of a tow boat when circling will be counter clockwise.
(d) Skiers must wear U.S. Coast Guard approved ski belts, life jackets or buoyant vests.
(e) Water skiing is prohibited within 300 feet of harbors, swimming beaches, and mooring areas, and within 100 feet of any designated swimming area.
The unauthorized operation of aircraft, including sail planes, and hang gliders, at altitudes resulting in harassment of wildlife, or the unauthorized landing or take-off on a national wildlife refuge, except in an emergency, is prohibited. National wildlife refuge boundaries are designated on up-date FAA aeronautical charts.
Carrying, possessing, or discharging firearms, fireworks, or explosives on national wildlife refuges is prohibited unless specifically authorized under the provisions of this subchapter C.
Only the following persons may possess, use, or transport firearms on national wildlife refuges in accordance with this section and applicable Federal and State law:
(a) Persons using firearms for public hunting under the provisions of 50 CFR part 32.
(b) Persons carrying unloaded firearms, that are dismantled or cased, in vehicles and boats over routes of travel designated under the provision of subchapter C.
(c) Persons authorized to use firearms for the taking of specimens of wildlife for scientific purposes.
(d) Persons authorized by special regulations or permits to possess or use firearms for the protection of property, for field trials, and other special purposes.
The use or possession of cross bows, bows and arrows, air guns, spears, gigs, or other weapons on national wildlife refuges is prohibited except as may be authorized under the provision of this subchapter C.
(a) Disturbing, injuring, spearing, poisoning, destroying, collecting or attempting to disturb, injure, spear, poison, destroy or collect any plant or animal on any national wildlife refuge
(b) [Reserved]
Plants and animals or their parts taken elsewhere shall not be introduced, liberated, or placed on any national wildlife refuge except as authorized.
The destruction, injury, defacement, disturbance, or the unauthorized removal of any public property including natural objects or private property on or from any national wildlife refuge is prohibited.
No person shall search for or remove from national wildlife refuges objects of antiquity except as may be authorized by 43 CFR part 3.
(a) No person shall search for buried treasure, treasure trove, valuable semi-precious rocks, stones, or mineral specimens on national wildlife refuges unless authorized by permit or by provision of this subchapter C.
(b) Permits are required for archeological studies on national wildlife refuges in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter C.
Prospecting, locating, or filing mining claims on national wildlife refuges is prohibited unless otherwise provided by law. See § 29.31 for provisions concerning mineral leasing.
Tampering with, entering, or starting any motor vehicle, boat, equipment or machinery or attempting to tamper with, enter, or start any motor vehicle, boat, equipment or machinery on any national wildlife refuge without proper authorization is prohibited.
The taking or filming of any motion or sound pictures on a national wildlife refuge for subsequent commercial use is prohibited except as may be authorized under the provisions of 43 CFR part 5.
The operation or use of audio devices including radios, recording and playback devices, loudspeakers, television sets, public address systems and musical instruments so as to cause unreasonable disturbance to others in the vicinity is prohibited.
No unauthorized person shall use or direct the rays of a spotlight or other artificial light, or automotive headlights for the purpose of spotting, locating, or taking any animal within the boundaries of any national wildlife refuge or along rights-of-way for public or private roads within a national wildlife refuge.
Entering or remaining in any national wildlife refuge when under the influence of alcohol, to a degree that may endanger oneself or other persons or property or unreasonably annoy persons in the vicinity, is prohibited.
(a) Definitions for the purpose of this section:
(1) The term
(2) The term
(3) The term
(b) Offenses. (1) The delivery of any controlled substance on a national wildlife refuge is prohibited, except that distributed by a practitioner in accordance with applicable law.
(2) The possession of a controlled substance on a national wildlife refuge is prohibited unless such substance was obtained by the possessor directly, or pursuant to a valid prescription or order, from a practitioner acting in the course of his professional practice, or except as otherwise authorized by applicable law.
(3) Presence in a national wildlife refuge when under the influence of a controlled substance to a degree that may endanger oneself, or another person, or property, or may cause unreasonable interference with another person's enjoyment of a national wildlife refuge is prohibited.
Any act of indecency or disorderly conduct as defined by State or local laws is prohibited on any national wildlife refuge.
Disturbing, molesting, or interfering with any employee of the United States or of any local or State government engaged in official business, or with any private person engaged in the pursuit of an authorized activity on any national wildlife refuge is prohibited.
Gambling in any form, or the operation of gambling devices, for money or otherwise, on any national wildlife refuge is prohibited.
Begging on any national wildlife refuge is prohibited. Soliciting of funds for the support or assistance of any cause or organization is also prohibited unless properly authorized.
The conducting or operation of field trials for dogs on national wildlife refuges is prohibited except as may be authorized by special permit.
No person shall without proper authority construct, install, occupy, or maintain any building, log boom, pier, dock, fence, wall, pile, anchorage, or other structure or obstruction in any national wildlife refuge.
Abandoning, discarding, or otherwise leaving any personal property in any national wildlife refuge is prohibited.
(a) The littering, disposing, or dumping in any manner of garbage, refuse sewage, sludge, earth, rocks, or other debris on any national wildlife refuge except at points or locations designated by the refuge manager, or the draining or dumping of oil, acids, pesticide wastes, poisons, or any other types of chemical wastes in, or otherwise polluting any waters, water holes, streams or other areas within any national wildlife refuge is prohibited.
(b) Persons using a national wildlife refuge shall comply with the sanitary requirements established under the provisions of this subchapter C for each individual refuge; the sanitation provisions which may be included in leases, agreements, or use permits, and all applicable Federal and State laws.
On all national wildlife refuges persons are prohibited from the following:
(a) Setting on fire or causing to be set on fire any timber, brush, grass, or other inflammable material including camp or cooking fires, except as authorized by the refuge manager or at locations designated for that purpose or as provided for under § 26.33(c) of this subchapter C.
(b) Leaving a fire unattended or not completely extinguished;
(c) Throwing a burning cigarette, match, or other lighted substance from any moving conveyance or throwing of same in any place where it may start a fire; and
(d) Smoking on any lands, including roads, or in any buildings which have been designated and/or posted with no smoking signs.
Except as may be authorized, posting, distributing, or otherwise displaying private or public notices, advertisements, announcements, or displays of any kind in any national wildlife refuge, other than business designations on private vehicles or boats is prohibited.
Soliciting business or conducting a commercial enterprise on any national wildlife refuge is prohibited except as may be authorized by special permit.
Sec. 2, 33 Stat. 614, as amended (16 U.S.C. 685); sec. 5, 43 Stat. 651 (16 U.S.C. 725); sec. 5, 45 Stat. 449 (16 U.S.C. 690d); sec. 10, 45 Stat. 1224 (16 U.S.C. 715i); sec. 4, 48 Stat. 402, as amended (16 U.S.C. 664); sec. 2, 48 Stat. 1270 (43 U.S.C. 315a); sec. 4, 76 Stat. 654 (16 U.S.C. 460k); sec. 4, 80 Stat. 927 (16 U.S.C. 668dd) (5 U.S.C. 301).
The regulations in this part govern the enforcement, penalty and procedural requirements for violations of parts 25, 26, and 27.
Refuge managers and other authorized personnel are authorized pursuant to authority delegated from the Secretary and which has been published in the
(a) Any person who violates any of the provisions, rules, regulations, posted signs, or special regulations of this subchapter C, or any items, conditions or restrictions in a permit, license, grant, privilege, or any other limitation established under the subchapter
(b) Failure of any person, utilizing the resources of any national wildlife refuge or enjoying any privilege of use thereon for any purpose whatsoever, to comply with any of the provisions, conditions, restrictions, or requirements of this subchapter C or to comply with any applicable provisions of Federal or State law may render such person liable to:
(1) The penalties as prescribed by law. (Sec. 4, 76 Stat. 654, 16 U.S.C. 460k-3; Sec. 4, 80 Stat. 927, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 668dd(e); Sec. 7, 60 Stat. 1080, 16 U.S.C. 666a; Sec. 6, 40 Stat. 756, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 707; Sec. 7, 48 Stat. 452, 16 U.S.C. 718g; Sec. 2, 33 Stat. 614, as amended, 18 U.S.C. 41.)
(2) [Reserved]
(a) Any person violating sections 1855-1856 of the Criminal Code (18 U.S.C. 1855-1856) as they pertain to fires on national wildlife refuge lands of the United States shall be subject to civil action and to the penalty provisions of the law.
(b) Any person violating sections 1852-1853 of the Criminal Code (18 U.S.C. 1852-1853) as they pertain to timber on national wildlife refuge lands of the United States shall be subject to civil action and to the penalty provisions of the law.
Any property abandoned or left unattended without authority on any national wildlife refuge for a period in excess of 72 hours is subject to removal. The expense of the removal shall be borne by the person owning or claiming ownership of the property. Such property is subject to sale or other disposal after 3 months, in accordance with section 203m of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1959, as amended (40 U.S.C. 484m), and regulations issued thereunder. Former owners may apply within 3 years for reimbursement for such property, subject to disposal and storage costs and similar expenses, upon sufficient proof of ownership.
(a) Any animal trespassing on the lands of any national wildlife refuge may be impounded and disposed of in accordance with State statutes insofar as they may be applicable. In the absence of such State statutes, the animals shall be disposed of in accordance with this section.
(b) If the owner is known, prompt written notice of the impounding will be served in person with written receipt obtained or delivery by certified mail with return receipt requested. In the event of his failure to remove the impounded animal within five (5) days from receipt of such notice, it will be sold or otherwise disposed of as prescribed in this section.
(c) If the owner is unknown, no disposition of the animal shall be made until at least fifteen (15) days have elapsed from the date of a legal notice of the impounding has been posted at the county courthouse and 15 days after the second notice published in a newspaper in general circulation in the county in which the trespass took place.
(d) The notice shall state when and where the animal was impounded and shall describe it by brand or earmark or distinguishing marks or by other reasonable identification. The notice shall specify the time and place the animal will be offered at public sale to the highest bidder, in the event it is not claimed or redeemed. The notice shall reserve the right of the official conducting the sale to reject any and all bids so received.
(e) Prior to such sale, the owner may redeem the animal by submitting proof of ownership and paying all expenses of the United States for, capturing, impounding, advertising, care, forage, and damage claims.
(f) If an animal impounded under this section is offered at public sale and no bid is received or if the highest bid received is an amount less than the claim of the United States, the animal may be sold at private sale for the highest amount obtainable, or be condemned
(g) In determining the claim of the Federal Government in all livestock trespass cases on national wildlife refuges, the value of forage consumed shall be computed at the commercial unit rate prevailing in the locality for that class of livestock. In addition, the claim shall include damages to national wildlife refuge property injured or destroyed, and all the related expenses incurred in the impounding, caring for and disposing of the animal. The salary of Service employees for the time spent in and about the investigations, reports, and settlement or prosecution of the case shall be prorated in computing the expense. Payment of claims due the United States shall be made by certified check or postal money order payable to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Dogs and cats running at large on a national wildlife refuge and observed by an authorized official in the act of killing, injuring, harassing or molesting humans or wildlife may be disposed of in the interest of public safety and protection of the wildlife.
Sec. 2, 33 Stat. 614, as amended, sec. 5, 43 Stat. 651, secs. 5, 10, 45 Stat. 449, 1224, secs. 4, 2, 48 Stat. 402, as amended, 1270, sec. 4, 76 Stat. 645; 5 U.S.C. 301, 16 U.S.C. 668dd, 685, 725, 690d, 715i, 664, 43 U.S.C. 315a, 16 U.S.C. 460k; 80 Stat. 926.
We may only authorize public or private economic use of the natural resources of any national wildlife refuge, in accordance with 16 U.S.C. 715s, where we determine that the use contributes to the achievement of the national wildlife refuge purposes or the National Wildlife Refuge System mission. We may authorize economic use by appropriate permit only when we have determined the use on a national wildlife refuge to be compatible. Persons exercising economic privileges on national wildlife refuges will be subject to the applicable provisions of this subchapter and of other applicable laws and regulations governing national wildlife refuges. Permits for economic use will contain such terms and conditions that we determine to be necessary for the proper administration of the resources. Economic use in this section includes but is not limited to grazing livestock, harvesting hay and stock feed, removing timber, firewood or other natural products of the soil, removing shell, sand or gravel, cultivating areas, or engaging in operations that facilitate approved programs on national wildlife refuges.
Cooperative agreements with persons for crop cultivation, haying, grazing, or the harvest of vegetative products, including plantlife, growing with or without cultivation on wildlife refuge areas may be executed on a share-in-kind basis when such agreements are in aid of or benefit to the wildlife management of the area.
Fees and charges for the grant of privileges on wildlife refuge areas and for the sale of products taken therefrom, where not otherwise prescribed by law or regulation, shall be set at a rate commensurate with fees and charges for similar privileges and products made by private land owners in the vicinity or in accordance with their local value. Fees or rates of charge for products and privileges may be based either on a monetary exchange or on a share in kind of the resource or product.
The regulations in this subpart prescribe the procedures for filing applications and the terms and conditions under which rights-of-way over and across the lands administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may be granted.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(2)(i) All applications filed pursuant to this subpart in the name of individuals, corporations, or associations must be accompanied by a nonreturnable application fee. No application fee will be required of (A) State of local governments or agencies or instrumentalities thereof except as to rights-of-way, easements or permits under section 28 of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended by Pub. L. 93-153, or (B) Federal Government agencies.
(ii) Application fees will be in accordance with the following schedule:
(A) For linear facilities (e.g., powerlines, pipelines, roads, etc.).
(B) For nonlinear facilities, $250 for each 40 acres or fraction thereof.
(C) Where an application includes both linear and nonlinear facilities, payment will be the aggregate of amounts under paragraphs (a)(2)(ii)(A) and (B) of this section.
(D) When an application is received, the Regional Director will estimate the costs expected to be incurred in processing the application. If the estimated costs exceed the payments under paragraph (a)(2)(ii) (A), (B), or (C) of this section by an amount greater than the cost of maintaining actual cost records, the Regional Director shall require the applicant to make periodic payments in advance of the incurrence of such costs by the United States except for the last payment which will reflect final reimbursement for actual costs of the United States in processing the application. Overpayments may be refunded or adjusted by the Regional Director as appropriate.
(E) The Regional Director shall, on request by an applicant or prospective applicant, give an estimate based on the best available cost information, of the costs which would be incurred by the United States in processing an application. However, reimbursement will not be limited to the estimate of the Regional Director if the actual costs exceed the estimate. Prospective applicants are encouraged to consult with the Regional Director in advance of filing an application in regard to probable costs and other requirements.
(3)(i) By accepting an easement or permit under this subpart, the holder agrees to reimburse the United States for reasonable costs incurred by the Fish and Wildlife Service in monitoring the construction, operation,
(ii) Within 60 days of the issuance of an easement or permit the holder must submit a nonreturnable payment in accordance with the following:
(A) For linear facilities e.g., powerlines, pipelines, roads, etc.).
(B) For nonlinear facilities, $100 for each 40 acres or fraction thereof.
(C) Where an easement or permit includes both linear and nonlinear facilities, payment will be the aggregate amounts under paragraph (a)(3)(2)(ii) (A) and (B) of this section.
(D) When an easement or permit is granted the Regional Director shall estimate the costs, based on the best available cost information, expected to be incurred by the United States in monitoring holder activity. If the estimated costs exceed the payments under paragraph (a)(3)(2) (ii), (A), (B), or (C) of this section by an amount which is greater than the cost of maintaining actual cost records for the monitoring process, the Regional Director shall require the holder to make periodic payments of the estimated reimbursable costs prior to the incurrence of such costs by the United States. Overpayments may be refunded or adjusted by the Regional Director as appropriate.
(E) Following the termination of an easement or permit, the former holder will be required to pay additional amounts to the extent the actual costs to the United States have exceeded the payments required by paragraphs (a)(3)(ii)(A), (B), and (C) of this section.
(4) All applications filed pursuant to this subpart must include a detailed environmental analysis which shall include information concerning the impact of the proposed use of the environment including the impact on air and water quality; scenic and esthetic features; historic, architectural, archeological, and cultural features; wildlife, fish and marine life, etc. The analysis shall include sufficient data so as to enable the Service to prepare an environmental assessment and/or impact statement in accordance with section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321
(b)
(c)
(1) For the States of California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and Washington:
(2) For the States of Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas:
(3) For the States of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin:
(4) For the States of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands:
(5) For the States of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia:
(6) For the States of Colorado, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming:
(7) For the State of Alaska:
(a) Where the land administered by the Secretary is owned in fee by the United States and the right-of-way is compatible with the objectives of the area, permit or easement may be approved and granted by the Regional Director. Generally an easement or permit will be issued for a term of 50 years or so long as it is used for the purpose granted, or for a lesser term when considered appropriate. For rights-of-way granted under authority of section 28 of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended, for pipelines for the transportation of oil, natural gas, synthetic liquid or gaseous fuels, or any refined product produced therefrom, the grant may be for a term not to exceed 30 years and the right-of-way may not exceed 50 feet, plus the area occupied by the pipeline and its related facilities unless the Regional Director finds, and records the reasons for his finding, that, in his judgment, a wider right-of-way is necessary for operation and maintenance after construction, or to protect the environment or public safety. Related facilities include but are not limited to valves, pump stations, supporting structures, bridges, monitoring and communication devices, surge and storage tanks, terminals, etc. However, a temporary permit supplementing a right-of-way may be granted for additional land needed during construction, operation, maintenance, or termination of the pipeline, or to protect the natural environment or public safety.
(b) Unless otherwise provided, no interest granted shall give the grantee any right whatever to remove any material, earth, or stone for construction or other purpose, except that stone or earth necessarily removed from the right-of-way in the construction of a project may be used elsewhere along the same right-of-way in the construction of the same project.
(a) Any right-of-way easement or permit granted will be subject to outstanding rights, if any, in third parties.
(b) An applicant, by accepting an easement or permit agrees to such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the Regional Director in the granting document. Such terms and conditions shall include the following, unless waived in part by the Regional Director, and may include additional special stipulations at his discretion. See § 29.21-8 for special requirements for electric powerlines and § 29.21-9 for special requirements for oil and gas pipelines.
(1) To comply with State and Federal laws applicable to the project within
(2) To clear and keep clear the lands within the easement or permit area to the extent and in the manner directed by the project manager in charge; and to dispose of all vegetative and other material cut, uprooted, or otherwise accumulated during the construction and maintenance of the project in such a manner as to decrease the fire hazard and also in accordance with such instructions as the project manager may specify.
(3) To prevent the disturbance or removal of any public land survey monument or project boundary monument unless and until the applicant has requested and received from the Regional Director approval of measures the applicant will take to perpetuate the location of aforesaid monument.
(4) To take such soil and resource conservation and protection measures, including weed control on the land covered by the easement or permit as the project manager in charge may request.
(5) To do everything reasonably within his power, both independently and on request of any duly authorized representative of the United States, to prevent and suppress fires on or near, lands to be occupied under the easement or permit area, including making available such construction and maintenance forces as may be reasonably obtainable for the suppression of such fires.
(6) To rebuild and repair such roads, fences, structures, and trails as may be destroyed or injured by construction work and upon request by the Regional Director, to build and maintain necessary and suitable crossings for all roads and trails that intersect the works constructed, maintained, or operated under the right-of-way.
(7) To pay the United States the full value for all damages to the lands or other property of the United States caused by him or by his employees, contractors, or employees of the contractors, and to indemnify the United States against any liability for damages to life, person or property arising from the occupancy or use of the lands under the easement or permit, except where the easement or permit is granted hereunder to a State or other governmental agency which has no legal power to assume such a liability with respect to damages caused by it to lands or property, such agency in lieu thereof agrees to repair all such damages. Where the easement of permit involves lands which are under the exclusive jurisdiction of the United States, the holder or his employees, contractors, or agents of the contractors, shall be liable to third parties for injuries incurred in connection with the easement or permit area. Grants of easements or permits involving special hazards will impose liability without fault for injury and damage to the land and property of the United States up to a specified maximum limit commensurate with the foreseeable risks or hazards presented. The amount of no-fault liability for each occurrence is hereby limited to no more than $1,000,000.
(8) To notify promptly the project manager in charge of the amount of merchantable timber, if any, which will be cut, removed, or destroyed in the construction and maintenance of the project, and to pay the United States in advance of construction such sum of money as the project manager may determine to be the full stumpage value of the timber to be so cut, removed, or destroyed.
(9) That all or any part of the easement or permit granted may be terminated by the Regional Director, for failure to comply with any or all of the terms or conditions of the grant, or for abandonment. A rebuttable presumption of abandonment is raised by deliberate failure of the holder to use for any continuous 2-year period the easement or permit for the purpose for which it was granted or renewed. In the event of noncompliance of abandonment, the Regional Director will notify in writing the holder of the easement or permit of his intention to suspend or terminate such grant 60 days from the date of the notice, stating the reasons therefor, unless prior to that time the holder completes such corrective actions as are specified in the notice. The Regional Director may grant an extension of time within which to complete
(10) To restore the land to its original condition to the satisfaction of the Regional Director so far as it is reasonably possible to do so upon revocation and/or termination of the easement or permit, unless this requirement is waived in writing by the Regional Director. Termination also includes permits or easements that terminate under the terms of the grant.
(11) To keep the project manager informed at all times of his address, and, in case of corporations, of the address of its principal place of business and the names and addresses of its principal officers.
(12) That in the construction, operation, and maintenance of the project, he shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, creed, color, or national origin and shall require an identical provision to be included in all subcontracts.
(13) That the grant of the easement or permit shall be subject to the express condition that the exercise thereof will not unduly interfere with the management, administration, or disposal by the United States of the land affected thereby. The applicant agrees and consents to the occupancy and use by the United States, its grantees, permittees, or lessees of any part of the easement of permit area not actually occupied for the purpose of the granted rights to the extent that it does not interfere with the full and safe utilization thereof by the holder. The holder of an easement or permit also agrees that authorized representatives of the United States shall have the right of access to the easement or permit area for the purpose of making inspections and monitoring the construction, operation and maintenance of facilities.
(14) That the easement or permit herein granted shall be subject to the express covenant that any facility constructed thereon will be modified or adapted, if such is found by the Regional Director to be necessary, without liability or expense to the United States, so that such facility will not conflict with the use and occupancy of the land for any authorized works which may hereafter be constructed thereon under the authority of the United States. Any such modification will be planned and scheduled so as not to interfere unduly with or to have minimal effect upon continuity of energy and delivery requirements.
(15) That the easement or permit herein granted shall be for the specific use described and may not be construed to include the further right to authorize any other use within the easement or permit area unless approved in writing by the Regional Director.
(a) If construction is not commenced within two (2) years after date of right-of-way grant, the right-of-way may be canceled by the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at his discretion.
(b) Proof of construction: Upon completion of construction, the applicant shall file a certification of completion with the Regional Director.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a) Payment for use and occupancy of lands under the regulations of this subpart will be required and will be for fair market value as determined by appraisal by the Regional Director. At the discretion of the Regional Director, the payment may be a lump sum payment or an annual fair market rental payment, to be made in advance. If any Federal, State or local agency is exempted from such payment by and any other provision of Federal law, such agency shall otherwise compensate the Service by any other means agreeable to the Regional Director, including, but not limited to, making other land available or the loan of equipment or personnel, except that any such compensation shall relate to, and be consistent with the objectives of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The Regional Director may waive such requirement for compensation if he finds such requirement impracticable or unnecessary.
(b) When annual rental payments are used, such rates shall be reviewed by the Regional Director at any time not less than 5 years after the grant of the permit, right-of-way, or easement or the last revision of charges thereunder, The Regional Director will furnish a notice in writing to the holder of an easement or permit of intent to impose new charges to reflect fair market value commencing with the ensuing charge year. The revised charges will be effective unless the holder files an appeal in accordance with § 29.22.
By accepting a right-of-way for a power transmission line, the applicant thereby agrees and consents to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions, except those which the Secretary may waive in a particular case, in addition to those specified in § 29.21-4(b).
(a) To protect in a workmanlike manner, at crossings and at places in proximity to his transmission lines on the right-of-way authorized, in accordance with the rules prescribed in the National Electric Safety Code, all Government and other telephone, telegraph and power transmission lines from contact and all highways and railroads from obstruction and to maintain his transmission lines in such manner as not to menace life or property.
(b) Neither the privilege nor the right to occupy or use the lands for the purpose authorized shall relieve him of any legal liability for causing inductive or conductive interference between any project transmission line or other project works constructed, operated, or maintained by him on the servient lands, and any radio installation, telephone line, or other communication facilities now or hereafter constructed and operated by the United States or any agency thereof.
(a)
When the right-of-way or proposed facility will occupy Federal land under the control of more than one Federal Agency and/or more than one bureau or office of the Department of the Interior, a single application shall be filed with the appropriate State Director of the Bureau of Land Management in accordance with regulations in 43 CFR part 2800.
Any portion of the facility occupying land of the National Wildlife Refuge System will be subject to the provisions of these regulations.
(b)
(1)
(2)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(2)(i) The owners or operators of pipelines subject to this subpart shall accept, convey, transport, or purchase without discrimination all oil or gas delivered to the pipeline without regard to whether such oil or gas was produced on Federal or non-Federal lands.
(ii) In the case of oil or gas produced from Federal lands or from the resources on the Federal lands in the vicinity of the pipelines, the Secretary may, after a full hearing with due notice thereof to the interested parties and a proper finding of facts, determine the proportionate amounts to be accepted, conveyed, transported or purchased.
(3)(i) The common carrier provisions of this section shall not apply to any natural gas pipeline operated by any person subject to regulation under the Natural Gas Act or by any public utility subject to regulation by a State or municipal regulatory agency having jurisdiction to regulate the rates and charges for the sale of natural gas to consumers within the State or municipality.
(ii) Where natural gas not subject to state regulatory or conservation laws governing its purchase by pipelines is offered for sale, each such pipeline shall purchase, without discrimination, any such natural gas produced in the vicinity of the pipeline.
(4) The Regional Director shall require, prior to granting or renewing a right-of-way, that the applicant submit and disclose all plans, contracts, agreements, or other information or material which he deems necessary to determine whether a right-of-way shall be granted or renewed and the terms and conditions which should be included in the right-of-way. Such information may include, but is not limited to: (i) Conditions for, and agreements among owners or operators, regarding the addition of pumping facilities, looping, or otherwise increasing the pipeline or terminal's throughput capacity in response to actual or anticipated increases in demand; (ii) conditions for adding or abandoning intake, offtake, or storage points or facilities; and (iii) minimum shipment or purchase tenders.
(k)
(l)
(m)
An appeal may be taken from any final disposition of the Regional Director to the Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and, except in the case of a denial of a right-of-way application, from the latter's decision to the Secretary of the Interior. Appeals to the Secretary shall be taken pursuant to 43 CFR part 4, subpart G.
Where mineral rights to lands in wildlife refuge areas are vested in the United States, the provisions of 43 CFR 3101.3-3, 3109.4, 3201.1-6 and 3501.2-2 govern.
Persons holding mineral rights in wildlife refuge lands by reservation in the conveyance to the United States and persons holding mineral rights in such lands which rights vested prior to the acquisition of the lands by the United States shall, to the greatest extent practicable, conduct all exploration, development, and production operations in such a manner as to prevent damage, erosion, pollution, or contamination to the lands, waters, facilities and vegetation of the area. So far as is practicable, such operations must also be conducted without interference with the operation of the refuge or disturbance to the wildlife thereon. Physical occupancy of the area must be kept to the minimum space compatible with the conduct of efficient mineral operations. Persons conducting mineral operations on refuge areas must comply with all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations for the protection of wildlife and the administration of the area. Oil field brine, slag, and all other waste and contaminating substances must be kept in the smallest practicable area, must be confined so as to prevent escape as a result of rains and high water or otherwise, and must be removed from the area as quickly as practicable in such a manner as to -prevent contamination, pollution, damage, or injury to the lands, waters, facilities, or vegetation of the refuge or to wildlife. Structures and equipment must be removed from the area when the need for them has ended. Upon the cessation of operations the area shall be restored as nearly as possible to its condition prior to the commencement of operations. Nothing in this section shall be applied so as to contravene or nullify rights vested in holders of mineral interests on refuge lands.
5 U.S.C. 301; 16 U.S.C. 668dd, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 715i, as amended; 41 CFR 101-44.
Range animals on fenced wildlife refuge areas, including buffalo and longhorn cattle, determined to be surplus to the needs of the conservation program may be planned and scheduled for disposal.
Disposition shall be made only during regularly scheduled disposal program periods, except in the event of exigent circumstances affecting the animals, their range, or the recipient. The Refuge Manager is responsible for determining the existence of “exigent circumstances.” Surplus range animals may be disposed of, subject to State and Federal health laws and regulations, by donation for specific purposes to public agencies, public institutions, other governments or charitable institutions, or sold on the open market.
(a) Feral animals, including horses, burros, cattle, swine, sheep, goats, reindeer, dogs, and cats, without ownership that have reverted to the wild from a domestic state may be taken by authorized Federal or State personnel or by private persons operating under permit in accordance with applicable provisions of Federal or State law or regulation.
(b) [Reserved]
Feral animals taken on wildlife refuge areas may be disposed of by sale on the open market, gift or loan to public or private institutions for specific purposes, and as otherwise provided in section 401 of the act of June 15, 1935 (49 Stat. 383, 16 U.S.C. 715s).
Sec. 2, 33 Stat. 614, as amended, sec. 5, 43 Stat. 651, secs. 5, 10, 45 Stat. 449, 1224, secs. 4, 2, 48 Stat. 402, as amended, 451, as amended, 1270, sec. 4, 76 Stat. 654; 5 U.S.C. 301, 16 U.S.C. 685, 725, 690d, 715i, 664, 718(b), 43 U.S.C. 315a, 16 U.S.C. 460k; sec. 2, 80 Stat. 926; 16 U.S.C. 668bb.
The populations and requirements of wildlife species on wildlife refuge areas shall be determined by population census, habitat evaluation, and other means of ecological study.
Upon a determination that wildlife are surplus to a balanced conservation
(a) Donation or loan to public agencies and institutions.
(b) Sale to public or private agencies and institutions.
(c) Commercial harvest of fishery resources.
(d) Official wildlife control operations.
(e) Public hunting or fishing.
(f) Trapping.
Wildlife specimens may be donated or loaned to public institutions for specific purposes. Donation or loans of resident species of wildlife will not be made unless the recipient has secured the approval of the State.
Surplus wildlife specimens may be sold alive or butchered, dressed and processed subject to Federal and State laws and regulations and the provisions of this part.
Refuge managers may allow commercial harvest of fishery resources by issuance of a permit or by refuge-specific regulation in compliance with applicable State and Federal laws when compatible and in compliance with § 29.1 of this subchapter C.
(a) Animal species which are surplus or detrimental to the management program of a wildlife refuge area may be taken in accordance with Federal and State laws and regulations by Federal or State personnel or by permit issued to private individuals.
(b) Animal species which are damaging or destroying Federal property within a wildlife refuge area may be taken or destroyed by Federal personnel.
The privilege of hunting and fishing may be extended to the general public under the provisions of regulations cited in parts 32 and 33 of this subchapter.
Except as hereafter noted, persons trapping animals on wildlife refuge areas where trapping has been authorized shall secure and comply with the provisions of a Federal permit issued for that purpose. This permit shall specify the terms and conditions of trapping activity and the rates of charge or division of pelts, hides, and carcasses. Lands acquired as “waterfowl production areas” shall be open to public trapping without Federal permit provided that trapping on all or part of individual areas may be temporarily suspended by posting upon occasions of unusual or critical conditions affecting land, water, vegetation, or wildlife populations. Each person trapping on any wildlife refuge area shall possess the required State license or permit and shall comply with the provisions of State laws and regulations.
The disposition of animals and the pelts or carcasses thereof accruing to the United States through the trapping programs shall be sold by public auction or on the open market unless required for official purposes.
5 U.S.C. 301; 16 U.S.C. 460k, 664, 668dd-668ee, and 715i.
The opening of a wildlife refuge area to hunting will be dependent upon the provisions of law applicable to the area and upon a determination by the Secretary that the opening of the area to the hunting of migratory game birds, upland game, or big game will be compatible with the principles of sound wildlife management and will otherwise be in the public interest. The opening or closing of wildlife refuge areas to hunting shall be in accordance with the rulemaking requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553). Lands acquired pursuant to the Act of May 18, 1948 (62 Stat. 238, 16 U.S.C. 695) will be opened to hunting only after it has been determined that the major portion of the crops in the vicinity of the area involved have been harvested, that the period of susceptibility of such crops to wildfowl depredation has passed, or that the possibility of these crops being damaged by waterfowl is minor. Lands acquired as “waterfowl production areas” shall annually be open to the hunting of migratory game birds, upland game, and big game subject to the provisions of State law and regulations and the pertinent provisions of parts 25 through 31 of this subchapter:
The following provisions shall apply to each person while engaged in public hunting on areas of the National Wildlife Refuge System:
(a) Each person shall secure and possess the required State license.
(b) Each person 16 years of age and older shall secure and possess a Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp while hunting migratory waterfowl.
(c) Each person shall comply with the applicable provisions of Federal law and regulations including this subchapter and the current Federal Migratory Bird Regulations.
(d) Each person shall comply with the applicable provisions of the laws and regulations of the State wherein any area is located unless further restricted by Federal law or regulation.
(e) Each person shall comply with the terms and conditions authorizing access or use of wildlife refuges, including the terms and conditions under which hunting permits are issued.
(f) Each person must comply with the provisions of any refuge-specific regulations governing hunting on the wildlife refuge area. Regulations, special conditions, and maps of the hunting areas for a particular wildlife refuge are available at that area's headquarters. In addition, refuge-specific hunting regulations for migratory game bird, upland game, and big game hunting appear in §§ 32.20 through 32.72.
(g) The use of any drug on any arrow for bow hunting on national wildlife refuges is prohibited. Archers may not have arrows employing such drugs in their possession on any national wildlife refuge.
(h) The unauthorized distribution of bait and the hunting over bait is prohibited on wildlife refuge areas. (Baiting is authorized in accordance with State regulations on national wildlife refuges in Alaska).
(i) The use of nails, wire, screws or bolts to attach a stand to a tree, or hunting from a tree into which a metal object has been driven to support a hunter is prohibited on wildlife refuge areas.
(j) The use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting is prohibited.
(k) You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field, which we identify in 50 CFR 20.21(j), while on Waterfowl Production Areas, or on certain other areas of the National Wildlife Refuge System as delineated on maps, leaflets and/or signs, available at each refuge headquarters or posted at each refuge, or as stated in refuge-specific regulations. Where we allow turkey and deer hunting, you may use slugs and shot containing lead to hunt these species unless prohibited by refuge-specific regulations and/or State law.
(l) The refuge-specific regulations (§ 32.20 through § 32.72) may include the items discussed in § 32.3(b). Refuge permits and brochures should also include those items and any special conditions allowed by paragraph (f) of this section.
(a) Refuge-specific hunting regulations are issued only at the time of or after the determination and publication of the opening of a wildlife refuge area to migratory game bird, upland game or big game hunting.
(b) Refuge-specific hunting regulations may contain the following items:
(1) Wildlife species that may be hunted;
(2) Seasons;
(3) Bag limits;
(4) Methods of hunting;
(5) Description of areas open to hunting; or
(6) Other provisions as required.
(c) Refuge-specific hunting regulations will not liberalize existing State laws or regulations.
(d) Refuge-specific hunting regulations are subject to change and the public is invited to submit suggestions and comments for consideration at any time.
(e) We initially publish refuge-specific hunting regulations in the daily issue of the
(f) Refuge-specific hunting regulations may be amended or new conditions imposed at any time during the hunting season when unpredictable
Wildlife refuge areas may be opened to sport fishing only after a determination is made that this activity is compatible with the purposes for which the refuge was established. In addition, the sport fishing program must be consistent with principles of sound fishery management and otherwise be in the public interest. The opening or closing of wildlife refuge areas to fishing is subject to the rulemaking requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 551
The following provisions shall apply to each person while engaged in public sport fishing on a wildlife refuge area:
(a) Each person shall secure and possess the required State license.
(b) Each person shall comply with the applicable provisions of Federal law and regulation including this subchapter.
(c) Each person shall comply with the applicable provisions of the laws and regulations of the State wherein any area is located unless the same are further restricted by Federal law or regulation.
(d) Each person shall comply with the terms and conditions authorizing access and use of the wildlife refuge area.
(e) Each person must comply with the provisions of any refuge-specific regulation governing fishing on the wildlife refuge area. Regulations, special conditions, and maps of the fishing areas for a particular wildlife refuge are available at that area's headquarters. In addition, refuge-specific sport fishing regulations appear in §§ 32.20 through 32.72.
(a) Refuge-specific fishing regulations are issued only at the time of or after the opening of a wildlife refuge area to sport fishing.
(b) Refuge-specific fishing regulations may contain the following items:
(1) Fish species that may be taken;
(2) Seasons;
(3) Creel limits;
(4) Methods of fishing;
(5) Description of areas open to fishing; or
(6) Other provisions as required.
(c) Refuge-specific fishing regulations will not liberalize existing State laws or regulations.
(d) Refuge-specific fishing regulations are subject to change and the public is invited to submit suggestions and comments for consideration at any time.
(e) We initially publish refuge-specific sport fishing regulations in the daily issue of the
(f) Refuge-specific fishing regulations may be amended as needed when unpredictable changes occur in fish and wildlife populations, habitat conditions or in other factors affecting a refuge's fish and wildlife resources.
Refuge units open to hunting and/or sport fishing in accordance with the provisions of subpart A of this part and §§ 32.20-32.72, inclusive, are as follows:
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. Fishing is permitted only from sunrise to sunset.
2. Only nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors are permitted on Gator and Little Gator Lakes.
1. We prohibit hunting within 100 yards (90 m) of the fenced-in Work Center Area or the refuge boat ramp.
2. Access to the Middle Swamp is by boat only. We prohibit access to the refuge from private land.
3. We prohibit marking trees and use of flagging tape, reflective tacks, and other similar marking devices.
4. You may take incidental species as listed in the refuge hunt permit during any fall hunt with those weapons legal during those hunts.
5. You must possess and carry a signed refuge hunt permit when hunting.
6. All youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a license. Youth hunters must have passed a State-approved hunter education course. One adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
7. We prohibit overnight mooring or storage of boats.
8. We require hunters to check all harvested game at the conclusion of each day at one of the refuge check-out stations.
9. You may only use approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) #4 or smaller, .22 caliber rimfire, or legal archery equipment.
10. We allow you to use dogs during the hunt, but the dogs must be under the immediate control of the handler at all times and not allowed to roam free (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter). We prohibit dogs in the Middle Swamp area of the refuge.
1. Conditions B1 through B8 apply.
2. We require tree stand users to use a safety belt or harness.
3. We prohibit damaging trees or hunting from a tree that contains an inserted metal object (see § 32.2(i)). Hunters must remove stands from trees each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
4. During the spring muzzleloader hunt for feral hog, muzzleloaders must be .40 caliber or larger without scopes. We require hunters to wear hunter orange in accordance with State big game regulations except you must also wear hunter orange while on tree stands.
5. We prohibit participation in organized drives.
6. We prohibit mules and horses on all refuge hunts.
7. We prohibit hunting by aid or distribution of any feed, salt, or other mineral at any time.
1. We allow fishing year-round, except in the waterfowl sanctuary, which we close from December 1 through March 1.
2. With the exception of the refuge boat ramp, we limit access from
3. You may use a rod and reel and pole and line. We prohibit all other methods of fishing.
4. We prohibit the taking of frogs or turtles (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
5. We prohibit bow fishing.
6. We prohibit the use of airboats, hovercraft, and inboard waterthrust boats such as, but not limited to, personal watercraft, watercycles, and waterbikes on all waters of the refuge.
7. We allow commercial fishing with the use of nets, seines, boxes, and baskets only by Special Use Permit.
8. We prohibit mooring or storing of boats from
1. You must possess and carry a signed refuge hunt permit when hunting.
2. We allow dove hunting on selected areas and days during the State dove season. You
3. We allow goose and duck hunting in the Kennedy and Bradley Units on selected days until 12 p.m. (noon) during State waterfowl seasons. We close all other areas within the refuge to waterfowl hunting.
4. You may only possess approved nontoxic shotshells while in the field (see § 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less when hunting duck or goose.
5. All youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a license. Youth hunters must possess and carry verification of passing a State-approved hunter education course. One adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
1. Conditions A1 and A5 apply.
2. We allow squirrel and rabbit hunting on selected areas and days during the State season.
3. We prohibit dogs (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
4. We allow only shotguns.
5. We prohibit mooring or storing of boats from 2 hours after legal sunset to
1. Conditions A1 and B5 apply.
2. We allow both archery deer and feral hog hunting during State archery and gun seasons.
3. We close the portion of the refuge between Bustahatchee and Rood Creeks to archery hunting until November 1.
4. All youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a license. We allow youth gun deer hunting (ages 10-16) within the Bradley Unit on weekends during October where youth age 16 or under must be supervised by an adult. Youth hunters must have passed a State-approved hunter education course. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
5. We close the portion of the refuge around the Upland Impoundment, also designated by signs reading “Closed Seasonally November 15-February 28,” to hunting after November 15.
6. We prohibit damaging trees or hunting from a tree that contains an inserted metal object (see § 32.2(i)). Hunters must remove stands from the trees each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
7. We allow access to the refuge for all hunts from 1
8. We prohibit hunting by aid or distribution of any feed, salt, or other mineral at any time (see § 32.2(h)).
9. We prohibit participation in organized drives.
10. We prohibit mules and horses on all refuge hunts.
11. We require tree stand users to use a safety belt or harness.
1. We allow fishing, including bowfishing, from legal sunrise to legal sunset only in refuge waters other than Lake Eufaula.
2. We prohibit taking frog or turtle (see § 27.21 of this chapter) from refuge waters not connected with Lake Eufaula.
3. We adopt reciprocal license agreements between Alabama and Georgia for fishing in Lake Eufaula. Anglers fishing in refuge impounded waters must possess and carry a license for the State in which they are fishing.
4. We prohibit use of boats with motors in all refuge impounded areas.
5. Condition B5 applies.
Refer to § 32.43 Mississippi for regulations.
1. You must possess and carry a signed refuge hunt permit when hunting.
2. We allow hunting on designated areas from 12 p.m. (noon) to legal sunset Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
3. Hunters must park in designated parking areas. We prohibit parking vehicles on refuge roads or in the fields (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
4. All youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a license. Youth hunters must have passed a State-approved hunter education course. One adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
5. We allow you to use dogs during the hunt, but the dogs must be under the immediate control of the handler at all times and not allowed to roam free (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
1. Conditions A1 and A3 through A5 apply.
2. We allow hunting on designated areas from legal sunrise to legal sunset Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, except that you may hunt opossum and raccoon after legal sunset.
1. You must possess and carry a signed refuge hunt permit when hunting.
2. We only allow hunting from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
3. We prohibit the use of dogs (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter) to hunt or pursue raccoon, opossum, or fox.
1. Condition B1 applies.
2. We prohibit damaging trees or hunting from a tree that contains an inserted metal object (see § 32.2(i)). Hunters must remove stands from trees each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
3. We prohibit using dogs (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter) to hunt or pursue big game.
1. You must possess and carry a signed refuge hunt permit when hunting.
2. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) #4 or smaller, .22 caliber rimfire, or legal archery equipment.
3. You must unload and case or dismantle firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) before placing them in a vehicle or boat.
4. We prohibit hunting in the Triana recreation area or within 100 yards (90 m) of any public building, public road, walking trail, or boardwalk.
5. We prohibit mules and horses on all refuge hunts.
6. We allow hunting on designated areas Monday through Saturday. We prohibit hunting on Sunday.
7. All youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a license. Youth hunters must have passed a State-approved hunter education course. One adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
8. We prohibit mooring or storing of boats from legal sunset to legal sunrise.
9. We prohibit marking trees and the use of flagging tape, reflective tacks, and other similar marking devices.
10. We allow the use of dogs to hunt upland game, but the dogs must be under the immediate control of the handler at all times and not allowed to run free (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
1. Conditions B1, B3, B4, B6, B8, and B9 apply.
2. We prohibit participation in organized drives.
3. We allow bows with broadhead arrows and flintlocks .40 caliber or larger only.
4. We prohibit damaging trees or hunting from a tree that contains an inserted metal object (see § 32.2(i)). Hunters must remove stands from trees each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
5. We require tree stand users to use a safety belt or harness.
6. We prohibit mules and horses on all refuge hunts.
7. We prohibit hunting by aid or distribution of any feed, salt, or other mineral at any time (see § 32.2(h)).
8. All youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a license. Youth hunters must have passed a State-approved hunter education course. One adult may supervise no more than one youth.
1. We prohibit bank fishing around the shoreline of the refuge headquarters. Consult
2. We open all other refuge waters to fishing year-round unless otherwise posted.
3. We prohibit fishing in the Waterfowl Display Pool and other waters adjacent to the visitor center.
4. We prohibit airboats and hovercraft on all waters within the refuge boundaries.
5. We prohibit inboard waterthrust boats such as, but not limited to, personal watercraft, watercycles, and waterbikes on all waters of the refuge except that portion of the Tennessee River and Flint Creek from its mouth to mile marker 3.
6. We prohibit mooring and storing of boats from legal sunset to legal sunrise.
Alaska refuges are opened to hunting, fishing and trapping pursuant to the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (Pub. L. 96-487, 94 Stat. 2371). Information regarding specific refuge regulations can be obtained from the Region 7 Office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Anchorage, AK, or by contacting the manager of the respective individual refuge.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. We only allow shotguns.
2. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
3. We only allow hunting in accordance with State regulations for the listed species.
4. We only allow hunting on the refuge in those areas south of the Bill Williams Road and east of Arizona State Rt. 95 and the south half of Section 35, T 11N-R 17W as posted.
5. Only upon specific consent from an authorized refuge employee may you retrieve game from an area closed to hunting or entry.
6. We prohibit hunting within 50 yards (45 m) of any building, road, or levee.
7. We prohibit target practice or any nonhunting discharge of firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
1. Conditions A1 and A3 through A7 apply.
2. We only allow hunting of cottontail rabbit from September 1 to the close of the State quail season.
1. Anyone for hire assisting or guiding a hunter(s) must obtain, possess, and carry a valid Special Use Permit issued by the refuge manager.
2. Conditions A3 through A7 apply.
1. We close the isolated grow-out cove near the visitor center to fishing as posted.
2. We prohibit personal watercraft (PWC as defined by State law), air boats, and hovercraft on all waters within the boundaries of the refuge.
3. We designate all waters as wakeless speed zones (as defined by State law).
4. Persons fishing from a boat or other floating object must obtain, possess, and carry a current Colorado River shared jurisdiction stamp.
1. You may only use firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) for the taking of legal game. You may only carry and use handguns in conjunction with a designated handgun season. We prohibit weapons in the No-Hunt Zone of the refuge headquarters, on Service property in Brown Canyon, and in the Watchable Wildlife Areas located at Arivaca Cienega and Arivaca Creek.
2. We allow stands, but you must remove them at the end of the hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
3. The No-Hunt Zones include: Clark Ranch Tract, Don Honnas Tract, all Service property in Brown Canyon, Arivaca Creek from milepost 7 to Arivaca and within
1. We only require a refuge permit to hunt coyote during April and May. Permits are available at refuge headquarters.
2. Conditions A1 through A3 apply.
3. Hunting groups using more than four horses must possess and carry a refuge permit.
4. Each hunter using horses must provide water and feed and clear all horse manure from all campsites.
1. You may only hunt feral hog during big game seasons. Each hunter must possess and carry a valid hunting license and big game permit for the season in progress. There is no bag limit.
2. Conditions A1 through A3 and B3 apply.
1. We allow only shotguns.
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
3. You must obtain a permit to enter the Island Unit.
4. You must pay a hunt fee in portions of the refuge. Consult refuge hunting leaflet for locations.
5. We do not allow pit or permanent blinds.
6. You may hunt only during seasons, dates, times, and areas posted by signs and/or indicated on refuge leaflets, special regulations, and maps available at the refuge office.
7. You must remove all temporary blinds, boats, and decoys from the refuge following each day's hunt.
8. We do not allow hunting within 50 yards (45 m) of any public roads or levees.
9. We close Farm Unit 2 to all hunting except goose hunting during the Arizona waterfowl season.
10. Consult the refuge hunt leaflet for the shot limit.
11. The area known as Pretty Water is open to waterfowl hunting from
12. The Hart Mine Marsh area is open to hunting from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily during goose season.
1. We allow only shotguns and bows and arrows.
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
3. You may hunt cottontail rabbit from September 1 through the last day of the respective State's quail season.
4. During the Arizona waterfowl season, you may not hunt quail and rabbit in Farm Unit 2.
5. You may not hunt within 50 yards (45 m) of any public road.
1. During the Arizona waterfowl season, you may not hunt mule deer in Farm Unit 2.
2. You may not hunt within 50 yards (45 m) of any public road.
1. Neither hunters nor dogs may enter closed areas to retrieve game.
2. Pits and permanent blinds are not permitted.
3. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
4. The following apply only to Pintail Slough (all refuge lands north of the north dike):
i. We require a fee for waterfowl hunting, and you must have in your possession proof of payment (refuge permit) while hunting.
ii. Dove hunting is permitted only during the September season.
iii. Waterfowl hunters must hunt only at the assigned location.
iv. We limit the number of shells waterfowl hunters may possess as indicated in refuge brochures.
5. You must remove temporary blinds, boats, hunting equipment, and decoys from the refuge following each day's hunt.
6. You may not hunt within 50 yards (45m) of any building, road, or levee.
1. Hunting of quail is not permitted on Pintail Slough.
2. Hunting of cottontail rabbits is permitted from September 1 to the close of the State quail season, except in Pintail Slough where rabbit hunting is permitted only during September.
3. Only shotguns and bows and arrows are permitted.
4. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
5. You may not hunt within 50 yards (45 m) of any building, road, or levee.
1. We close designated portions of the Topock Marsh to all entry from October 1 through January 31.
2. We prohibit personal watercraft (PWC, as defined by State law), air boats, or hovercraft on all waters within Topock Marsh or other waters indicated by signs or buoys.
1. Pits and permanent blinds are not allowed.
2. Temporary blinds, boats and decoys must be removed from the refuge following each day's hunt.
3. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
1. Allowed methods of take for quail and cottontail rabbit are shotgun and bow and arrow.
2. We require approved nontoxic shot for hunting quail and cottontail rabbit.
3. Cottontail rabbit hunting is permitted September 1 to the close of the State quail season.
4. Permits are required for hunting coyote, bobcat and fox.
5. Coyote and fox hunting is permitted only during the State quail season, except that it is not permitted during the State general deer season.
1. Hunting of coyote, fox, and cottontail rabbit is permitted during the State quail season only, except as provided below.
2. Hunting of coyote and fox is not permitted during the deer season except that deer hunters with valid Unit 45A, 45B, and 45C deer permits may take these predators until a deer is taken.
3. Allowed method of take of cottontail rabbits is shotgun only.
1. Only shotguns are permitted.
2. Cottontail rabbit season shall open on September 1 and close on the last day of the State quail season.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. We require refuge hunting permits. The permits are nontransferable, and anyone on refuge land in possession of hunting equipment must sign, possess, and carry the permits at all times.
2. We allow hunting of duck, goose, and coot daily until 12 p.m. (noon) throughout
3. We allow hunting for goose from
4. We allow hunting for dove, snipe, and woodcock when their seasons correspond with duck and/or goose seasons.
5. We prohibit commercial hunting/guiding.
6. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot shells while in the field (see § 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less. The possession limit includes shells located in/on vehicles and other personal equipment.
7. We prohibit hunting closer than 100 yards (90 m) to another hunter or hunting party.
8. You must remove decoys, blinds, boats, and all other equipment (see § 27.93 of this chapter) daily by 2:00 p.m.
9. Waterfowl hunters may enter the refuge parking areas at 4:45 a.m. and access the refuge at 5 a.m.
10. Hunters may leave boats with the owner's name and address permanently displayed or valid registration on the refuge from March 1 through October 31.
11. We prohibit possession of or marking trails with materials other than biodegradable paper flagging or reflective tape/tacks.
12. We prohibit building or hunting from permanent blinds.
13. We prohibit cutting of holes or manipulation of vegetation (
14. We allow retriever dogs.
15. You must unload firearms (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) when carried in/on land vehicles or boats under power.
16. We allow waterfowl hunting from roads and levees.
17. All youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a license. For migratory bird hunting, one adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
18. We prohibit target practice or nonhunting discharge of firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
19. We only allow vehicle use on established roads and trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter). We limit vehicle access on the Mingo Creek Unit to ATV use, only on marked ATV trails. You may use conventional vehicles on the Farm Unit from March 1 to November 14. You may only use ATVs from November 15 to February 28 for access beyond Parking Areas.
20. We prohibit entry into or hunting in waterfowl sanctuaries from November 15 through February 28.
21. You must adhere to all public use special conditions and regulations on the annual hunt brochure/permit.
22. We prohibit airboats, hovercraft, and personal watercraft (Jet Ski, etc.).
1. Conditions A1, A5, A11, A15, A17 (for upland game hunting, one adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters), A18, A19, A21, and A22 apply.
2. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
3. We allow fall squirrel hunting in accordance with the State season on the Mingo Creek Unit and on the Farm Unit, except for season closure on the Farm Unit during the Gun Deer Hunt. We prohibit dogs, except for the period of January 15 through February 28. We do not open for the spring squirrel season.
4. We allow rabbit hunting in accordance with the State season on the Mingo Creek Unit and on the Farm Unit, except for season closure on the Farm Unit during the Gun Deer Hunt. We prohibit dogs, except for the period of January 15 through February 28.
5. We allow quail hunting in accordance with the State season except for season closure on the Farm Unit only during the Gun Deer Hunt. We allow dogs.
6. We allow hunting of raccoon and opossum with dogs beginning in November and continuing for up to a 3-week period. We list annual season dates in the refuge hunting brochure/permit. We prohibit pleasure running or training of dogs.
7. We prohibit the use of horses.
8. You may take beaver, muskrat, nutria, armadillo, feral hog, and coyote during any refuge hunt with the weapon allowed for that hunt.
9. We prohibit entry into or hunting in refuge waterfowl sanctuaries from November 15 to February 28.
10. We prohibit hunting from roads except by waterfowl hunters.
11. You may leave boats with the owner's name and address or valid registration permanently displayed on the refuge from March 1 through October 31.
12. We prohibit hunting from a vehicle.
13. We only allow rifles chambered for rimfire cartridges.
1. Conditions A1, A5, A11, A15, A18, A19, A21, A22, and B8, B11, and B12 apply.
2. We divide the refuge into two hunting units: Farm Unit and Mingo Creek Unit.
3. The archery/crossbow hunting season for deer begins on the opening day of the State season and continues throughout the State season in the Mingo Creek Unit and Farm Unit except for the season closure on the Farm Unit during the Gun Deer Hunt. We provide annual season dates and bag limits on the hunt brochure/permit.
4. Muzzleloader hunting season for deer will begin in October and will continue for a period of up to 9 days in all hunting units with annual season dates and bag limits provided on the hunt brochure/permit.
5. The Gun Deer Hunt will begin in November and continue for a period of up to 9 days on the Farm Unit with annual season dates and bag limits provided on the hunt brochure/permit. We close the Mingo Creek Unit.
6. The fall archery/crossbow hunting season for turkey will begin on the opening day of the State season and continue throughout the State season on the Mingo Creek Unit only.
7. We prohibit spring and fall gun hunting for turkey.
8. Immediately record the zone 002 on your hunting license and later at an official check station for all deer and turkey harvested on the refuge.
9. You may only possess shotguns with rifled slugs, muzzleloaders, and legal pistols during the modern Gun Deer Hunt.
10. You may only use single-person portable deer stands.
11. We prohibit hunting from a vehicle or use of a vehicle as a deer stand.
12. You must permanently affix the owner's name and address to all deer stands on the refuge.
13. You must remove all deer stands from the Waterfowl Sanctuaries by November 14, except for stands used by Gun Deer Hunt permit holders who must remove their stands by the last day of the gun hunt. You must remove all stands from the rest of the refuge by the last day of the archery season (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
14. We prohibit the use of dogs.
15. We prohibit the possession of buckshot on all refuge lands.
16. We prohibit hunting from a mowed and/or graveled road right-of-way.
17. Refuge lands are located in State flood zone B, and we will close them to all deer hunting when the White River gauge at Augusta reaches 31 feet (9.3 m), as reported by the National Weather Service in the
18. We only allow Gun Deer Hunt permit holders on the Farm Unit during the Gun Deer Hunt.
19. We close Waterfowl Sanctuaries to all entry and hunting from November 15 to February 28, except for Gun Deer Hunt permit holders, who may hunt the sanctuary when the season overlaps with these dates.
20. An adult not less than age 21 must supervise and remain within sight and normal voice contact of hunters age 15 and under. For big game hunting, one adult may only supervise one youth.
1. Conditions A5, A19, A21, and A22 apply.
2. We close waterfowl sanctuaries to all entry and fishing/frogging from November 15 to February 28. We also close the Farm Unit to all entry and fishing during the Gun Deer Hunt.
3. You may leave boats with the owner's name and address permanently displayed or valid registration on the refuge from March 1 to October 31. We prohibit use of boats from 12 p.m. (midnight) to 5 a.m. during duck season.
4. We prohibit commercial fishing.
5. We limit nighttime use to anglers fishing/frogging with fishing and/or frogging tackle only.
6. We prohibit mooring houseboats to the refuge bank on the Red River.
1. We require refuge hunt permits. The permits are nontransferable and anyone on refuge land in possession of hunting equipment must sign and carry the permit at all times.
2. We prohibit firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) on the refuge, except during refuge squirrel, rabbit, and raccoon seasons. We provide annual season dates in the refuge hunting brochure/permit.
3. You may take nutria, beaver, and coyote during any refuge hunt with the firearm allowed for that hunt, subject to State seasons.
4. All youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a license. For small game hunts, one adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
5. We prohibit target practice or any nonhunting discharge of firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
6. You may take opossum during a raccoon hunt.
7. We prohibit dogs except for raccoon hunting. We prohibit pleasure running or training of dogs (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
8. You may only possess shotguns with approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) and rifles firing .22 caliber rimfire ammunition.
9. You must unload and case firearms (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) while in a vehicle, on any refuge road, parking area, or boat ramp.
10. We prohibit firearms south of Highway 18 and at the Brights Landing boat access.
11. We prohibit boats from November 1 through February 28, except on that portion of the refuge open for public fishing with electric motors and Ditch 28.
12. We prohibit hunting from mowed or gravel roads.
13. We prohibit ATVs (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter).
14. You must adhere to all public use special conditions and regulations on the annual hunt brochure/permit.
1. Conditions B1, and B11 through B14 apply.
2. We allow archery/crossbow hunting for white-tailed deer. We provide annual season dates in the hunt brochure/permit.
3. Hunters may only possess long, recurve, compound, or crossbows. We prohibit possession of firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) by archery/crossbow hunters.
4. We prohibit dogs.
5. We prohibit possession of or marking trails with materials other than biodegradable paper/flagging or reflective tape/tacks.
6. Upon harvest of deer, hunters must immediately record the deer zone 030 on their license and later on official check station records.
7. Hunters must check out (check harvested deer) at the Hunter Information Station.
8. We only allow portable tree stands, and you must remove them daily (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
9. We prohibit driving metal or other objects into trees or hunting from trees in which objects have been driven (see § 32.2(i)).
10. We prohibit cutting, pruning, or trimming vegetation (see § 27.51 of this chapter).
11. We prohibit target practice or any nonhunting discharge of firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
12. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 1 hour before legal shooting time and depart no later than 1 hour after legal shooting time.
13. An adult age 21 or older must supervise and remain within sight and normal voice contact of hunters age 15 and under. For big game hunts, one adult may supervise no more than 1 youth.
1. We prohibit the use of limb lines and jug fishing.
2. The use of limb lines and toxic chemical containers for jug fishing is not permitted.
3. The ends of trotlines must consist of a length of cotton line that extends from the points of attachment into the water.
4. Boats may be launched only in designated areas.
5. We prohibit ATVs, airboats, personal watercraft, Jet Skis, and hovercraft (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter).
6. Frogging is permitted from the beginning of the State frogging season through October 31. The use of archery equipment for taking frogs is not permitted.
7. The taking of largemouth bass is permitted in accordance with the posted length and/or slot limits.
8. We prohibit possessing turtles (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
1. We require refuge hunting permits. These permits are nontransferable, and anyone on the refuge in possession of hunting equipment must sign and carry the permit at all times.
2. We allow hunting of duck, goose, and coot daily until 12 p.m. (noon) throughout the State seasons, except for refugewide season closures during Gun Deer Hunt and the exception provided in A3.
3. We allow hunting for goose from
4. We allow hunting for dove, snipe, and woodcock when their seasons correspond with duck and/or goose seasons.
5. No person, including but not limited to, a guide, guide service, outfitter, club, or other organization, will provide assistance, services, or equipment on the refuge to any other person for compensation unless such guide, guide service, outfitter, club, or organization has obtained a Special Use Permit from the refuge. For the purposes of this regulation, we will consider any fees or services rendered to a person for lodging, meals, club membership or similar services as compensation.
6. We prohibit hunting, taking, possessing, or attempting to take wildlife with a guide, guide service, outfitter, club, or organization providing assistance, service, or equipment who does not possess and carry the required refuge Special Use Permit.
7. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
8. You must remove decoys, blinds, boats, and all other equipment (see § 27.93 of this chapter) daily by 2 p.m.
9. Waterfowl hunters may enter the refuge parking areas at 4:45 a.m. and access the refuge at 5 a.m.
10. We prohibit boats on the refuge from 12 p.m. (midnight) to 5 a.m. during duck season.
11. We prohibit possession of or marking trails with materials other than biodegradable paper, flagging, or reflective tape/tacks.
12. We prohibit building, or hunting from, permanent blinds.
13. We prohibit cutting of holes or other manipulation of vegetation (
14. We allow retriever dogs.
15. You must unload firearms when carried in/on land vehicles or boats under power (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter).
16. We allow waterfowl hunting on flooded roads.
17. All youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a license. For migratory bird hunting, one adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
18. We prohibit target practice or any nonhunting discharge of firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
19. We prohibit ATVs except on established roads used by conventional vehicles on refuge lands south of Highway 38. We prohibit driving around a locked gate, barrier, or beyond a sign closing a road to vehicular traffic. We only allow vehicle use on established roads (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
20. We prohibit entry into or hunting in Waterfowl Sanctuaries from November 15 through February 28.
21. You must adhere to all public use special conditions and regulations on the annual hunt brochure/permit.
22. We close all other hunts during the Gun Deer Hunt. We only allow Gun Deer Hunt permit holders on the refuge during this hunt.
1. Conditions A1, A5, A6, A7, A11, A15, A17 (for upland game hunts, the adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters), and A18 through A21 apply.
2. Fall squirrel season corresponds with the State season on all refuge hunt units except for refugewide season closure during the Gun Deer Hunt. We prohibit dogs except during the period January 15 through February 28. We do not open for the spring squirrel season.
3. Rabbit season corresponds with the State season on all refuge hunt units except for refugewide season closure during the Gun Deer Hunt. We prohibit dogs except during the period January 15 through February 28.
4. Quail season corresponds with the State season on all refuge hunt units except for refugewide season closure during the Gun Deer Hunt. We allow dogs.
5. We allow hunting of raccoon and opossum with dogs on all refuge hunt units. We provide annual season dates in the refuge hunting brochure/permit. We prohibit pleasure running or training of dogs.
6. We allow the use of horses for raccoon and opossum hunters in refuge Hunt Unit I. We prohibit horse use in other refuge hunt units or by other refuge hunters or visitors.
7. You may take beaver, muskrat, nutria, armadillo, feral hog, and coyote during any refuge hunt with the firearm allowed for that hunt.
8. We prohibit hunting from mowed and/or graveled roads except by waterfowl hunters during flooded conditions.
9. You may leave boats with the owner's name and address or valid registration permanently displayed on the refuge from March 1 through October 31. We prohibit boats on the refuge from 12 p.m. (midnight) until 5 a.m. during the duck season.
10. We prohibit hunting from a vehicle.
11. We only allow rifles chambered for rimfire cartridges.
12. We close all other hunts during the Gun Deer Hunt. We only allow Gun Deer Hunt permit holders on the refuge during this hunt.
1. Conditions A1, A5, A6, A11, A15, A18 through A21, B9, and B10 apply.
2. We divide the refuge into the following three hunting units: Unit I—refuge lands between Highway 79 and Interstate 40; Unit II—all refuge lands east of Highway 33 between Interstate 40 and Highway 18 at Grubbs, Arkansas; Unit III—all refuge lands west of Highway 33, from Interstate 40 to Highway 64.
3. Archery/crossbow hunting season for deer begins on the opening day of the State season and continues throughout the State season in all refuge hunting units except for refugewide season closure during the Gun Deer Hunt. We provide annual season dates and bag limits on the hunt brochure/permit.
4. Muzzleloader hunting season for deer will begin in October and will continue for a period of up to 9 days in all hunting units with annual season dates and bag limits provided on the hunt brochure/permit.
5. The Gun Deer Hunt will begin in November and continue for a period of up to 9 days in all hunting units with annual season dates
6. The fall archery/crossbow hunting season for turkey will begin on the opening day of the State season and continue throughout the State season in Hunt Units I, III, and Unit II lands within the fall State archery/crossbow turkey zone except for refugewide season closure during the Gun Deer Hunt. We close Unit II lands outside the fall archery/crossbow turkey zone. We do not open for fall gun hunting for turkeys.
7. The spring gun hunt for turkey will begin on the opening day of the State season and continue throughout the State season in Hunt Units I and III. We close Unit II lands with the exception of those refuge lands included in the combined Black Swamp Wildlife Management Area/Cache River National Wildlife Refuge quota permit hunts administered by the State.
8. Immediately record the zone 095 on your hunting license and later at an official check station for all deer and turkey harvested on the refuge.
9. You may only possess shotguns with rifled slugs, muzzleloaders, and legal pistols during the modern Gun Deer Hunt on the Dixie Farm Unit Waterfowl Sanctuary, adjacent waterfowl hunt area, and the Plunkett Farm Unit Waterfowl Sanctuary.
10. We only allow portable deer stands capable of being carried by a single individual.
11. We prohibit hunting from a vehicle or use of a vehicle as a deer stand.
12. You must permanently affix the owner's name and address to all deer stands on the refuge.
13. You must remove all deer stands from the waterfowl sanctuaries by November 14 and from the rest of the refuge by the last day of archery season (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
14. We prohibit the use of dogs.
15. We prohibit the possession of buckshot on all refuge lands.
16. We prohibit hunting from a mowed and/or graveled road right-of-way.
17. We will close refuge lands located in State-designated Flood Prone Region B and reopen them to all deer hunting in accordance with State-established gauge readings, when the
18. We will close refuge lands located in State-designated Flood Prone Region C to all deer hunting when the Cache River gauge at Patterson reaches 10 feet (3 m), as reported by the National Weather Service in the
19. We will close refuge lands located in Flood Prone Region D to all deer hunting when the White River gauge at Clarendon reaches 28 feet (8.4 m), as reported by the National Weather Service in the
20. We close all other hunts during the Gun Deer Hunt. We only allow Gun Deer Hunt permit holders on the refuge during this hunt.
21. An adult not less than age 21 must supervise and remain within sight and normal voice contact of hunters age 15 and under. For big game hunting, one adult may only supervise one youth.
1. We close waterfowl sanctuaries to all entrance and fishing/frogging from November 15 to February 28. We prohibit refugewide entry and fishing during the Gun Deer Hunt.
2. Conditions A19, A21, B9, and B10 apply.
3. We require a Special Use Permit for all commercial fishing activities on the refuge.
4. We prohibit hovercraft, personal watercraft (Jet Skis, etc.), and airboats.
1. We allow hunting of duck, goose, and coot during the State duck season except during scheduled quota refuge Gun Deer Hunts. We allow hunting of woodcock during the State season. Dates for quota deer hunts are typically in November, and we publish them annually in the refuge hunt brochure.
2. Hunting of duck, goose, and coot ends at 12 p.m. (noon) each day.
3. We only allow portable blinds. You must remove all duck hunting equipment (portable blinds, boats, guns, and decoys) (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the hunt area by 1:30 p.m. each day.
4. You may only possess approved nontoxic shells (see § 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less each day during waterfowl season; hunters may not discharge more than 25 shells per day.
5. We close areas of the refuge posted with “Area Closed” signs and identify them on the refuge hunt brochure map as a Waterfowl Sanctuary and closed to all public entry and public use during waterfowl hunting season. Exception: we open the Waterfowl Sanctuary to all authorized activities during the September teal season.
6. No person will utilize the services of a guide, guide service, outfitter, club, organization, or other person who provides equipment, services, or assistance on Refuge System lands for compensation unless the guide, guide services, outfitter, club, organization, or person has obtained a Special Use Permit from the refuge. It is the responsibility of the hunter to verify that the guide has the
7. You must possess and carry a refuge hunt brochure permit. These hunt brochure permits are available in unlimited qualitites at the refuge office, brochure dispensers at multiple locations throughout the refuge, and at area businesses.
8. We prohibit possession and/or use of herbicides.
9. We prohibit marking trails with tape, ribbon, paint, or any other substance other than biodegradable materials.
10. We prohibit possession or use of alcoholic beverages while hunting (see § 32.2(j)). We prohibit consumption of alcohol in parking lots, on roadways, and in plain view in campgrounds.
11. All persons born after 1968 must posses a valid hunter education card in order to hunt.
12. All youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a license. One adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
13. We only allow ATVs for wildlife-dependent activities such as hunting and fishing. We restrict ATVs to designated times and designated trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter) marked with signs and paint. We identify these trails and the dates they are open for use in the refuge hunt brochure. You may use horses on roads and ATV trails (when open to motor vehicle use) as a mode of transportation on the refuge for wildlife-dependent activities.
14. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of roads and trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter) open to motor vehicle use (including ATV trails).
15. We prohibit target practice with any weapon or any nonhunting discharge of firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
16. We only allow camping at designated primitive campground sites identified in the refuge hunt brochure, and we restrict camping to individuals involved in wildlife-dependent refuge activities. Campers may stay no more than 14 days during any 30 consecutive-day period in any campground and must occupy camps daily. We prohibit all disturbances, including use of generators, after 10 p.m. You must unload all weapons (see § 26.42(b) of this chapter) within 100 yards (90 m) of a campground.
17. You may take beaver, nutria, feral hog, and coyote during any daytime refuge hunt with weapons and ammunition allowed for that hunt. There is no bag limit. You may not transport live hogs.
18. We prohibit blocking of gates and roadways (see § 27.31(h) of this chapter).
19. We allow the use of retriever dogs.
20. We require you to unload and case any firearms (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) transported in any land vehicle, boat under power, or on horses. We define “loaded” as any shells in the gun or cap on a muzzleloader.
1. Conditions A4 through A18 and A20 apply.
2. We allow hunting on the refuge during State seasons for this zone through January 31. We list specific hunting season dates annually in the refuge hunt brochure. We close hunting during refuge quota deer hunts. We annually publish dates for these quota deer hunts in the refuge hunt brochure.
3. We do not open for spring squirrel hunting season and summer/early fall raccoon hunting season on the refuge.
4. We prohibit possession of lead ammunition except that you may use rimfire rifle lead ammunition no larger than .22 caliber for upland game hunting. We prohibit possession of shot larger than that legal for waterfowl hunting.
5. You may use dogs for squirrel and rabbit hunting from December 1 through January 31. You may also use dogs for quail hunting and for raccoon/opossum hunting during open season on the refuge for these species. At other times, you must keep dogs and other pets on a leash or confine them (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
1. Conditions A6, A8 through A11, and A13 through A18 and A20 apply.
2. We allow archery deer hunting on the refuge from the opening of the State season for this deer management zone through January 31.
3. You must possess and carry a refuge hunt brochure permit to archery deer hunt, and multiple copies of these brochures are available at the refuge office, in brochure dispensers located at entrances throughout the refuge, and at many area businesses.
4. We close archery deer hunting during the quota deer hunts.
5. The refuge will conduct only one 2-day quota permit for the muzzleloader deer hunt (typically in October) and only two 2-day quota permits for the Gun Deer Hunts (typically in November).
6. We restrict hunt participants for quota hunts to those drawn for a quota permit. The permits are nontransferable. Hunt dates and application procedures will be available at the refuge office in July.
7. The quota muzzleloader and Gun Deer Hunt bag limit is one deer, either sex, on each hunt.
8. You must check all harvested deer during quota hunts at refuge deer check stations on the same day of the kill. We identify the check station locations in the refuge hunt brochure. Carcasses of deer taken must remain intact (except you may field dress) until checked.
9. You may only use portable deer stands. You may erect stands 2 days before each hunt, but you must remove them within 2 days after each hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
10. We prohibit horses and mules during refuge quota deer hunts.
11. We open spring archery turkey hunting during the State spring turkey season for this zone. We do not open for fall archery turkey season.
12. We close spring archery turkey hunting during scheduled turkey quota gun hunts.
13. The refuge will conduct one 2-day, youth-only (age 15 and under at the beginning of the spring turkey season) quota spring turkey hunt and two 3-day quota spring turkey hunts (typically in April). Specific hunt dates and application procedures will be available at the refuge office in January. We restrict hunt participants to those selected for a quota permit, except that one nonhunting adult age 21 or older must accompany the youth hunter during the youth hunt.
14. An adult age 21 or older must accompany and be within sight or normal voice contact of hunters age 15 and under. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
1. Conditions A6, A8, A9, A13, A16, and A18 apply.
2. We prohibit fishing in the waterfowl sanctuary area during the waterfowl hunting season, with the exception of the main channel of the Ouachita River and the borrow pits along Highway 82. We post the Waterfowl Sanctuary area with “Area Closed” signs and identify those areas in refuge hunt brochures.
3. You must reset trotlines when receding water levels expose them.
4. We prohibit consumption of alcoholic beverages in parking lots, on roadways, and in plain view in campgrounds.
1. We require refuge hunting permits. The permits are nontransferable, and anyone on refuge land in possession of hunting equipment must sign, possess, and carry the permits at all times.
2. You may only take all upland game mentioned above during the refuge archery season.
3. We allow gun hunting of raccoon and opossum with dogs every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until legal sunrise during the month of February. We prohibit pleasure running or training of dogs (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
4. You must unload and case firearms (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) when traveling in vehicles on refuge roads.
5. We prohibit target practice or any nonhunting discharge of firearms (see § 27.42(a) of this chapter).
6. We prohibit possession or use of alcoholic beverages.
7. We only allow ATVs for disabled hunters with a refuge ATV permit.
8. We prohibit the use of horses.
9. We prohibit hunting from a vehicle.
10. We only allow vehicle use on established roads and trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
1. Conditions B1 and B4 through B11 apply.
2. Archery/crossbow season for deer and turkey begins October 1 and continues through November 30.
3. Spring archery/crossbow season for turkey has the same dates as the State season.
4. The firearms spring youth hunt for turkey is the same as the State. We restrict hunting to youths under age 16. One adult age 18 or older must accompany one youth hunter. We must receive applications for hunts by the last day of February.
5. We only allow portable deer stands. You may erect stands 2 days before the start of the season and must remove the stands from the refuge within 2 days after the season ends (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
6. You must permanently affix the owner's name and address to all deer stands on the refuge.
7. We prohibit the use of dogs.
8. We prohibit marking trees or trails with plastic or paint.
9. We prohibit hunting from paved, graveled, and mowed roads and mowed trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
10. We prohibit hunting with the aid of bait, salt, or ingestible attractant (see § 32.2(h)).
11. We prohibit all forms of organized drives.
12. You must check all game at the refuge check station.
1. Conditions B6, B7, B8, B10, and B11 apply.
2. Waters of the refuge are only open for fishing March 1 through October 31 during daylight hours.
3. We do not require a permit to fish but do require an entrance pass to the refuge.
4. We limit free-floating fishing devices, trotlines, and tree limb devices to 20 per person. Each device must have the angler's name and address.
5. You must reset trotlines and limb lines when receding water levels expose them.
6. We prohibit leaving trotlines and other self-fishing devices overnight or unattended.
7. We only allow bow fishing during daylight hours during August.
8. We prohibit commercial fishing.
9. We prohibit possessing turtles (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
10. We prohibit hovercraft, personal watercraft (Jet Skis, etc.), and airboats.
1. We allow hunting of duck, goose, and coot during the State duck season. We do not open during the September teal season. We allow hunting of woodcock during the State season.
2. Hunting of duck, goose, and coot ends at 12 p.m. (noon) each day.
3. We only allow portable blinds. You must remove portable blinds, boats, and decoys from the hunt area each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
4. You may only possess approved nontoxic shotshells (see § 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less per day during waterfowl hunting season; hunters may not discharge more than 25 shells per day.
5. We close areas of the refuge by posting “Area Closed” signs and/or marking with purple paint and identifing on the refuge hunt brochure map as Sanctuary to all public entry and public use. Exception: we open the area identified as North Sanctuary on refuge hunt brochure map to all authorized public use activities from 2 days prior to opening of deer archery season through October 31.
6. No person will utilize the services of a guide, guide service, outfitter, club, organization, or other person who provides equipment, services, or assistance on Refuge System lands for compensation. Failure to comply with this provision subjects each hunter in the party to a fine if convicted of this violation.
7. We require a refuge hunt brochure permit that is available in unlimited quantities at the refuge office, brochure dispensers at multiple locations throughout the refuge, and at area businesses. You must possess and carry a signed permit when hunting on the refuge.
8. We prohibit possession and/or use of herbicides (see § 27.51 of this chapter).
9. We prohibit marking of trails with tape, ribbon, paint, or any other substance other than biodegradable materials.
10. We prohibit possession or use of alcoholic beverages while hunting (see § 32.2(j)). We prohibit consumption of alcoholic beverages in parking areas and on roadways.
11. All persons born after 1968 must possess and carry a valid hunter education card in order to hunt.
12. All youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a license. One adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
13. We only allow ATVs for wildlife-dependent activities such as hunting, and we restrict them to designated times and designated trails marked with signs and paint. We identify these trails and the dates they are open for use in the refuge hunt brochure. You may use horses on roads and designated ATV trails (when open to motor vehicle use) (see § 27.31 of this chapter) as a mode of transportation on the refuge and for wildlife-dependent activities. You may use ATVs on unmarked roads and levees in the North Sanctuary beginning 2 days prior to the opening of deer archery season through October 31.
14. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of roads and trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter) open to motor vehicle use (including ATV trails).
15. We prohibit target practice with any weapon or any nonhunting discharge of weapons (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
16. We prohibit blocking of gates and roadways (see § 27.31(h) of this chapter).
17. You may take beaver, nutria, feral hog, and coyote during any daytime refuge hunt with weapons and ammunition legal for that hunt. There is no bag limit. We prohibit transportation of live hogs.
18. We allow retriever dogs.
19. We require you to unload and case firearms (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) transported in any land vehicle, boat under power, or on horses. We define “loaded” as shells in the gun or cap on a muzzleloader.
1. Conditions A4 through A17 and A19 apply.
2. We allow hunting during State seasons (see State regulations for the appropriate zone) for the species listed above through January 31. We list specific hunting season dates annually in the refuge hunt brochure.
3. We do not open for the spring squirrel season and summer/fall racoon hunting season.
4. We prohibit possession of lead ammunition except that you may use rimfire rifle lead ammunition no larger than .22 caliber for upland game hunting. We prohibit possession of shot larger than that legal for waterfowl hunting.
5. You may use dogs for squirrel and rabbit hunting January 1 through 31. You may also use dogs for quail hunting and for raccoon/opossum hunting during open season. At other times, you must keep dogs and other pets on a leash or confined (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
1. We allow archery deer hunting on the refuge during the State season (see State regulations for appropriate zone) through January 31.
2. Conditions A5 through A11, A13 through A17, and A19 apply.
3. We allow muzzleloader deer hunting during the October State muzzleloader season for this zone (see State regulations for appropriate zone).
4. Bag limit for the October muzzleloader deer hunt is one buck and one doe.
5. We only allow portable deer stands. You may erect stands 2 days before each hunt, but you must remove them within 2 days after each hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
6. We prohibit horses and mules during the muzzleloader deer hunt.
7. We allow spring archery turkey hunting during the State spring turkey season. See State regulations for appropriate zones.
8. We do not open for the fall turkey archery season and spring turkey gun season.
9. We do not open for the gun deer season and December muzzleloader deer season.
10. An adult age 21 or older must accompany and be within sight and normal voice contact of hunters age 15 and under. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
1. We allow hunting of migratory game birds during the State duck seasons, except we close during scheduled quota refuge Gun Deer Hunts. Dates for quota deer hunts are typically in November, and we publish them annually in the refuge hunt brochure. We do not open for the September teal season.
2. Hunting ends at 12 p.m. (noon) each day.
3. We only allow portable blinds. You must remove portable blinds, boats, and decoys from the hunt area each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
4. No person will utilize the services of a guide, guide service, outfitter, club, organization, or other person who provides equipment, services, or assistance on Refuge System lands for compensation. Failure to comply with this provision subjects each hunter in the party to a fine if convicted of this violation.
5. We require a refuge hunt brochure permit; multiple copies of this permit are available at the refuge office, brochure dispensers at multiple locations throughout the refuge, and at area businesses. You must possess and carry a signed permit when hunting on the refuge.
6. We prohibit possession and/or use of herbicides (see § 27.51 of this chapter).
7. We prohibit marking trails with tape, ribbon, paint, or any other substance other than biodegradable materials.
8. We prohibit possession or use of alcoholic beverages while hunting (see § 32.2(j)). We prohibit consumption of alcoholic beverages in parking lots, on roadways, and in plain view in campgrounds.
9. All persons born after 1968 must possess a valid hunter education card in order to hunt.
10. All youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a license. One adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
11. We only allow ATVs for wildlife-dependent activities such as hunting and fishing and restrict them to designated times and designated trails marked with signs and paint (see § 27.31 of this chapter). We identify these trails and the dates they are open for use in the refuge hunt brochure. You may use horses on roads and designated ATV trails (when open to motor vehicle use) (see § 27.31 of this chapter) as a mode of transportation on the refuge for wildlife-dependent activities.
12. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of roads and trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter) open to motor vehicle use (including ATV trails).
13. We prohibit target practice with any weapon or any nonhunting discharge of firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
14. We only allow camping at designated primitive campground sites identified in the refuge hunt brochure. We restrict camping to the individuals involved in refuge wildlife-dependent activities. Campers may stay no more than 14 days during any consecutive 30-
15. You may take beaver, nutria, feral hog, and coyote during any daytime refuge hunt with weapons and ammunition allowed for that hunt. We prohibit the use of dogs. There is no bag limit. You may not transport live hogs.
16. We prohibit blocking of gates and roadways (see § 27.31(h) of this chapter).
17. We allow the use of retriever dogs.
18. You must unload and case firearms (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) transported in any land vehicle, boat under power, or on horses. We define “loaded” as shells in the gun or cap on a muzzleloader.
1. We allow hunting during State seasons (see State regulations for appropriate zone) for the species listed above through January 31. We annually list specific hunting season dates and quota Gun Deer Hunt dates in the refuge hunt brochure. We close upland game hunting during refuge quota Gun Deer Hunts.
2. We do not open to spring squirrel season and summer/early fall racoon season.
3. Conditions A4 through A16 and A18 apply.
4. We prohibit possession of lead ammunition, except that you may use rimfire rifle lead ammunition no larger than .22 caliber for upland game hunting. We prohibit possession of shot larger than that legal for waterfowl hunting.
5. You may use dogs for squirrel and rabbit hunting December 1 through January 31. You may also use dogs for raccoon/opossum hunting during open season on the refuge for these species. At other times you must keep dogs and other pets on a leash or confined (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
1. We allow archery deer hunting on the refuge from the opening of the State season through January 31 (see State regulations for appropriate zone).
2. Conditions A4, A5 (for archery deer and muzzle-loader deer hunts and spring archery turkey hunts), A6 through A9, A11 through A16, and A18 apply.
3. We close archery deer hunting during the quota Gun Deer Hunts.
4. We allow muzzleloader deer hunting during the October State muzzleloader season for this deer management zone. The bag limit for the October refuge muzzleloader hunt is one buck and one doe.
5. The refuge will conduct one 2-day quota Gun Deer Hunt (typically in November).
6. We restrict hunt participants for this quota Gun Deer Hunt to those drawn for a quota permit. Hunt dates and application procedures will be available at the refuge office in July. The permits are nontransferable.
7. The quota Gun Deer Hunt bag limit is one buck and one doe.
8. You must check all deer taken during the quota hunt at the refuge deer check station on the same day of kill. You must keep carcasses of deer taken intact (you may remove entrails) until checked.
9. We prohibit horses and mules during refuge muzzleloader and quota deer hunts.
10. We open spring archery turkey hunting during the State spring turkey season for this zone. The State bag limit for this turkey hunt applies. We do not open for fall archery turkey season.
11. We close spring archery turkey hunting during scheduled turkey quota permit gun hunts.
12. The refuge will conduct one 2-day, youth-only (age 15 and younger at the beginning of the spring turkey season) quota spring turkey hunt and one 3-day spring quota turkey hunt (typically in April). Specific hunt dates and application procedures will be available in January. We restrict hunt participants on these hunts to those drawn for a quota permit, except that during the youth hunt, a nonhunting adult age 21 or older must accompany the youth hunter.
13. We prohibit the use of buckshot for gun deer hunting.
14. You may only use portable deer stands erected 2 days before each hunt, but you must remove them within 2 days after each hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
15. An adult age 21 or older must accompany and be within sight and normal voice contact of hunters age 15 and under. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter during big game hunts.
1. You must reset trotlines when exposed by receding water levels.
2. Conditions A4, A6, A7, A11, A14, and A16 apply.
3. We prohibit consumption of alcoholic beverages in parking lots, on roadways, and in plain view in campgrounds.
1. We require refuge hunting permits. The permits are nontransferable and anyone on refuge land in possession of hunting equipment must sign and carry them at all times.
2. We provide annual season dates on the hunt brochure/permit.
3. You must sign in prior to the hunt and sign out after the hunt at the Hunter Information Station.
4. You must adhere to all public use special conditions and regulations on the annual hunt brochure/permit.
1. Conditions A1, A3, and A4 apply.
2. We allow shotguns using approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) and .22 long-rifle caliber rifles. We prohibit possession of lead shot and .22 magnum caliber rifles.
3. We provide annual season dates for squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, and opossum hunting on the hunt brochure/permit.
4. You may take nutria, beaver, feral hog, and coyote during any refuge hunt with the firearm allowed for that hunt, subject to State seasons on these species.
5. We prohibit dogs except for raccoon hunting where we require them. We prohibit pleasure running or training of dogs.
6. We allow raccoon hunters to use horses/mules but prohibit their use by other refuge hunters and visitors.
7. We prohibit hunting from or within 50 yards (45 m) of graveled roads and within 150 yards (135 m) of refuge buildings.
1. Conditions A1 and A4 and B4 apply.
2. We prohibit hunting from or within 50 yards (45 m) of graveled roads and within 150 yards (135 m) of refuge buildings.
3. We specify annual season dates, bag limits, and hunting methods on the annual hunting brochure/permit.
4. Immediately record the deer zone 640 on the hunter's license and later on official check station records upon harvest of a deer.
5. You must sign in prior to the hunt and sign out after the hunt at the Hunter Information Station. You must check harvested deer at this location.
6. We prohibit dogs.
7. We allow only single-person portable tree stands. You may place tree stands on the refuge 2 days before the hunt but must remove them within 2 days after the hunt. You must permanently affix the owner's name and address on stands left on the refuge.
8. We prohibit possession of or marking trails with materials other than biodegradable paper/flagging or reflective tape/tacks.
9. We prohibit ATVs.
1. We allow fishing from March 15 through October 31 from
2. We prohibit fishing in Big Creek and other ditches that flow through the refuge.
3. We prohibit the possession or use of live carp, shad, buffalo, or goldfish for bait.
4. We prohibit the possession or use of yo-yos, jugs, or other floating containers, drops or limb lines, trotlines, or commercial fishing tackle.
5. We prohibit fishing within 100 yards (90 m) of any refuge building.
6. We allow bank fishing but you must park vehicles in designated parking areas.
7. We prohibit the taking of frogs, mollusks, and turtles (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
8. You must use the public boat ramp off Highway 77 to launch boats into Wapanocca Lake.
9. You must remove all boats daily from the refuge (see § 27.93 of this chapter). We prohibit airboats, personal watercraft, and hovercraft.
1. You must sign, possess, and carry a refuge permit.
2. We allow duck hunting from legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon).
3. We allow retriever dogs.
4. You must remove blinds, blind material, and decoys (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge by 1 p.m. each day.
5. North Unit waterfowl season and youth waterfowl hunts are concurrent with State season dates.
6. You may take coot, goose, and woodcock during the State season.
7. We restrict the South Unit waterfowl season to the Jack's Bay hunt area as indicated in the general user permit. It is open every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday of the concurrent State season dates.
8. Waterfowl hunters may and access the refuge no earlier than 4:30 a.m.
9. The following refuge users (age 16 or older) must sign and possess and carry a refuge general user permit and a refuge fee permit ($12.00): hunters, anglers, campers, and ATV users.
10. We prohibit boating December 1 through January 31 in the South Unit Waterfowl Hunt Area, except during designated
11. We prohibit marking trails with materials other than biodegradable paper flagging or reflective tape/tacks.
12. We prohibit use and/or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting (see § 32.2(j)).
13. We prohibit cutting of holes in or other manipulation of vegetation or hunting in such areas (see § 27.51 of this chapter).
14. We prohibit waterfowl hunting on Kansas Lake Area.
15. We prohibit loaded weapons in a vehicle or boat while under power (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter). We define “loaded” as a muzzleloader containing a cap or any type of ignition device, cartridges, or shells in a magazine, or cartridges or shells in a chamber of a weapon.
16. We allow duck hunting on specific scattered tracts of land, in accordance with the North Unit regulations. Consult the refuge office for further information.
1. Conditions A1, A8, A10, A11, A12, and A14 apply.
2. You may hunt rabbit and squirrel on the North Unit during the concurrent State season dates until January 31.
3. We allow dogs for hunting of rabbit and squirrel December 1 through January 31 on the North Unit.
4. You may hunt rabbit and squirrel on the South Unit from the beginning of the concurrent State season through November 30.
5. We prohibit dogs on the South Unit for the purpose of squirrel or rabbit hunting.
6. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot when hunting upland game, except turkey (see § 32.2(k)). We allow the possession of lead shot for hunting turkey.
7. We close all upland game hunts during quota modern gun and quota muzzleloader deer hunts.
8. We allow spring squirrel hunting with the concurrent State spring season dates.
1. Conditions A1, A8, A10, A11, A12, and A14 apply.
2. Archery deer and turkey seasons on the North Unit will begin with the concurrent State archery season and end January 31.
3. Archery deer and turkey seasons on the South Unit will begin with the concurrent State archery season and end November 30.
4. Modern gun quota deer season is the first 3 days of the State season for the North and South Units. We require a quota permit. You may take one deer of either sex.
5. The muzzleloader quota deer season is the first 3 days of the State season for the North and South units. We require a quota permit. You may take one deer of either sex.
6. We allow modern guns on the North Unit as per dates indicated in the general user brochure. We only allow take of one legal buck.
7. You may only hunt the North and South Unit by muzzleloader with a quota hunt permit. You may only take one deer of either sex. We list the season in the refuge hunt brochure/permit.
8. We allow muzzleloader guns on the North Unit for 6 consecutive days following the 3-day muzzleloader quota hunt.
9. State deer limits apply to archery hunting season except during the refuge muzzleloader and modern gun season.
10. We close all nonquota hunting during the quota deer hunts.
11. We do not open to the bear season on all refuge-owned lands, including those lands in Trusten Holder Wildlife Management Area.
12. If you harvest deer and turkey on the refuge, you must immediately record the zone 660 on your hunting license and later at an official check station.
13. We prohibit muzzleloader and modern gun deer hunting in the Kansas Lake Area after October 30 of each year.
14. We close refuge lands on the North Unit to all deer hunting and fall turkey hunting when the White River gauge reading at St. Charles reaches 23 feet (8.4 m), as reported by the National Weather Service in the
15. We close refuge lands on the South Unit to all deer hunting and fall turkey hunting when the White River gauge reading at St. Charles reaches 23 feet (8.4 m) and the gauge at Lock and Dam # 1 reaches 145 feet (43.5 m) simultaneously as reported by news release and will reopen these lands when the same gauge reading reaches 21 feet (6.3 m) and 143 feet (42.9 m), respectively, as reported by news release.
16. We restrict access and refuge use during quota hunts to quota permit holders. We require a quota permit for all use during quota deer hunts.
17. We prohibit hunting with the aid of bait, salt, or ingestible attractant (see § 32.2(h)).
18. We prohibit the use of dogs and/or horses other than specified in the general user permit.
19. We prohibit all forms of organized drives.
20. We prohibit firearm hunting from or across roadways, levees, and maintained utility rights-of-way for deer only.
21. We prohibit hunting from a tree in which a metal object has been driven to support a hunter.
22. We prohibit leaving a hunt stand after a hunt season.
23. We prohibit target practice or any nonhunting discharge of firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
24. We prohibit modern gun and muzzleloader deer hunting on Kansas Lake Area after October 30.
25. You may take beaver, nutria, and feral hog incidental to any daytime refuge hunt with weapons allowed for that hunt.
1. Conditions A8 and A10 apply.
2. We allow fishing year-round in LaGrue, Essex, Prairie, Scrubgrass and Brooks Bayous, Big Island Chute, Moon and Belknap Lakes next to Arkansas Highway 1, Indian Bay, the Arkansas Post Canal and adjacent drainage ditches; those borrow ditches located adjacent to the west bank of that portion of the White River Levee north of the Arkansas Power and Light Company powerline right-of-way; and all refuge-owned waters located north of Arkansas Highway 1. We open all other refuge waters to sport fishing from March 1 through November 30 unless posted otherwise.
3. We require a refuge Special Use Permit to fish with any type tackle other than hook and line.
4. We allow frogging on all refuge-owned waters open for sport fishing as follows: We allow frogging on the South Unit from the beginning of the State season through November 30; we allow frogging on the North Unit for the entire State season.
5. We allow the use of bow and arrow for taking bullfrogs or fish by a refuge Special Use Permit.
6. We allow crawfishing.
7. We require a Special Use Permit for all commercial fishing on the refuge in addition to compliance with State regulations governing commercial fishing.
8. We allow commercial fishing on the North Unit year-round. We prohibit commercial turtling on both the North and South Units year-round.
9. We allow commercial fishing on the South Unit October 1 through November 30 and annually when the White River exceeds 23.5 feet (7 m) at the St. Charles, Arkansas gauge.
10. We prohibit take or possession of any freshwater mussels, and we do not open to mussel shelling.
11. You must reset trotlines when receding water levels expose them, and you cannot leave them unattended. The ends of trotlines must consist of a length of cotton line that extends from the points of attachment into the water.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
Refer to § 32.22 Arizona for regulations.
1. Air-thrust and inboard waterthrust boats are not permitted.
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
1. Hunters may hunt only in the unit for nine (9) consecutive days beginning on the first Saturday following the third Wednesday in August.
2. Access to the unit is permitted only through the gate located on Clear Lake Road.
1. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
2. Each hunter may not possess more than 25 shells while in the field.
3. Access to the hunt area is by foot traffic only. We prohibit bicycles and other conveyances.
4. We prohibit building or maintaining fires (see § 27.95 of this chapter), except in portable gas stoves.
5. You may only enter or exit at designated locations (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
6. Vehicles may only stop at designated parking areas (see § 27.31 of this chapter). We
7. We only allow overnight stays in vehicles, motor homes, and trailers at the check station parking area.
8. You must restrain dogs on a leash within all designated parking areas (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
1. Conditions A1 through A8 apply.
2. Mobility-impaired hunters should consult with the refuge manager for allowed conveyances.
1. You must unload firearms while transporting them between parking areas and spaced blind areas.
2. We do not allow snipe hunting in the spaced blind areas.
3. We restrict hunters assigned to the spaced blind area to within 100 feet (30 m) of their assigned hunt site except for retrieving downed birds, placing decoys, or traveling to and from the area.
4. Access to the hunt area is by foot traffic only. We do not allow bicycles and other conveyances. Mobility-impaired hunters should consult with the Refuge Manager for allowed conveyances.
5. You may possess no more than 25 shells while in the field.
6. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
7. No person may build or maintain fires, except in portable gas stoves.
8. You may enter or exit only at designated locations.
9. Vehicles may stop only at designated parking areas. We prohibit the dropping of passengers or equipment, or stopping between designated parking areas.
10. We only allow overnight stays in vehicles, motor homes, and trailers at the check station parking area.
11. You must restrain dogs on a leash within all designated parking areas (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
1. We do not allow pheasant hunting in the spaced blind area except during a special 1-day-only pheasant hunt on the first Monday after the opening of the State pheasant hunting season.
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
3. Access to the hunt area is by foot traffic only. We do not allow bicycles and other conveyances. Mobility-impaired hunters should consult with the Refuge Manager for allowed conveyances.
4. You may possess no more than 25 shells while in the field.
5. No person may build or maintain fires, except in portable gas stoves.
6. You may enter or exit only at designated locations.
7. Vehicles may stop only at designated parking areas. We prohibit the dropping of passengers or equipment, or stopping between designated parking areas.
8. Conditions A10 and A11 apply.
1. We allow hunting in tidal areas, including salt marshes, sloughs, mudflats, and open waters of the San Francisco Bay. Unless posted in the field and/or noted below, we allow hunting by boat in all refuge tidal areas up to the mean high-water line. We close the following tidal areas to hunting and/or shooting:
i. Newark Slough to hunting and shooting from its source to Hetch-Hetchy Aqueduct, a distance of 3
ii. Dumbarton Point Marsh to the Hetch-Hetchy Aqueduct (west side of Newark Slough); and
iii. The headwaters of Mallard Slough (Artesian Slough) in the vicinity of the Environmental Education Center to hunting, as designated by posted signs.
2. We allow hunting in the nine salt evaporation ponds listed below. These ponds are surrounded by levees and were formerly part of the San Francisco Bay. We have not opened any other ponds. You may access the salt ponds by pulling your boat across the levee from the Bay.
i. Ponds R-1 and R-2 in the Ravenswood Unit. These ponds are located on the west side of the Dumbarton Bridge between Ravenswood Slough and Highway 84. You may access these ponds by foot or bicycle from either of the two trailheads off Highway 84. We prohibit hunting within 300 feet (90 m) of Highway 84.
ii. Ponds M-1, M-2, M-3, M-4, M-5, M-6, and A-19 in the Mowry Slough Unit. These ponds are located on the east side of the Bay between Mowry Slough and Coyote Creek. You
3. We only allow walk-in hunting at the Ravenswood Unit northwest of the Dumbarton Bridge. You must only access all other areas by boat.
4. At the Ravenswood Unit only, we only allow portable blinds or construction of temporary blinds of natural materials that readily decompose. We prohibit collection of these natural materials from the refuge. You must remove portable blinds (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each day. Temporary blinds become available for general use on a first-come, first-served basis on subsequent days. We prohibit permanent blinds, pit blinds, or digging into the levees. We prohibit entry into closed areas of the refuge prior to hunting season in order to scout for hunting sites or to build blinds.
5. You must remove all decoys, boats, and other personal property from the refuge at the end of each day. You must remove all trash, including shotshell hulls, when leaving hunting areas (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
6. Hunters may enter closed areas of the refuge to retrieve downed birds, provided they leave all weapons in a legal hunting area. We encourage the use of retriever dogs. You must keep your dog(s) under the immediate control of the handler at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
7. We prohibit target practice on the refuge or any nonhunting discharge of firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
8. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
9. You must keep firearms unloaded (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) until you are within the designated hunt area.
1. We allow fishing from land at the Coyote Creek Lagoon in Fremont, the Faber-Laumeister Unit in East Palo Alto, the Dumbarton Fishing Pier, and along the San Francisco Bay shoreline within
2. We open fishing areas daily (except we close the Dumbarton Fishing Pier and adjacent shoreline on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day). We open the Dumbarton Fishing Pier from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. November 1 through March 31 and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 1 through October 31. We open Coyote Creek Lagoon and Faber-Laumeister Unit from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
3. We prohibit the collection of bait of any type from the refuge except from the Dumbarton Fishing Pier, where it is legal to collect bait for noncommercial purposes.
4. We prohibit the use of balloons to float hooks and bait farther than hand casting.
5. We prohibit personal watercraft (
Refer to § 32.22 Arizona for regulations.
1. We require adults age 18 or older to accompany youth hunters age 16 and under. No more than three youth hunters may accompany one adult hunter.
2. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
3. We prohibit public access into or through closed areas and designate closed areas as nonretrieval zones.
4. You may only use portable blinds in the free-roam hunting areas (
5. You must remove all blinds, decoys, shell casings, and other personal equipment and refuse from the refuge at the end of each day (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) .
6. We require hunters to restrain dogs inside vehicles except when using them for authorized hunting purposes (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
7. On the Salmon Creek Unit, we allow hunting on Tuesdays and Saturdays (except Federal holidays), and hunters must possess and carry a valid daily refuge permit. We issue refuge permits prior to each hunt by random drawing conducted at the check station 1
8. On the Salmon Creek Unit, you may only possess approved nontoxic shotshells (see § 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less per day.
9. On the Salmon Creek Unit, we restrict hunters to within 100 feet (30 meters) of the assigned hunt site except for placing and retrieving decoys, retrieving downed birds, or traveling to and from the parking area. You must unload firearms (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) while transporting them between the parking lot and designated blind sites.
10. We open the waters of Hookton Slough (including Teal Island) and White Slough (including Egret Island) to hunting on Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays, Federal holidays, and the opening and closing day of the
11. We open the Table Bluff Unit (southwest corner of South Bay) to hunting.
12. We open portions of the Eureka Slough and Jacoby Creek Units to hunting. We designate the Eureka Slough and Jacoby Creek Units as boat access only. On the Eureka Slough and Jacoby Creek Units, we prohibit hunting within 100 yards (90 meters) of Highway 101.
Refer to § 32.22 Arizona for regulations.
1. Hunters assigned to the spaced blind unit must travel to and from parking areas and blind sites with firearms unloaded.
2. Hunters assigned to the spaced blind unit must remain within 100 feet of the numbered steel post (blind site) except when pursuing cripples, placing decoys or traveling to and from the parking area.
3. Hunters may not possess more than 25 shells while in the field.
4. Hunters must park in assigned lots.
5. Only nonmotorized boats are permitted.
1. Pheasant hunting is only permitted in the free roam unit.
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
1. In the controlled waterfowl hunting area, we require entry permits for the first 2 days of the waterfowl season for all hunters 16 years of age or older. An adult with a permit must accompany hunters under the age of 16 hunting in the controlled area. We require advance reservations for the first 2 days of the hunt.
2. Shooting hours end at 1:00 p.m. on all California portions of the refuge with the following exceptions:
a. The refuge manager may designate up to 6 afternoon special youth or disabled hunter waterfowl hunts per season; and
b. The refuge manager may designate up to 3 days per week of afternoon waterfowl hunting for the general public after December 1.
3. You may carry only unloaded firearms on hunter access routes open to motor vehicles or when taking them through posted retrieving zones when traveling to and from the hunting areas.
4. You may not set decoys in retrieving zones.
5. We do not allow air-thrust and inboard waterthrust boats.
6. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
7. You may use only nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors on units 4b and 4c from the start of the hunting season through November 30. You may use motorized boats on units 4b and 4c from December 1 through the end of hunting season.
1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
2. You may carry only unloaded firearms on hunter access routes open to motor vehicles or when taking them through posted retrieving zones when traveling to and from the hunting areas.
1. You must unload firearms (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) before transporting them between parking areas and blind sites. Unloaded means that no ammunition is in the chamber or magazine of the firearm.
2. You may only possess approved nontoxic shotshells (see § 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less per day after leaving the parking lot.
3. Each hunter must remain inside his or her assigned blind, except for placing decoys, retrieving downed birds, and traveling to and from the parking area. We prohibit shooting from outside the blind.
4. Dogs must remain under the immediate control of their owners at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
1. On the opening weekend of the hunting season, hunters must possess and carry a refuge permit issued through random drawing to hunters with advance reservations only.
2. After the opening weekend of the hunting season, we only allow hunting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Hunters must check-in and out of the refuge by using self-service permits. Hunters must completely fill out the “Refuge Hunt Permit” portion of the permit and deposit it in the drop box prior to hunting. The hunter must possess and carry the “Record of Kill” portion of the permit while on the refuge and turned in prior to exiting the hunting area.
3. In the designated spaced blind area, you must remain within 50 feet (15 m) of the established blind stake for the blind assigned to you.
4. We require adults age 18 or older to accompany youth hunters age 15 and under.
5. You may only possess approved nontoxic shotshells (see § 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less after leaving the parking area.
6. In the free-roam hunting areas, you may only use portable blinds or blinds constructed of vegetation.
7. You must remove all blinds, decoys, shell casings, other personal equipment, and refuse from the refuge at the end of each day (
8. Hunters must enter and exit the hunting area from the two designated hunt parking lots, which we open 1
9. We only allow access to the hunt area by foot, bicycle, and nonmotorized cart. We prohibit bicycles in the hunt area during the opening weekend of the hunting season.
1. We limit hunting to junior hunters only, age 15 or under, possessing a valid State Junior Hunting License and refuge Junior Pheasant Hunt Permit.
2. We require adults age 18 or older to accompany junior hunters.
3. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
4. Hunters must enter and exit the hunting area from the two designated hunt parking lots.
1. We prohibit fishing from October 1 through January 31.
2. We only allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
3. We only allow walk-in access to Dorris Reservoir from February 1 through March 31.
4. We only allow use of boats on Dorris Reservoir from April 1 through September 30.
1. You must unload firearms while transporting them between parking areas and spaced blind areas.
2. We do not allow snipe hunting in the spaced blind area.
3. We restrict hunters assigned to the spaced blind unit to within 100 feet (30 m) of their assigned hunt site except for retrieving downed birds, placing decoys, or traveling to and from the parking area.
4. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
5. You may possess no more than 25 shells while in the field.
6. Access to the hunt area is by foot traffic only. We do not allow bicycles and other conveyances. Mobility-impaired hunters should consult with the Refuge Manager for allowed conveyances.
7. No person may build or maintain fires, except in portable gas stoves.
8. You may enter or exit only at designated locations.
9. Vehicles may stop only at designated parking areas. We prohibit the dropping of passengers or equipment or stopping between designated parking areas.
10. We only allow overnight stays in vehicles, motor homes, and trailers at the check station parking area.
11. You must restrain dogs on a leash within all designated parking areas (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
1. We do not allow pheasant hunting in the spaced blind area except during a special 1-day-only pheasant hunt on the first Monday after the opening of the State pheasant hunting season.
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
3. Access to the hunt area is by foot traffic only. We do not allow bicycles and other conveyances. Mobility-impaired hunters should consult with the Refuge Manager for allowed conveyances.
4. You may not possess more than 25 shells while in the field.
5. No person may build or maintain fires, except in portable gas stoves.
6. You may enter or exit only at designated locations.
7. Vehicles may stop only at designated parking areas. We prohibit the dropping of passengers or equipment or stopping between designated parking areas.
8. Conditions A10 and A11 apply.
1. Due to primitive access, you may fish only from boats up to 14 feet (4.2 m) long and canoes.
2. You may fish from the western shoreline from sunrise to sunset.
1. You may only possess approved nontoxic shotshells while on the refuge (see § 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less.
2. Access to the hunt area is by foot traffic only. We do not allow bicycles and other conveyances. Mobility-impaired hunters should consult with the refuge manager for allowed conveyances.
3. You must keep firearms unloaded until you are within the designated hunt area.
4. We only allow dogs engaged in hunting activities on the refuge during the waterfowl season. Hunters must keep their dog(s) under their immediate control at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter). We prohibit training of dogs on the refuge. We prohibit other domesticated animals or pets.
5. We prohibit target practice on the refuge or any nonhunting discharge of weapons (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
1. You may only use portable blinds, temporary blinds constructed of natural materials, or existing concrete blinds. We prohibit cutting or breaking woody vegetation (see § 27.51 of this chapter).
2. You must remove all portable blinds, decoys, and other personal equipment from the refuge following each day's hunt.
3. You must dismantle any temporary blinds constructed of natural materials at the end of each day.
4. You may only hunt snipe within the free-roaming portion of the San Luis Unit waterfowl hunting area.
5. You may only possess approved nontoxic shotshells (see § 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less after leaving your assigned parking lot or boat launch.
6. We prohibit dropping of passengers or equipment or stopping between designated parking areas. You must return your permits to the check stations immediately upon completion of your hunt and prior to using any tour routes or leaving the refuge vicinity.
7. You may not transport loaded firearms while walking or bicycling between parking areas in spaced blind units, or while traveling in a boat under power.
8. We restrict hunters in the spaced blind area to their assigned blind except when they are placing decoys, traveling to and from the parking area, retrieving downed birds, or when shooting to retrieve cripples.
9. Access to the Frietas Unit free-roam hunting area is by boat only with a maximum of 5 mph. Prohibited boats include air-thrust and/or inboard water-thrust types.
10. We prohibit the use of motorized boats in the free-roam units with the exception of the Frietas Unit.
11. We do not allow vehicle trailers of any type or size to be in the refuge hunt areas at any time or to be left unattended at any location on the refuge.
12. Dogs must remain under the immediate control of their owners at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
B.
1. You may only possess approved nontoxic shotshells (see § 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less while in the field.
2. Dogs must remain under the immediate control of their owners at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
1. We only allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset, except on that portion of the San Joaquin River's south (left descending)
2. We only allow the use of pole and line or rod and reel to take gamefish, and anglers must attend their equipment at all times.
3. We prohibit the use of any boat, float tube, or other floating aid/device.
1. Unless posted in the field and/or noted below, we only allow hunting in the open waters of San Pablo Bay and its navigable sloughs. We have not opened the following areas to hunting:
i. Lower Tubbs Island; ii. Lower Tubbs Setback;
iii. Cullinan Ranch Unit; and
iv. Within 300 feet (90 m) of Highway 37.
2. You may only hunt from a boat or a floating blind. We prohibit walk-in hunting on the refuge.
3. You may only possess approved nontoxic shotshells (see § 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less while in the field.
4. You must remove all decoys, boats, and other personal property from the refuge at the end of each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter). Hunters must remove all trash, including shotshell hulls, when leaving hunting areas (see § 27.94 of this chapter).
5. We allow temporary floating blinds on the refuge subject to refuge manager approval. We allow blind installation beginning on October 1, but hunters must remove blinds (see § 27.93 of this chapter) by February 1. Temporary floating blinds become available for general use on a first-come, first-served basis on subsequent days. We prohibit entry to closed areas of the refuge prior to the hunting season in order to scout for hunting sites.
6. We only allow dogs engaged in hunting activities on the refuge during waterfowl season. We prohibit other domesticated animals or pets. Hunters must keep their dog(s) under their immediate control at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter). We prohibit training of dogs on the refuge.
7. We prohibit digging into levees or slough channels.
8. We prohibit target practice on the refuge or any nonhunting discharge of firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
9. We allow foot access through the refuge to the State's Tolay Creek Unit for waterfowl hunting. You must unload and either break down or case all shotguns (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) while in transit through the refuge.
1. You may only hunt on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
2. You may only possess approved nontoxic shotshells (see § 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less while in the field.
3. You may only access the Tolay Creek Unit by foot or bicycle.
4. We only allow dogs engaged in hunting activities on the refuge during pheasant season. We prohibit other domesticated animals or pets.
1. Hunters using the Union Tract must use goose decoys.
2. You must hunt from assigned blinds on the Union Tract and within 100 feet (30 m) of blind sites on the Hazard Tract, except when shooting to retrieve crippled birds.
3. Firearms must be unloaded while being transported between parking areas and blind sites.
4. Hunters may not possess more than 25 shells while in the field.
1. Fishing is permitted from April 1 through September 30.
2. Only boat fishing is permitted.
1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
2. You may possess no more than 25 shells while in the field.
3. Access to the hunt area is by foot traffic only. We do not allow bicycles and other conveyances. Mobility-impaired hunters should consult with the Refuge Manager for allowed conveyances.
4. No person may build or maintain fires, except in portable gas stoves.
5. You may enter or exit only at designated locations.
6. Vehicles may stop only at designated parking areas. We prohibit the dropping of passengers or equipment or stopping between designated parking areas.
7. We only allow overnight stays in vehicles, motor homes, and trailers at the check station parking area.
8. You must restrain dogs on a leash within all designated parking areas (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
2. Access is by foot traffic only. We do not allow bicycles and other conveyances. Mobility-impaired hunters should consult with the Refuge Manager for allowed conveyances.
3. You may possess no more than 25 shells while in the field.
4. No person may build or maintain fires, except in portable gas stoves.
5. You may enter or exit only at designated locations.
6. Vehicles may stop only at designated parking areas. We prohibit the dropping of passengers or equipment or stopping between designated parking areas.
7. Conditions A7 and A8 apply.
1. We require entry permits in the controlled waterfowl hunting area for the first 2 days of the waterfowl season for all hunters 16 years of age or older. An adult with a permit must accompany hunters under the age of 16 hunting in the controlled area. We require advance reservation for the first 2 days of the hunt.
2. Shooting hours end at 1:00 p.m. on all California portions of the refuge with the following exceptions:
a. The refuge manager may designate up to six afternoon special youth or disabled hunter waterfowl hunts per season; and
b. The refuge manager may designate up to 3 days per week of afternoon waterfowl hunting for the general public after December 1.
3. We do not allow possession of any loaded firearms more than 200 feet (60 m) from the established blind stakes. You select blind sites by lottery at the beginning of each hunt day. You may shoot only from within your assigned blind site.
4. You may carry only unloaded firearms on hunter access routes open to motor vehicles or when taking them through posted retrieving zones when traveling to and from the hunting areas.
5. We do not allow you to set decoys in retrieving zones.
6. We do not allow air-thrust and inboard waterthrust boats.
7. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
2. You may carry only unloaded firearms on hunter access routes open to motor vehicles or when taking them through posted retrieving zones when traveling to and from the hunting areas.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. Anglers may not fish between June 1 and July 31 each year.
2. Anglers may fish only during daylight hours.
1. Refuge fishing permit required.
2. Fishing permitted only from sunrise to sunset from April 15 through October 15 annually.
3. Catch and release only fishing.
4. Additional refuge regulations listed in refuge fishing regulations leaflet and fishing permits.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. Permits are required for waterfowl hunting except on the South Upland Hunting Area.
2. Hunting of waterfowl and coots is permitted on the South Waterfowl Area, the West Waterfowl Area, and the Young Waterfowlers Area.
3. Only snow geese may be taken on the Snow Goose Area.
4. Hunting is permitted only from designated sites, except on the South Upland Hunting Area and the Snow Goose Area.
5. The maximum number of hunters permitted per blind is as follows:
West Waterfowl Area—4; South Waterfowl Area—3; Young Waterfowlers Area—2.
6. The possession of a loaded shotgun while outside a blind or designated site is not permitted unless actively pursuing crippled birds.
7. Waterfowl hunters may not possess more than 15 shotgun shells per day on the West and Young Waterfowlers Hunt Areas.
1. We allow hunting only on the South Upland Hunting Area.
2. We allow hunting from
3. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
1. We require a refuge permit except on the South Upland Hunting Area.
2. Hunting on the Headquarters Deer Hunt Area must be from designated stands only, unless actively tracking or retrieving wounded deer.
3. We require a valid State permit for turkey hunting.
4. During firearms deer season, hunters must wear in a conspicuous manner as an outer layer on the head, chest, and back a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm2) of solid-colored orange clothing or material.
1. Consult the refuge hunting brochure for specific information regarding species, areas, and days open to hunting, rules, and regulations.
2. We require a refuge permit and fee for waterfowl hunting.
3. Refuge hunt dates will correspond with State-established migratory game bird seasons.
1. Consult the refuge hunting brochure for specific information regarding species, areas, and days open to hunting, rules, and regulations.
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
3. We do not allow upland game hunting beginning March 1 through August 31.
1. Consult the refuge hunting brochure for specific information regarding areas and days open to hunting, rules, and specific regulations.
2. You may use only portable tree stands and must remove them from the refuge following each day's hunt.
3. During the firearm deer season, hunters must wear in a conspicuous manner on head, chest, and back a minimum of 400 square inches (10.16 m
4. We require a refuge permit and fee for deer hunting.
1. Consult refuge regulations regarding access areas, launch points, and motor restrictions.
2. We allow fishing only from sunrise to sunset in all areas except those areas marked by signs as closed to public entry.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. You must possess and carry a signed refuge waterfowl hunt permit while hunting.
2. We allow hunting in the interior of the refuge south of latitude line 26.27.130. We have not opened to hunting from the perimeter canal or levee and those areas posted as closed.
3. The refuge open waterfowl season is concurrent with the State season. The refuge does not participate in any early experimental seasons. Hunters may only take duck and coot.
4. We do not open to hunting on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Christmas Day.
5. Refuge hunting hours are from
6. Hunters must only enter and leave the refuge at the Headquarters Area (Boynton Beach) and the Hillsboro Area (Boca Raton) (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
7. Hunters must unload and case or dismantle firearms (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) when outside of hunting area and when en route to or from the hunting area. Hunters may only use no greater than .10 gauge shotguns. We prohibit all other firearms or weapons (see §§ 27.42 and 27.43 of this chapter).
8. We only allow temporary blinds of native vegetation. We prohibit the taking, removing, or destroying of refuge vegetation (see § 27.51 of this chapter).
9. Hunters must remove decoys and other personal property (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the hunting area each day.
10. We encourage the use of dogs to retrieve dead or wounded waterfowl. Dogs must remain under the immediate control of the owner at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter). We prohibit pets at all other times.
11. A hunter must complete a daily bag report card and place it in an entrance fee canister each day.
12. All youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a license. Youth hunters must have completed a hunter education course.
13. We only allow boats equipped with outboards or electric motors and nonmotorized boats. We prohibit airboats, Hovercraft, and personal watercraft (Go Devils, Jet Skis, jet boats, and Wave Runners). We recommend all boats operating within the hunt area fly a 12 inch by 12 inch (30 cm x 30 cm) orange flag, 10 feet (3 m) above the vessel's waterline.
14. We prohibit motorized vehicles of any type on the levees and undesignated routes (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
15. For emergencies or to report violations, contact law enforcement personnel at 561-936-4100.
1. We only allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
2. Special black bass regulations are in effect within the boundaries of the refuge. The daily creel limit is five black bass per person, per day, where only one bass may be over 14 inches (35 cm) in length.
3. We allow fishing south of a line of latitude of 26.27.130 and in the rim canal in the rest of the refuge. We prohibit fishing in Management Compartments A, B, and C, and those areas posted as closed to fishing or the public.
4. We only allow the use of rods and reels and poles and lines, and anglers must attend them at all times.
5. We prohibit commercial fishing and the taking of frogs, turtles, and other wildlife (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
6. We prohibit the possession or use of cast nets, seines, trot lines, jugs, gigs, and other fishing devices.
7. Anglers may only launch boats at the Headquarters Area (Boynton Beach), the Hillsboro Area (Boca Raton), and 20 Mile Bend (West Palm Beach).
8. We only allow boats equipped with outboards or electric motors and nonmotorized boats. We prohibit airboats, Hovercraft, personal watercraft (Go Devils, Jet Skis, jet boats, and Wave Runners). We recommend that all boats operating within the hunt area fly a 12 inch by 12 inch (30 cm x 30 cm) orange flag, 10 feet (3 m) above the vessel's waterline.
9. We prohibit motorized vehicles of any type on the levees and undesignated routes (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
10. For emergencies or to report violations, contact law enforcement personnel at 561-936-4100. Law enforcement officers monitor VHF Channel 16.
1. Fishing is permitted only from sunrise to sunset.
2. Fishing is permitted year-round, from refuge beaches only.
1. We only allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
2. We allow salt water fishing along the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River Lagoon year-round in accordance with State regulations.
3. We prohibit commercial fishing and the taking of frogs, turtles, and other wildlife (
4. We prohibit motorized vehicles of any type on the fire roads, undesignated routes, and areas posted as closed (
5. For emergencies or to report violations, contact law enforcement personnel at 561-936-4100. Law enforcement officers monitor VHF Channel 16.
1. Fishing permitted in refuge waters except in areas designated as “closed to public entry,” and the Mangrove Head Pond, Tower Pond, and Tarpon Bay Slough at the Bailey Tract.
2. Crabbing permitted in refuge waters except in areas designated as “closed to public entry.”
3. Anglers may not take horseshoe crabs, stone crabs, or spider crabs.
4. Anglers may not take blue crabs for commercial purposes.
5. Anglers may take blue crabs along the Wildlife Drive only with the use of dip nets. Anglers may not use lines, traps, or bait on or within 150 feet of the Wildlife Drive.
6. Anglers may use baited lines and traps within refuge waters if such devises are continuously attended/monitored and removed at the end of each day. Attended/monitored means that all devices used in the capture of blue crabs must be within the immediate view of the sport crabber.
7. Daily limit of blue crabs is 20 per person of which no more that 10 shall be females.
8. With the exception of those nonregulated species generally used as bait, all fish caught for commercial purposes in the waters of the refuge or transported into the refuge must remain in an intact and whole condition until removed from the refuge.
1. We allow fishing only from sunrise to sunset.
2. We do not allow use of airboats in the refuge.
3. We do not allow commercial fishing or the taking of frogs or turtles.
4. We do not allow the use of snatch hooks in the refuge impoundments.
1. We require a refuge permit.
2. Parents or adult guardians over the age of 21 are responsible for supervising hunters under the age of 16 and must remain within sight and normal voice contact of the juvenile hunter. Parents or adult guardians are responsible for ensuring that hunters under the age of 16 do not engage in conduct that would constitute a violation of the refuge regulations.
1. We require hunters to possess and carry signed refuge hunt permits for all hunts.
2. We designate open and closed refuge hunting areas on the map in the refuge hunt permit that the hunter must possess and carry.
3. You must park vehicles in a manner that does not block roads or gates (
4. We prohibit the use of ATVs (
5. We prohibit horses.
6. We prohibit possession of a loaded firearm or bow and arrow (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) while on a refuge road right-of-way designated for motorized vehicle travel or in any vehicle or boat. We define “loaded” as shells in the chamber or magazine or percussion cap on a muzzleloader, or arrow notched in a bow.
7. We prohibit hunting from refuge roads open to public vehicle travel.
8. We prohibit construction of permanent blinds or stands.
9. In addition to State hunter education requirements, an adult (parent or guardian) age 21 or older must supervise and must remain within sight of and in normal voice contact of the youth hunter age 15 and under. Parents or adult guardians are responsible for ensuring that youth hunters do not engage in conduct that would constitute a violation of the refuge regulations. An adult can supervise no more than two youth hunters.
10. We prohibit all commercial activities, including guiding or participating in a guided hunt.
11. We prohibit target practice or any nonhunting discharge of firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
12. We prohibit marking any tree or other refuge feature with flagging, litter, paint, or blaze.
13. We allow marking trails with reflective markers, but you must remove the markers (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) at the end of the refuge deer-hunting season.
14. Hunters utilizing the refuge are subject to inspection of licenses, permits, hunting equipment, bag limits, vehicles, and their contents, during compliance checks by refuge or State law enforcement officers.
15. Hunters must be at their vehicles by 1 hour after legal shooting time.
16. The refuge upland game hunting season opens on the Monday after the Florida State Central Management Zone general gun (antlered deer and wild hog) season closes, and it ends on February 28.
17. You may only possess .22 caliber rimfire (but not .22 magnum caliber) firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) or shotguns with shot no larger than #4 common.
18. We allow night hunting in accordance with State regulations for raccoon and opossum on Friday and Saturday nights from legal sunset until legal sunrise during the month of February.
1. Conditions B1 through B15 apply.
2. We prohibit use of hunting and tracking dogs.
3. We require quota hunt permits (issued through a random draw) for the limited deer gun hunt and limited youth Gun Deer Hunt. They cost the participants selected $12.50.
4. Quota hunt permits are nontransferable.
5. Hunters may only use archery equipment, in accordance with State archery regulations, during the refuge archery season.
6. Hunters may only use muzzleloading firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter), in accordance with State muzzleloader regulations, during the refuge muzzleloader season.
7. We prohibit hunting from a tree in which a metal object has been driven.
8. You may leave temporary tree stands on the refuge starting on the last weekend of August, but you must remove them by the last day of the general gun-hunting season (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
9. All hunters (including all persons accompanying hunters) must wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm
10. We prohibit the use of organized drives for taking or attempting to take game.
11. The refuge general gun season begins on the opening Saturday of the Florida State Central Management Zone General Gun season and ends on the following Friday. It reopens on the Monday after the refuge limited deer season and ends on the following Sunday. The refuge general gun season lasts 14 days.
12. The refuge limited either-sex deer hunt is on the second Saturday and Sunday of the State Central Management Zone General Gun season. This coincides with the opening of the State's either-sex hunt, deer-hunting season.
13. The youth limited Gun Deer Hunt is the Saturday and Sunday following the close of the refuge general gun season.
14. During the limited youth hunt, an adult age 21 or older must accompany the youth hunter but only the youth hunter may hunt and handle the firearm.
15. We confine the limited youth hunt to the Levy County portion of the refuge, and hunters must access the refuge from Levy County Road 347.
16. We allow hunting of deer (except spotted fawns), feral hog (no size or bag limit), gray squirrel, rabbit, armadillo, opossum, raccoon, beaver, and coyote during the archery season.
17. Hunters may take deer with one or more antlers at least 5 inches (12.5 cm) in length visible above the hairline and feral hog (no bag or size limit) during the muzzleloader and general-gun season.
18. Hunters may take one legal deer of either sex and hog (no size or bag limit) during the limited deer gun hunt and limited youth Gun Deer Hunt.
19. We prohibit all other public entry or use of the hunting area during the limited gun and youth deer hunts. During the limited gun hunt, the Dixie Mainline road will remain open to all public vehicles, but we prohibit firearms except for permit holders.
20. Hunters must check all game harvested during the limited deer gun hunt and limited youth Gun Deer Hunt at a refuge check station.
21. You may only take turkey during the State spring turkey hunting season.
22. You may only take bearded turkeys during the spring turkey hunt.
23. Shooting hours for spring turkey begin
24. We only allow shotguns with shot no larger than size 2 common shot or bows for spring turkey hunting.
1. Anglers may only take game and nongame fish with pole and line or rod and reel.
2. We prohibit take of frogs and turtles (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
3. We prohibit leaving boats on the refuge overnight (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
4. We prohibit consumption of alcoholic beverages or possession of open alcohol containers in the public use areas of Shired Island boat launch/fishing and parking lot area and the Shell Mound fishing/recreational area.
1. You must possess and carry a current signed refuge permit at all times while hunting on the refuge.
2. You must purchase and possess and carry a quota permit if you are hunting in areas 1 or 4 from the beginning of the regular season through December 31.
3. You may hunt Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and the following holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day within the State waterfowl season.
4. You may hunt in four designated areas of the refuge as delineated in the refuge hunting regulations map. Hunters may not enter the restricted areas of the Kennedy Space Center.
5. You may hunt from
6. You may enter no earlier than 4 a.m. for the purpose of hunting.
7. We require all hunters to successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course.
8. We require an adult, age 18 or older, to supervise hunters under the age 18.
9. We prohibit accessing a hunt area from Black Point Wildlife Drive, Playalinda
10. We prohibit construction of permanent blinds (see § 27.92 of this chapter) or digging into dikes.
11. We prohibit hunting or shooting from any portion of a dike, road, or railroad grade.
12. We prohibit hunting within 150 yards (135 m) of SR 402 or SR 406.
1. You must possess and carry a current, signed refuge permit at all times while on the refuge.
2. We allow fishing at night in the waters of Mosquito Lagoon, Indian River Lagoon, Banana River, and Haulover Canal.
3. We allow launching boats at night from the following refuge boat ramps: Bairs Cove, Beacon 42, and Bio Lab.
4. We prohibit crabbing or fishing from Black Point Wildlife Drive or any side road connected to Black Point Wildlife Drive except L Pond Road.
5. We prohibit launching boats, canoes, or kayaks from Black Point Wildlife Drive or any side road connected to Black Point Wildlife Drive except L Pond Road.
6. Anglers and crabbers must attend their lines.
7. We prohibit harvesting or possession of horseshoe crabs.
8. We prohibit use of personal watercraft, air thrust boats, and hovercraft.
9. Vessels must not exceed idle speed in Bairs Cove and KARS Marina or slow speed/minimum wake in Haulover Canal.
10. We prohibit motorized vessels in the Banana River within the posted “No-Motor Zone,” including any vessel having an attached motor or a nonattached motor capable of use (including electric trolling motor).
11. We prohibit anglers entering the restricted areas of the Kennedy Space Center.
1. Fishing is permitted year-round.
2. Bank fishing from spoil islands is permitted, during daylight hours only.
1. We require refuge permits for hunting the Piney Island unit. Permits are available at no cost from the refuge office. Each hunter must possess and carry a signed hunt permit when using the hunt area.
2. You must remove blinds daily (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
3. Hunters may access the hunt area by boat.
4. We allow retriever dogs to recover game.
1. We require refuge permits for hunting upland game. Permits are available at no cost from the refuge office. Each hunter must possess and carry a signed permit while participating in a hunt.
2. Hunters must wear 500 square inches (3,250 cm
3. You may use .22 caliber rim-fired rifles, shotguns with nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)), or muzzleloaders. You may use shotgun slugs, buckshot, or archery equipment to take feral hogs. We prohibit the use or possession of other weapons. You must unload all firearms for transport in vehicles (uncap muzzleloaders) (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
4. We prohibit dogs in the hunt area.
5. There is no limit on the size or number of feral hogs that hunters may take.
6. We allow hunting on designated areas of the refuge. Contact the refuge office for specific dates.
7. We prohibit hunting from any named or numbered road.
8. We prohibit cleaning of game within 1,000 feet (300 m) of any developed public recreation area, game check station, or gate.
9. The refuge is only open to daylight use.
10. You must check out all game taken at a game check station.
1. We require refuge permits, issued by lottery. Lottery applications are available at the refuge office each year beginning in July. There is a fee for permits. Permits are nontransferable. There is an additional fee for duplicate permits. Each hunter must possess and carry a signed permit when participating in a hunt.
2. Conditions B4, B5, B8, and B10 apply.
3. We prohibit hunting from any named or numbered road (with the exception of persons hunting in the mobility impaired hunt).
4. You may access the refuge hunt areas by vehicle for prehunt scouting 2 days prior to the hunt for which you are drawn. We prohibit weapons in the hunt area during the prehunt scouting (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
5. There is a two-deer limit per hunter as specified in C8 and C9 below. The limit for bearded turkey is one per day and two per hunt. There is no limit on feral hogs.
6. We prohibit the use of deer decoys.
7. We prohibit the use of flagging, paint, or blazes.
8. There are two fall archery hunts: hunters may harvest either sex deer, bearded turkey, or feral hogs during the fall archery hunts. There will be a fall archery hunt on the Panacea and Wakulla Units. We prohibit other weapons in the hunt area (see § 27.43 of this chapter). Contact the refuge office for specific dates.
9. There is a winter archery/muzzleloader hunt. Hunters may harvest doe deer, antlerless deer, bearded turkey, or feral hogs. We define “antlerless deer” as deer with antlers less than 1 inch above the hairline. We will give each hunter that harvests a doe deer a permit to harvest an antlered deer. Archery equipment and muzzleloaders must meet the requirements set by the State. We prohibit other weapons in the hunt area (see § 27.43 of this chapter). Contact the refuge office for specific dates.
10. There are two modern gun hunts. Modern guns must meet State requirements. We will hold one hunt on the Panacea Unit and one on the Wakulla Unit. Hunters may harvest doe deer or antlerless deer. See definition for “antlerless deer” in C9 above. We will give each hunter that harvests a doe deer a permit to harvest an antlered deer. You may also harvest one bearded turkey or feral hogs (no limit). Contact the refuge office for specific dates.
11. There is one mobility-impaired hunt on the Panacea Unit in the area west of Country Road 372. Hunters may harvest doe deer, antlerless deer, bearded turkey, or feral hogs. See definition for “antlerless deer” in C9 above. We will issue permits to those hunters that harvest a doe deer to harvest an antlered deer. Hunters may have an able-bodied hunter accompany them. You can transfer permits issued to able-bodied assistants. We limit those hunt teams to two deer per hunt. Contact the refuge office for specific dates.
12. There is one spring gobbler hunt. You may harvest one bearded turkey per day (with a limit of two turkey per hunt). You may only use shotguns to harvest turkey. Contact the refuge office for specific dates. You must unload and dismantle or case weapons (see § 27.42 of this chapter) after 1:00 p.m.
1. We prohibit taking blue crabs from impoundments or canals on the St. Marks Unit.
2. We only allow fishing in refuge lakes, ponds, and impoundments from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
3. We allow fishing in tidal and coastal waters 24 hours per day year-round.
4. We prohibit use of boats with motors over 10 hp on any refuge lake, pond, or impoundment.
5. We allow use of boats on impoundments on the St. Marks Unit from March 15 through October 15 each year.
6. We prohibit taking of frogs or turtles (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
7. We prohibit use of cast nets, traps, or dip nets to take fish from any lake, pond, or impoundment on the refuge.
8. You must attend all fishing equipment.
9. We prohibit bow fishing on refuge lakes, ponds, and impoundments.
10. The interior ponds and lakes on the Panacea Unit are open year-round for bank fishing. We open vehicle access to these areas from March 15 through May 15 each year. Ponds and lakes that you can access from County Road 372 are open year-round for fishing and boating.
11. We prohibit commercial boats, air-thrust boats, and personal watercraft to launch at the saltwater boat ramp on the St. Marks Unit.
12. We prohibit air-thrust boats or personal watercraft to launch from Wakulla Beach.
13. All fish must remain in a whole condition when being transported from the refuge.
1. We require refuge permits. The permits are nontransferable and must be possessed and carried while hunting. Only signed permits are valid. We only allow people with a signed refuge hunt permit on the island during the hunt periods.
2. We restrict hunting to three hunt periods: sambar deer, raccoon, and feral hog—November 18-20; and white-tailed deer, raccoon, and feral hog—December 16-18 and January 6-8. Hunters may check-in and set up camp sites and stands on November 17, December 15, and January 5. Hunters must
3. Hunters must check-in at the check stations on the island. We restrict entry onto St. Vincent Island to the Indian Pass and West Pass campsites. We restrict entry during the sambar deer hunt to the West Pass Campsite. All access to hunt areas will be on foot or by bicycle from these areas.
4. We close to public entry all areas marked with eagle nesting area, shorebird closed area, or area closed signs.
5. Hunt hours are
6. We restrict camping and fires (see § 27.95 of this chapter) to the two designated camping areas. We may restrict or ban fires during dry periods.
7. Hunters may set up camp after receiving their hunting permit. We allow camping beginning on the first day of the hunt period, and campers must remove all personal equipment (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from St. Vincent Island by 11 a.m. on Sunday of the hunt period.
8. You may only set up tree stands after you check-in, and you must remove them from the island at the end of the hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
9. You may only retrieve game from the closed areas if accompanied by a refuge officer.
10. All youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a license. Each adult may only supervise one youth hunter.
11. We will issue permits for the white-tailed deer December and January hunts beginning at legal sunrise on the first day of the hunt period. You must obtain permits at the check station prior to accessing the hunt area.
12. We issue permits for the sambar deer hunt by computer drawing. You may obtain applications after May 15 from the refuge office (P.O. Box 447, Apalachicola, FL 32329).
13. Primitive weapons hunters (sambar deer and January white-tailed deer hunt), when outside the campsite area, must wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm
14. We limit weapons to muzzleloaders or bow and arrow on the sambar deer hunt and the January white-tailed deer hunt. We limit the December hunt to bow and arrow. Weapons must meet all State regulations.
15. We allow only stand, still, and stalk hunting. We prohibit man drives.
16. We prohibit the use of flagging material and/or bright eyes. We prohibit defacing of plants or trees (see § 27.51 of this chapter).
17. We prohibit target practice on the refuge (see § 27.42 of this chapter). You may discharge muzzleloaders at the designated discharge area between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m.
18. Nonmovement stand hours for all hunts will be from legal morning shooting time until 9 a.m.
19. We prohibit discharging of weapons (including cap firing) in campgrounds (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
20. Weapons must have the caps removed from muzzleloaders and arrows quivered before and after legal shooting hours.
21. Hunters must check out at the check station prior to leaving the refuge at the end of their hunt. A refuge staff member or volunteer must check the campsites before the hunters leave the refuge.
22. We prohibit motorized equipment, generators, or land vehicles (except bicycles).
23. Refuge personnel must check and tag game harvested before the hunter leaves the island.
24. We prohibit littering (see § 27.94 of this chapter) and cutting of live trees (see § 27.51 of this chapter). Only dead and downed wood may be cut.
25. Bag limits:
i. Sambar deer hunt—two sambar deer, no limit on feral hog or raccoon.
ii. Archery hunt—one white-tailed deer of either sex (no spotted fawns or spike bucks), no limits on feral hogs or raccoons.
iii. Primitive weapons hunt—one white-tailed deer buck having one or more forked antlers at least 5 inches (12.5 cm) in length visible above the hairline with points greater than 1 inch (12.5 cm) in length; we issue a limited number of either-sex permits. If you have an either sex permit, the bag limit is one deer that may be antlerless or a buck legal antler configuration. There is no limit on feral hog or raccoon.
26. We prohibit bringing live game into the check station.
27. Hunters must observe quiet time in the campground between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. We prohibit loud or boisterous behavior or activity.
1. You may fish from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
2. We allow boats with electric motors. You must remove all other motors from the boats and secure them to a designated motor rack with a lock and chain.
3. We prohibit the use of live minnow as bait.
4. We allow fishing on Lakes 1 and 2 and Oyster Pond from April 1 through September 30.
5. We allow fishing in Lakes 3, 4, and 5 from May 15 through September 30.
6. We prohibit leaving boats and fishing gear on the refuge overnight (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
7. We prohibit commercial fishing or the taking of frog or turtle (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
8. We only allow the use of rods and reels or poles and lines. You must attend your fishing equipment at all times.
9. You may only take fish species and fish limits authorized by State regulations.
1. We allow hunting daily during the early wood duck/teal season.
2. We allow only hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day within the regular State season.
3. You must possess and carry a valid, signed refuge hunt permit (free) at all times while hunting on the refuge.
4. We allow only hunting in the areas posted and shown on the refuge hunt brochure.
5. We post entry points with signs numbered 1, 2, and 3 along the south side of U.S. 41. Hunters may enter the refuge at 4 a.m. and shooting hours start
6. We prohibit hunting within 100 yards (90 m) of the south edge of U.S. 41 and the area signed around the small access road extending south from U.S. 41.
7. We prohibit pit blinds and permanent blinds (see § 27.92 of this chapter).
8. We allow and recommend prehunt scouting from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
9. You may only take duck and coot with a shotgun (no larger than a 10 gauge). We prohibit possession of handguns and long guns. We prohibit target practice on the refuge (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
10. We prohibit air-thrust boats, hovercraft, personal watercraft, and off-road vehicles at all times. We limit vessels to a maximum of a 25 hp outboard motor. We allow go-devil type motors.
11. We require all guides to purchase, possess, and carry a refuge Special Use Permit.
12. We allow and recommend use of dogs for waterfowl retrieval. Dogs must remain under the immediate control of their handlers at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter). We allow dogs during prehunt scouting.
13. We allow youth hunt days in accordance with State regulations. Hunters under age 16 may hunt only with a nonhunting adult age 18 or older. Youth hunters must remain within sight and sound of the nonhunting adult.
1. We prohibit air-thrust boats, hovercraft, personal watercraft, and off-road vehicles in the freshwater and brackish marsh area south of U.S. 41. We limit vessels to a maximum of a 25 hp outboard motor. We allow go-devil-type motors.
2. We allow fishing in the freshwater and brackish marsh area of the refuge year-round from legal sunrise to legal sunset. You may fish the tidal and barrier island area of the refuge year-round 24 hours a day.
3. We only allow crabbing and crab pots for recreational use in the freshwater and brackish marsh area of the refuge. You may only use crab pots in accordance with State regulations. Abandoned or unchecked crab pots after 72 hours are subject to impoundment.
4. We prohibit commercial fishing and the taking of snake and frog in the freshwater and brackish marsh area of the refuge.
5. We prohibit the use of trotlines, gigs, spears, bush hooks, snatch hooks, crossbows, or bows and arrows of any type in the freshwater and brackish marsh area of the refuge.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. Hunters must possess and carry signed refuge permits on their persons at all times. You may obtain information on permits and the hunt at the refuge headquarters in Savannah, Georgia.
2. Hunters must check-in no more than 1 day in advance of the opening day of each hunt. We prohibit check-in after legal sunset of the second hunt day.
3. Each hunter may place one stand on the refuge no earlier than 1 month prior to the opening day of each hunt but must remove the stand (see § 27.93 of this chapter) by the end of each hunt.
4. Hunters must check-in at the refuge dock prior to setting up camp. We require personal identification at check-in.
5. We confine hunters to the camping area until 12 p.m. (noon) of the first day of check-in; we will allow scouting from 12 p.m. (noon) until 5 p.m.
6. Within the refuge, you may only travel by foot or bicycle, except in the wilderness area where we allow only foot travel. We limit entry and exit points to the designated check stations or other specified areas. We prohibit hunters to leave by boat to reach other parts of the island.
7. You may only camp at the designated camping area.
8. You must confine fires (see § 27.95 of this chapter) to the camping area.
9. We prohibit flagging, blazing, or trail-marking devices to locate stands or for any other purpose.
10. We only allow bows. We prohibit crossbows or firearms (see §§ 27.42 and 27.43 of this chapter).
11. We prohibit the use of organized drives for taking or attempting to take deer.
12. You may take five deer of either sex and State bonus tags will be issued for two of these. There is no bag limit on feral hog.
13. Refuge personnel must check deer harvested during the scheduled hunt before hunters may remove them from the refuge.
14. Hunters must be on their stands from
15. We prohibit target practice except in designated areas (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
16. Hunters must be off the island by 12 p.m. (noon) on Sunday.
17. We close the refuge to the nonhunting public 1 day prior to and 1 day after the hunt period, as well as on hunt days.
1. We coordinate hunting seasons and limits with the State and annually list them in the refuge hunting brochure.
2. We require you to possess and carry a signed refuge hunt permit while archery hunting. You may obtain this permit from the refuge office.
3. We require a refuge hunt permit and payment of a fee for the quota firearms hunts. You may obtain applications and information about the hunt drawing from the refuge office.
4. We require you to sign in once prior to each hunt at the refuge check station.
5. We allow access to the hunt area from 1 hour before legal sunrise to 1 hour after legal sunset. We prohibit overnight camping and/or parking.
6. We prohibit buckshot.
7. We prohibit flagging, blazing, painting, or any other trail-marking devices.
8. We prohibit hunting within 50 yards (45 m) of a road open to vehicle travel or within 200 yards (180 m) of a building.
9. We prohibit entry into the designated hunt area by nonhunters during the hunts.
10. We prohibit hunting or possession of weapons in public use or other areas posted “No Hunting Zone” or “Area Closed” or designated as no hunting areas on the hunt brochure map (see §§ 27.42 and 27.43 of this chapter).
11. We require you to bring any deer or hog you harvest to the refuge check station the day you kill it and before you leave the refuge.
12. We prohibit possession of field-dressed deer or hogs unless you have checked them at the refuge check station.
13. We prohibit possession of alcoholic beverages while on the refuge.
14. We prohibit target practice or any nonhunting discharge of firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
15. We require each firearms hunter to wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm
16. We prohibit walking or trespassing on the railroad tracks to access the refuge.
17. We prohibit removal of live hog from the refuge.
18. We prohibit the use of dogs.
19. We allow the use of ATVs on refuge roads to retrieve game (see § 27.31 of this chapter), but you must obtain permission from refuge staff before using the ATV.
20. We allow limited nonmotorized portable boat access at the Stone Creek parking area.
21. We prohibit the use of organized drives for taking or attempting to take game.
1. We allow fishing from March 15 to October 15, except on the Ocmulgee River, which is open to fishing year-round.
2. We only allow access to the refuge and fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
3. We only allow fishing with pole and line or rod and reel.
4. We prohibit boats on all refuge waters, except the Ocmulgee River, where we allow boats.
5. We prohibit leaving boats or other personal equipment on the refuge overnight (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
6. The minimum size limit for largemouth bass is 14 inches (490 cm).
Refer to § 32.20 Alabama for regulations.
1. Hunters must possess and carry a signed refuge permit on their person at all times. We require payment of a fee for the quota gun hunt only. You may obtain information on permits, quota hunt applications, and quota hunt drawings at the refuge headquarters in Savannah, Georgia.
2. Each hunter may place one stand on the refuge during the week (Monday through Friday only) preceding each hunt, but you must remove stands by the end of each hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
3. Hunters must be on their stands from
4. We prohibit use of flagging, blazing, or trail-marking devices to locate stands or for any other purpose.
5. We prohibit hunting closer than 100 yards (90 m) to State Highway 131, the refuge entrance drive, refuge headquarters, Barbour River Landing, Barbour River Road, or Gould's Cemetery.
6. We require personal identification at check-in.
7. To hunt during the morning stand hours, bow hunters must enter the refuge through the refuge entrance gate only, between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. We will allow hunters to exit and re-enter through the entrance gate only, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. After 4 p.m. we prohibit entry to the refuge.
8. During the archery hunt, we will restrict vehicles to the auto tour route (see § 27.31 of this chapter) and allow two-way traffic.
9. During the archery hunt, we only allow bows.
10. We require gun hunters to check-in at the refuge headquarters between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. and park in designated areas prior to hunting. We prohibit entry by boat.
11. You may take three deer of either sex (State bonus deer tags will be issued for two of these). There is no bag limit on feral hog.
12. During the gun hunt, you must only use shotguns with slugs 20 gauge or larger.
13. We prohibit target practice or any nonhunting discharge of firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
14. Gun hunters must wear an outer garment with a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm
15. Refuge personnel must check deer harvested during refuge hunts before leaving the refuge.
16. We prohibit the use of organized drives for taking or attempting to take game.
17. We will close the refuge to the nonhunting public on all hunt days.
1. Anglers may fish in estuarine waters year round from sunrise to sunset daily.
2. Bank fishing into estuarine waters is permitted only from sunrise to sunset.
3. Anglers may use the Barbour River public boat ramp as public access year-round from 4:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (midnight), daily. However, anglers may not use the Barbour River public boat ramp as access from 12:01 a.m. to 3:59 a.m. daily.
1. We only allow foot and bicycle traffic on the refuge portion of Cowhouse Island.
2. We only allow dogs to locate, point, and retrieve during quail hunts.
3. For more information, contact the refuge at 912-496-7836.
1. In the Pocket Unit:
i. We only allow archery hunting and foot traffic.
ii. You must sign-in and out.
iii. You must remove tree stands daily (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
iv. We prohibit dogs.
2. In the Suwannee Canal Unit:
i. We only allow two
ii. We require a refuge permit through refuge lottery, which interested parties should enter before August 31 (fee will be announced).
iii. Hunters must remain on stands from 30 minutes before legal sunrise until 9 a.m.
iv. You must sign-in and sign out.
v. You must tag your deer with special refuge tags. There is a limit of two deer of either sex.
vi. We only zone Chesser Island Hunt area to accommodate wheelchair hunters.
vii. Conditions B3, C1iii, and C1iv apply.
viii. We prohibit dogs.
3. In the Cowhouse Island Unit:
i. Dixon Memorial Wildlife Management Area rules, regulations, dates, and times apply.
ii. Conditions B1, B3, C1iii, and C1iv apply.
1. We allow motorized boats with motors 10 hp or less.
2. We prohibit possession of live bait fish.
3. We only allow the use of pole and line or rod and reel.
4. In the Suwannee Canal unit:
i. We prohibit fishing in the boat basin.
ii. We prohibit fishing in ponds and canals along the Swamp Island Drive.
iii. We reserve the porch and canal area behind the visitor center for youth age 15 and under and physically disabled.
5. Condition B3 applies.
1. We prohibit upland game hunting during refuge deer or turkey hunts.
2. We coordinate hunting seasons for raccoon and opossum with the State and annually list them in the refuge hunt brochure.
3. You must possess and carry a signed refuge hunt permit while hunting. You may obtain the permit from the refuge office.
4. We require a refuge hunt permit to hunt on the Hitchiti Experimental Forest in accordance with refuge hunting seasons and regulations.
5. We prohibit hunting or possessing weapons in areas posted “No Hunting Zone” or “Area Closed” or designated as no hunting areas on the hunt brochure map (see §§ 27.42 and 27.43 of this chapter).
6. The refuge is a day-use-only area, with the exception of legal hunting activities.
7. We allow access to the hunt area for quail, squirrel, and rabbit hunting from 1 hour before legal sunrise to 1 hour after legal sunset. We prohibit overnight camping and/or parking.
8. We allow hunting for raccoon and opossum from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on the days listed as open in the refuge hunt brochure.
9. We only allow .22 caliber rimfire firearms for raccoon and opossum.
10. You may use dogs on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations.
11. You must keep your dogs confined or on a leash except when hunting, and you must remove your dogs upon your departure from the refuge (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
1. Conditions B4, B5, and B6 apply.
2. We coordinate hunting seasons and limits with the State and annually list them in the refuge hunting brochure.
3. We require you to possess and carry a signed refuge permit while archery hunting. You may obtain this permit from the refuge office.
4. We require a refuge hunt permit and payment of a fee for the quota firearms hunts. You may obtain applications and information about the hunt drawing from the refuge office.
5. We have a special deer hunt for disabled hunters confined to wheelchairs. You may obtain information about this hunt from the refuge office.
6. We prohibit entry into designated hunt area by nonhunters during the hunts.
7. We allow access to the hunting area from 1 hour before legal sunrise to 1 hour after legal sunset. We prohibit overnight camping and/or parking except in the designated campground at Pippins Lake. You must have a refuge hunting permit to enter and use the campground.
8. We prohibit buckshot.
9. We only allow alcoholic beverages in the designated campground.
10. We prohibit flagging, blazing, painting, or any other trail-marking devices.
11. We prohibit hunting within 50 yards (45 m) of a road open to vehicle travel or within 200 yards (180 m) of a building.
12. You must bring any deer, turkey, or hog you harvest to the refuge check station intact, except entrails, the day you kill them and before you leave the refuge. We prohibit possession of dressed deer, turkey, or hog unless you have checked them at the refuge check station.
13. We prohibit ATVs on the refuge except by disabled hunters with a refuge Special Use Permit.
14. We prohibit target practice on the refuge, including the shooting of firearms or bows in the designated campground, or any nonhunting discharge of firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
15. We prohibit audio equipment such as radios or other noise-making devices such as generators after 10 p.m. or before 6 a.m. in the campground (see § 27.72 of this chapter).
16. We prohibit dogs for hunting big game.
17. We prohibit the use of organized drives for taking or attempting to take game.
1. We allow fishing from May 1 to September 30.
2. We only allow access to the refuge and fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
3. You may keep the following numbers of fish each day: bass—5; channel catfish—5; sunfish or bream—15; all other species—State limit.
4. We only allow nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors in Pond 2A and Allison Lake.
5. We limit fishing in Pond 21A to youths age 15 and under.
6. We only allow fishing with pole and line or rod and reel.
7. We prohibit leaving boats or other personal equipment on the refuge overnight (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
8. We prohibit the use of fish for bait.
9. We prohibit placing or throwing in the water feeds, grains, or other materials to chum or attract fish.
10. You must immediately release any grass carp you catch. We are using these fish to help combat an exotic weed invasion in some ponds.
1. You must possess and carry a signed refuge permit at all times while hunting on the refuge. We only require a fee for the quota youth waterfowl hunt on the Solomon Tract. Permits and quota hunt drawing information are available at the refuge headquarters in Savannah, Georgia.
2. We only allow temporary blinds. You must remove decoys and other personal property from the refuge daily (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
3. We prohibit hunting within 100 yards (90 m) of Georgia Highway 25; or in or on Middle and Steamboat Rivers and Houstown Cut, or closer than 50 yards (45 m) of the shoreline of these waterways.
1. You must possess and carry a signed refuge permit at all times while hunting on the refuge. Permits and hunt information are available at the refuge headquarters in Savannah, Georgia.
2. We only allow .22 caliber rimfire rifles or shotguns with #2 shot or smaller for squirrel hunting.
3. We prohibit handguns.
4. We prohibit the use of dogs.
5. You may take feral hog with weapons legal for this hunt (no bag limit).
6. We require a refuge big game license.
7. We require hunters to wear an outer garment that contains a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm
1. You must possess and carry a signed refuge permit at all times while hunting on the refuge. We require a fee for the wheelchair-dependent hunters' quota gun hunt for deer. Permits, quota hunt applications, and information about the quota hunt drawing are available at the refuge headquarters in Savannah, Georgia.
2. We allow archery hunting for deer and hog from October 1 through 31 on designated areas (consult the refuge brochure for the areas).
3. We only allow bows for deer and hog hunting during the archery hunt.
4. We allow gun hunting for deer and hog from November 1 through 30 on designated areas of the refuge. We also allow hog (only) hunting during a special 9-day hunt in March.
5. We only allow shotguns with slugs, muzzleloaders, and bows for deer and hog hunting throuhgout the designated hunt area. However, we only centerfire rifles of .22 caliber or larger north of Interstate Highway 95. We prohibit handguns.
6. You may take five deer, no more than three anterless and two antlered. There is no bag limit on feral hog.
7. Doe days for refuge lands in Georgia will only coincide with doe days set by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for Effingham County.
8. Condition B7 applies.
9. We allow turkey hunting during a special 16-day turkey hunt in April. Turkey hunters may only harvest three gobblers.
10. We only allow shotguns with #2 shot or smaller and bows for turkey hunting in accordance with State regulations. We prohibit possession of slugs or buckshot during turkey hunts.
1. Hunters must carry a signed refuge permit on their person at all times. We only require payment of a fee for the quota gun hunt for deer. You may obtain information on permits, quota hunt applications, and quota hunt drawings at the refuge headquarters in Savannah, Georgia.
2. We prohibit flagging, blazing, or trail-marking devices to locate stands or for any other purpose.
3. We prohibit the use of organized drives for taking or attempting to take game.
4. Refuge personnel must check deer harvested during scheduled hunts before hunters leave the refuge.
5. You may take five deer of either sex (State bonus tags issued for two of these). There is no bag limit on feral hog.
6. Hunters must be on their stands from
7. We prohibit target practice or any nonhunting discharge of firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
8. We allow bows and muzzleloading rifles during the primitive weapons hunt.
9. We allow shotguns, 20 gauge or larger (slugs only), centerfire rifles of .22 caliber or larger, bows, and primitive weapons during the gun hunt.
10. We prohibit mooring boats to the government dock except for loading or unloading purposes.
11. Hunters must check-in at the refuge dock prior to setting up camp. We require personal identification at check-in.
12. We only allow camping at the designated camping area. You must confine fires (see § 27.95 of this chapter) to the camping area.
13. Each hunter may place one stand on the refuge no earlier than 1 month prior to the opening day of each hunt, but you must remove all stands by the end of each hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
14. We require hunters to wear an outer garment that contains a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm2) of hunter-orange material above the waistline.
15. Hunters may check-in at the refuge dock no more than 1 day in advance of the opening day of the hunt. We will confine hunters to the camping area until 12 p.m. (noon) of the first day of check-in; we will allow scouting from 12 p.m. (noon) until 5 p.m.
16. Hunters must be off the island the day following the last day of the hunt.
17. Within the refuge, you may only walk or use a bicycle. We prohibit hunters to leave by boat to reach other parts of the island.
18. We will close the refuge to the nonhunting public 1 day prior to, and 1 day after, the hunt period as well as on the hunt days.
1. Fishing is permitted year-round except during refuge hunts.
2. Bank fishing into estuarine waters is permitted only from sunrise to sunset.
1. Anglers may fish year round.
2. Fishing from boats is only permitted on Beacon and Wolf Creeks.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. You must have reservations or permits to access the refuge.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. We prohibit air-thrust boats.
2. We allow nonmotorized and motorized boats after September 20 within the designated hunting area. We prohibit air-thrust boats.
3. You may only use portable blinds or construct temporary blinds of natural vegetation. Blinds will be available for general use on a first-come, first-served basis. You must remove portable blinds from the refuge at the end of each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
4. You must remove all personal property, including decoys and boats, (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge at the end of each day.
1. We prohibit boats in the fishing area.
2. We prohibit use and possession of lead weights or sinkers.
1. We prohibit public entry onto the refuge prior to 1 hour before legal hunting hours.
2. You may only use portable blinds or construct temporary blinds of natural vegetation. Blinds will be available for general use on a first-come, first-served basis. You must remove portable blinds (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each day.
3. You may only transport firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) on the hunter access roads.
4. You must remove all personal property (see § 27.93 of this chapter), including decoys, from the refuge at the end of each day.
1. You may only possess approved nontoxic shotshells while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
2. You may only transport firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) on the hunter access roads.
1. You may hunt only ducks, coots, and doves on the Lake Lowell sector.
2. Only portable and temporary blinds constructed of natural materials are permitted.
3. Snipe and dove hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
4. We restrict nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors only to the area bounded by the water's edge and extending to a point 200 yards (180 m) lakeward in hunting area 1 on the Lake Lowel sector.
1. Hunting of pheasant, quail and partridge is permitted on the Lake Lowell Sector.
2. Shooting hours on the Lake Lowell sector are the same as those for waterfowl hunting.
3. Hunting is not permitted on the Snake River sector from February 1 through May 31.
4. Pheasant, quail, and partridge hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
1. During the waterfowl season, we allow fishing only within the area bounded by the water's edge extending to a point 200 yards (180 m) lakeward in front of the Lower Dam, fishing area A and in front of the Upper Dam, and fishing area B on the Lake Lowell sector.
2. Nonmotorized boats are permitted from
3. Motorized and nonmotorized boats are permitted from
4. Shoreline fishing is not permitted on the islands of the Snake River Sector from February 1 through May 31.
1. We only allow nonmotorized boats.
2. You may only use portable blinds or construct temporary blinds of natural vegetation. Blinds will be available for general use on a first-come, first-served basis. You must remove portable blinds (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each day.
3. We only allow hunters and dogs to retrieve game in designated hunting areas.
4. You must remove all personal property, including decoys and boats, (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge at the end of each day.
1. Hunting is permitted only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
2. Hunters are limited to the use and/or possession of no more than 25 shells per day.
3. All firearms must be unloaded when in the posted retrieving zone for purposes of retrieving downed birds or traveling to or from the hunting area.
1. We only allow hunters and dogs to retrieve game in designated hunting areas.
2. You may only use portable blinds or construct temporary blinds of dead natural vegetation. Blinds will be available for general use on a first-come, first-served basis. You must remove portable blinds (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each day. We prohibit use of rock piles above the high-water mark for blind construction. We prohibit pit blinds (see § 27.92 of this chapter).
3. We only allow vehicle parking in designated parking lots.
4. On West Hunting Area (Lake Walcott), we allow hunting on the uplands and over water within 100 yards (90 m) of the shoreline. We only allow use of boats for retrieval of game.
5. On East Hunting Area (Tule Island), we allow boats during the waterfowl hunting season.
1. We allow fishing from boats on the main reservoir from Minidoka Dam to the west tip of Bird Island, April 1 through September 30.
2. We allow fishing from boats within boating lanes at Smith and Gifford Springs year around.
3. We allow bank fishing all year.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. Hunting is permitted only in the area outside the main dike in the Liverpool Lake section and north of the entrance to the north ditch known as Goofy Ridge Ditch.
2. The retrieval zone is limited to the river side of the main dike.
3. Only temporary structures or blinds constructed of native materials are permitted.
4. Hunters must remove boats, decoys, and portable blinds (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each day.
1. We allow fishing on Lake Chautauqua from January 15 through October 15. You may not fish in the Waterfowl Hunting Area during waterfowl hunting season.
2. You may not leave private boats in refuge waters overnight.
3. We restrict motorboats to “slow speed/minimum wake.”
4. The public may not enter Weis Lake on the Cameron-Billsbach Unit of Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge from October 16 through January 14, to provide sanctuary for migratory birds.
1. Hunters may hunt waterfowl, by daily permit drawing, on the controlled areas of Grassy Point, Carterville, and Greenbriar land areas, plus Orchard, Sawmill, Turkey, and Grassy islands, from one-half hour before sunrise to posted closing times each day during the goose season. Hunters may hunt waterfowl in these areas, including the lake shoreline, only from existing refuge blinds during the goose season.
2. We only allow the use of portable or temporary blinds. Blinds must be a minimum of 200 yards (180 m) apart. You must remove portable or temporary blinds, any material brought onto the refuge for blind construction, boats, decoys, and all other personal property from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt.
3. Goose hunters outside the controlled goose hunting area on Crab Orchard Lake must hunt from a blind that is on shore or anchored a minimum of 200 yards (180 m) away from any shoreline. Waterfowl hunters may also hunt on the east shoreline in Grassy Bay.
4. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting migratory game bird species.
1. Upland game hunting prohibited in the controlled goose hunting areas during the goose hunting season, except furbearer hunting permitted from sunset to sunrise.
2. Hunters may not use rifles or handguns with ammunition larger than .22 caliber rim fire, except they may use black powder firearms up to and including .40 caliber.
3. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting all permitted species except wild turkey. You may possess and use lead shot for hunting wild turkey.
1. Hunters must possess a special permit issued by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
2. We require hunters using the closed area to check in at the refuge visitor contact station prior to hunting and to comply with the special rules provided to them.
3. We prohibit deer hunting with a firearm in the controlled goose hunting areas or on all refuge lands north of Illinois State Route 13. We allow deer hunting in the controlled goose hunting areas and on all refuge lands north of Illinois State Route 13 only with archery equipment and in accordance with State regulations.
4. You must remove hunting stands at the end of each day's hunt.
5. Permitted hunters may use center fire ammunition for handgun deer hunting during the handgun deer season.
1. Crab Orchard Lake—west of Wolf Creek Road—Anglers may fish from boats all year. Anglers must remove trotlines/jugs from sunrise until sunset from Memorial Day through Labor Day; east of Wolf Creek Road, anglers may fish from boats March 15 through September 30. Anglers may fish all year at the Wolf Creek and Route 148 causeway areas. Anglers must check and remove fish from all jugs and trotlines daily. It is illegal to use stakes to anchor any trotlines; anglers must tag them with their name and address. Anglers may use all noncommercial fishing methods except they may not use any underwater breathing apparatus. Anglers may not use jugs or trotlines with any flotation device that has previously contained
2. A-41, Bluegill, Blue Heron, Managers, Honkers, and Visitors Ponds: Anglers may fish only from sunrise to sunset March 15 through September 30. Anglers may not use boats or flotation devices.
3. Anglers may not submerge any pole or similar object to take or locate any fish.
4. Organizers of all fishing events must possess a refuge-issued permit.
5. Anglers may not fish within 250 yards of an occupied waterfowl hunting blind.
6. Fishermen may anchor trotlines only with portable weights that are removed from the water, along with the trotlines and jugs.
7. We restrict motorboats to slow speeds leaving no wakes in Cambria Neck, and within 150 feet (45 m) of any shoreline, swimming area, marina entrance, boat ramp, or causeway tunnel on Crab Orchard, Little Grassy, or Devils Kitchen Lakes.
1. We require hunters to possess and carry a free refuge hunting permit while hunting on the refuge.
2. We prohibit leaving boats on the refuge overnight (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
3. We prohibit outboard motors larger than 10 hp.
4. We prohibit the use of paint, flagging, reflectors, tacks, or other manmade materials to mark trails or hunting locations.
5. Dove hunting:
i. We allow dove hunting beginning on September 1 and continuing on the following Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays throughout the State season.
ii. We only allow all dove hunting from field borders.
iii. We prohibit dove hunting within 100 yards (90 m) of roadways.
iv. We prohibit hunters from possessing guns while retrieving downed doves from field interiors.
6. We only allow the use of portable or temporary blinds. Hunters must remove all blinds and decoys (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge at the end of each day.
7. On the Bellrose Waterfowl Reserve:
i. We prohibit duck hunting.
ii. You may only hunt goose following the closure of the State duck hunting season.
iii. We only allow goose hunting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
iv. We allow hunting from
v. Hunters must exit the Reserve by 2 p.m.
vi. We prohibit entry to the Reserve prior to 4:30 a.m.
vii. We prohibit hunting during the special snow goose seasons after closure of the regular goose seasons.
viii. We prohibit construction or use of pit blinds (see § 27.92 of this chapter).
ix. We prohibit hunting within 100 yards (90 m) of any private property boundary.
x. All hunting parties must be at least 200 yards (180 m) apart.
xi. All hunters must sign in and out and report daily harvest at the hunter registration station.
1. Conditions A1, A2, and A3 apply.
2. We prohibit hunting after legal sunset, except we only allow raccoon and opossum hunting after legal sunset on refuge lands north of Perks Road.
1. Conditions A1, A2, A3, and A5 apply.
1. Condition A2 applies.
2. We prohibit the use of trotlines, jogs, yo-yos, nets, or any commercial fishing equipment except in areas where State regulation authorizes commercial tackle.
3. We prohibit the use of more than two poles per angler and more than two hooks or lures per pole.
4. We prohibit possession of bass less than 15 inches (37.5 cm) in length from refuge ponds.
5. We prohibit possession of more than six channel catfish from refuge ponds.
1. Only temporary structures or blinds constructed of native materials are permitted.
2. Hunters must remove boats, decoys, and portable blinds at the end of each day's hunt.
1. Hunters must remove hunting stands at the end of each day's hunt.
1. Fishermen may sport fish in all refuge waters during daylight hours from January 15, through October 15.
2. Private boats may not be left in refuge waters overnight.
3. Fishermen must restrict motorboats to slow speed/minimum wake.
4. Anglers may not sportfish in areas open to hunting during hunting seasons.
1. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while hunting for upland game except turkey (see § 32.2(k)). We allow possession of lead shot for hunting turkey.
2. We only open Long Island Division and Fox Island Division for upland game hunting from
3. We only allow turkey hunting on the Fox Island Division during the State spring seasons, including youth season. We do not open to fall turkey hunting.
4. We close Fox Island Division to all hunting and nonhunting entry from October 16 through December 31, except the Division is open to deer hunting as described below in C2.
1. We only allow the use of portable stands, and hunters must remove them from the refuge at the end of each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
2. On the Fox Island Division, we only allow hunting during the “Antlerless-Only” portion of the State firearms deer season.
3. On the Delair Division, we only allow muzzleloader hunting subject to the following conditions:
i. You must possess and carry a refuge permit.
ii. We require hunters to check-in and out of the refuge each day.
iii. We require hunters to record all harvested deer with refuge staff before removing them from the refuge.
iv. Shooting hours end at 3 p.m. each day.
v. Hunters must park all vehicles only in designated parking areas.
1. We prohibit the taking of turtle and frog (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
2. On the Fox Island Division, we only allow bank fishing along any portion of the Fox River from January 1 through October 15.
1. Fishermen may sport fish on all refuge waters during daylight hours from January 15 through October 15.
2. From October 16 through January 14, fishermen may fish south of Carver Lake by foot access only.
3. Private boats may not be left in refuge waters overnight.
4. Motorboats must not exceed “slow speed/minimum wake.”
1. We only allow portable blinds.
2. Hunters must remove blinds, decoys, and other equipment (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge at the end of each day.
1. We only allow hunting of furbearers from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
2. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while hunting upland game, except turkey (see § 32.2(k)).
1. We only allow archery hunting on the Harlow and Meissner Divisions.
2. We only allow the use of portable stands, and hunters must remove them from the refuge at the end of each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
1. We prohibit the taking of turtle and frog (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
2. We only allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
3. Anglers must remove all fishing devices (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each day's fishing.
1. Hunters must remove boats, decoys, and portable blinds (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each day.
2. We allow portable blinds on a daily basis at any location on first-come, first-served basis.
3. We prohibit hunting on the Louisa, Horseshoe Bend, and Keithsburg Divisions.
1. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) while hunting upland game. You may use lead shot to hunt turkey. We allow shotgun slug or muzzleloading rifle for hunting coyotes.
2. We only allow squirrel hunting on the Keithsburg Division from the beginning of the State season to September 15.
3. We allow hunting on the Horseshoe Bend Division from September 1 until September 14 and from December 1 until February 28. We allow spring turkey hunting.
4. We allow hunting on the Big Timber Division from September 1 until February 28. We allow spring turkey hunting.
1. We only allow the use of portable stands, and hunters must remove them at the end of each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
2. We close Horseshoe Bend Division to all public access from September 15 until December 1.
1. We prohibit the taking of turtle or frog (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
2. We only allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
3. We close the following Divisions to all public access: Louisa Division—September 14 until February 1; Horseshoe Bend Division—September 14 until December 1; Keithsburg Division—September 15 until January 1.
4. Anglers must remove boats and all other fishing devices (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each day's fishing.
5. We only allow motor boats on Horseshoe Bend Division for fishing during the periods when flood water enables access from the river over the levee.
1. We only allow portable blinds.
2. Hunters must remove boats, decoys, and portable blinds (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each day.
1. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while hunting, except turkey (see § 32.2(k)). We allow possession of lead shot for turkey hunting.
2. We allow hunting from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
1. We prohibit the taking of turtle or frog (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
2. We only allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
3. From October 15 through December 31, we close the Batchtown, Calhoun, Gilbert Lake, and Portage Island Divisions, and the portion of the Calhoun Division north and west of the Illinois River Road to all public access.
4. Anglers must remove boats and all other fishing devices (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each day.
5. We only allow boats on the Gilbert Lake Division for fishing during those periods when flood water enables access from the river over the levee.
1. In areas posted “Area Closed” or “No Hunting Zone,” we prohibit hunting of migratory game birds at all times. In addition to areas posted “No Hunting Zone,” we prohibit hunting within 50 yards (45 m) of the Great River Trail at Thomson Prairie, within 150 yards (135 m) of the Great River Trail at Mesquaki Lake, and within 400 yards (360 m) of the Potter's Marsh area in Pool 13.
2. We require permits for Potters Marsh in Pool 13 except during the early teal season.
3. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
4. On Pools 4 through 11, you may not place or leave decoys on the refuge during the time from
5. This condition applies to Pools 4 through 11 only. We prohibit construction of permanent hunting blinds using manmade materials. At the end of each day's hunt, you must remove all manmade blind materials you brought onto the refuge. Any blinds containing manmade materials left on the refuge are subject to immediate removal and disposal. Manmade materials include, but are not limited to: wooden pallets, lumber, railroad ties, fence posts (wooden or metal), wire, nails, staples, netting, or tarps. We allow you to leave only seasonal blinds, made entirely of natural vegetation and biodegradable twines, on the refuge. We consider all such blinds public property and open to use by any person on a first-come basis. We allow you to gather only willow, grasses, marsh vegetation, and dead wood on the ground from the refuge for blind-building materials. We prohibit cutting or removing any other refuge trees or vegetation.
6. For Pools 12, 13, and 14, we allow the following: hunting from boat blinds or scull boats; construction of permanent blinds from dimensional lumber (however, we prohibit use of nonbiodegradable materials such as metal, plastic, or fiberglass); and use of willow, cattail, bulrush, lotus, arrowhead vegetation, and dead wood on the ground for blind building and camouflage. We prohibit cutting or removing any other trees or vegetation (see § 27.51 of this chapter). Hunters must place an identification card with name, address, and telephone number inside the permanent blind. Blinds not occupied by 1 hour before legal sunrise are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
i.
ii.
7. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dogs remain under the immediate control of the hunter at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
1. In areas posted “No Hunting Zone,” we prohibit possession of firearms at all times (see § 27.42 of this chapter). In addition to areas posted “No Hunting Zone,” we prohibit hunting within 50 yards (45 m) of the Great River Trail at Thomson Prairie, within 150 yards (135 m) of the Great River Trail at Mesquaki Lake.
2. In areas posted “Area Closed,” we only allow hunting beginning the day after the close of the applicable State duck hunting season until upland game season closure or March 15, whichever occurs first, except we allow spring turkey hunting during State seasons.
3. On areas open to hunting, we prohibit hunting or possession of firearms from March 16 until the opening of State fall hunting seasons, except we allow spring turkey hunting during State seasons.
4. Shotgun hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot when hunting for any permitted birds or other small game, except wild turkey. We still allow possession of lead shot for hunting wild turkey.
5. You may use lights and dogs to hunt raccoons, and other specifically authorized small mammals, in accordance with State regulations. We allow such use of lights on the refuge at the point of kill only. We prohibit all other uses of lights for hunting on the refuge.
6. We allow the use of hunting dogs provided the dogs remain under the immediate control of the hunter at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
1. Condition B1 applies.
2. In areas posted “Area Closed,” we only allow hunting beginning the day after the close of the applicable State duck hunting season until big game season closure or March 15, whichever occurs first.
3. On areas open to hunting, we only allow hunting or possession of firearms until season closure or March 15, whichever occurs first.
4. We do not allow construction or use of permanent blinds, platforms, or ladders.
5. You must remove all stands from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt.
1. On Spring Lake Closed Areas, Carroll County, Illinois, we prohibit fishing from October 1 until the day after the close of the State duck hunting season.
2. On Mertes Slough, Buffalo County, Wisconsin, we allow only hand-powered boats or boats with electric motors.
3. For the purpose of determining length limits, slot limits, and daily creel limits, the impounded areas of Spring Lake, Duckfoot Marsh, and Pleasant Creek in Pool 13 are part of the Mississippi River site-specific State regulations.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. We prohibit discharge of firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) within 100 yards (90 m) of an occupied dwelling.
2. We only allow hunting from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
3. We prohibit hunting from the beginning of the second State muzzleloader deer season through the end of the year.
4. You must possess and carry a refuge permit for turkey hunting.
5. We only allow turkey hunting on weekdays from
1. You must possess and carry a refuge permit during the second State muzzleloader season. We allow archery hunting following the second muzzleloader season.
2. We only allow bow and arrow and muzzleloaders, except that hunters with a State handicapped hunting license may use crossbows.
3. The construction and use of permanent blinds, platforms or ladders is not permitted.
4. No discharge of firearms is permitted within 100 yards of an occupied dwelling
5. Refuge hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the deer hunts.
6. Hunters may only take one deer per day from the refuge.
7. Refuge personnel must check deer harvested during scheduled hunts before hunters leave the refuge.
8. We prohibit entry into the designated hunt area by nonhunters during the second State muzzleloader season.
1. We allow bank fishing by wading in the water and from nonmotorized boats on Stanfield Lake from May 15 through October 15. We prohibit the use of boats at other times and in other refuge waters.
2. We only allow fishing with rod and reel or pole and line.
3. We allow fishing on Richart Lake during periods as posted in the spring and fall.
4. The minimum size limit for large-mouth black bass taken from refuge waters is 14 inches (35 cm).
5. We allow ice fishing on Stanfield Lake and other fishing areas designated by signs and when ice conditions permit.
6. We allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
7. You may take frog and turtle by hook and line from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
8. We allow “Belly boat”-type inflatables as long as the occupant's feet remain in contact with the bottom.
1. We only allow the use of portable blinds or temporary blinds constructed of native vegetation. Hunters must remove all portable blinds and dismantle temporary blinds (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each day.
2. We only allow motorboats on Snakey Point Marsh east of the South Fork River and the Patoka River. You must operate motorboats at no-wake speed. We open other waters to hand-powered or battery-driven motors. We prohibit airboats.
3. You must remove boats and decoys (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each day.
4. We do not open Cane Ridge Wildlife Management Area to all hunting.
1. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while hunting, except while hunting for turkey (see § 32.2(k)).
2. You must possess and carry a refuge permit for furbearer hunting.
3. We allow dogs for hunting provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
1. We prohibit construction or use permanent tree stands or blinds (see § 27.92 of this chapter). We only allow portable stands.
2. Condition A4 applies.
1. We allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset, except on the Patoka River.
2. We only allow fishing with rod and reel or pole and line.
3. The minimum size limit for large-mouth bass on Snakey Point Marsh is 14 inches (35 cm).
4. You must possess and carry a refuge permit to take bait fish, crayfish, snapping turtle, and bull frog.
5. Condition A2 applies.
6. Anglers must remove boats (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each day.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. You must possess and carry refuge permits for archery hunting at all times while hunting.
2. Hunters must not construct or use permanent blinds, platforms or ladders at any time.
3. Hunters must remove all hunting stands from the refuge by the close of the season.
1. Ice fishing is permitted from January 1 through the end of February when conditions are safe.
2. Motor- or wind-driven conveyances are not permitted on the lake from January 1 through the end of February.
3. The use of portable ice fishing shelters is permitted on a daily basis from January 1 through the end of February.
4. Only the use of pole and line, or rod and reel, is permitted from April 15 through October 14 with the exception that archery and spear fishing are permitted only for nongame fish from April 15 to October 14.
5. Fishing with more than two lines or with more than two hooks on each line is not permitted.
6. The use of trotlines and float lines is not permitted.
7. Minimum length and creel limits are required as posted.
8. We prohibit taking or possession of turtle or frog at any time (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
1. In areas posted “Area Closed,” we prohibit entry, including hunting.
2. In areas open to hunting, we allow hunting beginning November 1 until the close of State hunting seasons or January 15, whichever occurs first.
3. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting for any allowed birds or other small game.
1. In areas posted “Area Closed,” we prohibit all public entry, including hunting.
2. In areas open to hunting, we allow hunting beginning November 1 until the close of State hunting seasons or January 15, whichever occurs first.
3. We allow archery and muzzleloader hunting only.
4. We allow deer drives only during lawful party hunting conducted within the refuge, in accordance with State regulations. We prohibit driving deer from or through the refuge to any persons hunting outside the refuge boundary.
5. We do not allow construction or use of permanent blinds, platforms, or ladders.
6. You must remove all stands from the refuge following each day's hunt.
1. You must possess and carry a refuge permit.
2. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) while hunting for any permitted bird or other small game.
3. We allow hunting of upland game from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the dates posted at the refuge.
4. All hunters must cover their head and chest with one or more of the following articles of visible, external, solid-blaze-orange clothing: a hat, vest, coat, jacket, sweatshirt, sweater, shirt, or coveralls.
1. You must possess and carry a refuge permit.
2. We only allow portable stands, and hunters must remove them at the end of each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
3. We only allow hunter access from
1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting for any permitted birds or other small game.
2. We allow hunting only during the dates posted at the refuge.
3. All hunters must wear one or more of the following articles of visible, external, solid-blaze-orange clothing: a hat, vest, coat, jacket, sweatshirt, sweater, shirt, or coveralls.
Refer to § 32.42 Minnesota for regulations.
Refer to § 32.32 Illinois for regulations.
1. We allow hunters on the refuge from 1 hour before legal sunrise until
2. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
3. We allow boats or other floating devices. We allow gasoline and electric motors. We prohibit the use of air-thrust boats. You may not leave boats unattended.
4. You may construct blinds using manmade materials or natural vegetation found on the refuge. We prohibit bringing plants or their parts onto the refuge (see § 26.52 of this chapter).
5. You must remove boats, decoys, and blinds (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge at the end of each day.
6. We allow the use of hunting dogs provided that the dogs remain under the immediate control of the hunter at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
7. We prohibit entry into any closed area to retrieve downed game, unless the hunter has received written permission from the refuge manager.
8. We prohibit hunting on road rights-of-way on any portion of the refuge not open to hunting. The road right-of-way extends to the center of the road.
1. We only allow hunting in the Core Area during the dates posted at the Refuge Headquarters.
2. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)). We prohibit possession of shotgun slugs.
3. Hunters may only enter the refuge from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
4. Conditions A6, A7, and A8 apply.
1. Condition B1 and A8 apply.
2. Deer hunters in the Core Area must possess a valid State deer hunting license and an unfilled deer transportation tag.
3. We only allow deer hunters to enter the refuge from
4. Deer hunters may only possess shot shells that shoot a single projectile (
5. We prohibit turkey hunting in the Core Area at all times.
6. We only allow turkey hunters to enter the refuge from
7. Turkey hunters may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
8. We allow the use of temporary stands, blinds, platforms, or ladders. You may construct blinds using manmade materials or natural vegetation found on the refuge. We prohibit bringing plants or their parts onto the refuge (see § 27.52 of this chapter).
9. You must remove decoys, stands, blinds, platforms, and ladders from the refuge at the end of each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
10. We prohibit entry into any closed area to retrieve downed game, unless the hunter has received written permission from the refuge manager.
1. We allow fishing from April 15 through September 30.
2. We allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
3. We prohibit the use of boats, canoes, or other floating devices.
4. We prohibit the use or possession of lead terminal tackle.
Refer to § 32.32 Illinois for regulations.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. We only allow waterfowl hunting on portions of the refuge on the south side of the Neosho River.
2. We prohibit hunting or possession of weapons on the Neosho River.
3. We prohibit shooting from or over roads and parking areas.
4. We only allow portable blinds and blinds made from natural vegetation. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds and/or pits (see § 27.92 of this chapter).
5. We prohibit leaving decoys unattended at any time.
6. Dogs must be under the owner's immediate control at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
7. We prohibit hunters or dogs retrieving game in areas closed to hunting.
8. We allow crow hunting on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
i. We prohibit the use of centerfire rifles and pistols on the refuge;
ii. We close hunting areas on the north side of the Neosho River to all hunting from November 1 through March 1; and
iii. Conditions A2, A3, and A7 apply.
1. Conditions A2, A3, A6, A7, A8i, and A8ii apply.
1. We only allow shotguns, muzzleloading firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter), and archery equipment for deer hunting.
2. We prohibit the use of deer game tags on the refuge.
3. We do not open for deer hunting during the extended white-tailed deer antlerless season in January.
4. We require the use of approved nontoxic shot for turkey hunting (see § 32.2(k)).
5. Dogs used during the fall turkey season must be under the owner's immediate control at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
6. Conditions A2, A3, A7, and A8ii apply.
1. We do not open areas on the north side of the Neosho River to all fishing from November 1 through March 1, except for the Dove Roost pond and the Upper Burgess marsh.
2. We only allow fish bait collecting for personal use. We prohibit digging or habitat disturbance (see § 27.51 of this chapter).
1. You may only possess six shells per day in the area from the Quillback Cove parking lot to the No Hunting Zone boundary east of Dogtown.
2. You may use natural vegetation to construct a temporary blind.
3. You may use portable hunting blinds.
4. We prohibit construction or use of any permanent blind.
5. We prohibit digging or using holes or pits for blinds.
6. We prohibit retrieval of waterfowl from an area closed to waterfowl hunting.
7. We only allow waterfowl hunting by boat in Bow Creek. You may not create a wake while in Bow Creek.
8. We only allow motorized vehicles on designated roads, parking lots, campgrounds, and boat ramps (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
9. We prohibit the use of ATVs or snowmobiles on the refuge (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter).
10. We prohibit commercial guiding on the refuge.
1. You may only possess bow and arrow or shotguns no larger than 10 gauge on the refuge.
2. We only allow hunting of rabbit and squirrel during that portion of the State small game season that occurs during the State upland game season.
3. You may only possess six shells per day in the area from the Quillback Cove parking lot to the “Closed to Hunting” boundary east of Dogtown.
4. We prohibit retrieval of upland game from an area closed to upland game hunting.
5. Conditions A8, A9, and A10 apply.
1. We only allow archery hunting of deer.
2. Deer hunters must obtain a free refuge permit and possess and carry a signed permit in the field while hunting.
3. You may use portable tree stands and hunting blinds provided that you install them no more than 7 days prior to the season and remove them no later than 2 days after the season (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
4. We prohibit construction or use of any permanent stand or blind (see § 27.92 of this chapter).
5. We prohibit digging or using holes or pits for blinds.
6. You may use natural vegetation to construct a temporary blind.
7. Archery hunters with a valid refuge permit may retrieve deer from an area closed to deer hunting. You must receive consent from a refuge employee prior to entering the closed area.
8. We prohibit retrieving turkey from an area closed to turkey hunting.
9. Conditions A8, A9, and A10 apply.
1. We allow access to Kirwin Reservoir by foot to bank or ice fish.
2. We only allow motorized vehicles on designated roads, parking lots, campgrounds, and boat ramps (see § 27.31 of this chapter). We prohibit motorized vehicles on the ice.
3. We allow motorized boating in the main body of Kirwin Reservoir and in Bow Creek. You must not create a wake in Bow Creek or within 100 yards (90 m) of any shoreline or island in the main body of Kirwin Reservoir. We prohibit motorized boats in the Solomon Arm of Kirwin Reservoir.
4. We allow motorless boats in the Solomon Arm of Kirwin Reservoir from August 1 through October 31.
5. We prohibit access within 100 yards (90 m) of a nesting endangered or threatened species.
6. We allow noncommercial collection of bait fish in accordance with State regulations.
7. You must obtain a free Special Use Permit prior to conducting a fishing tournament on the refuge.
8. We prohibit disposal of fish cleanings on the refuge (see § 27.94 of this chapter).
9. Conditions A9 and A10 apply.
1. Hunters must remove decoys (see § 27.93 of this chapter) daily.
2. We restrict outboard motor use to the westernmost 5
3. We prohibit discharge of firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) within 150 yards (135 m) of any residence or other occupied building.
1. Condition A3 applies.
2. We prohibit rimfire rifles and pistols.
1. Deer and spring turkey hunters must possess and carry a refuge permit.
2. We prohibit centerfire rifles and pistols.
3. Condition A3 applies.
1. We open refuge hunting areas September 1 through February 28.
2. We may close refuge hunting areas to hunting without notice when whooping crane are present or emergencies arise.
3. We post refuge hunting areas as “Public Hunting Areas” and delineate them on the refuge hunting brochure map.
4. We allow hunters to enter the refuge 1 hour before legal shooting hours, and they must exit the refuge up to 1 hour past legal shooting hours.
5. We prohibit hunting from or across any road, trail, or parking area.
6. Hunters must park in designated parking areas.
7. We only allow portable devices or temporary blinds of natural vegetation. We prohibit construction of permanent blinds or pits (see § 27.92 of this chapter).
8. We prohibit the retrieval of game from areas closed to hunting.
9. We prohibit the use of boats, canoes, or other watercraft.
1. Conditions A1 through A6, and A8 apply.
2. We only allow shotguns for hunting on the refuge.
1. You may take fish species listed in the State fishing regulations. We prohibit taking of frog, snake, or any other wildlife (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
2. We prohibit the use of trotlines and setlines.
3. We prohibit the use of seines for taking bait.
4. We prohibit fishing from water control structures and bridges.
5. We restrict fishing in the designated “Kid's Pond,” approximately
6. The bag limit for the Kid's Pond is one fish per day.
7. We prohibit the use of boats, canoes, or other watercraft.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. The refuge is a day-use area only, with the exception of legal hunting/fishing activities.
2. We prohibit the use of motorized off-road vehicles (
3. We prohibit target practice on refuge property (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
4. We prohibit the use of mules and horses on all refuge hunts.
5. You must possess and carry a valid refuge permit while hunting on the refuge.
6. To retrieve or track game from a posted closed area of the refuge, the hunter must first request permission from the refuge manager at 270-527-5770 or refuge officer at 1-888-261-2000.
7. We prohibit the use of flagging tape, reflective tacks, or other devices used to identify paths to and mark tree stands, blinds, or other areas.
8. We close those portions of abandoned railroad tracks within the refuge boundary to vehicle access (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
9. No person will discharge a firearm within 100 feet (90 m) of any public roadways running through or adjoining refuge property.
10. Waterfowl hunters must pick up decoys and equipment, unload firearms (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter), and be out of the field by 2 p.m. daily during the State waterfowl season.
11. You may only use portable or temporary blinds that must be removed (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge each day.
12. We close, as posted, the Sharpe-Elva Water Management Unit from November 1 through March 15 to all entry with the exception of drawn permit holders and their guests.
13. We only allow waterfowl hunting on the Sharpe-Elva Water Management Unit on Saturdays and Sundays during the State waterfowl season. We only allow hunting by individuals in possession of a refuge draw permit and their guests. State regulations and the following conditions apply:
i. Application procedures and eligibility requirements are available from the refuge office.
ii. We allow permit holders and up to three guests to hunt their assigned provided blind on the designated date. We prohibit guests in the blind without the attendance of the permit holder.
iii. We prohibit selling, trading, or bartering of permits. The permit is nontransferable.
iv. You may place decoys out Saturday morning at the beginning of the hunt, and you must remove them by Sunday at the close of the hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
v. We prohibit watercraft in Sharpe-Elva Water Management Unit.
1. Conditions A1 through A12 apply.
2. You may not kill or cripple a game animal without making a reasonable effort to retrieve the animal and include it in your daily bag limit.
3. You may only use rimfire rifles, shotguns, and legal archery equipment for taking upland game.
1. Conditions A1 through A9, A12, and B2 apply.
2. We only allow the use of portable and climbing stands. You may place stands in the field (not attached to trees—see § 32.2(i)) no earlier than 2 weeks prior to the opening of deer season, and you must remove them from the field within 1 week after the season closes (see § 27.93 of this chapter). The hunter's name and address must appear on all stands left in the field.
3. You must remove stands from the tree when not in use, or they will be subject to confiscation (see § 27.93 of this chapter). We prohibit the use of any tree stand left attached and unattended.
4. You must use safety belts at all times when occupying the tree stands.
5. We prohibit organized deer drives of two or more hunters. We define “drive” as: the act of chasing, pursuing, disturbing, or otherwise directing deer so as to make animals more susceptible to harvest.
1. Conditions A1 through A9 and A12 apply.
Refer to § 32.68 West Virginia for regulations.
1. The refuge is a day-use area only, with the exception of legal hunting/fishing activities.
2. We prohibit the use of motorized off-road vehicles (
3. We set season dates and bag limits annually and publish them in the refuge public use regulations available at the refuge office.
4. You must possess and carry a valid refuge permit and report game taken as specified within the permit.
5. We allow hunters to access the refuge no more than 2 hours before legal sunrise and no more than 2 hours after legal sunset with the exception of raccoon hunters, who we will allow access from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. (midnight).
6. All youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a license. One adult hunter may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
1. Conditions B1 through B5, and B7 apply.
2. You may only participate in the refuge firearms deer and turkey hunts with a special quota permit issued through random drawing. You may obtain information on permit applications at the refuge headquarters.
3. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while turkey hunting on the refuge (see § 32.2(k)).
4. We only allow the use of portable blinds and tree stands on the refuge. You must remove blinds, tree stands, and all other personal equipment from the refuge at the end of each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
5. All youth hunters age 15 and younger must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older, possessing a license. One adult hunter may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
1. We allow access to the Long Point Unit (north of Upper Blue Basin) for fishing from March 16 through November 14, and the Grassy Island Unit (south of Upper Blue Basin) for fishing from February 1 through November 14.
2. We allow fishing on the refuge from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
3. We prohibit taking of frog or turtle on the refuge (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
4. We prohibit airboats, hovercraft, or personal watercraft (Jet Skis) on any waters within the refuge boundary.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. Hunters must possess and carry a signed refuge permit.
2. We allow migratory game bird hunting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays until 12 p.m. (noon) during the State season. We do not open for the special teal season and State youth waterfowl hunt.
3. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of the maintained rights-of-way of roads, refuge road or designated trail, building, residence, or designated public facility.
4. You must remove temporary blinds (see § 27.93 of this chapter) used for duck hunting by 12 p.m. (noon) on the last day of the State waterfowl season. You must clearly mark any stand or blind left on the refuge with the
5. We only allow dogs to locate, point, and retrieve when hunting for migratory game birds.
6. Youth hunters under age 16 must have completed a hunter education course and possess and carry evidence of completion. An adult age 21 or older must closely supervise youth hunters (within sight and normal voice contact). One adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters while hunting migratory game birds.
7. We prohibit any person or group to act as a hunting guide, outfitter, or in any other capacity that any other individual(s) pays or promises to pay directly or indirectly for services rendered to any other person or persons hunting on the refuge, regardless of whether such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club membership.
8. We prohibit use or possession of any type of trail-marking material.
9. Coyote, beaver, feral hog, and raccoon are incidental take species and, as such, you may take them during any open hunting season only with the weapon allowed for that season, if you are a hunter having the required licenses and permits. There is no bag limit on coyote and beaver. The feral hog bag limit is 10 per year, and the raccoon bag limit is 1 per day.
10. We prohibit entering the refuge from private property and/or hunt leases; you may use only designated entry sites.
11. You must check all game taken on the refuge before leaving the refuge at one of the self-clearing check stations indicated on the map in the refuge Hunting and Fishing Regulations Brochure.
12. You must use boats to access the refuge from Bayou Cocodrie or Cross Bayou. We prohibit entering the refuge from U.S. Highway 84. You must dock all boats used to access the refuge on the banks of the refuge. Boats used to cross “low water crossings” at Cross Bayou may be left for a maximum of 3 days, and you must clearly mark them with the name and address of the person responsible for the boat while it is on the refuge. We only allow outboard motors in Cocodrie Bayou and tributaries accessible therefrom.
13. We only allow ATVs on designated trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter) from September 1 through the hunting season. An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is an off-road vehicle with factory specifications not to exceed the following: weight 750 pounds (337.5 kg), length 85 inches (212.5 cm), and width 48 inches (120 cm). We restrict ATV tires to those no larger than 25 x 12 with a maximum 1 inch (2.5 cm) lug height and a maximum allowable tire pressure of 7 psi as indicated on the tire by the manufacturer.
14. We require all refuge users to sign in at a designated check station upon entering the refuge and sign out upon their departure.
15. Hunters with mobility impairments must possess and carry a valid special access permit from the refuge to use special access ATV trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter). State requirements for “Mobility-Impaired” classification apply. Mobility-impaired hunters must present their State “Disabled Hunter” card at the refuge headquarters to apply for the refuge special access permit.
16. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while hunting on the refuge (see § 32.2(k)). This requirement only applies to the use of shotgun ammunition.
1. We allow squirrel and rabbit hunting during the State season except during the open youth hunt for deer, the youth lottery hunt, the muzzleloader hunt, and the lottery deer hunt.
2. Conditions A1, A3, and A7 through A16 apply.
3. We allow the use of dogs to hunt squirrel and rabbit during that portion of the season designated as “With/Without Dogs.” We list specific season dates in the refuge brochure.
4. While engaged in upland game hunting, we prohibit possession of firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) larger than .22 caliber rimfire, shotgun slugs, or buckshot.
5. Hunters must enter the refuge no earlier than 2 hours before legal sunrise and must exit the refuge within 2 hours after legal sunset.
6. Youth hunters under age 16 must have completed a hunter education course and possess and carry evidence of completion. An adult age 21 or older must closely supervise youth hunters (within sight and normal voice contact). One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter while hunting upland game.
1. Conditions A1, A3, A7 through A16, and B5 apply.
2. The bag limit is one deer (of either sex) per day. The State season limit applies.
3. You must check all deer on the same day taken during lottery deer hunts at a staffed refuge check station.
4. Archery hunters must possess and carry proof of completion of the International Bowhunters Education Program.
5. We require a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
6. You may place temporary stands no more than 2 days prior to the opening of the respective season, and you must remove them by the last day of archery season (see § 27.93 of this chapter). You must clearly mark any stand left on the refuge with the name and address of the person using the stand.
7. We only allow deer hunting with modern firearms during the lottery deer hunt. We require special limited permits for the lottery deer hunt. We only allow hunters with a valid lottery deer hunt permit (must possess and carry the permit) to use the refuge during the lottery deer hunt.
8. We open archery season on the Saturday closest to October 31, and keep it open until the end of the State season, except we close the refuge to archery hunting during the refuge youth hunt, youth lottery hunt, and lottery deer hunt.
9. We allow deer hunting with muzzleloaders subject to State regulations. Specific open dates will appear in the annual Refuge Hunting and Fishing Regulations Brochure.
10. We prohibit possession or use of buckshot.
11. We prohibit possession or use of climbing spikes.
12. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait or hunting with the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals, or other feed or any nonnaturally occurring attractant on the refuge (see § 32.2(h)).
13. Youth hunters under age 16 must have completed a hunter education course and possess and carry evidence of completion. An adult age 21 or older must closely supervise youth hunters (within sight and normal voice contact). One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter while hunting big game.
1. Conditions A11 through A15 apply.
2. You must tend trotlines daily. You must attach ends of trotlines by a length of cotton line that extends into the water.
3. We prohibit commercial fishing. Recreational fishing using commercial gear (slat traps, etc.) requires a special refuge permit (that you must possess and carry) available at the refuge office.
4. We prohibit the taking of alligator snapping turtle (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
5. We only allow fishing during daylight hours.
1. The refuge is daylight use only.
2. Sport fishing and shellfishing are permitted year round on all refuge lands south of the Intracoastal Waterway; from the banks of U.S. Highway 11; and within the banks of the borrow canal and borrow pits between U.S. Highway 11 and Interstate 10.
3. We only allow sport fishing with hand-held rod and reel or hand-held rod and line. You may take bait shrimp with cast nets 8 feet (2.4 m) in diameter or less. You may take crawfish (up to 100 pounds (45 kg) per person) with wire nets up to 20 inches (50 cm) in diameter. We allow recreational crabbing with a limit of 12 dozen per person. You must attend all fishing, crabbing, and crawfishing equipment at all times.
4. The use of trotlines, limblines, slat traps, gar sets, nets or alligator lines is prohibited on the refuge.
5. Only outboard motors 25 horsepower or less are permitted in waterways inside the hurricane protection levee.
6. We prohibit air-thrust boats, motorized pirogues, mud boats, and air-cooled propulsion engines on the refuge.
7. We prohibit feeding of any wildlife within the refuge.
8. We prohibit all commercial finfishing and shellfishing.
1. You must possess and carry a signed Public Use Permit while on the refuge. This permit is free and available on the front cover of the refuge's brochure.
2. We prohibit hunting in and/or shooting into or across any open field, roadway, or canal.
3. Youth hunters under age 16 must have completed a hunter education course and possess and carry evidence of completion. An adult age 21 or older must closely supervise youth hunters (within sight and normal voice contact). One adult can supervise no more than two youth hunters while hunting migratory game birds. All hunters and adult supervisors must possess and carry proof of completion of a State Hunter Education Course.
4. All hunters must have a refuge lottery hunting permit prior to hunting. You will find applications for refuge permits (that you must possess and carry) inside the refuge hunting, fishing, and public use brochures.
5. All hunters must check-in prior to hunting and check out after hunting at a refuge
6. We prohibit airboats and marsh buggies (tracked vehicles) on the refuge. We restrict motorized boat use to existing canals, ditches, trenasses, ponds, and from areas marked as nonmotorized areas only.
7. We prohibit parking, walking, or hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of any active oil well site, production facility, or equipment. We also prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of any public road, refuge road, trail, building, residence, or designated public facility.
8. We prohibit feeding of any wildlife within the refuge.
9. We allow hunting until 12 p.m. (noon). We allow hunters to enter the refuge up to 2 hours before legal sunrise.
10. We open the refuge to hunting of migratory game bird on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays of the State waterfowl season.
11. We allow hunting in the Centerville, Garden City, Bayou Sale, North Bend—East, and North Bend—West Units through November 30. After November 30, we allow hunting in the Centerville, Garden City, and Bayou Sale Units only. We open no other units to hunting of migratory game birds.
12. We only allow dogs to locate, point, and retrieve when hunting for migratory game birds.
13. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while hunting on the refuge (see § 32.2(k)). This requirement only applies to the use of shotgun ammunition.
1. We only allow hunting from the start of the State squirrel and rabbit seasons until the last day of State waterfowl season in the West Zone.
2. We prohibit upland game hunting on days corresponding with refuge deer gun hunts.
3. We allow hunters to enter the refuge up to 2 hours before legal sunrise, but they must leave the refuge 1 hour after legal sunset.
4. We allow hunting 7 days a week beginning with the opening of State seasons in the Centerville, Garden City, Bayou Sale, North Bend—East, and North Bend—West Units through November 30. After November 30, we only allow hunting on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays in the Centerville, Garden City, and Bayou Sale Units until 12 p.m. (noon). We open no other units to hunting of upland game.
5. We prohibit dogs.
6. Conditions A1 through A8 and A13 apply.
1. We only allow hunting of deer with firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) during 7 specific days in November. A youth gun hunt will occur during the first weekend in November. The first of two general gun hunts will occur on the third weekend, and the final general gun hunt will occur during the final full weekend of November. These gun hunts include both Saturday and Sunday only, except the final general gun hunt will additionally include the Friday immediately before the weekend.
2. We allow hunting of deer with archery equipment from the start of the State archery season until the last day of November, except for those days that deer gun hunts occur.
3. All archery hunters must possess and carry proof of completion of the International Bowhunters Education Program.
4. We allow hunting in the Centerville, Garden City, Bayou Sale, North Bend—East, and North Bend—West Units only. We do not open the Bayou Sale Unit for all big game firearm hunts.
5. We only allow each hunter to possess 1 deer of either sex per day. State season limits apply.
6. You may take no other native or feral wildlife other than white-tailed deer while engaged in big game hunting (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
7. We prohibit possession of buckshot.
8. We require a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
9. Conditions A1 through A8 and B3 apply.
1. We only allow recreational fishing. We prohibit all commercial fishing activity.
2. We prohibit the use of unattended nets, traps, or lines (trot, jug, bush, etc.).
3. The refuge is daylight use only.
4. We prohibit the take of turtle (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
5. Conditions A1 and A5 through A8 apply.
1. We allow waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, until 12 p.m. (noon), including the special teal season and youth waterfowl hunt.
2. We do not open the refuge to goose hunting for that part of the season that extends beyond the regular duck season.
3. You must remove blinds and decoys (see § 27.93 of this chapter) by noon.
4. We only allow dogs to locate, point, and retrieve when hunting for migratory game birds.
5. You must possess and carry a valid refuge hunt permit.
6. We prohibit air-thrust boats, motorized pirogues, mud boats, and air-cooled propulsion engines on the refuge.
7. Youth hunters under age 16 must have completed a hunter education course and possess and carry evidence of completion. An adult age 21 or older must closely supervise youth hunters (within sight and normal voice contact). One adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters while hunting migratory game.
8. We only open the refuge during daylight hours.
9. We prohibit possession of buckshot, slugs, rifles, or rifle ammunition.
10. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of the maintained rights-of-way of roads, refuge road, trail, building, residence, designated public facility, above-ground oil and gas or electrical facilities, or from across ATV trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
11. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while hunting on the refuge (see § 32.2(k)).
1. We allow upland game hunting during the open State season using only approved nontoxic (see § 32.2(k)) shot size #4 or smaller.
2. You may only use dogs for squirrel and rabbit after the close of the State gun deer season.
3. We only allow dogs to locate, point, and retrieve when hunting for snipe, woodcock and quail.
4. Conditions A5 through A11 apply.
1. We are open during the State season for archery hunting of deer.
2. We only allow portable stands.
3. We prohibit dogs and driving deer.
4. You may take deer of either sex for the entire archery deer season. The State season limits apply.
5. You must remove all deer stands within 14 days of the end of the refuge deer season (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
6. You may only take hogs during the refuge archery hunt with bow and arrow.
7. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait or hunting with the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals or other feed or any nonnaturally occurring attractant on the refuge (see § 32.2(h)).
8. Conditions A5 through A11 apply.
9. Youth hunters under age 16 must have completed a hunter education course and possess and carry evidence of completion. An adult age 21 or older must closely supervise youth hunters (within sight and normal voice contact). One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter while hunting big game.
1. You may only fish during from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
2. You must only use rods and reel or pole and lines while fishing.
3. We prohibit trotlines, slat traps, jug lines, or nets.
4. We allow recreational crabbing.
5. We prohibit all commercial finfishing and shellfishing.
6. We prohibit the taking of turtle (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
7. Condition A6 applies.
1. You must possess and carry a signed refuge hunt permit.
2. We allow hunting north of “cemetery pipeline” and east of the main body (permanent water) of Black Bayou Lake.
3. We allow waterfowl hunting until 12 p.m. (noon) during the State season except we do not open during the special teal season and State youth waterfowl hunt.
4. We prohibit accessing the hunting area by boat from Black Bayou Lake.
5. You may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m.
6. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of the maintained rights-of-way of roads, from or across ATV trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter), and from above-ground oil or gas or electrical transmission facilities.
7. We prohibit leaving boats, blinds, and decoys unattended.
8. We only allow dogs to locate, point, and retrieve when hunting for migratory game birds.
9. Youth hunters under age 16 must successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While hunting, each youth must possess and carry a card or certificate of completion. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact
10. We prohibit any person or group to act as a hunting guide, outfitter, or in any other capacity that any other individual(s) pays or promises to pay directly or indirectly for services rendered to any other person or persons hunting on the refuge, regardless of whether such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club membership.
11. We only allow ATVs on trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter) designated for their use and marked by signs. We do not open ATV trails March 1 through August 31. An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is an off-road vehicle with factory specifications not to exceed the following: weight 750 lbs. (337.5 kg), length 85 inches (212.5 cm), and width 48 inches (120 cm). We restrict ATV tires to those no larger than 25 x 12 with a maximum of 1 inch (2.5 cm) lug height and a maximum allowable tire pressure of 7 psi as indicated on the tire by the manufacturer.
1. Conditions A1, A2, A4, A6, A9, and A10 apply.
2. We prohibit possession of firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) larger than .22 caliber rimfire, shotgun slugs, and buckshot.
3. You may hunt raccoon and opossum from
4. We allow use of dogs to hunt squirrel and rabbit after the refuge archery deer hunt.
5. We allow use of horses and mules to hunt raccoon and opossum at night only after obtaining a Special Use Permit at the refuge office.
6. We prohibit opossum and raccoon night hunters from using ATVs.
7. You may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m. and must exit no later than 1 hour after legal shooting hours.
8. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) while hunting on the refuge. This requirement only applies to the use of shotgun ammunition.
1. Conditions A1, A4, A6, A10, A11, and B7 apply.
2. We allow archery deer hunting during October, November, and December north of “cemetery pipeline” and east of the main body (permanent water) of Black Bayou Lake.
3. We prohibit gun deer hunting.
4. The daily bag limit is one deer of either sex. The State season limit applies.
5. Hunters must possess and carry proof of completion of the International Bowhunters Education Program.
6. We prohibit leaving deer stands, blinds, and other equipment unattended.
7. Youth hunters under age 16 must successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While hunting, each youth must possess and carry a card or certificate of completion. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
1. You may enter the refuge
2. You may only launch boats at the concrete ramp adjacent to the visitor center. We prohibit launching boats with motors greater than 50 hp. We prohibit personal watercraft (Jet Skis).
3. We prohibit trotlines, limb lines, yo-yos, traps, or nets.
4. We prohibit commercial fishing.
5. We prohibit leaving boats or other equipment on the refuge overnight (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
6. We require a boat launch fee. You must pay launch fees and fill out and properly display your launch permit before launching boat.
7. We prohibit take of frog, turtle, and mollusk (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
8. We prohibit crossing the water hyacinth blooms in a boat.
1. We allow hunting from
2. We only allow woodcock hunting using approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) size #4 or smaller.
3. Youth hunters under age 16 must successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While hunting, each youth must possess and carry a certificate of completion. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. For waterfowl hunts, one adult may supervise two youth hunters.
4. We only allow dogs to locate, point, and retrieve when hunting for migratory game birds.
5. We require a signed refuge hunt permit.
6. We allow public hunting refuge-wide during the open State season for listed species,
7. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of any public road, refuge road, trail, building, residence, designated public facility or from or across above-ground oil or gas or electrical facilities.
8. We prohibit possession of slugs, buckshot, or rifle or pistol ammunition larger than .22 caliber rimfire.
1. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while hunting on the refuge (see § 32.2(k)). This requirement only applies to the use of shotgun ammunition.
2. You may use dogs for squirrel during a portion of the squirrel season, typically in November and from after the close of the refuge gun deer season until the end of the State squirrel season.
3. You may use dogs for rabbit during a portion of the squirrel season, typically in November and after the close of the State gun deer season.
4. You may use dogs for raccoon; the season is typically during the months of January and February.
5. We will close the refuge to hunting (except waterfowl) and camping when the Pearl River reaches 15.5 feet (4.65 m) on the Pearl River Gauge at Pearl River, Louisiana.
6. We prohibit the take of feral hog during any upland game hunts.
7. Condition A3 (upland game hunts), and A5 through A8 apply.
1. Conditions A3 (one adult can only supervise one youth hunter during refuge Gun Deer Hunts), A5 through A7, and B5 apply.
2. You must remove all deer stands within 14 days following the end of the refuge deer season (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
3. We typically open archery deer season (either sex) from October 1 through 31 and also for 1 to 2 weeks in January.
4. General Gun Deer Hunts are typically in November and December.
5. Primitive weapons season is typically open in December.
6. We prohibit the use of dogs.
7. We prohibit using shot larger than No. 2 during turkey season.
8. You may only take gobblers.
9. You may take hogs during refuge archery and general Gun Deer Hunts only. Additionally, you may take hogs typically during varying dates in January and February, and you must only take them with the aid of trained hog-hunting dogs from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
10. You must kill all hogs prior to removal from the refuge.
11. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait or hunting with the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals, or other feed or nonnaturally occurring attractant on the refuge (see § 32.2(h)).
1. We only allow cotton limb lines.
2. Condition B5 applies.
3. We close the fishing ponds at the Pearl River Turnaround to fishing during the months of April, May, and June.
4. We prohibit boats in the fishing ponds at the Pearl River Turnaround.
5. We prohibit the take of turtle (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
1. Anglers may fish year-round.
2. Crabbers must tend crabbing equipment at all times.
3. Anglers may not use trotlines, slat traps, or nets.
1. The waterfowl hunt is a youth hunt only. We set hunt dates in September, and you may obtain information from the refuge. We will accept permit applications September 1 through October 15 and limit applications to a choice of 2 dates. We will notify successful applicants.
2. Youth hunters under age 16 must successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While hunting, each youth must possess and carry a card or certificate of completion. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. For waterfowl hunts, one adult may supervise two youth hunters.
3. We require every hunter to possess and carry signed refuge hunting regulations and permit.
4. You must complete a Hunter Information Card at a self-clearing check station after each hunt before leaving the refuge.
5. We allow dove hunting in designated areas on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12 p.m. (noon) to legal sunset during the first split of State dove season only.
6. We allow snipe hunting in designated areas on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12 p.m. (noon) to legal sunset for the remainder of the State season after closure of the waterfowl season.
7. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of any public road, refuge road, trail, building, residence, or designated public facility.
8. We prohibit any person or group to act as a hunting guide, outfitter, or in any other capacity that any other individual(s) pays or promises to pay directly or indirectly for services rendered to any other person or persons hunting on the refuge, regardless of whether such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club membership.
1. You must possess and carry proof of completion of the International Bowhunters Education Program to bowhunt on the refuge.
2. Conditions A2 (for big game hunt, one adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter), A3, A4, A7, and A8 apply.
1. You must fish with a rod and reel or a pole and line. We prohibit the possession of any other type of fishing gear, including limb lines, gill nets, jug lines, yo-yos or trotlines.
2. You may fish, crab, or cast net in the East Cove unit year-round from legal sunrise to legal sunset, except during the State waterfowl season and when we close the Grand Bayou Boat Bay.
3. We prohibit fishing, crabbing, or cast netting from or trespassing on refuge water control structures at any time.
4. We prohibit walking, wading, or climbing in or on the marsh, levees, or structures.
5. We allow sport fishing, crabbing, and cast netting in the Gibbstown Unit Bank Fishing Road waterways and adjacent borrow pits and the Outfall Canal from March 15 through October 15 only.
6. We only allow nonpowered boats in the Bank Fishing Road waterways.
7. We only allow recreational crabbing with cotton hand lines or dropnets up to 24 inches (60 cm) outside diameter.
8. You must attend all lines, nets, and bait and remove them from the refuge (see § 27.93 of this chapter) when you leave.
9. We allow a daily limit of five dozen crabs per boat or vehicle.
10. We allow recreational cast netting for shrimp during the Louisiana Inland Shrimp Season when we open the East Cove Unit for boats.
11. You may only use a cast net that does not exceed a 5 foot (12.5 cm) hanging radius.
12. We allow a daily limit of 5 gallons (19 L) of heads-on shrimp per boat.
13. We only allow recreational cast netting for bait year-round when we open the East Cove Unit for boats.
14. We prohibit the use of ATVs, air-thrust boats, personal motorized watercraft (Jet Skis), and air-cooled propulsion engines (go devil-style motors) in any refuge area (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter).
15. You may operate outboard motors in refuge canals, bayous, and lakes. We only allow trolling motors in the marsh.
16. Condition A8 applies.
17. We prohibit the taking of turtle (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
1. We require hunters/anglers age 16 and older to possess and carry a signed refuge hunting/fishing/ATV permit.
2. Each hunter must sign in at the refuge check station when entering and leaving the refuge.
3. The refuge opens at 4 a.m. and closes 1 hour after legal sunset.
4. We prohibit possession of firearms in areas posted as “No Hunting Zones.”
5. You may only enter and exit the refuge from designated parking areas.
6. Youth hunters under age 16 must successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While hunting, each youth must possess and carry a card or certificate of completion. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult must possess and carry a refuge permit and may supervise no more than two youth hunters during waterfowl/upland game hunting.
7. We allow take of beaver, feral hog, nutria, raccoon, and coyote incidental to any refuge hunt with weapons legal for that hunt until you take the daily bag limit of game.
8. You must report all harvested game at the refuge check station upon leaving the refuge. If you harvest game at a time when the refuge is closed to vehicular traffic, you must report it to the refuge office.
9. We allow use of all-terrain vehicles on designated refuge trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter) for wildlife-dependent activities from the first Saturday in September to the last day of the State-designated rabbit season. An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is an off-road vehicle with factory specifications not to exceed the following: weight 750 lbs. (337.5 kg), length 85 inches (212.5 cm), and width 48 inches (120 cm). We restrict ATV tires to those no larger than 25 x 12 with a maximum 1 inch (2.5 cm) lug height and a maximum allowable tire pressure of 7 psi as indicated on the tire by the manufacturer.
10. We prohibit transport of loaded weapons on an ATV (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter).
11. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of any public road, refuge road, trail or ATV trail, building, residence, or designated public facility.
12. We prohibit the possession or use of nonbiodegradable flagging tape.
13. We prohibit horses or mules.
14. We only allow parking in designated parking areas.
15. We prohibit camping or overnight parking on the refuge.
16. We prohibit air-thrust boats on the refuge.
17. We prohibit all other hunting during the special youth and Gun Deer Hunts.
18. We allow waterfowl hunting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays until 12 p.m. (noon) during the designated State duck season, except during the refuge quota deer hunts.
19. You must remove boats, blinds, and decoys (see § 27.93 of this chapter) daily.
20. We only allow dogs to locate, point, and retrieve when hunting for migratory game birds.
1. Conditions A1 through A17, and A19 apply.
2. We allow the use of .22 caliber or less rimfire rifles and 12 gauge or higher shotguns to hunt upland game.
3. We allow the use of squirrel and rabbit dogs from the day after the close of the State-designated deer rifle season to the end of the State-designated season. We allow up to two dogs per hunting party.
4. We require the owner's name and phone number on the collars of all dogs.
5. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while hunting on the refuge (see § 32.2(k)). This requirement only applies to the use of shotgun ammunition.
1. Conditions A1 through A17, and A19 apply.
2. You must only hunt deer using bow and arrow during the State-designated deer season, except during the refuge quota deer hunts and the youth deer hunt.
3. You must possess and carry proof of completion of the International Bowhunter Education Course to archery hunt on the refuge.
4. You must only use portable deer stands. Deer stands must have the owner's name, address, and phone number clearly printed on the stand.
5. We prohibit the use of dogs to trail wounded deer.
6. You may only take one deer of either sex per day during the deer season. State season limits apply. During the deer quota hunts, you may only take one deer of either sex during the quota hunt weekend.
7. We require a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
8. Youth hunters under age 16 must successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While hunting, each youth must possess and carry a card or certificate of completion. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult must possess and carry a refuge permit and may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
1. We prohibit commercial fishing or commercial crawfishing.
2. Conditions A1, A3, A4, A9 (on the open portions of Wood Duck ATV Trail for wildlife-dependent activities throughout the year), A13 through A16, and A19 apply.
3. We only allow hook and line to catch bait fish.
4. We prohibit slat traps or hoop nets on the refuge.
5. You may use trotlines and yo-yos on the refuge. The ends of trotlines must consist of a length of cotton line that extends from the points of attachment into the water. You must attend yo-yos (within sight) at all times.
6. We prohibit possession of cleaned or processed fish on the refuge.
7. We allow recreational crawfishing on the refuge with either traps or nets April 1 through July 31, according to State regulations regarding trap requirements and licensing. The harvest limit is 100 pounds (45 kg) per vehicle or boat per day.
8. You must attend all crawfish traps and nets at all times and may not leave them on
9. We prohibit harvest of frog or turtle on the refuge (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
1. Hunters must possess and carry a signed refuge hunting permit. Prior to entering and leaving the hunt area, we require hunters to sign in and out at designated locations as indicated on the refuge hunt/fish permit.
2. We allow goose, duck, and coot hunting on the Bushley Bayou Unit on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays only, from
3. We open the refuge to hunters 2 hours before official sunrise for migratory game bird hunting.
4. We allow ATVs on ATV trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter) designated on the refuge hunt/fish permit from September 1 through the end of rabbit season. We open Bushley Creek, Black Lake, Boggy Bayou, Round Lake, Dempsey Lake Roads, and that portion of Minnow Ponds Road at Highway 8 to Green's Creek Road and then south to Green's Creek Bridge to ATVs year-round. We only allow ATVs for wildlife-dependent activities. We define an ATV as an off-road vehicle (not legal for highway use) with factory specifications not to exceed the following: weight 750 lbs. (337.5 kg), length 85 inches (212.5 cm), and width 48 inches (120 cm). We restrict ATV tires to those no larger than 25 x 12 with a maximum 1 inch (2.5 cm) lug height and a maximum allowable tire pressure of 7 psi as indicated on the tire by the manufacturer.
5. We require hunters to remove all portable blinds, boats, decoys, and other personal equipment (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge by 1 p.m. daily.
6. We prohibit all migratory game bird hunting during deer-gun and muzzleloader hunts.
7. We prohibit hunting or shooting within 150 feet (45 m) of any public road, refuge road, ATV trail, building, residence, or designated public facility. We prohibit parking, walking, or hunting with 150 feet (45 m) of any active oil well site, production facility, or equipment.
8. We prohibit the use of air-thrust boats, inboard water-thrust boats, or personal watercraft. We only allow nonmotorized boats, boats with electric motors, or boats with a motor of 10 hp or less on Black Lake, Dempsey Lake, Long Lake, Rhinehart Lake, and Round Lake.
9. We prohibit the use of mules or horses.
10. Youth hunters under age 16 must successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While hunting, each youth must possess and carry a card or certificate of completion. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult must possess and carry a refuge permit and may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
11. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)). This requirement only applies to the use of shotgun ammunition.
12. We prohibit the possession of buckshot, slugs, or rifle ammunition larger than .17 caliber rimfire while engaged in migratory game bird hunts.
13. We prohibit any person or group to act as a hunting guide, outfitter, or in any other capacity that any other individual(s) pays or promises to pay directly or indirectly for services rendered to any other person or persons hunting on the refuge, regardless of whether such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club membership.
14. We prohibit marking areas or trails with tape, paint, paper, flagging, or any other material.
1. Conditions A1, A4 (at the Bushley Bayou Unit), and A7 through A13 apply.
2. At the Headquarters Unit, we only allow squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, and feral hog hunting from the first day of the State squirrel season through October 31.
3. At the Bushley Bayou Unit, we allow squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, and feral hog hunting in accordance with the State season.
4. We open the refuge to hunters from 2 hours before legal sunrise until 2 hours after legal sunset.
5. At the Headquarters Unit, we only allow ATV use year-round on the Muddy Bayou Road.
6. We prohibit squirrel, rabbit, and raccoon hunting during deer-gun and muzzleloader hunts.
7. We prohibit the use of airboats, inboard water-thrust boats, or personal watercraft. We only allow nonmotorized boats, boats with electric motors, or boats with a motor of 10 hp or less on Black Lake, Dempsey Lake, Long Lake, Rhinehart Lake, and Round Lake of the Bushley Bayou Unit and Duck Lake, Cowpen Bayou, Willow Lake, and the Highway 28 and 84 borrow pits of the Headquarters Unit.
8. At the Headquarters Unit, we close upland game hunting during high water conditions with an elevation of 42 feet (12.6 m) or above as measured at the Corps of Engineers river gauge at Archie or the center of the lake gauge on Catahoula Lake. At the
1. Conditions A1, A4 (at the Bushley Bayou Unit), A7 through A9, A12, A13, and B4 through B8 (big game hunting) apply.
2. At the Bushley Bayou Unit, we allow deer-archery hunting during the State archery season, except when closed during deer-gun and deer-muzzleloader hunts. We allow either-sex muzzleloader hunting during the first segment of the State season for Area 1, weekdays only (Monday through Friday) and the third weekend in December. We allow either-sex, deer-gun hunting for the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday immediately following Thanksgiving Day and for the second weekend following Thanksgiving Day.
3. At the Headquarters Unit, we allow deer-archery hunting during the State archery season, except when closed during the deer-gun hunt south of the French Fork of the Little River. We only allow either-sex, deer-gun hunting on the Friday and Saturday immediately following Thanksgiving Day on the area south of the French Fork of the Little River.
4. We allow portable stands and climbing stands, but hunters must remove them from the refuge daily (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
5. We prohibit possession of buckshot.
6. We require a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
7. You may only take one deer per day during any refuge deer hunt. The State season limits apply.
8. We prohibit organized drives for deer and/or hog.
9. Archery hunters must possess and carry proof of completion of the International Bowhunters Education Program.
10. Youth hunters under age 16 must successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While hunting, each youth must possess and carry a card or certificate of completion. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult must possess and carry a refuge permit and may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
1. Conditions A4 (at the Bushley Bayou Unit), A12 (as a fishing guide), B5, and B7 apply.
2. We require anglers to possess and carry at all times a signed copy of a current refuge hunting/fishing permit.
3. At the Bushley Bayou Unit, we allow fishing and crawfishing year-round. We allow trotlines, but you must tend them at least once every 24 hours and reset them when receding water levels expose them. You must attach them with a length of cotton line that extends into the water. We allow yo-yos, but you must attend and only use them from 1 hour before legal sunrise until
4. At the Headquarters Unit, we allow year-round fishing on Cowpen Bayou and the Highway 28 borrow pits. We open fishing on the remainder of the Headquarters Unit including Duck Lake, Muddy Bayou, Willow Lake, and the Highway 84 borrow pits from March 1 through October 31. We only allow pole and line or rod and reel fishing. We prohibit snagging.
5. We allow fishing from 1 hour before legal sunrise until
6. At the Headquarters Unit, we only allow launching of trailered boats at designated boat ramps. You may launch small, hand-carried boats at nonboat ramp sites. We prohibit dragging boats or driving vehicles (see § 27.31 of this chapter) onto road shoulders to launch boats.
7. We prohibit the taking or possession of all snakes, frogs, turtles, salamanders, and mollusks by any means (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
1. Hunters must possess and carry a signed refuge permit.
2. We prohibit waterfowl hunting in the “Beanfield” area west of Bayou D'Arbonne and between Holland's Bluff Road and the “Big Powerline” east of Bayou D'Arbonne. We mark prohibited areas with blue paint and signs.
3. We prohibit woodcock hunting in the “Beanfield” area west of Bayou D'Arbonne.
4. We allow waterfowl hunting until 12 p.m. (noon) during the State season except when closed during the special teal season and State youth waterfowl hunt.
5. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m.
6. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of any public road.
7. We prohibit leaving boats, blinds, and decoys unattended.
8. We only allow dogs to locate, point, and retrieve when hunting for migratory game birds.
9. Youth hunters under age 16 must successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While hunting each youth must possess and carry a card or certificate of completion. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult must possess and carry a refuge permit and may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
10. We prohibit any person or group to act as a hunting guide, outfitter, or in any other capacity that any other individual(s) pays or promises to pay directly or indirectly for services rendered to any other person or persons hunting on the refuge, regardless of whether such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club membership.
1. Conditions A1, A6, A9, and A10 apply.
2. We prohibit hunting in the “Beanfield” area west of Bayou D'Arbonne after October 31.
3. We prohibit possession of firearms larger than .22 caliber rimfire, shotgun slugs, and buckshot while engaged in upland game hunting.
4. You may hunt raccoon and opossum during the daylight hours of rabbit and squirrel season and at night during December and January. You may use dogs for night hunting. You may take raccoon and opossum on the refuge, but we prohibit their sale for human consumption.
5. You may use dogs to hunt squirrel and rabbit after the last refuge Gun Deer Hunt.
6. You may only use horses and mules to hunt raccoon and opossum at night after obtaining a special permit at the refuge office.
7. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m. and must exit no later than 2 hours after legal shooting hours.
8. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)). This requirement only applies to the use of shotgun ammunition.
1. Conditions A1, A3 (for gun deer hunting), A6, A10, and B7 apply.
2. We allow general gun deer hunting on the following days: the first consecutive Saturday and Sunday of November, the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday following Thanksgiving Day, and the second Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving Day. We allow archery deer hunting during the entire State season.
3. We allow a restricted Gun Deer Hunt for hunters with Class I Wheelchair Bound Permit issued by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries on the second consecutive Saturday and Sunday of November. Only permitted hunters may carry firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
4. The daily bag limit is one antlered and one antlerless deer. The State season limit applies.
5. You must check all deer taken during general Gun Deer Hunts at a refuge check station between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on the same day taken unless stated otherwise in the annual refuge hunting brochure and permit.
6. Archery hunters must possess and carry proof of completion of the International Bowhunters Education Program.
7. We prohibit leaving deer stands, blinds, and other equipment unattended.
8. Deer hunters must wear hunter orange as per State deer hunting regulations on Wildlife Management Areas.
9. We prohibit hunters placing, or hunting from, stands on pine trees with white painted bands/rings.
10. Youth hunters under age 16 must successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While hunting each youth must possess and carry a card or certificate of completion. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult must possess and carry a refuge permit and may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
1. We prohibit leaving boats and other personal property on the refuge unattended.
2. You must tend trotlines daily. You must attach ends of trotlines by a length of cotton line that extends into the water.
3. We prohibit commercial fishing. Recreational fishing using commercial gear (slat traps, etc.) requires a special refuge permit (that you must possess and carry) available at the refuge office.
4. We prohibit the taking of turtle (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
1. We allow waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays until 12 p.m. (noon), including special teal season, youth waterfowl season, and “light goose” special conservation season.
2. We only allow temporary blinds. You must remove both blinds and decoys (see § 27.93 of this chapter) by 12 p.m. (noon).
3. We only allow dogs to locate, point, and retrieve when hunting for migratory game birds.
4. Hunters must possess and carry a valid refuge hunt permit.
5. We only allow hunting on those portions of the refuge that lie northwest of Main Pass and south of Raphael Pass.
6. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while hunting on the refuge (see § 32.2(k)). We prohibit possession of buckshot, slugs, rifles, or rifle ammunition.
7. We prohibit air-thrust boats, motorized pirogues, mud boats, and air-cooled propulsion engines on the refuge.
8. We close all refuge lands between Raphael Pass and Main Pass to all entry during the State waterfowl hunting season.
9. We prohibit discharge of firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) within 250 yards (225 m) of buildings or worksites, such as oil or gas production facilities.
10. We allow primitive camping year-round in designated areas (see refuge map). No person or party will remain camped, nor will any campsite remain established, in excess of 14 consecutive days.
11. Youth hunters under age 16 must successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While hunting, each youth must possess and carry a card or certificate of completion. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult must possess and carry a refuge permit and may supervise no more than two youth hunters during waterfowl hunts.
12. We prohibit any person or group to act as a hunting guide, outfitter, or in any other capacity than any other individual(s) pays or promises to pay directly or indirectly for services rendered to any other person or persons hunting on the refuge, regardless of whether such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club membership.
1. The refuge rabbit season opens the day after the State duck season closes and continues through the remainder of the State rabbit season.
2. We restrict hunting to shotgun only.
3. We allow dogs for rabbit hunting.
4. Conditions A4 through A12 (each adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters during upland game hunting), and A13 apply.
1. For archery hunting of deer and hogs, conditions A4 through A11, A12 (each adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter during big game hunting), and A13 apply.
2. We allow archery deer hunting October 1 through 31 (either sex) and from the day after the close of the State duck season through the end of the State deer archery season.
3. Hunters must only use portable stands for archery deer hunting.
4. We prohibit dogs and driving of deer for archery deer hunting.
5. You may only take hog with archery equipment.
6. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait or hunting with the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals or other feed or any nonnaturally occurring attractant on the refuge (see § 32.2(h)).
1. We only allow recreational fishing and crabbing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
2. We prohibit all commercial finfishing and shellfishing.
3. We prohibit the use of trotlines, limblines, slat traps, jug lines, nets, or alligator lines.
4. Condition A8, A11, and A13 (fishing guide) applies.
5. We prohibit the taking of turtle (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
1. We require hunters/anglers age 16 and older to purchase and carry a signed refuge hunting/fishing/ATV permit.
2. Hunters must fill out a free daily “check-in” and “check out” refuge hunting permit obtained at designated check stations and must properly display the associated windshield permit while in parking lots.
3. The refuge opens at 4 a.m. and closes 1 hour after legal sunset.
4. Youth hunters under age 16 must successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While hunting, each youth must possess and carry a card or certificate of completion. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters during waterfowl hunts.
5. You may only enter and exit the refuge from designated parking lots.
6. We prohibit camping or parking overnight on the refuge.
7. We prohibit discharge of firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) except when hunting.
8. We prohibit marking of trails with nonbiodegradable flagging tape.
9. We allow use of ATVs on designated trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter) from the first Saturday in September to the last day of the State rabbit season. An ATV is an off-road vehicle with factory specifications not to exceed the following: weight 750 pounds (337.5 kg), length 85 inches (212.5 cm), and width 48 inches (120 cm). We restrict ATV tires to those no larger than 25 x 12 with a maximum 1 inch (2.5 cm) lug height and a maximum allowable tire pressure of 7 psi as indicated on the tire by the manufacturer.
10. We prohibit horses and mules.
11. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of any public road, refuge road, trail or ATV trail, building, residence, above-ground oil or gas or electrical transmission facilities, or designated public facility.
12. We prohibit transport of loaded weapons on an ATV (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter).
13. We prohibit blocking of gates or trails (see § 27.31(h) of this chapter) with vehicles or ATVs.
14. We prohibit ATVs on trails/roads (see § 27.31 of this chapter) not specifically designated by signs for ATV use.
15. We only allow nonmotorized boats.
16. We allow incidental take of raccoon, feral hog, beaver, nutria, and coyote while you are hunting migratory birds, upland game, or big game, with weapons legal for that hunt only.
17. We only allow waterfowl (duck, goose, coot) hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays until 12 p.m. (noon) during the Statewide duck season.
18. We only allow the use of shotguns while waterfowl hunting.
19. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds.
20. You must remove all decoys, portable blinds, and boats (see § 27.93 of this chapter) daily.
21. We only allow incidental take of mourning dove while migratory bird hunting on days open to waterfowl hunting.
22. We only allow dogs to locate, point, and retrieve when hunting for migratory game birds.
1. Conditions A1 through A16 and A20 apply.
2. We allow rabbit hunting from December 1 until the end of the Statewide season.
3. We only allow use of shotguns during designated hunts.
4. We only allow rabbit dogs after the close of the State deer rifle season.
5. We require the owner's name and phone number on the collars of all dogs.
6. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) for upland game hunting. This requirement only applies to the use of shotgun ammunition.
7. We allow the use of .22 caliber or less rimfire rifles and 12 gauge or higher shotguns to hunt upland game.
1. Conditions A1 through A16 and A20 apply.
2. We allow archery-only deer hunting on the refuge from October 1 through October 31 in the Gremillion Unit, Island of the Owls Unit, and Concrete Bridge Unit (see refuge brochure).
3. The hunter must permanently attach their name, address, and phone number to all deer stands.
4. We prohibit hunters to drive deer or to use pursuit dogs. We prohibit the use of dogs to trail wounded deer.
5. We only allow archery equipment during designated seasons.
6. We require hunters to complete and possess and carry proof of completion of the International Bowhunters' Safety Course.
7. You may kill one deer of either sex per day during the deer season.
8. Youth hunters under age 16 must successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While hunting, each youth must possess and carry a card or certificate of completion. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
1. Conditions A1, A5, A6, A8, A10, A13 through A15, and A20 (remove boats [see § 27.93 of this chapter] daily) apply.
2. We only allow fishing in Coulee Des Grues along Little California Road.
3. We only allow fishing with pole and line.
4. We prohibit leaving parking areas to fish until legal sunrise.
5. We allow fishing and crawfishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
6. We allow crawfishing from April 1 through July 31, subject to available water in designated areas as depicted on the crawfish permit map available at refuge headquarters.
7. We require anglers to take crawfish using pyramid nets with webbing made of cotton or nylon. We prohibit wire traps.
8. You may harvest 100 lbs. (45 kg.) of crawfish per vehicle per day.
9. We prohibit sale of crawfish taken from the refuge.
10. We prohibit glass containers on the refuge.
11. You must remove all crawfishing gear (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from refuge property after each day's visit.
12. We prohibit possession of cleaned or processed fish on the refuge.
1. Hunters must possess and carry a refuge hunting permit.
2. We only allow hunting on designated areas of the refuge. These areas include the marshes south of the Intracoastal Waterway and the area east of the Lacassine Bayou excluding Unit B (lottery hunt area west of Streeter Road), Unit F, and the headquarters area along Streeter Road (see refuge map).
3. We allow hunting Wednesdays through Sundays of the State teal and duck seasons (Western Zone). We close the refuge to hunting during the “goose only” waterfowl season. State daily and season harvest limits apply.
4. We prohibit entering the hunting area earlier than 4 a.m., and shooting hours end at 12 p.m. (noon) each day.
5. We only allow firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) legal for waterfowl hunting in the refuge hunting area.
6. We prohibit all boat motors, including trolling motors, in refuge marshes. We prohibit air-thrust boats and ATVs on the refuge (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter).
7. We prohibit hunting closer than 150 feet (45 m) to a canal or waterway, and hunting parties must maintain a distance of no less than 150 yards (135 m) apart.
8. Youth hunters under age 16 must successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While hunting, each youth must possess and carry a card or certificate of completion. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult must possess and carry a refuge permit and may supervise no more than two youth hunters during waterfowl hunts.
9. You must remove all hunting-related equipment (see § 27.93 of this chapter) immediately following each day's hunt.
10. Only selected lottery hunt applicants may hunt on the designated lottery hunt area (Unit B) of the refuge. We designate hunt days on the lottery hunt for seniors and youth of the second split of the State duck season (Western Zone). You must contact the refuge office concerning the application process.
11. We prohibit overnight camping on the refuge.
12. We prohibit possession of alcohol in the hunt areas during the hunting season.
1. Conditions A1, A6, A8 (each adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter during big game hunts), A9, A11, and A12 apply.
2. We only allow archery hunting for white-tailed deer from October 1 through October 31.
3. We prohibit entrance to the hunting area earlier than 4 a.m. Hunters must leave no later than 1 hour after legal sunset.
4. Each bowhunter must possess and carry a Bowhunter Education Certificate indicating completion of the State bowhunter safety class.
5. The daily bag limit is one deer per day (either sex). The State season limits apply.
6. We prohibit hunting in the headquarters area along Nature Road and along the Lacassine Pool Wildlife Drive (see refuge map).
7. We only allow boats with motors of 25 hp or less in Lacassine Pool.
8. We prohibit boats in Lacassine Pool and Unit D from October 16 through March 14. We prohibit boats in Units A and C.
9. We allow only foot access to the Unit F area.
10. We prohibit firearms while deer hunting or scouting.
11. We allow the use of crossbows for hunters age 60 or older, or hunters with a State handicapped crossbow permit.
12. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait or hunting with the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals, or other feed on any nonnaturally occurring attractant on the refuge (see § 32.2(h)).
1. Conditions A11, C7, and C8 apply.
2. We allow fishing March 15 through October 15.
3. You may enter the refuge 1 hour before legal sunrise, and you must leave 1 hour after legal sunset.
4. We prohibit fishing in the headquarters display pond.
5. We prohibit bank fishing on the Lacassine Pool Wildlife Drive.
6. We prohibit air-thrust boats, ATVs, and Jet Skis on the refuge (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter).
7. We prohibit dragging or driving of boats over levees.
8. You must only launch trailered boats at the cement ramps at the public boat launches in Lacassine Pool.
9. We only allow boats powered by paddling or trolling motors in the Unit D impoundment within Lacassine Pool.
10. We prohibit motors in the refuge marshes outside of Lacassine Pool.
11. We only allow fishing with rod and reel or pole and line on refuge waters.
12. We prohibit the taking of turtle (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
1. We require hunters/anglers age 16 and older to purchase and carry a signed refuge hunting/fishing/ATV permit.
2. Hunters must fill out a free daily “check-in” and “check out” refuge hunting permit obtained at designated check stations and must properly display associated windshield permit while in the parking lots.
3. The refuge opens at 4 a.m. and closes 1 hour after legal sunset.
4. Youth hunters under age 16 must successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While hunting, each youth must possess and carry a card or certificate of completion. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters during waterfowl hunts.
5. You may only enter and exit the refuge from designated parking lots.
6. We prohibit camping or parking overnight on the refuge.
7. We prohibit marking of trails with nonbiodegradable flagging tape.
8. We allow use of ATVs on designated trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter) from the first Saturday in September until the last day of refuge turkey season. We define ATV as an off-road vehicle with factory specifications not to exceed the following: weight 750 lbs. (337.5 kg), length 85 inches (212.5 cm), and width-48 inches (120 cm). We restrict ATV tires to those no larger than 25 x 12 with a maximum 1 inch (2.5 cm) lug height and a maximum allowable tire pressure of 7 psi (3.15 kg) as indicated on the tire by the manufacturer.
9. We prohibit horses or mules.
10. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of any designated road, ATV or hiking trail, or refuge facility.
11. We prohibit transport of loaded weapons on an ATV (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter).
12. We prohibit blocking of gates or trails (see § 27.31(h) of this chapter) with vehicles or ATVs.
13. We prohibit all other hunting during special youth and muzzleloader-quota deer hunts.
14. We allow incidental take of raccoon, feral hog, beaver, nutria, and coyote while migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting, and big game hunting with weapons legal for that hunt.
15. We allow motors up to 25 hp from the first Saturday in September through January 31 in Possum Bayou (North of Boat Ramp), Palmetto Bayou, and Nicholas Lake.
16. We only allow electric-powered or nonmotorized boats in Westcut Lake, Duck Lake, Dooms Lake, Point Basse Lakes, Lake Long, and Possum Bayou (South of Boat Ramp).
17. We only allow waterfowl (duck, goose, coot) hunting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays until 12 p.m. (noon) during the Statewide duck season.
18. We only allow the use of shotguns while waterfowl hunting.
19. You must remove all decoys, portable blinds, and boats (see § 27.93 of this chapter) daily.
20. We only allow dogs to locate, point, and retrieve when hunting for migratory game birds.
1. Conditions A1 through A16 and A19 apply.
2. We allow squirrel and rabbit hunting in Hunt Unit 2B from November 1 through November 30.
3. We only allow squirrel and rabbit dogs after the close of the State deer rifle season. We allow no more than two dogs per hunting party.
4. Dog owners must place their name and phone number on the collars of all their dogs.
5. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot (
6. We allow the use of .22 caliber or less rimfire rifles and 12 gauge or higher shotguns to hunt upland game.
1. Conditions A1 through A3, A5 through 16, and A19 apply.
2. We require hunters to permanently attach their name, address, and phone number to the deer stand.
3. We allow archery hunting from November 1 to the end of the State archery season, except during the youth and muzzleloader
4. We allow archery deer hunting in Hunt Units 1B and 2B from October 1 through November 30.
5. We allow youth deer hunting in all units during the State youth deer season.
6. We only allow portable deer stands.
7. We prohibit the use of organized drives for taking or attempting to take game or using pursuit dogs.
8. We only allow archery equipment during designated seasons.
9. Hunters must complete, possess, and carry proof of completion of the International Bowhunters' Safety Course.
10. We prohibit the use of dogs to trail wounded deer.
11. We allow nonmotorized boats in Lake Ophelia from November 1 through 30.
12. You may kill one deer of either sex per day during the deer season, except during the deer quota hunts, when you may only kill one deer of either sex during the entire quota hunt period.
13. We require a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
14. Youth hunters under age 16 must successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While hunting, each youth must possess and carry a card or certificate of completion. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult may only supervise one youth hunter during big game hunts.
1. Conditions A1, A3, A5 through A9, A16, and A19 (remove boats [see § 27.93 of this chapter]) apply.
2. We allow sport fishing in Duck Lake, Westcut Lake, Possum Bayou, Lake Long, and the immediate vicinity of the Lake St. Agnes drainage culverts on the Red River.
3. We prohibit the use of gear or equipment other than hook and line to catch bait fish.
4. We allow fishing from March 1 through October 15 from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
5. You must attend yo-yos (within sight) at all times.
6. We prohibit possession of largemouth bass less than 14 inches long (35 cm) and black and white crappie less than 10 inches long (25 cm).
7. We prohibit cleaned or processed fish on the refuge.
8. We allow use of ATVs on the Duck Lake ATV trail from March 15 through October 15.
1. We allow hunting of migratory game birds on Wednesdays and Saturdays until 12 p.m. (noon). Hunters may only enter the refuge after 4 a.m.
2. Prior to hunting, we must assign a refuge blind and issue a refuge lottery waterfowl permit to any person entering, using, or occupying the refuge for hunting migratory game birds. You may only hunt from your assigned blind.
3. Youth hunters under age 16 must successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While hunting, each youth must possess and carry a card or certificate of completion. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult can supervise no more than two refuge-permitted youth hunters. We require all adult supervisors and hunters of migratory game birds to possess and carry a State Hunter Safety Course certificate.
4. All hunters must check-in and check out at a refuge self-clearing check station. Each hunter must list their name and certificate number on the self-clearing check station form and deposit the form at a refuge self-clearing check station prior to hunting. Hunters must report all game taken on the refuge when checking out by using the self-clearing check station form.
5. We allow no more than three hunters to hunt from a blind at one time.
6. We prohibit firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) other than those used to take migratory game birds in boats or in the possession of migratory game bird hunters.
7. We prohibit air-thrust boats or marsh buggies on the refuge. We restrict motorized boat use to existing canals, ditches, trenasses, and ponds.
1. We open the refuge to hunting of deer and hog during the State deer season, except prior to 12 p.m. (noon) on Wednesdays and Saturdays during State waterfowl seasons, when we close areas north of the Intra-Coastal Waterway to hunting of big game.
2. Hunters may only enter the refuge after 4 a.m. and must exit by 1 hour after legal sunset.
3. You may take big game with archery equipment and in accordance with State law. You may only take one deer of either sex per day, and hunters may only possess one deer.
4. All hunters must possess and carry proof of completion of the International Bowhunters' Education Program when hunting.
5. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait or hunting with the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals or other feed, or any nonnaturally occurring attractant on the refuge (see § 32.2(h)).
6. Condition A7 applies.
1. We only allow recreational fishing. We prohibit commercial fishing on the refuge.
2. We prohibit the use of unattended nets, traps, or lines (trot, jog, bush, etc.).
3. We only allow fishing in refuge canals during the period of October 1 to January 31.
4. We close the refuge to any nighttime activities unless specifically stated.
5. Condition A7 applies.
6. We prohibit the taking of turtle (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
1. Hunters must possess and carry a signed refuge permit.
2. We allow waterfowl and woodcock hunting on all refuge lands except the areas within the Headquarters Focus Area in Bossier Parish and north of Interstate 49 within the Spanish Lake Focus Area in Natchitoches Parish.
3. We only allow dove hunting during the first 3 days of the State season on all refuge lands except the areas within the Headquarters Focus Area in Bossier Parish and north of Interstate 49 within the Spanish Lake Focus Area in Natchitoches Parish.
4. We allow waterfowl hunting until 12 p.m. (noon) during the State season.
5. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 3 a.m.
6. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of any public road, refuge road, trail or ATV trail, residence, building, aboveground oil or gas or electrical transmission facilities, or designated public facility.
7. We prohibit leaving boats, blinds, and decoys unattended.
8. We only allow dogs to locate, point, and retrieve when hunting for migratory game birds.
9. Youth hunters age 15 and under must successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While hunting, each youth must possess and carry a card or certificate of completion. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult can supervise no more than two youth hunters.
10. We prohibit any person or group to act as a hunting guide, outfitter, or in any other capacity that any other individual(s) pays or promises to pay directly or indirectly for services rendered to any other person or persons hunting on the refuge, regardless of whether such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club membership.
1. Conditions A1, A7, and A8 apply.
2. We allow hunting on all refuge lands except the areas within the Headquarters Focus Area in Bossier Parish and north of Interstate 49 within the Spanish Lakes Focus Area in Natchitoches Parish.
3. We prohibit the possession of firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) larger than .22 caliber rimfire, shotgun slugs, and buckshot.
4. We allow hunting of raccoon and opossum during the daylight hours of rabbit and squirrel season. We allow night hunting during December and January, and you may use dogs for night hunting. We prohibit selling of raccoon and opossum taken on the refuge for human consumption.
5. We allow use of dogs to hunt squirrel and rabbit after the last refuge Gun Deer Hunt.
6. If you want to use horses and mules to hunt raccoon and opossum at night, you must first obtain a special permit at the refuge office.
7. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 3 a.m. and no later than 2 hours after legal shooting hours.
8. Youth hunters age 15 and under must successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While hunting, each youth must possess and carry a card or certificate of completion. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult can supervise no more than one youth hunter.
1. Conditions A1, A7, A8, and B7 apply.
2. We only allow archery hunting.
3. We allow deer hunting on all refuge lands except the areas within the Headquarters Focus Area in Bossier Parish and north of Interstate 49 within the Spanish Lake Focus Area in Natchitoches Parish.
4. The daily bag limit is one deer of either sex. The State season limit applies.
5. Archery hunters must possess and carry proof of completion of the International Bowhunters' Education Program.
6. We prohibit leaving deer stands, blinds, and other equipment unattended.
7. We prohibit hunters placing stands or hunting from stands on pine trees with white painted bands/rings.
8. Youth hunters age 15 and under must successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While hunting, each youth must possess and carry a card or certificate of completion. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult can supervise no more than one youth hunter.
1. We prohibit leaving boats and other personal property on the refuge unattended.
2. We prohibit boat launching with motors greater than 50 hp on all refuge waters.
3. You must tend trotlines daily. You must attach ends of trotlines by a length of cotton line that extends into the water.
4. We prohibit commercial fishing. Recreational fishing using commercial gear (slat traps, etc.) requires a special refuge permit (that you must possess and carry) available at the refuge office.
5. We prohibit the taking of alligator snapping turtle (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
1. We require all hunters to possess and carry a signed refuge permit.
2. We only allow waterfowl hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the special teal season and during the regular waterfowl season.
3. We only allow hunters to enter the refuge and launch boats after 3 a.m. All participants must be out of the refuge hunt areas and back at West Cove Public Use Area by 12 p.m. (noon).
4. We prohibit hunting on Christmas Day or New Year's Day should these days fall on a designated hunt day.
5. Youth hunters age 17 and under must successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While hunting, each youth must possess and carry a card or certificate of completion. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult may supervise no more than two refuge-permitted youth hunters.
6. We prohibit nonhunters entering the refuge hunt areas, with the exception of youth age 15 or under experiencing the hunt with their parent or guardian.
7. You may access the hunt areas via the boat launches at the West Cove Public Use Area, by vehicle on Vastar Road, and at designated turnouts within the refuge public hunt area along State Highway 27 (see § 27.31 of this chapter). We prohibit refuge entrance through adjacent private property or using the refuge to access private property or leases.
8. We only allow launching of boats on trailers at West Cove Public Use Area. We allow hand launching of small boats along Vastar Road (no trailers permitted).
9. We prohibit dragging boats across the levee.
10. We only allow operation of outboard motors in designated refuge canals and Old North Bayou. We allow trolling motors within the refuge marshes.
11. We prohibit air-thrust boats, personal motorized watercraft (
12. We prohibit hunting within 300 feet (90 m) of another hunter or within 150 feet (45 m) of refuge canals, public roads, buildings, above-ground oil or gas or electrical transmission facilities, or designated public facility.
13. You must only use portable blinds and those made of native vegetation. You must remove portable blinds, decoys, spent shells, and all other personal equipment (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) each day.
14. We only allow dogs to locate, point, and retrieve when hunting for migratory game birds.
15. We require you to complete and return a waterfowl harvest data form to the check station or designated drop box after each hunt.
16. We prohibit any person or group to act as a hunting guide, outfitter, or in any other capacity that any other individual(s) pays or promises to pay directly or indirectly for services rendered to any other person or persons hunting on the refuge, regardless of whether such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club membership.
17. We prohibit all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter).
1. Bank and wharf access for fishing are available year-round at the Public Use Areas along State Highway 27. You may only access the refuge by boat during the March 15 to October 15 open period.
2. We allow use of rod and reel, pole and line, or jug and line. We prohibit the use or possession of any other type of fishing gear,
3. You must only launch boats with motors at the designated boat ramps at the Hog Island Gully and West Cove Public Use Areas.
4. You must launch nonmotorized boats at the 1A-1B Public Use Area.
5. We only allow operation of outboard motors in designated refuge canals, Old North Bayou, and Management Unit 3 (40 hp maximum in Unit 3). We allow trolling motors within the refuge marshes.
6. Conditions A9, A11, A16 (fishing guide), and A17 apply.
7. Crabbing: We allow crabbing in designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
i. You must only take crabs with cotton hand lines or drop nets with up to 24″ (60 cm) outside diameter.
ii. You must remove all hand lines, drop nets, and bait (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge upon leaving.
iii. We allow a daily limit on crabs of 5 dozen (60) per vehicle or boat.
8. Cast Netting: We only allow cast netting in designated areas of the refuge during the Louisiana Inland Shrimp Season subject to the following conditions:
i. We require each individual, regardless of age, to possess and carry a signed refuge cast-netting permit.
ii. An adult age 21 or older must directly supervise all youth hunters age 17 and under.
iii. We only allow cast netting from 12 p.m. (noon) to legal sunset.
iv. If you use a cast net, it must not exceed a 5 foot (1.5 m) hanging radius.
v. We only allow recreational cast netting for shrimp. You must immediately return all fish, crabs, or other incidental take (by catch) to the water before continuing to cast net.
vi. We allow a daily shrimp limit of 5 gallons (19 L) of heads-on shrimp per day, per vehicle, or per boat.
vii. Shrimp must remain in your actual custody while on the refuge.
viii. You must cast net from the bank and wharves at Northline, Hog Island Gully, and 1A-1B Public Use Areas or at sites along Hwy. 27 that provide safe access and that we do not post and sign as closed areas.
ix. We prohibit cast netting at or around the West Cove Public Use Area or on or around any boat launch.
x. You may cast net from a boat throughout the refuge except where posted and signed as closed.
xi. We prohibit reserving a place or saving a space for yourself or others by any means to include placing unattended equipment in designated cast-netting areas.
xii. We prohibit swimming in the refuge canals or wading into canals to cast net.
9. We prohibit the taking of turtle (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
1. We allow hunting of duck and coot on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays until 12 p.m. (noon) during the State season. We prohibit migratory bird hunting during refuge gun hunts for deer.
2. We allow hunting of woodcock on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations.
3. We allow hunters to enter the refuge no earlier than 4 a.m.
4. In areas posted “Area Closed” or “No Hunting Zone,” we prohibit hunting of migratory birds at any time. We also close open fields, marked on the Public Use Regulations brochure map, to migratory bird hunting. You may obtain the Public Use Regulations brochure at the refuge headquarters in July.
5. We prohibit shooting to unload guns or muzzleloaders (see § 27.42(a) of this chapter) on the refuge at any time.
6. Hunters must remove all blind materials and decoys (see § 27.93 of this chapter) each day.
7. We allow nonmotorized boats, electric motors, and boats with motors 10 hp or less in refuge lakes, streams, and bayous. We prohibit storage of boats on the refuge, and you must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) daily.
8. We require all waterfowl hunters to report their game immediately after each hunt at the check station nearest to the point of take.
9. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait or hunting with the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals or other feed, or any nonnaturally occurring attractant on the refuge (see § 32.2(h)).
10. We allow all-terrain vehicle travel on designated trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter) for access typically from September 15 to the last day of the State squirrel season. We open designated trails from 4 a.m. until no later than 2 hours after legal sunset unless otherwise specified. We define an ATV as an off-road vehicle (not legal for highway use) with factory specifications not to exceed the following: weight 750 pounds (337.5 kg), length 85 inches (212.5 cm), and width 48 inches (120 cm). We restrict ATV tires to those no larger than 25 x 12 with a maximum 1 inch (2.5 cm) lug height and a maximum allowable tire pressure of 7 psi as indicated on the tire by the manufacturer. We require an
11. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of any public road, refuge road, trail or ATV trail, building, residence, above-ground oil or gas or electrical transmission facilities, or designated public facility.
12. We prohibit use and possession of any type of trail-marking material.
13. We prohibit use of organized drives for taking or attempting to take game.
14. We require a refuge access permit for all migratory bird hunts. You may find permits on the front of the Public Use Regulations brochure.
15. Youth hunters under age 16 must successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While hunting each youth must possess and carry a card or certificate of completion. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult can supervise no more than two youth hunters during waterfowl hunts.
1. We allow raccoon hunting beginning January 1 and typically ending the first week in February. We allow raccoon hunters to hunt from legal sunset to legal sunrise with the aid of dogs, horses, mules, and use of lights. We only allow such use of lights on the refuge at the point of kill. We prohibit all other use of lights for hunting on the refuge. Hunt dates will be available at refuge headquarters in July. We prohibit ATVs during the raccoon hunt.
2. We allow squirrel and rabbit hunting with and without dogs. We will allow hunting without dogs from the beginning of the State season and typically ending the day before the refuge deer muzzleloader hunt. We do not require wearing of hunter orange during the squirrel and rabbit hunt without dogs. Squirrel and rabbit hunting, with or without dogs, will begin the day after the refuge deer muzzleloader hunt and will conclude the last day of the State squirrel season.
3. We close squirrel and rabbit hunting during the following gun hunts for deer: refugewide youth hunt, muzzleloader hunt, and modern firearms hunts.
4. We allow hunters to enter the refuge after 4 a.m., and they must depart no later than 2 hours after legal sunset unless they are participating in the refuge raccoon hunt.
5. Conditions A5, A7, A8 (all upland game hunters), A9, A10, A11, A12, A14 (upland game hunts), and A15 (upland game hunts) apply.
6. In areas posted “Area Closed” or “No Hunting Zone,” we prohibit upland game hunting at any time.
7. We allow .22 caliber rimfire weapons for upland game. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while on the refuge (see § 32.2(k)). This requirement only applies to the use of shotgun ammunition.
1. Deer archery season will begin the first Saturday in November and will conclude on the last day of the State archery season (typically January 31). We require that archery hunters, including crossbow hunters, possess and carry proof of completion of the International Bowhunters Safety course. We prohibit archery hunting during the following: refuge and youth gun hunt, muzzleloader hunt, and modern firearms hunt.
2. Deer muzzleloader season lasts 3 days, on a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday between the two refuge modern firearms hunts. We allow in-line muzzleloaders and magnified scopes.
3. We will conduct two 2-day quota modern firearms hunts for deer, typically in the months of November and December. Hunt dates and permit application procedures will be available at refuge headquarters in July. Hunters may use a muzzleloader during this hunt.
4. We will conduct a 2-day population control quota youth deer hunt in the Greenlea Bend area typically in December. Hunt dates and permit application procedures will be available at the refuge headquarters in July.
5. We will conduct a refugewide youth deer hunt the weekend before Thanksgiving Day. Each participating youth hunter must be age 8 to15 and supervised by an adult who is at least age 21.
6. You may only take one deer per day during refuge deer hunts. The State season limit applies.
7. We allow turkey hunting the first 16 days of the State turkey season. We will conduct a youth turkey hunt the Saturday and Sunday before the regular State turkey season. You may harvest two bearded turkeys per season. We allow the possession of lead shot while turkey hunting on the refuge (see § 32.2(k)). You may use nonmotorized bicycles on designated all-terrain vehicle trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
8. Conditions A5, A7, A8 (deer and turkey hunters), A9 through A14 (deer and turkey hunters), A15 (each adult can supervise no more than one youth hunter during big game hunts), and B4 apply.
9. In areas posted “Area Closed” or “No Hunting Zone,” we prohibit big game hunting at all times. We close open fields, which we mark on the Public Use Regulations brochure map, during the deer muzzleloader and deer modern firearms hunts; but we open those fields for deer archery hunting. We prohibit shooting into or across any open field with a gun.
10. We allow shotguns equipped with a single piece magazine plug that allows the gun to hold no more than two shells in the magazine and one in the chamber.
11. We only allow shotgun hunters to use rifled slugs when hunting deer.
12. We prohibit possession of buckshot while on the refuge.
13. You must remove all stands, blind materials, and decoys from the refuge following each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
14. We require a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
15. We prohibit possession or distribution of bait or hunting with the aid of bait, including any grain, salt, minerals or other feed, or any nonnaturally occurring attractant on the refuge (see § 32.2(h)).
1. We allow trotlines attached with a length of cotton line that extends into the water. You must tend the trotlines at least once every 24 hours and reset them when receded waters expose them.
2. Conditions A7, A10 (the only exceptions are the Rainey Lake and Mower Woods all-terrain trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter), which are open year-round with the same time restrictions as the seasonal all-terrain trails), A12, and B4 (anglers) apply.
3. We prohibit the taking of turtle (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
1. Hunters must possess and carry a signed refuge permit.
2. We allow waterfowl hunting on the west side of the Ouachita River north of RCW Road. We allow waterfowl hunting on the east side of the Ouachita River outside the Mollicy levee, west of Kelby Road, and south of School Board South Road within the levee.
3. We allow woodcock hunting west of the Ouachita River. We allow woodcock hunting on the east side of the Ouachita River outside the Mollicy levee, west of Kelby Road, and south of School Board South Road within the levee.
4. We only allow dove hunting during the first 3 days of the State season east of the Ouachita River outside the Mollicy levee, west of Kelby Road, and south of School Board South Road within the levee.
5. We allow waterfowl hunting until 12 p.m. (noon) during the State season.
6. We will hold a limited lottery hunt during the State Youth Waterfowl Hunt. Application instructions are available at the refuge office.
7. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 3 a.m.
8. We prohibit hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of any public road, refuge road, building, residence, above-ground oil, gas, or public facility and within 50 feet (15 m) of ATV trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
9. We prohibit leaving boats, blinds, and decoys unattended.
10. We only allow dogs to locate, point, and retrieve when hunting for migratory game birds.
11. Youth hunters under age 16 must successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While hunting, each youth must possess and carry a card or certificate of completion. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
12. We prohibit any person or group to act as a hunting guide, outfitter, or in any other capacity that any other individual(s) pays or promises to pay directly or indirectly for services rendered to any other person or persons hunting on the refuge, regardless of whether such payment is for guiding, outfitting, lodging, or club membership.
1. Conditions A1, A8, A9, and A12 (to hunt upland game) apply.
2. We allow hunting west of the Ouachita River. We allow hunting on the east side of the Ouachita River outside the Mollicy levee, west of Kelby Road, and south of School Board South Road within the levee.
3. We prohibit possession of firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) larger than .22 caliber rimfire, shotgun slugs, and buckshot.
4. We allow hunting of raccoon and opossum during the daylight hours of rabbit and squirrel season. We allow night hunting during December and January, and you may use dogs for night hunting. We prohibit selling of raccoon and opossum taken on the refuge for human consumption.
5. We allow use of dogs to hunt squirrel and rabbit after the last refuge Gun Deer Hunt.
6. If you want to use horses and mules to hunt raccoon and opossum at night, you must first obtain a special permit at the refuge office.
7. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 3 a.m. and must exit no later than 2 hours after legal shooting hours.
8. Youth hunters under age 16 must successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While hunting, each youth must possess and carry a card or certificate of completion. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
1. Conditions A1, A8, A9, A12 (to hunt big game), and B7 apply.
2. We allow general gun deer hunting on the following days: the first consecutive Saturday and Sunday of November; the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday following Thanksgiving Day; and the second Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving Day. We allow archery deer hunting during the entire State season.
3. We allow deer hunting west of the Ouachita River. We allow deer hunting on the east side of the Ouachita River outside the Mollicy levee, west of Kelby Road, and south of School Board South Road within the levee.
4. The daily bag limit is one deer of either sex. The State season limit applies.
5. During general Gun Deer Hunts, you must check all deer on the day taken during general Gun Deer Hunts at a refuge check station between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. unless stated otherwise in the annual refuge hunting brochure and permit.
6. Archery hunters must possess and carry proof of completion of the International Bowhunters' Education Program.
7. We prohibit leaving deer stands, blinds, and other equipment unattended.
8. Deer hunters must wear hunter orange as per State deer hunting regulations on Wildlife Management Areas.
9. We prohibit hunters placing stands or hunting from stands on pine trees with white-painted bands/rings.
10. Youth hunters under age 16 must successfully complete a State-approved hunter education course. While hunting, each youth must possess and carry a card or certificate of completion. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Each adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
1. We allow sport fishing year-round except within the Mollicy levee. We allow fishing in the Wigeon Ponds and Reservoir March 1 through October 15, from 30 minutes before legal sunrise until 30 minutes after legal sunset.
2. We prohibit outboard motors in the Wigeon Ponds. We prohibit boat launching with motors greater than 50 hp in the Reservoir.
3. We prohibit leaving boats and other personal property on the refuge unattended.
4. You must tend trotlines daily. You must attach ends of trotlines by a length of cotton line that extends into the water.
5. We prohibit commercial fishing. Recreational fishing using commercial gear (slat traps, etc.) requires a special refuge permit (that you must possess and carry) available at the refuge office.
6. We prohibit the taking of turtle (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
The following refuge units have been opened to hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. You must wear two articles of hunter-orange clothing or material. One article must be a solid-colored hunter-orange hat; the other must cover a major portion of the torso, such as a jacket, vest, coat, or poncho and must be a minimum of 50 percent hunter orange in color (such as orange camouflage) except when hunting waterfowl.
2. We will provide permanent refuge blinds at various locations that you may reserve. You may make reservations for blinds up to 1 year in advance, for a maximum of 1 week, running Monday through Sunday during the hunting season. You may make reservations for additional weeks up to 1 week in advance, on a space-available basis. We prohibit other permanent blinds. You must remove temporary blinds, boats, and decoys (see § 27.93 of
3. You may use dogs to locate, point, and retrieve when hunting for migratory game birds (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
4. We open the refuge to hunting during the hours stipulated under each State's hunting regulations but no longer than from
5. We prohibit the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs or OHRVs) (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter).
1. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) while on the refuge.
2. We open the refuge to hunting during the hours stipulated under State hunting regulations, but no longer than from
3. We prohibit the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs or OHRVs) (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter).
4. You must wear two articles of hunter-orange clothing or material. One article must be a solid-colored hunter-orange hat; the other must cover a major portion of the torso, such as a jacket, vest, coat, or poncho and must be a minimum of 50 percent hunter orange in color (such as orange camouflage) except when hunting turkey.
5. We allow hunting of coyote and snowshoe hare with dogs during State hunting seasons. Hunting with trailing dogs on the refuge will be subject to the following regulations:
i. You must equip all dogs used to hunt coyote with working radio-telemetry collars, and you must be in possession of a working radio-telemetry receiver that can detect and track the frequencies of all collars used. We do not require radio-telemetry collars for dogs used to hunt snowshoe hare.
ii. We prohibit training during or outside of dog season for coyote or hare.
iii. We allow a maximum of four dogs per hunter.
iv. You must pick up all dogs the same day you release them.
1. We open the refuge to hunting during the hours stipulated under State hunting regulations but no longer than from
2. We allow bear hunting with dogs during State hunting seasons. Hunting with trailing dogs on the refuge will be subject to the following regulations:
i. You must equip all dogs used to hunt bear with working radio-telemetry collars and hunters must be in possession of a working radio-telemetry receiver that can detect and track the frequencies of all collars used.
ii. We prohibit training during or outside of dog season for bear.
iii. We allow a maximum of four dogs per hunter.
iv. You must pick up all dogs the same day you release them.
3. We allow prehunt scouting of the refuge; however, we prohibit dogs and firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) during prehunt scouting.
4. Each hunter must wear two articles of hunter-orange clothing or material. One article must be a solid-colored hunter-orange hat; the other must cover a major portion of the torso, such as a jacket, vest, coat, or poncho and must be a minimum of 50 percent hunter orange in color (
5. We prohibit the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs or OHRVs) (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter).
6. We allow temporary tree stands and blinds, but hunters must remove them by the end of the season (see § 27.93 of this chapter). We prohibit nails, screws, or screw-in climbing pegs to build or access a stand or blind (see § 32.2(i)).
1. You may enter the refuge
2. During firearms big game season, we require hunters to wear a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
3. You must only use portable tree stands, blinds, and ladders. We prohibit the use of nails, screws, or bolts to attach them to trees (see § 32.2(i)). You must clearly label any tree stand, blind, or ladder left on the
4. You may only use a long, recurved or compound bow to hunt during the archery season.
5. We prohibit hunting in the following areas:
i. The South Magurrewock Area: The boundary of this area begins at the intersection of the Charlotte Road and U.S. Route 1; it follows the Charlotte Road in a southerly direction to the fishing pier and observation blind, where it turns in an easterly direction, crosses the East Branch of the Magurrewock Stream, and proceeds in a northerly direction along the upland edge of the Upper and Middle Magurrewock Marshes to U.S. Route 1 where it follows Route 1 in a southerly direction to the point of origin.
ii. The North Magurrewock Area: The boundary of this area begins where the northern exterior boundary of the refuge and Route 1 intersect; it follows the boundary line in a westerly direction to the railroad grade where it follows the boundary in a southwest direction to the upland edge of the Lower Barn Meadow Marsh; it then follows the upland edge of the marsh in a southerly direction to U.S. Route 1, where it follows Route 1 to the point of origin.
iii. The posted safety zone around the Refuge Headquarters Complex: The boundary of this area starts where the southerly edge of the Horse Pasture Field intersects with the Charlotte Road. The boundary follows the southern edge of the Horse Pasture Field, across the abandoned Maine Central Railroad grade, where it intersects with the North Fireline Road. It follows the North Fireline Road to a point near the northwest corner of the Lane Construction Tract. The line then proceeds along a cleared and marked trail in a northwesterly direction to the northern upland edge of Dudley Swamp. The line follows the shore of Dudley Swamp to the Barn Meadow Road. It proceeds south along the Barn Meadow Road to the intersection with the South Fireline Road, where it follows the South Fire line Road across the Headquarters Road to the intersection with the Mile Bridge Road. It then follows the Mile Bridge Road in a southerly direction to the intersection with the Lunn Road, then along the Lunn Road leaving the road in an easterly direction at the site of the old crossing, across the abandoned Maine Central Railroad grade to the Charlotte Road. The line follows the Charlotte Road in a northerly direction to the point of origin.
iv. The Southern Gravel Pit: The boundary of this area starts at a point where Cranberry Brook crosses the Charlotte Road and proceeds south along the Charlotte Road to the Baring/Charlotte Town Line, along the Town Line to a point where it intersects the railroad grade where it turns in a northerly direction, and follows the railroad grade to Cranberry Brook and the point of origin.
1. We prohibit motorized boats on Bearce and Conic Lakes.
2. We only allow fishing from
3. We allow fishing in the following areas on the Baring Division of the refuge:
i. Bearce Lake, Conic Lake, James Pond, Ledge Pond, and Vose Pond;
ii. Clark Brook and the West Branch of the Magurrewock Stream from the outlet of the Howard Mill Flowage water control structure to the handicapped-accessible fishing pier located off the Charlotte Road; and
iii. Barn Meadow Brook, Cranberry Brook, Mahar Brook, and Moosehorn Stream.
4. We allow fishing in the following areas on the Edmunds Division of the refuge: Hobart Lake, Hobart Stream, Cranberry Brook, Crane Meadow Brook, Crane Mill Stream, and Crane Mill Flowage.
5. We prohibit fishing on the stretch of Moosehorn Stream on the Baring Division that lies west of the Charlotte Road and east of the Mile Bridge Road between March 31 and July 14.
6. We prohibit trapping of bait fish on the refuge.
1. We prohibit erection of permanent waterfowl blinds.
2. You must remove all temporary blinds, concealment materials, boats, and decoys (see § 27.93 of this chapter) each day.
1. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
2. We allow only pointing and flushing dogs.
3. We prohibit the hunting of crows.
4. You may hunt coyotes from November 1 to March 31.
1. We prohibit dogs.
2. We only allow black bear hunting during the firearm season for white-tailed deer.
3. You must remove all tree stands by the last day of the white-tailed deer hunting season (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
4. We normally close the refuge to all visitors from legal sunset to legal sunrise. However, during hunting season, we allow hunters to enter the refuge
1. Prior to entering designated refuge hunting areas, you must obtain a refuge hunting permit, pay a recreation fee, and sign and carry the permit at all times.
2. You may only take sea duck when the State sea duck season coincides with the regular duck season.
3. You may take waterfowl by falconry during State seasons.
4. We open Designated Youth Hunting Areas to hunters age 17 and under who possess and carry a refuge hunting permit. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. The accompanying adult must possess and carry a refuge hunting permit and may also hunt.
5. We allow seasonal blinds and require a Special Use Permit. A permitted seasonal blind is available to all permitted hunters on a first-come, first-served basis. The permit holder for the blind is responsible for the removal of the blind at the end of the season and compliance with all conditions of the Special Use Permit.
6. We close the Moody, Little River, Biddeford Pool, and Goosefare Brook divisions of the refuge to all migratory bird hunting.
1. Condition A1 applies.
2. You may take pheasant and grouse by falconry during State seasons.
3. We close the Moody, Little River, and Biddeford Pool Divisions of the refuge to all upland game hunting.
1. Conditions A1 and A4 apply.
2. We only allow hunting of deer with shotgun and archery. We prohibit rifles and muzzleloading firearms.
3. We allow portable, climbing, or ladder stands.
4. We close the Moody and Biddeford Pool Division of the refuge to white-tailed deer hunting.
5. We only allow archery on those areas of the Little River division open to hunting.
6. We only allow hunting of fox and coyote during daylight hours of the State firearm deer season.
7. Bow hunters with refuge permits (you must possess and carry) may apply for the special “Wells Hunt.” We must receive letters of interest by November 1 for consideration in a random drawing. Selected hunters must comply with regulations as set by the State.
8. You must report any harvested deer to the refuge office within 48 hours.
1. At the Brave Boat Harbor Division on the north side (York) of the stream crossing under Route 103, you may fish beginning at Route 103 then downstream to the first railroad trestle.
2. At the Moody Division on the north side of the Ogunquit River and downstream of Route 1, you may fish beginning at the refuge boundary then downstream a distance of 500 feet (150 m).
3. At the Moody Division on the east side of Stevens Brook and downstream of Bourne Avenue, you may fish beginning at Bourne Avenue then downstream to where the refuge ends near Ocean Avenue.
4. At the Lower Wells Division on the west side of the Webhannet River downstream of Mile Road, you may fish from Mile Road north to the first creek.
5. At the Upper Wells Division on the south side of the Merriland River downstream of Skinner Mil Road, you may fish beginning at the refuge boundary and then east along the oxbow to the woods.
6. At the Mousam River Division on the north side of the Mousam River downstream of Route 9, you may fish beginning at the refuge boundary and then east to a point opposite Great Hill Road. Access is from the Bridle Path along the first tidal creek.
7. At the Goosefare Brook Division on the south side of Goosefare Brook, you may fish where it flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
8. At the Spurwink River Division on the west side (Scarborough) of the Spurwink
9. You may launch car-top boats during daylight hours at Brave Boat Harbor Division on Chauncey Creek at the intersection of Cutts Island Road and Sea Point Road.
10. You may launch car-top boats during daylight hours at the Spurwink River Division on the upstream side of Route 77 at the old road crossing.
11. We allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
12. We prohibit lead jigs and sinkers.
13. Anglers must attend their lines at all times.
14. We prohibit the collection of bait fish on the refuge.
1. Hunters during firearms big game season must wear in a conspicuous manner on head, chest and back a minimum of 400 square inches of solid-colored hunter orange clothing or material.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. We require refuge permits for all hunters regardless of age. We require that permits must be in the hunter's possession along with a valid Maryland State hunting license, any required stamps, and a photo identification. Permits are nontransferable.
2. We require that hunters obtain deer hunt permits only through the mail, by mailing an application and administration fee to the refuge after applications are available in July. To obtain an application and regulations leaflet (including designated areas and map, dates of hunts, bag limits, and permit fees) for archery, youth, muzzleloader, and shotgun hunts, we require hunters to contact the refuge hunt coordinator or refuge Visitor Center, which is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
3. We allow archery hunters to obtain a permit; permits are available at the Visitor Center, after the first week of September until the end of the archery season.
4. We allow walk-in youth hunters to obtain a permit at the check station on the day of the hunt.
5. A licensed or exempt-from-licensed unarmed adult, age 21 or older, must accompany youth hunters (at least age 12 but less than age 16) at all times in the field.
6. We require a physician to certify “wheelchair-bound” permanently disabled hunters; and an assistant, who must not use a firearm, must accompany these hunters. We require the permanently disabled certification to accompany the hunters' permit application.
7. We only allow participants possessing authorized permits to enter the hunt areas.
8. Beginning at 5 a.m., we require check-in for the youth hunts, muzzleloader hunts, and shotgun hunts.
9. At the refuge check station on the day of the kill for all firearm hunts, we require hunters to properly tag and present for examination all deer killed.
10. We require hunters to seek refuge employee assistance to retrieve deer from closed areas.
11. We do not require check-in or check out at the refuge for the archery hunt, but we require hunters to register harvested deer at one of the State check stations designated by the refuge.
12. We only allow weapons that meet State regulations (bows and arrows for archery, shotguns with slugs and/or No. 1 buckshot or larger for youth hunts and shotgun hunts, and muzzleloading rifles and muzzleloading shotguns only for muzzleloader hunts). We prohibit handguns and breech-loading rifles.
13. We only allow access to hunt areas on designated roads and parking areas indicated on hunt maps in the regulations leaflet (obtained with application by mail or at the Visitor Center) (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
14. We only allow scouting on designated days listed in the regulations for permitted hunters.
15. We do not require check-in or check out for scouting.
16. We prohibit firearms or other weapons on the refuge when scouting.
17. We require adult hunters, age 21 or older, to accompany permitted youth hunters while scouting.
18. We require a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
19. We require the use of a tree stand that elevates the hunter a minimum of 8 feet (240 cm) above the ground for hunting Area B2 (except disabled hunters). We allow temporary, removable, ladder, fixed, and climbing-type tree stands that do not damage trees in all other areas (see §§ 32.2(i)).
20. We prohibit screw-in steps, spikes, or other objects that may damage trees.
21. We prohibit hunting from a permanently constructed tree stand.
22. We allow hunters to preinstall tree stands during the scouting days for use during selected hunts and to leave the tree stands in the hunting area at the hunter's discretion. We require hunters to remove all stands the last day of the refuge hunting season (we are not responsible for damage, theft, or other hunter occupancy) (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
23. We prohibit dogs in hunt areas.
24. We prohibit hunting from or shooting across a roadway where we allow vehicle traffic.
25. We prohibit driving deer during youth hunts.
26. We prohibit commercialized guiding.
1. We only allow fishing and crabbing from April 1 through September 30 during daylight hours.
2. We restrict fishing and crabbing to boats and the Key Wallace roadway across the Little Blackwater River.
3. We require a valid State sport fishing license. We do not require a refuge permit.
4. We require anglers to attend all fish and crab lines.
5. We prohibit boat launching from refuge lands except for canoes/kayaks at the canoe/kayak ramp located near the Blackwater River Bridge on Route 335. A public launching ramp is available at Shorter's Wharf.
6. We prohibit the use of air boats on refuge waters.
1. We require hunters to carry a signed refuge hunt permit when scouting on the designated scouting days and when hunting. Hunters must turn in their hunt permit at the end of the hunt day or when leaving the refuge during the hunt day at the check-in station.
2. We only allow use of bow and arrows, shotguns, and muzzleloaders for deer hunting and shotguns for turkey hunting.
3. We prohibit possession of a loaded weapon (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) on or within 50 feet (15 m) of any graveled, dirt, or paved refuge road or any designated parking area.
4. We require a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
5. You must wear a hunter-orange cap or hat when moving to or from your blind or stand when turkey hunting.
6. Each youth hunter (age 15 or under) must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 18 or older. Children must be at least age 10 to hunt on the refuge.
7. We only allow parking in designated parking areas.
8. We prohibit hunting in the No Hunting Zones; however, you may walk through these areas with an unloaded weapon (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) (no shells in the chamber or magazine cap off of the muzzleloader).
9. For deer hunting, the legal shooting hours are from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
10. For turkey hunting, the legal shooting hours are from
11. We prohibit entry to the refuge by boats during refuge hunts.
12. We only allow persons possessing a refuge hunt permit to be on the refuge during hunting days.
13. We prohibit the use of ATVs during refuge hunts (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter).
14. We allow the use of marking tape, reflective pins, or other removable materials to mark trails to and from stands. You must remove the marking material (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of your hunt day. We prohibit paint or any other permanent marker to mark trails.
1. We allow fishing and crabbing from Eastern Neck Island bridge.
2. We only allow fishing and crabbing from April 1—September 30 during daylight hours at the Ingleside Recreation Area.
3. We only allow fishing from the Boxes Point and Duck Inn Trails during daylight hours.
4. We allow fishing and crabbing from boardwalk located adjacent to the Eastern Neck Island bridge.
1. We require a hunting permit.
2. We require hunters age 17 years of age or younger to have a parent or guardian countersign to receive a hunting permit. An adult, age 21 or older possessing a hunting permit, must accompany hunters age 15 and younger in the field.
3. You must check-in and out at the Hunter Control Station (HCS) and exchange your hunting permit for a daily hunting pass and a vehicle pass every time you enter or exit the refuge.
4. We will restrict you to the selected area and activity until you check out at the HCS.
5. You may only carry one shotgun in the field. We prohibit additional firearms.
6. You must wear at least a fluorescent-orange hat or cap when walking from your vehicle to your hunting site. “Jump Shooters” must wear at least a fluorescent-orange hat or cap while hunting. If you stop and stand, you may replace the orange hat or cap with a camouflage one.
7. We only allow the taking of Canada goose during the special September season for resident Canada goose.
8. We prohibit hunting of duck or goose during the deer firearm seasons and the early deer muzzleloader seasons that occur in October.
9. We prohibit hunting quail or dove during any deer muzzleloader or firearms seasons.
10. We require waterfowl hunters to use retrievers on any impounded waters. Retrievers must be of the traditional breeds, such as Chesapeake Bay, Golden, Labrador, etc.
11. We require dogs to be under the immediate control of their owner at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter). Law enforcement officers may seize dogs running loose or unattended.
1. We require a fee hunting permit.
2. Conditions A2 and A4 apply.
3. We require hunters to check-in and out at the Hunter Control Station every time they enter or exit the refuge and exchange their hunting permit for a daily hunting pass and vehicle pass.
4. You must wear a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm2) of fluorescent orange on your head, chest, and back while hunting upland game except for turkey hunting. We encourage turkey hunters to wear fluorescent orange.
5. We prohibit hunting of upland game during the firearms and muzzleloader seasons.
6. We select turkey hunting permits by computerized lottery. We will generate a computerized lottery list for the youth, disabled, mobility impaired, and general public. We require documentation for disabled and mobility-impaired hunters.
7. We require each turkey hunter to attend the a turkey clinic. See the refuge office for further information.
1. We require you to pass a proficiency test with each weapon that you desire to use prior to issuing you a hunting permit.
2. Conditions A1 through A4 apply.
3. You must wear a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
4. You must use established roads, park within the selected boundary, and not block traffic.
5. We prohibit hunting on or across any road, within 50 yards (45 m) of a road, within 150 yards (135 m) of any occupied structure, or within 25 yards (22.5 m) from any designated “No Hunting” area. Only those with a State “Hunt from a Vehicle Permit” may hunt from the roadside.
6. We prohibit using dogs to hunt or track wounded deer.
7. We publish the daily and yearly bag limits and hunting dates for the North, Central, and South Tracts in July and will include them with each hunting permit.
8. North Tract: We allow shotgun, muzzleloader, and bow hunting.
i. You must use a portable tree stand equipped with a safety belt. The stand must be at least 10 feet (3 m) off the ground. You must wear the safety belt while in the tree stand. You must remove tree stands daily from the refuge (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
9. Central Tract: We allow shotgun and bow hunting in accordance with the following regulations:
i. We allow bow hunters to hunt on the Schaefer Farm.
ii. We will select hunters interested in the Central Tract hunt by a computerized lottery and assign them to a specific hunting location.
iii. Shotgun hunters must use both portable tree stands and safety belts. The stand must be at least 10 feet (3 m) off the ground.
iv. You must carry a flashlight, whistle, and a compass while hunting.
10. South Tract: We allow shotgun, muzzleloader, and bow hunting in accordance with the following regulations:
i. We prohibit entry onto fire roads.
ii. Conditions 8i and 9iv apply.
11. You must check out at the Hunter Control Station no later than 1
12. All deer harvested will have a jaw extracted before leaving the refuge.
13. If you wish to track wounded deer beyond 1
1. We allow the use of earthworms as the only source of live bait.
2. We prohibit harvesting bait on the refuge.
3. You must attend all fishing lines.
4. We prohibit fishing from any bridge.
5. North Tract: We allow sport fishing at Lake Allen, Rieve's Pond, New Marsh, Cattail Pond, Bailey Bridge Marsh, and Little Patuxent River (downstream only from Bailey's Bridge) in accordance with the following regulations:
i. We require a free refuge permit (you must possess and carry) to access North Tract. If you are age 17 or younger, you must have a parent or guardian countersign to receive an access permit. A parent or legal guardian must accompany those age 15 and younger.
ii. You may take the following species: catfish, chain pickerel, black crappie, eels, sunfish, golden shiner, and large and smallmouth bass. Bass limit is one per day.
iii. You may fish year-round at Lake Allen, New Marsh, Cattail Pond, Bailey Bridge Marsh, and Little Patuxent River (downstream only from Bailey Bridge) except during the white-tailed deer firearm hunting season and the waterfowl hunting season. We also reserve the right to close Lake Allen at any time.
iv. You may fish at Rieve's Pond from February 1 to August 31 and on Sundays from September 1 to January 31.
v. We allow wading, for fishing purposes only, downstream from Bailey Bridge on the Little Patuxent River. We prohibit wading in other bodies of water.
vi. We prohibit use of any type of watercraft.
6. South Tract: We allow sport fishing at Cash Lake in accordance with the following regulations:
i. We require a free refuge fishing permit. You must carry a copy of the permit with you at all times while fishing. Organized groups may request a group permit. The group leader must carry a copy of the permit and stay with the group at all times while fishing.
ii. You must park your vehicle in the parking lot located behind Refuge Gate 8 off Maryland Highway 197 (see § 27.31 of this chapter). You must prominently display your fishing permit on your vehicle's dashboard.
iii. You may fish on Cash Lake except areas designated as closed on the fishing permit map and by posted signs stating “No fishing beyond this point”.
iv. You may take the following fish species: catfish, black crappie, eels, sunfish, golden shiner, and chain pickerel. Chain pickerel limit is one per day.
v. You must catch and release all bass.
vi. You may fish from mid-June until mid-October.
vii. You may fish between the hours of 6 a.m. until legal sunset. We open the refuge trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter) from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. daily.
viii. The permit holder may take one additional licensed adult or two youths age 15 or younger to fish on Cash Lake. The permit holder must be present for guests to fish.
ix. We prohibit boat trailers.
x. You may use watercraft for fishing in accordance with the State boating laws subject to the following conditions: You may use car-top boats 14 feet (4.2 m) or less and canoes. You may only use electric motors, 4 HP or less. We prohibit sailboats, kayaks, or inflatables.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. We allow fishing on the portions of the Monomoy Islands that we do not post as closed to public use from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
2. We allow surf fishing from the Morris Island shore 24 hours a day.
1. We close the western refuge shoreline and beach area to surf fishing during the period of April 15 through July 31 annually, and you may not operate a vehicle on the west-facing beach and shoreline (see § 27.31 of this chapter). We only allow surf fishing on the northeast-facing shoreline during this period of time.
2. We may close the northeast-facing shoreline and beach if piping plover nesting is occurring in this portion of the refuge.
3. We require a permit for the use of over-the-sand, surf-fishing vehicles.
4. If we do not otherwise close an area because of these conditions, we allow fishing 24 hours a day.
1. We restrict vehicles to the designated parking area accessible from the Still River Depot Road (see § 27.31 of this chapter). We prohibit entry by routes other than Still River Depot Road.
2. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
1. We only allow shotguns.
2. We restrict vehicles to the designated parking area that is accessible from the Still River Depot Road (see § 27.31 of this chapter). We prohibit entry by routes other than Still River Depot Road.
3. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field, except while hunting turkey (see § 32.2(k)).
1. Hunters may not use or possess more than 25 shells per day.
2. Hunters using Area B must set out a minimum of six waterfowl decoys and hunt within 50 yards of these decoys.
1. We require that all hunters have a valid State hunting license, applicable deer tags, and firearms identification card (FID) or license to carry (LTC). The FID and LTC only apply to Massachusetts residents. All hunters regardless of age must possess and carry a refuge permit. This is a quota hunt, and we will randomly select a limited number of hunters from those that apply. You may apply by mail from September 1 until October 1.
2. If selected from the random drawing, you must attend a refuge-specific hunter orientation session prior to the hunt.
3. We only allow shotguns (slugs only) and shoulder-fired muzzleloaders (single projectile only) for our deer hunt.
4. You must check-in and out at the refuge entrance gatehouse.
5. We prohibit alcoholic beverages (See § 32.2(j)).
6. We prohibit hunting from the North Pool or Stage Island Observation towers.
7. We prohibit loaded firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) on or within 150 feet (45 m) of the refuge road.
8. You must bring all deer to the refuge deer check station located at our subheadquarters 2.5 miles (4 km) south of the refuge entrance gate. This site is an official State check station.
9. We will only allow permitted refuge hunters or those individuals hunting at Sandy Point State Reservation at the southern end of Plum Island access to the refuge or Sandy Point on the day(s) of the deer hunt.
10. We prohibit vehicular travel (emergency excepted) on refuge roads from
11. Parking regulations are subject to change and will be determined based on the number of permitted hunters and available hunt areas. We will provide this information in detail to all permitted hunters attending the required hunter-orientation session.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. We allow hunting of snowshoe hare on Unit B during the entire State season.
2. We only allow hunting of snowshoe hare on Unit A from December 1 through March 31.
1. We do not allow the use of fishing weights or lures containing lead.
2. We allow ice fishing from January 1 through the end of February from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
3. We do not allow ice shanties, houses, or shelters on F Pool.
4. When ice fishing, we do not allow snowmobiles or all-terrain vehicles. We prohibit all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles on the refuge.
5. We allow fishing on designated refuge pools, and the Creighton, Driggs, and Manistique Rivers from May 15 through September 30 from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
6. We prohibit boats and flotation devices on the refuge pools.
7. We prohibit motorized boats on the Creighton and Driggs Rivers.
1. You must possess and carry a refuge permit.
2. We allow goose hunting on designated cropland fields until 12 p.m. (noon) with a required checkout time of 1 p.m.
3. You may only possess approved nontoxic shotgun shells (see § 32.2(k)) in quantities of 10 or less.
4. We require hunters to stay within 50 feet (15 m) of posted site.
1. You must possess and carry a refuge permit.
2. Hunters must wear in a visible manner on head, chest, and back a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
3. We require that you must display a minimum of 100 square inches (650 cm
4. During muzzleloader hunts we require only guns capable of firing one round before reloading.
5. We allow hunters with a State medical permit to use crossbows.
1. We allow fishing by boat in navigable waterways but not within any managed refuge units.
2. We allow bank fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset only at designated sites along
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. The construction or use of permanent blinds, platforms or ladders is not permitted.
2. All stands must be removed from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt.
3. We allow the use of wheeled, nonmotorized conveyance devices (
4. We prohibit entry into the “Closed Area”.
1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting for partridge or ring-necked pheasant.
2. You may hunt fox, raccoon, and striped skunk only during open seasons for other small game species. You may not use dogs while raccoon hunting.
3. You may hunt only turkey if you have a valid State turkey hunting permit in your possession.
1. The construction or use of permanent blinds, platforms or ladders is not permitted.
2. All stands must be removed from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt.
3. You may hunt only deer if you have a valid State permit in your possession.
1. Nonmotorized boats or boats with electric motors are permitted in the Minnesota River channel only.
2. Bank fishing only is permitted on refuge pools and open marshes.
3. Ice fishing shelters must be removed from the refuge following each day's fishing activities.
1. We prohibit the use of motorized boats.
2. You must remove boats, decoys, blinds, and blind materials brought onto WPAs following each day's hunt.
3. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times.
1. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, platforms, or ladders.
2. You must remove all portable hunting stands from the area at the end of each day's hunt.
1. We prohibit the use of motorized boats.
2. You must remove boats, decoys, blinds, and blind materials (see § 27.93 of this chapter) brought onto the WPAs at the end of each day.
3. We allow the use of hunting dogs provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
1. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, platforms, or ladders.
2. You must remove all portable hunting stands and blinds from the area at the end of each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
1. Condition A1 applies.
2. You must remove all ice fishing structures, devices, and personal property (see § 27.93 of this chapter) brought onto the area following each day of fishing.
1. You must remove boats, decoys, and other personal property following each day's hunt.
2. You must remove portable or temporary blinds and any material brought onto the area for blind construction following each day's hunt.
3. We prohibit the use of motorized boats.
4. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
1. We do not allow construction or use of permanent blinds, stands, or platforms.
2. You must remove all temporary blinds, stands, or platforms following each day's hunt.
1. We prohibit the use of motorized boats.
2. You must remove all ice fishing structures, devices, and personal property (see § 27.93 of this chapter) brought onto the area at the end of the day.
1. Hunters may only use shotguns and bows and arrows in designated areas.
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
3. We allow the use of .22 caliber rimfire rifles on designated areas of the refuge.
1. Permits may be required.
2. The construction or use of permanent blinds or platforms is not permitted.
3. All portable stands must be removed from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt.
4. Hunters may not use or possess single shot projectiles (shotgun slugs, or bullets) on the Soberg Waterfowl Production Area.
5. We prohibit the possession of centerfire rifles or handguns on the refuge.
6. We allow the use of shotguns and muzzleloaders on designated areas.
1. Only bank fishing is permitted.
2. Ice fishing is permitted when ice conditions are safe.
3. Ice fishing shelters must be removed from the refuge following each day's fishing activity.
1. We prohibit the use of motorized boats.
2. You must remove boats, decoys, blinds, and blind materials (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each day.
3. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
1. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, platforms, or ladders.
2. You must remove all portable hunting stands and blinds from the area at the end of each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
1. Condition A1 applies.
2. You must remove all ice fishing structures, devices, and personal property (see § 27.93 of this chapter) brought onto the WPA at the end of each day's fishing.
1. You must remove boats, decoys, portable or temporary blinds, materials brought onto the refuge, and other personal property at the end of each day's hunt.
2. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands, or scaffolds.
3. We prohibit the use of motorized watercraft.
1. Hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
2. We prohibit the use of dogs for hunting furbearers.
3. Hunters may take weasel, coyote, gopher, crow, and all other species for which there is no closed season only during a State-designated open season for other upland game species.
1. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands, or scaffolds.
2. You must remove all temporary blinds, stands, and scaffolds at the end of each day's hunt.
3. We prohibit the use of motorized watercraft.
1. Shotgun hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
1. Shotgun hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting upland game species.
2. We require that the visible portion of at least one article of clothing worn above the waist be blaze orange.
1. The construction or use of permanent blinds, platforms or ladders is not permitted.
2. All stands must be removed from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt.
3. Permits are required for firearms hunting.
4. Hunting of deer on the Rice Lake Unit is by firearm and archery; hunting on the Sandstone Unit is by archery only.
1. Fishing from non-motorized boats or boats powered by electric motors is permitted only in designated areas.
2. Ice fishing is permitted on Mandy Lake when ice conditions are safe.
3. Ice fishing shelters must be removed from the refuge following each day's fishing activity.
1. Permits are required to hunt white-tailed deer in the Special Permit Area of the refuge.
2. Hunting in the Special Permit Area is permitted with firearms only.
3. Hunters may not construct or use permanent blinds, permanent platforms, or permanent ladders. Hunters may use portable stands, but must remove them from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt.
4. Hunters who harvest deer in the Special Permit Area must take their deer to the refuge check station.
1. Field possession of migratory game birds is not permitted on refuge areas closed to migratory game bird hunting.
2. Only nonmotorized boats are permitted, and they must be launched at designated access sites.
3. Boats, decoys and blinds must be removed from the refuge following each day's hunt except for blinds made entirely of marsh vegetation.
4. Entry to hunting areas is not allowed earlier than one and one-half hours before legal shooting hours.
5. We prohibit hunting during the State Special Goose Hunt (the early September and late December Canada goose hunting seasons).
1. Shotgun hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting for all upland game species.
2. We prohibit field possession of upland game species on areas closed to upland game hunting.
1. The construction or use of permanent blinds, platforms or ladders is not permitted.
2. All stands must be removed from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt.
3. You must dismantle hunting blinds, platforms, and ladders made from natural vegetation at the end of each day.
4. We prohibit the possession of firearms or archery equipment on areas closed to white-tailed deer hunting.
1. Fishing is permitted on the St. Francis River only.
2. Nonmotorized boats are permitted only on designated areas of St. Francis River and must be launched from designated access points.
1. Hunting by tribal members is in accordance with White Earth Reservation regulations on those portions of the Reservation that are a part of the refuge.
2. Blinds must be removed from the refuge following each day's hunt except for blinds made entirely of marsh vegetation.
1. Hunting by tribal members is in accordance with White Earth Reservation regulations on those parts of the Reservation that are part of the refuge.
2. You may only hunt red fox, raccoon, and striped skunk from
3. Shotgun hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting for all upland game species.
4. We require hunters to wear at least one article of blaze orange clothing visible above the waist.
1. Hunting by tribal members is in accordance with White Earth Reservation regulations on those parts of the Reservation that are part of the refuge.
2. The construction or use of permanent blinds, platforms or ladders is not permitted.
3. All stands must be removed from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt.
1. We allow fishing in North Tamarac Lake, Wauboose Lake, and Two Island Lake all year in accordance with State and/or White Earth Reservation regulations.
2. We allow fishing in Blackbird Lake and Lost Lake from the first day of the State walleye season through Labor Day under State and/or White Earth Reservation regulations.
3. We only allow bank fishing in an area 50 yards (45 m) on either side of the Ottertail River Bridges on County Roads #26 and #126 during State seasons.
4. We allow fishing in Pine Lake from December 1 until March 31.
Refer to § 32.32 Illinois for regulations.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
Refer to § 32.37 Louisiana for regulations.
1. Youth hunters age 15 and under must possess and carry a hunter safety course card or certificate. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. All hunters must possess and carry a valid, signed refuge hunting permit certifying that you understand and will comply with all regulations, and hunters must carry a State license and a signed Federal and State duck stamp on their person while hunting on the refuge. Hunters born after January 1, 1972, also must carry a Hunter Education Safety Course card or certificate. You may obtain permits at North Mississippi Refuges Complex Headquarters, 2776 Sunset Drive, Grenada, Mississippi 38901, or at the Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge Office, Box 831, Highway 446, Boyle, Mississippi 38730, or by mail from the above addresses.
2. All users may enter the refuge 2 hours before legal sunrise and must exit the refuge no later than 2 hours after legal sunset. We prohibit entering or remaining on the refuge before or after hours.
3. We only allow hunting of migratory game birds on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from
4. Each hunter must obtain a daily User Information Card (pink) available at each refuge information station and follow the printed instructions on the card. Hunters must place the card in plain view on the dashboard of their vehicle so the personal information is readable. Prior to leaving the refuge, you must complete the reverse side of the card and deposit it at one of the hunter information stations. Include all game harvested, and if there is none, report “0.”
5. We may close certain areas of the refuge for sanctuary or administrative purposes. We will mark such areas with “No Hunting” or “Area Closed” signs.
6. We prohibit handguns of all kinds.
7. Waterfowl hunters may leave boats meeting all State registration requirements on refuge water bodies throughout the waterfowl season. You must remove boats (see § 27.93 of this chapter) within 72 hours after the season closes.
8. We restrict motor vehicle use to roads designated as vehicle access roads on the refuge map (see § 27.31 of this chapter). We prohibit blocking access to any road or trail entering the refuge (see § 27.31(h) of this chapter).
9. All hunters or persons on the refuge for any reason during any open refuge hunting season must wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm
10. We only allow dogs on the refuge when specifically authorized for hunting. We encourage the use of dogs to retrieve dead or wounded waterfowl. Dogs must remain in the immediate control of their handlers at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
11. You must remove decoys, blinds, other personal property, and litter (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) from the hunting area following each morning's hunt. We prohibit cutting or removing trees and other vegetation (see § 27.51 of this chapter). We prohibit the use of flagging, paint, blazes, tacks, or other types of markers.
12. We prohibit ATVs (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter), horses, and mules on the refuge.
1. Conditions A1, A4, A5, A8, and A12 apply.
2. We restrict all public use to the period beginning 2 hours before legal sunrise and ending 2 hours after legal sunset. We prohibit entering or remaining on the refuge before or after hours. We establish special provisions for raccoon hunting; contact the refuge office for details.
3. You may only possess shotguns with approved nontoxic shotgun shot (see § 32.2(k)) and .22 caliber rifles. We prohibit all handguns.
4. All hunters or persons on the refuge for any reason during any open refuge hunting season must wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm2) of visible, unbroken, fluorescent orange-colored material above the waistline.
5. We only allow dogs on the refuge after the general Gun Deer Hunt. Dogs must remain in the immediate control of their handlers at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
6. We prohibit cutting or removing trees and other vegetation (see § 27.51 of this chapter). We prohibit the use of flagging, paint, blazes, tacks, or other types of markers.
1. Conditions A1, A4, A5, A6, A8, and A12 apply.
2. We restrict all public use to 2 hours before legal sunrise until 2 hours after legal sunset. We prohibit entering or remaining on the refuge before or after hours.
3. All hunters or persons on the refuge for any reason during any open refuge hunting season must wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm
4. We prohibit dogs for any big game hunt.
5. We prohibit use or possession of any drug or device for employing such drug for hunting (see § 32.2(g)).
6. We prohibit organized drives for deer.
7. We prohibit hunting or shooting across any open, fallow, or planted field from ground level or on or across any public road, public highway, railroad, or their right-of-way during all general gun and primitive weapon hunts.
8. You may erect portable deer stands (see § 32.2i)) 2 weeks prior to the opening of archery season on the refuge, and you must remove them by January 31 (see § 27.93 of this chapter). We prohibit cutting or removing trees and other vegetation (see § 27.51 of this chapter). We prohibit the use of flagging, paint, blazes, tacks, or other types of markers.
1. All anglers must possess and carry a valid, signed refuge fishing permit certifying that you understand and will comply with all regulations.
2. We close the refuge to fishing from October 1 through February 28.
3. We prohibit possession of any weapon (see § 27.42 of this chapter) while fishing on the refuge.
4. We prohibit possession or use of jugs, seines, nets, hand-grab baskets, slat traps/baskets, or any other similar devices and commercial fishing of any kind.
5. We allow trotlines, yo-yos, limb lines, crawfish traps, or any other similar devices for recreational use only. You must tag or mark these devices with your full name, full residence address including zip code, written
6. We prohibit snagging or attempting to snag fish.
7. We allow crawfishing.
8. We only allow the taking of frog by Special Use Permit.
1. All persons fishing who are 16 years of age and older must carry a State license on the refuge. You must have a signed refuge fishing permit in your possession when fishing on the refuge. You may obtain permits at North Mississippi Refuges Complex Headquarters, 2776 Sunset Drive, Grenada, Mississippi 38901, or at the Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge Office, Box 381, Highway 446, Boyle, Mississippi 38730, or by mail from the above addresses.
2. We close the refuge to fishing from October 1 through February 28.
3. We allow fishing in bar pits along the Corps of Engineers levee only.
4. We prohibit possession of any weapon while fishing on the refuge. This does not include fishing knives unless they are longer than 3 inches (7.5 cm).
5. We prohibit possession or use of jugs, seines, nets, hand-grab baskets, slat traps/baskets, or any other similar devices and commercial fishing of any kind.
6. We allow trotlines, yo-yos, limb lines, crawfish traps, or any other similar devices for recreational use only, and you must tag or mark them with waterproof ink, legibly inscribed or legibly stamped on the tag with your full name and full residence address, including zip code. You must attend these devices a minimum of once daily. If you are not going to attend these devices, you must remove them from the refuge.
7. We prohibit snagging or attempting to snag fish.
8. We allow crawfishing.
9. We allow taking of frogs by Special Use Permit only.
1. We allow hunting from 30 minutes before legal sunrise until 12 p.m. (noon) on Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Hunters may enter the refuge 2 hours before legal sunrise. Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material (see § 27.93 of this chapter), and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 p.m. each day.
2. You must only use portable or temporary blinds.
3. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) while hunting waterfowl in the field.
4. The refuge is a day-use area only with the exception of legal hunting activities.
5. We prohibit the use of all-terrain vehicles on all refuge hunts.
6. We prohibit target practice on refuge property.
7. We prohibit mules and horses on refuge hunts.
8. We allow retrievers for waterfowl hunting. We require all dogs to wear a collar displaying the owner's name, address, and telephone number.
9. You must unload and case or dismantle firearms (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) before transporting them in a vehicle or boat within the boundaries of the refuge or along rights-of-way for public or private land within the refuge.
10. Each hunter must possess and carry a current, signed copy of the refuge hunting permit while participating in refuge hunts.
11. Youth hunters under age 16 must possess and carry a State-approved hunter safety course card or certificate. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. An adult may supervise no more than two youths during small game hunts and one youth during big game hunts.
1. Conditions A4 through A7 and A9 through A11 apply.
2. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while hunting on the refuge (see § 32.2(k)). All shotgun ammunition must meet legal shot-size requirements. We only allow .22 caliber rimfire.
3. We prohibit the possession of dogs for squirrel hunting.
1. Conditions A4 through A7, A9 through A11, and B3 apply.
2. We only allow hunting with bow and arrow. We prohibit the use of poisonous arrows (see § 32.2(g)). We prohibit firearms.
3. We prohibit the use or construction of any permanent tree stand. We allow portable
4. We prohibit hunting by organized deer drives of two or more hunters. We define “drive” as the act of chasing, pursuing, disturbing, or otherwise directing deer so as to make the animals more susceptible to harvest.
5. We prohibit hunting with the aid of bait (see § 32.2(h)).
1. We are open for hunting during the State season except during the muzzleloader deer hunt.
2. There is no early teal season.
3. We allow hunting from
4. Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material (see § 27.93 of this chapter), and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 p.m. each day.
5. Youth hunters age 15 and under must possess and carry a hunter safety course card or certificate. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Hunters age 16 and older must possess and carry a valid signed refuge Public Use Permit certifying that he or she understands and will comply with all regulations. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.
6. Each day before hunting, all hunters must obtain a daily User Information Card (pink) available at the hunter information stations (see refuge brochure map) and follow the printed instructions on the card. You must display this card in plain view on the dashboard of your vehicle while hunting or fishing so that the personal information is readable. Prior to leaving the refuge, you must complete the reverse side of the card and deposit it at one of the refuge information stations.
7. Failure to display the User Information Card will result in the loss of the hunter's refuge annual Public Use Permit.
8. We prohibit hunting or entry into areas designated as “CLOSED” (see refuge brochure map).
9. We prohibit possession of alcoholic beverages.
10. We prohibit possession of plastic flagging tape.
11. We prohibit handguns.
12. You must unload and case guns (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) transported in/on vehicles, ATVs, and boats under power.
13. You must park vehicles in such a manner as to not obstruct roads, gates, turnrows, or firelanes (see § 27.31(h) of this chapter).
14. Valid permit holders may take the following furbearers in season incidental to other refuge hunts with legal firearms used for that hunt: raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and nutria.
15. We only allow ATVs on designated trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter) (see refuge brochure map).
16. We open for dove hunting the first and second State season. Contact the refuge headquarters for specific dates and open areas.
17. You may only take dove with shotguns shooting approved nontoxic shot.
18. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) while in the field.
1. Conditions A1 and A5 through A15 apply.
2. We only allow shotguns with approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) and .22 caliber rimfire rifles for taking small game (we prohibit .22 caliber magnums).
3. We only allow dogs for rabbit and quail hunting typically during the last 2 weeks in February. Hunt dates are available at the refuge headquarters and printed in the refuge brochure. We restrict hunting to the waterfowl hunting area (see refuge brochure map).
4. During the rabbit-with-dog and quail hunts, any person hunting or accompanying another person hunting must wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm2) of unbroken flourescent-orange material visible above the waistline as an outer garment.
5. Beginning the first day after the deer muzzleloader hunt, we restrict hunting to the designated waterfowl hunting area (see refuge brochure map).
6. We prohibit horses and mules.
1. Hunts and hunt dates are available at the refuge headquarters in July, and we post them in the refuge brochure.
2. We only allow ATVs on designated trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter) beginning the second Saturday in September through February 28 (see refuge brochure map).
3. Beginning the first day after the muzzleloader hunt, we restrict hunting to the designated waterfowl hunting area (see refuge brochure map).
4. Conditions A5 through A7 and B6 apply.
5. During all gun and muzzleloader deer hunts: all participants must wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm2) of unbroken flourescent-orange material visible above
6. We prohibit organized drives for deer.
7. We prohibit hunting from or shooting across open fields from ground level.
8. We only allow crossbows in accordance with State law.
9. You must unload guns (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) while standing beside, in, or walking across any portion of a field, tree plantation, road, pipeline, or powerline right-of-way. We define “a loaded gun” as shells in the gun or percussion caps on muzzleloaders.
10. Stands adjacent to fields and tree plantations must be a minimum of 10 feet (300 cm) above ground.
11. We prohibit attaching stands to any power or utility pole.
12. You may place stands on the refuge 7 days prior to and must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) by day 7 after the close of the refuge deer season.
13. You must remove stands in the January/February closed area by the last day of the muzzleloader hunt.
14. You must field-dress deer.
15. We designate check station dates and requirements in the refuge brochure.
1. We close all refuge waters during the muzzleloader deer hunt.
2. We allow fishing in the borrow ponds along the north levee (see refuge brochure map) throughout the year except during the muzzleloader Gun Deer Hunt.
3. We open all other refuge waters March 1 through November 15.
4. We prohibit trot lines, limb lines, jugs, seines, and traps.
5. We prohibit fishing from bridges.
6. We allow frogging during the State bullfrog season.
7. We only allow ATVs on designated trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter) (see refuge brochure map) September 15 through February 28.
1. We allow hunting during the open State season.
2. There is no early teal season.
3. Beginning the opening day of duck season, we restrict hunting to the designated waterfowl hunt area only (see refuge brochure map).
4. Youth hunters age 15 and under must possess and carry a hunter safety course card or certificate. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older.
5. During the refuge youth hunts, scheduled the first 2 weekends in January, both youth and accompanying adult may hunt. Only one adult may accompany each youth hunter.
6. We allow hunting from
7. Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material (see § 27.93 of this chapter), and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 p.m. each day.
8. If you are a hunter age 16 or older, you must possess and carry a valid, signed refuge Public Use Permit certifying that you understand and will comply with all regulations.
9. Each day before hunting, each hunter must obtain a daily User Information Card (pink) available at the hunter information stations (see refuge brochure map) and follow the printed instructions on the card. You must display this card on the dashboard of your vehicle while hunting or fishing so that the personal information is readable. Prior to leaving the refuge, you must complete the reverse side of the card and deposit it at one of the refuge information stations.
10. Failure to display the User Information Card will result in the loss of the hunter's refuge annual Public Use Permit.
11. We prohibit hunting or entry into areas designated as “CLOSED” (see refuge brochure map).
12. We prohibit possession of alcoholic beverages.
13. We prohibit possession of plastic flagging tape.
14. We prohibit handguns.
15. You must unload and case guns (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) transported in/on vehicles and boats under power.
16. We prohibit parking vehicles in such a manner as to obstruct roads, gates, turnrows, or firelanes (see § 27.31(h) of this chapter).
17. Valid permit holders may take the following furbearers in season incidental to other refuge hunts with legal firearms used for that hunt: raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and nutria.
1. Conditions A4 applies.
2. We only allow shotguns with approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) or .22 caliber rimfire rifles for taking small game (we prohibit .22 caliber magnums).
3. We only allow dogs for rabbit hunting typically the last 2 weeks in February. Hunt dates are available at the refuge headquarters and printed in the refuge brochure. We restrict hunting to the waterfowl hunting area (see refuge brochure map).
4. During the rabbit-with-dog hunt, any person hunting or accompanying another person hunting must wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm
5. We prohibit horses and mules.
1. We only allow archery hunting October 1 through January 31.
2. State bag limits apply.
3. Beginning the first day of duck season, we restrict hunting to the designated waterfowl hunt area only (see refuge brochure map).
4. Conditions A7 through A9 and B5 apply.
5. We prohibit organized drives for deer.
6. We only allow crossbows in accordance with State law.
7. We prohibit attaching stands to any power or utility pole.
8. You may place stands on the refuge 7 days prior to and must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) by day 7 after the close of the refuge deer season.
1. We allow fishing in all refuge waters throughout the year, except in the waterfowl sanctuary, which we close from the first day of duck season through March 15 (see refuge brochure map).
2. We prohibit trot lines, limb lines, jugs, seines, and traps.
3. We allow frogging during the State bullfrog season.
1. We open for hunting during the State season, except we close during the muzzleloader deer hunt.
2. There is no early teal season.
3. We allow hunting from
4. Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material (see § 27.93 of this chapter), and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 p.m. each day.
5. Youth hunters age 15 and under must possess and carry a hunter safety course card or certificate. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. If you are a hunter age 16 or older you must possess and carry a valid, signed refuge Public Use Permit certifying that you understand and will comply with all regulations.
6. Each day before hunting, all hunters must obtain a daily User Information Card (pink) available at each refuge information station (see refuge brochure map) and follow the printed instructions on the card. You must display this card in plain view on the dashboard of your vehicle while hunting or fishing so the personal information is readable. Prior to leaving the refuge, you must complete the reverse side of the card and deposit it at one of the refuge information stations.
7. Failure to display the User Information Card will result in the loss of the hunter's refuge annual Public Use Permit.
8. We prohibit hunting or entry into areas designated as “CLOSED” (see refuge brochure map).
9. We prohibit possession of alcoholic beverages.
10. We prohibit plastic flagging tape.
11. We prohibit handguns at all times.
12. You must unload and case guns (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) transported in/on vehicles, ATVs, and boats under power.
13. We prohibit parking of vehicles in such a manner as to obstruct roads, gates, turnrows, or firelanes (see § 27.31(h) of this chapter).
14. We allow take by valid permit holders of the following in-season furbearers, incidental to other refuge hunts with legal firearms used for that hunt: raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and nutria.
15. We only allow ATVs on designated trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter) (see refuge brochure map).
16. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while hunting on the refuge (see § 32.2(k)).
1. Conditions A1 and A5 (we only allow one adult per youth hunter), and A6 through A14 apply.
2. We only allow shotguns shooting approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) and .22 caliber rimfire rifles for taking small game (we prohibit .22 caliber magnums).
3. We only allow dogs for rabbit and quail hunting typically during the last 2 weeks in February. Hunt dates are available at the refuge headquarters and printed in the refuge brochure. We restrict hunting to the waterfowl hunting area (see refuge brochure map).
4. During the rabbit and quail-with-dog hunt, any person hunting or accompanying
5. Beginning the first day after the deer muzzleloader hunt, we restrict hunting to the designated waterfowl hunting area (see refuge brochure map).
6. We prohibit horses.
1. Hunt information and dates are available both at the refuge headquarters in July and posted in the refuge brochure.
2. We only allow ATVs on designated trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter) beginning the second Saturday in September through February 28 (see refuge brochure map).
3. Beginning the first day after the muzzleloader hunt, we restrict hunting to north of Providence Road and the area west and south of Spring Branch (see refuge brochure map).
4. During all gun and muzzleloader deer hunts, all participants must wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm
5. During muzzleloader deer hunts, we prohibit all other public use.
6. We prohibit organized drives for deer.
7. We prohibit hunting from or shooting across open fields from ground level.
8. We only allow crossbows in accordance with State law.
9. We define a loaded gun as shells in the gun or percussion caps on muzzleloaders.
10. You must unload guns (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) while standing beside, in, or walking across any portion of a field, tree plantation, road, pipeline, or powerline right-of-way.
11. During the muzzleloader deer hunt, we prohibit hunting from tripods and other free-standing platforms in fields and tree plantations.
12. Stands adjacent to fields and tree plantations must be a minimum of 10 feet (3 m) above ground.
13. We prohibit attaching stands to any power or utility pole.
14. You may place stands on the refuge 7 days prior to and must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) by day 7 after the close of the refuge deer season.
15. You must remove stands in the January/February closed area by the last day of the muzzleloader hunt.
16. Hunters must field-dress their deer.
17. We designate check station dates and requirements in the refuge hunt brochure.
18. Conditions A5 through A7 and B6 apply.
1. We close all refuge waters during the muzzleloader deer hunt.
2. We only allow fishing in refuge waters north of Providence Road throughout the year except during the muzzleloader deer hunt.
3. We open all other refuge waters March 1 through November 15.
4. We prohibit trot lines, limb lines, jugs, seines, and traps.
5. We prohibit fishing from bridges.
6. We allow frogging during the State bullfrog season.
7. We only allow ATVs on designated trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter) (see refuge brochure map) September 15 through February 28.
8. We will post separate fishing regulations for Providence Ponds on Morgan Brake at the Morgan Brake office.
1. We allow hunting during the open State season except we close during all Limited Permit Hunts.
2. Youth hunters age 15 and under must possess and carry a hunter safety course card or certificate. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Both youth and accompanying adult may hunt. Only one adult may accompany each youth hunter.
3. There is no early teal season.
4. We allow hunting from
5. Hunters must remove all decoys, blind material (see § 27.93 of this chapter), and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 p.m. each day.
6. Each hunter age 16 and older must possess and carry a valid, signed refuge Public Use Permit certifying that they understand and will comply with all regulations.
7. Each day before hunting, all hunters must obtain a daily User Information Card (pink) available at the hunter information stations (see refuge brochure map) and follow the printed instructions on the card. You must display this card in plain view on the dashboard of your vehicle while hunting or fishing so that the personal information is readable. Prior to leaving the refuge, you must complete the reverse side of the card and deposit it at one of the refuge information stations.
8. Failure to display the User Information Card will result in the loss of the hunter's refuge annual Public Use Permit.
9. You may obtain hunt dates both at the refuge headquarters in July and posted in the refuge brochure.
10. We prohibit hunting or entry into areas designated as “CLOSED” (see refuge brochure map).
11. We prohibit possession of alcoholic beverages.
12. We prohibit plastic flagging tape.
13. We prohibit handguns at all times.
14. You must unload and case guns (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) transported in/on vehicles, ATVs, and boats under power.
15. We prohibit parking of vehicles in such a manner as to obstruct roads, gates, turnrows, or firelanes (see § 27.31(h) of this chapter).
16. We allow take by valid permit holders of the following furbearers in season, incidental to other refuge hunts with legal firearms used for that hunt: Raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and nutria.
17. We only allow ATVs, beginning the second Saturday in September through February 28, on designated trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter) (see refuge brochure map).
1. We allow hunting during the open State season except we close during limited refuge deer hunts. You may obtain information on the hunts and hunt dates both at the refuge headquarters in July and posted in the refuge brochure.
2. Conditions A2 (squirrel hunting), A6 through A8, and A10 through A17 apply.
3. We only allow shotguns with approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) and .22 caliber rimfire rifles for taking small game (we prohibit .22 caliber magnums). We prohibit possession of toxic shot, buckshot, and slugs.
4. We only allow dogs for rabbit hunting typically the last 2 weeks in February. You may obtain hunt dates both at the refuge headquarters and printed in the refuge brochure (see refuge brochure map for open areas).
5. During the rabbit-with-dog and quail hunts, any person hunting or accompanying another person hunting must wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm
6. Beginning the first day after the last Limited Deer Gun Hunt, we restrict hunting to the designated waterfowl hunting area (see refuge brochure map).
7. We prohibit horses.
1. Conditions A7, A8, A9, A17, B6, and B7 apply.
2. We may require a Limited Hunt Permit for spring turkey hunting, regular gun deer, and muzzleloader deer hunting. We issue the Limited Hunt Permit by random computer drawing. If we draw your name, there is a fee for each permit. Limited Hunt Permits are not transferable and are nonrefundable. Contact the refuge headquarters for specific requirements. The regular gun deer and muzzleloader deer hunts require a Limited Hunt Permit that we assign by random computer drawing. If we draw your name, there is a fee for each permit. Limited Hunt Permits are not transferable and nonrefundable. Contact the refuge headquarters for specific requirements, hunt, and application dates.
3. We may designate dates for youth (ages 12 to 15) turkey hunting. Contact the refuge headquarters or see the refuge brochure for youth hunt dates. Youth hunters age 15 and under must possess and carry a hunter safety course card or certificate. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older (one youth per adult).
4. During spring turkey season we only allow ATVs on Southern Natural Gas pipeline, from Cotton's access to Tupelo Brake Duck Club boundary (see refuge brochure map).
5. You must immediately tag all harvested turkeys prior to moving them.
6. We only allow shotguns shooting approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) and archery while turkey hunting.
7. You must immediately tag all game harvested prior to moving it during limited hunts; we provide the tags.
8. We designate check station dates and requirements in the refuge hunt brochure.
9. If you are a hunter age 16 or older, you must possess and carry a valid, signed refuge Public Use Permit or Limited Hunt Permit certifying that you understand and will comply with all regulations.
10. During all gun or muzzleloader deer hunts, all participants must wear at least 500
11. We prohibit all other public use on the refuge during all gun and muzzleloader deer hunts.
12. We prohibit organized drives for deer.
13. We prohibit hunting from or shooting across open fields from ground level.
14. During all Limited Permit Hunts, each hunter must possess and carry only their own current permit and/or tags.
15. We only allow crossbows in accordance with State law.
16. We define a loaded gun as shells in the gun or percussion caps on muzzleloaders.
17. You must unload guns (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) while standing beside, in, or walking across any portion of a field, tree plantation, road, pipeline, or powerline right-of-way.
18. During muzzleloader, rifle, and youth Gun Deer Hunts, we prohibit hunting from tripods and other free-standing platforms in fields and tree plantations.
19. Stands adjacent to fields and tree plantations must be a minimum of 10 feet (3 m) above ground.
20. We prohibit attaching stands to any power or utility pole.
21. You may place stands on the refuge 7 days prior to and must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) by day 7 after the close of the refuge deer season.
22. You must remove stands in the January/February closed area by the last day of the muzzleloader hunt.
23. You must field-dress deer.
1. We close all refuge waters during limited deer gun hunts.
2. We open waters between the East and West levee, the Landside Ditch, and the portion of Panther Creek adjacent to the West Levee year-round except during limited Gun Deer Hunts.
3. We open all other refuge waters March 1 through November 15.
4. We prohibit trot lines, limb lines, jugs, seines, and traps.
5. We allow frogging during the State bullfrog season.
6. We only allow ATVs for fishing access on designated gravel roads when we close such roads to vehicular traffic.
1. We allow hunting in Butler Lake, Salt Lake, and Gilliard Lake from
2. If you are a hunter age 16 or older you must possess and carry a valid, signed refuge Public Use Permit certifying that you understand and will comply with all regulations.
3. We will close waterfowl hunting in Butler Lake and Salt Lake after the Natchez River gauge reaches 28 feet (8.4 m) or higher.
4. We will close waterfowl hunting in Gilliard Lake when the Natchez River gauge reaches 32 feet (9.6 m) or higher.
5. We restrict access to Butler Lake waterfowl hunting only to Butler Lake Road.
6. Hunters must remove decoys, blind material (see § 27.93 of this chapter), and harvested waterfowl from the area no later than 1 p.m. each day.
7. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
8. You must use portable blinds.
9. All users must obtain a daily use reporting card and place it in plain view on the dashboard of their vehicle so that the personal information is readable. Users must return cards to a refuge kiosk upon departure from the refuge.
10. Hunters may enter the refuge 2 hours before legal sunrise and must exit the refuge no later than 2 hours after legal sunset. We prohibit entering or remaining on the refuge before or after hours.
11. All persons in all underway boats must wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices.
12. You must hand-launch boats except at designated boat ramps, where you may trailer-launch them.
13. We only open ATV trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter) to ATV traffic during scheduled hunts and scouting periods.
14. Hunters must be age 16 or older to operate an ATV on the refuge.
15. We allow use of retrievers.
16. State bag limits apply.
17. We prohibit hunting on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
18. We prohibit the following acts: possession of alcohol; entering the refuge from private property; hunters entering from public waterways; overnight parking; parking or hunting within 150 feet (45 m) of any petroleum facility or equipment, or refuge residences and buildings; parking by hunters in refuge headquarters parking lot; and possession of hand guns on the refuge.
1. We only allow shotguns, .22 caliber long rifles, and muzzleloading rifles under .38 caliber shooting patched round balls, except for
2. You must wear a hunter-orange hat and upper garment when hunting in open fields or reforested areas.
3. We prohibit use of motorized boats after the Natchez River gauge reaches 28 feet (8.4 m) or higher.
4. We only allow raccoon hunting during the month of February from legal sunset to legal sunrise with the following conditions:
i. We require dogs.
ii. We prohibit hunting along/from Carthage-Linwood Road.
iii. We prohibit the use of boats and ATVs.
iv. You may only use .22 caliber rimfire rifles (no magnums).
5. You may take beaver, nutria, coyote, and bobcat incidental to the hunt.
6. Conditions A2, A7 through A14, and A16 through A18 apply.
7. We prohibit the following acts: target practice; marking trails with tape, paper, paint, or any other artificial means; and riding horses or mules.
1. We only allow still hunting.
2. You may only take one deer per day: We allow residents to take one deer of either sex per day; however, we prohibit nonresidents from harvesting antlerless deer.
3. We require hunters to wear a hunter-orange hat and upper garment at all times during all muzzleloader hunts and during the youth gun hunt.
4. During late muzzleloader (after December 25) hunts, the following specific conditions apply: You may only take bucks with a minimum of 14-inch (35 cm) inside antler spread.
5. During traditional primitive weapon season, the following specific conditions apply:
i. You must only use flintlock and sidelock percussion muzzleloaders with iron sights and patched-round balls.
ii. We prohibit in-line muzzleloaders, electronic sights, scopes, fiber optic sights, and conical bullets.
iii. You must use recurve and long bows without sights.
6. Youth hunters age 15 and under must possess and carry a hunter safety course card or certificate. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older.
7. We must receive all applications for the limited youth lottery draw turkey hunt by February 28 of each year.
8. Youth (ages 10 to15) gun deer and waterfowl hunts will coincide with designated State youth hunts each year. Youth deer hunters may use any weapon deemed legal by the State except for buckshot, which we prohibit.
9. We prohibit insertion of metal objects into trees or hunting from trees that contain inserted metal objects (see § 32.2(i)).
10. We prohibit the use or possession of climbing spurs.
11. You must dismantle blinds and tripods, and you must remove stands from the tree each day. You must remove all stands, blinds, and tripods (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge before February 7 of each year.
12. You may only take feral hog with bow and arrow and muzzleloading rifles during and incidental to archery and primitive weapon deer seasons.
13. You must check all deer harvested on the refuge at one of the three self-clearing, mandatory deer check stations.
14. You must immediately field-dress all deer upon harvest.
15. State season bag limits apply.
16. Conditions A2, A7 through A14, A17, A18, B3, B5, and B7 apply.
1. We require a public use permit for all anglers between the ages of 16 and 65.
2. We prohibit the use of ATVs (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter).
3. On the Sibley Unit, we prohibit boats north of the Ring Levee, except you may hand-launch boats in Swamp Lake during nonflood conditions.
4. An adult age 21 or older must supervise youth age 15 and under who may fish in the Kids Pond. We prohibit adults from fishing in this pond.
5. We allow bow fishing. Bow anglers must abide by State law.
6. We allow nighttime bow fishing on the refuge but only through a Special Use Permit issued by the refuge manager.
7. We prohibit the following acts: Possession of alcohol; entering the refuge from private property; overnight parking; target practice; riding horses or mules; possession or use of commercial fishing or trotline equipment, including limb lines, nets, traps, yo-yos, or jugs; and possession of any firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
8. Conditions A9, A11, and A12 apply.
1. Youth hunters age 15 and under must possess and carry a hunter safety course card or certificate. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact
2. We restrict all public use to the period beginning 2 hours before legal sunrise and ending 2 hours after legal sunset except during the raccoon hunt. We prohibit entering or remaining on the refuge before or after hours.
3. We only allow hunting of migratory game birds on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from
4. We prohibit public hunting north of Mississippi Highway 8.
5. Each hunter must obtain a daily User Information Card (pink) available at each refuge information station and follow the printed instructions on the card. You must display the card in plain view on the dashboard of your vehicle so that the personal information is readable. Prior to leaving the refuge, you must complete the reverse side of the card and deposit it at one of the refuge information stations. Include all game harvested, and if you harvest no game, report “0.”
6. We may close certain areas of the refuge for sanctuary or administrative purposes. We will mark such areas with “No Hunting” or “Area Closed” signs.
7. We prohibit all handguns.
8. Waterfowl hunters may leave boats meeting all State registration requirements on refuge water bodies throughout the waterfowl season. You must remove boats (see § 27.93 of this chapter) within 72 hours after the season closes.
9. We restrict motor vehicle use to roads designated as vehicle access roads on the refuge map (see § 27.31 of this chapter). We prohibit blocking access to any road or trail entering the refuge (see § 27.31(h) of this chapter).
10. All hunters or persons on the refuge for any reason during any open refuge hunting season must wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm
11. We only allow dogs on the refuge when specifically authorized for hunting. We encourage the use of dogs to retrieve dead or wounded waterfowl. Dogs must remain in the immediate control of their handlers at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
12. You must remove decoys, blinds, other personal property, and litter (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) from the hunting area following each morning's hunt. We prohibit cutting or removing trees and other vegetation (see § 27.51 of this chapter). We prohibit the use of flagging, paint, blazes, tacks, or other types of markers.
13. We prohibit ATVs (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter), horses, and mules on the refuge.
1. Conditions A1, A4, A5, A6, A9, and A13 apply.
2. We restrict all public use to the period beginning 2 hours before legal sunrise and ending 2 hours after legal sunset. We prohibit entering or remaining on the refuge before or after hours. We establish special provisions for raccoon hunting; contact the refuge office for details.
3. We only allow shotguns with approved nontoxic shotgun shot (see § 32.2(k)) and .22 caliber rifles. We prohibit all handguns.
4. All hunters or persons on the refuge for any reason during any open refuge hunting season must wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm
5. We only allow dogs on the refuge after the general Gun Deer Hunt. Dogs must remain in the immediate control of their handlers at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
6. We prohibit the cutting or removal of trees and other vegetation (see § 27.51 of this chapter). We prohibit the use of flagging, paint, blazes, tacks, or other types of markers.
C.
1. Conditions A1, A4, A5, A6, A7, A9, and A13 apply.
2. We restrict all public use to 2 hours before legal sunrise and to 2 hours after legal sunset. We prohibit entering or remaining on the refuge before or after hours.
3. All hunters or persons on the refuge for any reason during any open refuge hunting season must wear a minimum of 500 square
4. We prohibit dogs for any big game hunt.
5. We prohibit use or possession of any drug or device for employing such drug for hunting (see § 32.2(g)).
6. We prohibit organized drives for deer.
7. We prohibit hunting or shooting across any open, fallow, or planted field from ground level or on or across any public road, public highway, railroad, or their rights-of-way during all general gun and primitive weapon hunts.
8. You may erect portable deer stands 2 weeks prior to the opening of archery season on the refuge, and you must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) by January 31. We prohibit the cutting or removal of trees and other vegetation (see § 27.51 of this chapter). We prohibit the use of flagging, paint, blazes, tacks, or other types of markers.
D.
1. All anglers must possess and carry a valid, signed refuge fishing permit certifying that you understand and will comply with all regulations. You may obtain permits at North Mississippi Refuges Complex Headquarters, 2776 Sunset Drive, Grenada, Mississippi 38901, or at the Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge Office, Box 381, Highway 446, Boyle, Mississippi 38730, or by mail to the above addresses.
2. We close the refuge to fishing from October 1 through February 28.
3. We only allow bank or boat sport fishing south of Mississippi Highway 8.
4. We prohibit possession of any weapon (see § 27.42 of this chapter) while fishing on the refuge.
5. We prohibit possession or use of jugs, seines, nets, hand-grab baskets, slat traps/baskets, or any other similar devices and commercial fishing of any kind.
6. We only allow trotlines, yo-yos, limb lines, crawfish traps, or any other similar devices for recreational use. You must tag or mark them with the angler's full name and full residence address, including zip code written with waterproof ink, legibly inscribed or legibly stamped on the tag; and attend the devices a minimum of once daily. When not attended, you must remove these devices (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge.
7. We prohibit snagging or attempting to snag fish.
8. We allow crawfishing.
9. We only allow take of frog by Special Use Permit.
1. If you are a hunter age 16 or older, you must possess and carry a valid, signed refuge Public Use Permit that certifies that you understand and will comply with all regulations.
2. Each day before hunting, all hunters must obtain a daily User Information Card (pink) available at each refuge information station (see refuge brochure map) and follow the printed instructions on the card. You must display this card in plain view on the dashboard of your vehicle while hunting or fishing so that the personal information is readable. Prior to leaving the refuge, you must complete the reverse side of the card and deposit it at one of the refuge information stations. Failure to display the User Information Card may result in the loss of the hunter's refuge annual Public Use Permit.
3. We only allow hunting of snow goose by Special Use Permit. Contact the refuge office for details.
4. Hunt dates are available at the refuge headquarters in July and posted in the refuge brochure.
5. Youth hunters age 15 and under must possess and carry a hunter safety course card or certificate. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. We only allow one adult per youth hunter.
6. We prohibit hunting or entry into areas designated as “CLOSED” (see refuge brochure map).
7. We prohibit possession of alcoholic beverages.
8. We prohibit possession of plastic flagging tape.
9. We prohibit handguns at all times.
10. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while hunting on the refuge (see § 32.2(k)).
11. You must unload and case guns (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) transported in/on vehicles, ATVs, and boats under power.
12. We prohibit parking of vehicles in such a manner as to obstruct roads, gates, turnrows, or firelanes (see § 27.31(h) of this chapter).
13. We allow valid permit holders to take the following furbearers in season, incidental to other refuge hunts with legal firearms used for that hunt: raccoon, opossum, coyote, beaver, bobcat, and nutria.
1. Conditions A1, A2, A3, A5 through10, and A12 through A14 apply.
2. We only allow shotguns with approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) and .22 caliber rimfire rifles (we prohibit .22 caliber magnums).
3. During the rabbit-with-dog hunt, any person hunting or accompanying another person hunting must wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm
4. We prohibit horses.
5. We allow hunting for rabbit on the Herron Tract, Brown Tract (east of the Sunflower River), Middleton-Miller-Zepponi Tracts, and Carter Tract. Contact refuge headquarters for hunt dates, maps, and additional information.
1. Conditions A2, A3, A5, B4, and B5 (we allow archery except on the Carter Tract) apply.
2. If you are a hunter age 16 or older, you must possess and carry a valid refuge annual Public Use Permit or Limited Hunt Permit that certifies that you understand and will comply with all regulations. Permits are not transferable and are nonrefundable.
3. The youth regular gun deer, muzzleloader deer, and senior citizen Gun Deer Hunts require a Limited Hunt Permit assigned by random computer drawing. If we draw your name, there is a fee for each permit. Contact the refuge headquarters for specific requirements, hunt, and application dates.
4. During all gun or muzzleloader deer hunts, all participants must wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm
5. We prohibit all other public use during all gun and muzzleloader deer hunts.
6. We prohibit organized drives for deer.
7. We prohibit hunting from or shooting across open fields from ground level.
8. During all Limited Permit Hunts, each hunter shall possess and carry only their own current permit and/or tags.
9. We only allow crossbows in accordance with State law.
10. We define a loaded gun as shells in the gun or percussion caps on muzzleloaders.
11. You must unload guns (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) while standing beside, in, or walking across any portion of a field, tree plantation, road, pipeline, or powerline right-of-way.
12. We prohibit hunting from tripods and other free-standing platforms during muzzleloader, rifle, and youth Gun Deer Hunts in fields and tree plantations.
13. Stands adjacent to fields and tree plantations must be a minimum of 10 feet (3 m) above ground. We prohibit attaching stands to any power or utility pole. You may place stands on the refuge 7 days prior to and must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) by day 7 after the close of the refuge deer season. You must remove stands in the January/February closed area by day 7 after the last deer hunt.
14. You must field dress and check all deer at refuge headquarters.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. You must remove all your blinds, boats, and decoys (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge each day except for blinds made entirely of marsh vegetation.
2. We prohibit cutting of woody vegetation (see § 27.51 of this chapter) on the refuge for blinds.
1. We prohibit use of tree spikes to assist in climbing trees for the purpose of hunting on the refuge (see § 32.2(i)).
2. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, platforms, or ladders at any time.
3. We prohibit hunting over or placing on the refuge any salt or other mineral blocks (see § 32.2(h)).
4. We only allow portable tree stands from September 15 through January 31. You must place your full name and address on your stands.
5. We only allow archery hunting in the portion of Boone's Crossing unit within the City of Chesterfield.
1. We only allow hunting during the State-designated Managed Deer Hunt.
2. We require hunters to check-in and out of the refuge each day.
3. We prohibit shooting at deer that are on any portion of the main perimeter levee.
4. We only allow the use of portable stands, and hunters must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each day.
5. We close the area south of Bryants Creek to deer hunting.
6. We require hunters to have all harvested deer checked by refuge personnel before removing them from the refuge.
7. You must park all vehicles in designated parking areas (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
1. We prohibit the taking of turtle or frog (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
2. We only allow fishing from a boat. We prohibit bank fishing.
Refer to § 32.32 Illinois for regulations.
Refer to § 32.32 Illinois for regulations.
1. We allow the use of hunting dogs, but the hunter must leash the dog or have it under strict voice command at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
2. We allow hunting from
1. The refuge is open from 1
2. We require that all hunters register at the Hunter Sign-In/Sign Out Stations and record the number of hours hunted and squirrels harvested.
3. We prohibit hunting of all other species.
4. We prohibit the use of dogs for squirrel hunting.
5. We allow squirrel hunting from the State opening day through September 30.
6. We only allow shotguns and .22 caliber rimfire rifles.
7. Shotgun hunters may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
1. Condition B1 applies.
2. We require that all hunters register at the Hunter Sign-In/Sign Out Stations and record the number of hours hunted and deer harvested.
3. We allow archery hunting for deer and turkey during the fall season. We prohibit the use or possession of firearms during these seasons.
4. You must possess and carry a refuge permit for the special muzzleloader deer season.
5. We allow spring turkey hunting. We only allow shotguns with approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)).
1. We prohibit fishing in all areas between Ditch 2 and Ditch 6 (including Ditches 3, 4, and 5) plus the moist soil units, and Monopoly Marsh from October 1 through March 1.
2. We only allow fishing in May Pond and Fox Pond with rod and reel or pole and line. Anglers may only take bass greater than 12 inches (30 cm) in length from May Pond.
3. We prohibit the use or possession of gasoline-powered boat motors. We allow the use of electric trolling motors, except that we prohibit all motors within the Wilderness Area.
4. Anglers must remove watercraft (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge at the end of each day's fishing.
5. Anglers may take nongame fish by nets and seines for personal use only from March 1 through September 30.
6. Anglers must attend trammel and gill nets at all times and plainly label them with the owners's name, address, and phone number.
7. We only allow the use of trotlines, throwlines, limb lines, bank lines, and jug lines from 1 hour before legal sunrise until 1 hour after legal sunset. Anglers must remove all fishing lines (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge at the end of each day's fishing. Anglers must mark each line with their name, address, and phone number.
8. We only allow personal use take of common snapping turtle and soft-shelled turtle using pole and line from 1 hour before legal sunrise until 1 hour after legal sunset. We require that all anglers release all alligator snapping turtle (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
1. Permits are required.
2. Only historic weapon hunting is permitted.
3. Hunters are required to check in and out of the refuge.
4. Stands must be removed from the refuge each day.
5. Hunting is permitted only during the special hunt season established by the State for the refuge.
1. Permits are required.
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
1. Permits are required.
2. Only historic weapon hunting is permitted.
1. Fishing is permitted from March 1 through October 15 during daylight hours only.
2. Only nonmotorized boats are permitted on refuge waters with the exception that the use of motors of 10 horsepower or less is permitted on Silver Lake.
Refer to § 32.32 Illinois for regulations.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. We prohibit access to refuge hunting areas from other than authorized refuge parking areas. We prohibit hunting on or within 25 yards (22.5 m) of dikes or roads except the marked portion of the dike between Marsh Units 5 and 6. Hunters must have a means of bird retrieval, using a boat, boots, or a trained dog, while hunting on this dike (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
2. We allow hunting with the opening of waterfowl season and close November 30.
3. Hunters with a documented mobility disability may reserve an accessible blind in advance by contacting a refuge officer or calling the refuge office.
4. We only allow nonmotorized boats on refuge waters.
5. We allow hunting from temporary portable blinds or blinds made from natural vegetation.
6. We prohibit the retrieval of downed game from areas closed to hunting.
7. You must unload and case all firearms (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) when outside of the refuge hunt area on the refuge.
1. Conditions A2, A6, and A7 apply.
2. We prohibit access to refuge hunting areas from other than authorized refuge parking areas.
3. We prohibit hunting on or within 25 yards (22.5 m) of dikes or roads except the marked portion of the dike between Marsh Units 5 and 6.
1. Hunters are required to check in and out of the refuge.
2. Air-thrust boats and boats with motors greater than 10 horsepower are not permitted.
1. Hunting of fox and coyote is permitted from December 1 to March 1.
2. Hunters are required to check in and out of the refuge.
3. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
1. Coyote hunting allowed from the first day of antelope rifle season through March 1 annually.
1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
1. Hunting Access: We have numbered the blinds and assigned them to a single access point designated in the refuge hunting leaflet. Hunters must park at this access point and at the numbered parking space corresponding to a blind. Hunters must walk to the blind along mowed trails designated in the hunting leaflet. We open the access point to hunters who intend to immediately hunt on the refuge. We prohibit wildlife observation, scouting, and loitering at the access point.
2. Hunting Hours: We open the hunting area, defined by the refuge boundary fence, 2 hours before and require departure 2 hours after legal waterfowl hunting hours, as defined by the State.
3. Registration: Each hunter must record the date, his or her name, Automated License System number, date of birth, and the time checking into the hunt area at the appropriate register before hunting; must set the appropriate blind selector before and after hunting; and must record hunting data (hours hunted, the number of shots fired, and birds harvested) at the appropriate register before departing the hunting area.
4. Blind selection is on a first-come, first-served basis with the exception of the opening weekend of waterfowl season. We will distribute blind permits for the opening weekend by a public drawing. We will announce the drawing time and place in local newspapers.
5. We prohibit attempting to “reserve” a blind for use later in the day by depositing a vehicle or other equipment on the refuge. A hunter must be physically present in the hunting area in order to use a blind.
6. We prohibit blocking access to refuge gates (see § 27.31(h) of this chapter).
7. Hunters with a documented mobility disability may reserve an accessible blind in advance by contacting a refuge officer.
8. No more than four hunters or individuals may use a blind at one time.
9. You may only possess approved nontoxic shotshells (see § 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less.
10. You must conduct all hunting from within 10 feet (3 m) of a blind.
11. All hunters must have a visible means of retrieving waterfowl such as a float tube, waders, or a dog capable of retrieving.
12. We prohibit falconry hunting.
13. We prohibit boats, fishing gear, and fires (see § 27.95 of this chapter).
14. We require dogs be on a leash at the hunter access point and when walking to and from the hunt area/blind (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
15. We require hunters to unload shotguns (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) at the hunter access point and when walking to and from the hunt area/blind.
1. Hunting Access: Hunters must enter and exit the hunt areas through designated archery hunting access points. We open access points to hunters intending to immediately hunt on the refuge. We prohibit wildlife observation, scouting, and loitering at access points and parking areas.
2. Condition A2 applies.
3. Registration: Each hunter must record the date, his or her name, Automated License System number, and date of birth at the appropriate register before hunting and must record hunting data (hours hunted, the number of arrows released, and deer harvested) at the appropriate register before departing the hunting area.
4. Tree Stands and Blinds: We only allow portable tree stands and blinds that must be removed each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
5. We prohibit preseason entry or scouting.
6. Hunters may not enter or retrieve deer from closed areas of the refuge without the consent of a refuge officer.
7. We prohibit boats, fishing gear, fires (see § 27.95 of this chapter), and firearms.
8. Hunters with a documented mobility disability may access designated locations in the hunting area to hunt from ground blinds. To access these areas, hunters must contact the refuge manager in advance to obtain a Special Use Permit.
9. We prohibit the use of any mechanized vehicle to enter or exit the hunt area; this includes bicycles.
1. We do not allow hunting in areas posted as “Closed to Hunting” around the refuge headquarters, maintenance buildings, and quarters.
2. We prohibit guiding and outfitting.
3. We allow use of riding or pack stock on access routes designated through the refuge to access off-refuge lands as designated in the public use leaflet.
4. You may not use dogs for hunting of any species.
5. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while on the refuge.
6. We prohibit overnight camping.
7. We prohibit retrieval of game through areas closed to hunting without prior consent by the refuge manager.
8. We allow only portable or temporary blinds and tree stands.
9. We allow parking in designated areas only.
1. We do not allow hunting in areas posted as “Closed to Hunting” around the refuge headquarters, maintenance buildings, and quarters.
2. We prohibit guiding and outfitting.
3. We allow use of riding or pack stock on access routes designated through the refuge to access off-refuge lands as designated in the public use leaflet.
4. You may not use dogs for hunting of any species.
5. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while on the refuge.
6. We prohibit overnight camping.
7. We prohibit open fires.
8. We prohibit retrieval of game through areas closed to hunting without prior consent by the refuge manager.
9. We allow only portable or temporary blinds and tree stands.
10. We allow parking in designated areas only.
11. The first week of the archery and the first week of general elk and deer hunting season are open to youth-only (ages 12 and 13 only) hunting.
1. We only allow hunting on Lower Red Rock Lake and that portion of the River Marsh located directly north of Lower Red Rock Lake. We close all other areas of the refuge to hunting of goose, duck, and coot.
2. Hunters must remove all blinds, decoys, shell casings, and other personal equipment (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) from the refuge each day.
3. We only allow nonmotorized boats in the hunt area east of the Lower Red Rock Lake dam. We allow boats with motors 10 hp or less west of Lower Red Rock Lake dam.
1. Moose hunting on the refuge portion of Montana moose hunt zone 334 opens October 15 and runs through the end of the State moose season.
2. We restrict moose hunting to the willow bog area south of Elk Springs Creek and
3. You may hire outfitters or ranchers for the retrieval of big game.
4. We only allow retrieval of game in closed areas of the refuge with the consent of a refuge employee.
5. We prohibit use of wheeled game carts or other mechanical transportation devices for game retrieval on portions of the refuge designated as Wilderness Area.
6. We prohibit horses north of Red Rock Pass Road except for the retrieval of big game. We only allow horses for back-country access to the Centennial Mountains south of Red Rock Pass Road. We require the use of certified weed-free hay or pellets.
1. We allow fishing from the third Saturday in May through November 30 on Odell Creek, Red Rock Creek, and Elk Springs Creek west of Elk Lake Road.
2. We allow fishing from July 15 through September 30 on Widgeon Pond, Culver Pond, MacDonald Pond, Picnic Creek, and Elk Springs Creek east of Elk Lake Road.
3. We allow fishing in open areas from
4. We prohibit fishing on all other refuge waters.
5. You must only use pole and line or rod and reel to fish on the refuge.
6. You must use artificial lures or flies when fishing refuge waters; we prohibit bait fishing.
7. We prohibit the use or possession of lead sinkers or any lead fishing product while fishing.
8. We prohibit tubes and other flotation devices used for fishing unless posted at refuge parking areas as open.
1. Coyote hunting allowed from the first day of antelope rifle season through March 1 annually.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. You may access the refuge from 1
2. You must remove all blinds and decoys at the conclusion of each day's hunt.
3. You must adhere to all applicable State hunting regulations.
1. We allow personally attended hook and line fishing and archery fishing (rough fish only) from
2. We only allow fishing from the shoreline. We prohibit all watercraft in the Boyer Chute waterway.
3. We prohibit floating lines, limblines, trotlines, crossbows, snagging devices, nets, and spears.
4. We prohibit ice fishing.
5. We prohibit digging or netting bait, frogging, or collecting mussels.
1. We close the refuge to the general public from legal sunset to legal sunrise. However, hunters may enter the designated hunting area 2 hours before legal sunrise and must be back to their vehicle in the process of leaving the refuge 2 hours after legal sunset. Official shooting hours are from
2. We only allow you to unleash dogs used to locate, point, and retrieve upland and small game and migratory birds on the refuge while hunting (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
3. We open the refuge to hunting from September 1 through January 31 in accordance with State regulations.
4. We allow decoys, but hunters must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each day.
5. We restrict vehicles to roads that are open to the public (see § 27.31 of this chapter). We prohibit hunters taking vehicles off of approved roads to set up blinds, decoys, or to retrieve game or for any other purposes other than emergencies. We allow parking within one vehicle length of the road.
6. We prohibit publicly organized hunts unless authorized under a Special Use Permit.
7. We only allow temporary blinds and stands, and hunters must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each day.
8. We only allow floating blinds on Island Lake. We prohibit all boats (including a floating device of any kind) on all other refuge lakes.
1. Conditions A1 through A6 apply.
2. We prohibit baiting. We allow electronic calls for coyote and furbearer hunting.
3. Coyotes and all furbearers or their parts, if left in the field, must be left out of view of the public. Otherwise hunters must remove them from the refuge and properly dispose of them.
1. Conditions A1, A4, A5, A6, and A7 apply.
2. We prohibit tree stands that cause damage to the tree by penetrating into the bark and tree climbing spikes or screw-in steps that penetrate beyond the outer bark of a tree (see § 32.2(i)).
1. We close the refuge to the general public from legal sunset to legal sunrise. However, anglers may enter the refuge 1 hour before legal sunrise and remain until 1 hour after legal sunset.
2. We open Island Lake to fishing year-round and open Smith and Crane Lakes to fishing seasonally from November 1 through February 15. We close all other refuge lakes.
3. We prohibit the possession or use of live or dead minnows and the possession of any fish not taken lawfully from one of the refuge lakes open to fishing.
4. We only allow boating and float tubes on Island Lake. We prohibit use of internal combustion motors for boats on Island Lake; we close all other refuge lakes to boating or float tubing.
5. We prohibit leaving temporary shelters used for fishing overnight on the refuge.
Refer to § 32.34 Iowa for regulations.
1. We only allow fishing on the portions of the Minnechaduza Creek and downstream from Cornell Dam along the Niobrara River that flows through the refuge.
2. We prohibit the use of limb or set lines.
1. We close the Lake Alice Unit to all public entry from October 15 through January 14.
2. Hunters must be 15 years of age or younger. A licensed hunter 19 years of age or older must accompany youth hunters. We prohibit adults accompanying youth hunters to hunt or carry firearms. The accompanying adult is responsible for ensuring that the hunter does not engage in conduct that would constitute a violation of refuge or State regulations.
3. We close the refuge to public use from legal sunset to legal sunrise. However, youth hunters and their adult guides may enter the designated hunting area 1 hour prior to legal sunrise.
4. We only allow dogs for pheasant-hunting on the refuge.
1. We close the Lake Alice Unit to all public entry from October 15 through January 14.
2. We close the refuge to public use from legal sunset to legal sunrise. However, archery deer hunters may enter the designated hunting area 1 hour prior to legal sunrise and remain until 1 hour after legal sunset.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. We allow hunting only on designated days.
2. We only allow motorless boats or boats with electric motors on the refuge hunting area during the migratory waterfowl hunting season.
3. We open the refuge to the public from 1 hour before legal sunrise until 1 hour after legal sunset.
4. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
1. Conditions A3 and A4 apply.
2. We only allow hunting on designated days.
1. Bighorn sheep guides are required to obtain a Special Use Permit prior to taking clients onto the range.
2. Natural bighorn sheep mortality (pick-up heads) found on the range are government property and possession or removal of them from the range is not permitted.
1. We allow hunting only on designated days.
2. We only allow motorless boats or boats with electric motors on the refuge hunting area during the migratory waterfowl hunting season.
3. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
1. We only allow hunting on designated days.
2. Conditions A3 applies.
1. We allow fishing year-round with the exception of the North Marsh that we close October 1 to February 1.
2. We only allow motorless boats or boats with electric motors on the Upper Lake, Middle Pond, and Lower Lake.
3. We prohibit the use of boats, rubber rafts, or other flotation devices on the North Marsh.
1. The refuge is open to the public from 1 hour before sunrise until 2 hours after sunset.
2. We do not allow permanent or pit blinds on the refuge. You must remove all blind materials and decoys following each day's hunt.
1. The refuge is open to the public from 1 hour before sunrise until 2 hours after sunset.
2. We allow fishing by wading and from personal flotation devices (float tubes) and bank fishing in designated areas.
3. You may use only artificial lures in the Collection Ditch and adjoining spring ponds.
4. We do not allow boats on refuge waters from January 1 through June 14.
5. During the boating season, we allow boats only on the South Marsh. June 15 through July 31, we allow only motorless boats or boats with battery-powered electric motors. Anglers must remove all gasoline-powered motors. August 1 through December 31, we allow only motorless boats and boats propelled with motors with a total of 10 horsepower or less.
6. We allow launching of boats only from designated landings.
7. We prohibit the possession of live or dead bait fish, any amphibians(including frogs), and crayfish on the refuge.
8. We do not allow storage of boats of any kind on the refuge beginning January 1 through May 31.
9. We do not allow off-road vehicles on the refuge.
1. We prohibit hunting on the following waters: Big Spring Reservoir, Catnip Reservoir, Dunfurrena Ponds, and the “Little Sheldon” portion of the refuge.
2. Hunters may only use boats with electric motors.
3. We only allow portable blinds and temporary blinds constructed of synthetic material.
1. We allow ground blinds, and you must not construct them earlier than 1 week prior to the opening day of the legal season for which you have a valid permit.
2. You must remove blinds (see § 27.93 of this chapter) within 24 hours of harvesting an animal or at the end of the permittee's legal season.
3. You must tag blinds with the owner's name and permit number.
4. We prohibit destruction of natural vegetation (see § 27.51 of this chapter) or below-ground excavation.
1. We only allow boats with electric motors.
2. We only allow individuals who are age 12 or under, age 65 or older, or disabled to fish in McGee Pond.
1. We prohibit hunting inside the posted no hunting zone around the residence of the former Alves property.
2. We prohibit hunting inside the posted no hunting zone located south of Division Road as shown in the refuge brochure.
3. We prohibit loaded weapons (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) inside the posted retrieval zone. The zone begins on the north edge of Division Road and extends 200 yards (180 m) northward.
4. We allow persons to transport rifles and pistols through the refuge only when unloaded and cased (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter).
5. We prohibit boating outside of the waterfowl and youth waterfowl hunting season except on Swan Check Lake where we allow nonmotorized boating all year.
6. We prohibit boats on Swan Lake, the northeast corner of North Nutgrass Lake, and the north end of Pintail Bay. We allow the use of nonmotorized carts, sleds, floating blinds, and other floating devices in these areas to transport hunting equipment and to conceal hunters, but not to transport hunters.
7. We only allow outboard motor boats on Lead Lake, Tule Lake, Goose Lake, South Nutgrass Lake, the southeast corner of North Nutgrass Lake, and south end of Pintail Bay.
8. We only allow air-thrust boats on Goose Lake, South Nutgrass Lake, the southeast corner of North Nutgrass Lake, and the south end of Pintail Bay.
9. You may not operate air-thrust boats until 1 hour after the legal shooting time on opening day of waterfowl season.
10. We require air-thrust boat owners to get a Special Use Permit from the refuge manager and to display a number on their airboats.
11. We allow nonmotorized boats on all lakes and bays except Swan Lake, the northeast corner of North Nutgrass Lake, and the north end of Pintail Bay.
12. We prohibit all-terrain vehicles on the refuge (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter).
13. We only allow parking on boat landings and designated parking areas.
14. We only allow camping in designated areas.
15. We prohibit campfires (see § 27.95 of this chapter).
1. Conditions A1, A2, A4, A12, A13, A14, and A15 apply.
2. Hunters must only use shotguns with approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)).
1. Conditions A1, A2, A12, A13, A14, and A15 apply.
2. Hunters must only use shotguns, muzzleloading weapons, or bow and arrow.
3. We allow persons to transport centerfire rifles and pistols through the refuge only when unloaded and cased (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter).
We have opened the following refuge unit to hunting and/or fishing with applicable refuge-specific regulations:
1. We do not require a separate Federal permit for waterfowl hunting.
2. We only allow hunting from Great Bay up to the refuge boundary signs and hunters may not retrieve birds beyond refuge signs from the shoreline.
3. We only allow portable blinds. You must remove all decoys, blinds, and boats (see § 27.93 of this chapter) each day.
4. Waterfowl hunters may only access shorelines by boat from launching areas outside the refuge.
1. The deer hunt will be the first weekend of the State's either-sex season for Wildlife Management Unit M, usually held in November.
2. We close the refuge to all other public use during the hunt weekend.
3. We require refuge permits (you must possess and carry) for the deer hunt for a fee of $20.00. By lottery we draw 20 hunters for each day, for a total of 40. We also draw 20 alternate hunters.
4. A licensed and permit-holding adult who is at least age18 must accompany youth
5. Youth hunters must have successfully completed a State hunter education course.
6. We require deer hunters to wear in a visible manner on the head, chest, and back, a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
7. We only allow shotgun hunting with slugs. We prohibit other firearms, including handguns, at any time while on the refuge.
8. You must unload shotguns (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) outside of legal State hunting hours and while traveling through any designated safety zone.
9. We only allow portable tree stands that hunters must remove (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of the day.
10. Two weeks prior to the hunt, we will allow selected hunters a refuge permit (you must possess and carry) to scout for 4 days. Scout days are Wednesdays through Saturdays during daylight hours only.
11. You must possess and carry the refuge permit with you at all times while scouting and hunting the refuge.
12. You must check-in at the refuge electronic gate between 4:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. on your assigned hunt day.
13. We open the entire refuge to deer hunting, with the exception of designated safety zones and the former Weapons Storage Area.
14. In order to protect bald eagles from disturbance, we may, on a daily basis, close Woodman Point to deer hunting if significant numbers of roosting bald eagles are using the area.
15. You must park in designated parking areas and along roads up to barricades; from there, hunters must only travel by foot.
16. You must take harvested deer to the refuge office before leaving.
17. The refuge is located in Newington, New Hampshire, along the eastern shoreline of Great Bay. McIntyre Road borders the refuge to the east. The southern boundary begins approximately
1. You must wear two articles of hunter-orange clothing or material. One article must be a solid-colored hunter-orange hat; the other must cover a major portion of the torso, such as a jacket, vest, coat, or poncho and must be a minimum of 50 percent hunter orange in color (such as orange camouflage) except when hunting waterfowl.
2. We will provide permanent refuge blinds that are available by reservation. You may make reservations for particular blinds up to 1 year in advance, for a maximum of 1 week, running Monday through Sunday during the hunting season. You may make reservations for additional weeks up to 1 week in advance, on a space-available basis. We prohibit other permanent blinds. You must remove temporary blinds, boats, and decoys (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge each day.
3. You may use dogs (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter) to retrieve, point, and flush when hunting for migratory birds.
4. We open the refuge to hunting during the hours stipulated under each State's hunting regulations but no longer than from
5. We prohibit the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs or OHRVs) on refuge land (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter).
1. We prohibit night hunting.
2. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
3. We open the refuge to hunting during the hours stipulated under State hunting regulations but no longer than from
4. We prohibit the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs or OHRVs) on refuge land (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter).
5. You must wear two articles of hunter-orange clothing or material. One article must be a solid-colored hunter-orange hat; the other must cover a major portion of the torso, such as a jacket, vest, coat, or poncho and must be a minimum of 50 percent hunter orange in color (such as orange camouflage) except when hunting turkey.
6. We allow hunting of coyotes and snowshoe hare with dogs during State hunting seasons. Hunting with trailing dogs on the refuge will be subject to the following regulations:
i. You must equip all dogs used to hunt coyote with working radio-telemetry collars,
ii. We prohibit training during or outside of dog season for coyote or hare.
iii. We allow a maximum of four dogs per hunter.
iv. You must pick up all dogs the same day you release them (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
1. Conditions B3 and B4 apply.
2. We allow bear hunting with dogs during State hunting seasons. Hunting with trailing dogs on the refuge will be subject to the following conditions:
i. You must equip all dogs used to hunt bear with working radio-telemetry collars, and you must be in possession of a working radio-telemetry receiver that can detect and track the frequencies of all collars used.
ii. We prohibit training during or outside of dog season for bear.
iii. We allow a maximum of four dogs per hunter.
iv. You must pick up all dogs the same day you release them (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
3. We allow prehunt scouting of the refuge; however, we prohibit dogs and firearms during prehunt scouting.
4. Each hunter must wear two articles of hunter-orange clothing or material. One article must be a solid-colored hunter orange hat; the other must cover a major portion of the torso, such as a jacket, vest, coat, or poncho and must be a minimum of 50 percent hunter orange in color (such as orange camouflage).
5. We allow temporary tree stands and blinds, but you must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) by the end of the season. We prohibit nails, screws, or screw-in climbing pegs to build or access a stand or blind (See § 32.2(i)).
The following refuge units have been opened to hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. We only allow hunting on those refuge tracts located west of Route 47 in the Delaware Bay Division and on those tracts north of Route 550 in the Great Cedar Swamp Division. We prohibit hunting on the Two Mile Beach Unit.
2. While hunting migratory game birds, except waterfowl, you must wear in a visible manner on your head, chest, and back a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
3. You must remove all hunting blind materials, boats, and decoys (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each hunting day. We prohibit permanent or pit blinds.
4. The common snipe season on the refuge begins with the start of the State early woodcock south zone season and continues through the end of the State common snipe season.
5. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
1. We prohibit hunting on the following areas:
i. The posted “Closed Area” of Tract 200 in the Delaware Bay Division;
ii. The posted “Closed Area” in Tract 334 in the Delaware Bay Division; and
iii. The Two Mile Beach Unit.
2. During the firearms big game seasons, you must wear, in a visible manner on head, chest, and back, a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
1. You must remove all hunting blind materials, boats, and decoys (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each hunting day. We prohibit permanent or pit blinds.
2. You may use trained dogs for the retrieval of authorized game birds (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
3. You may possess a maximum of 25 approved nontoxic shotshells per day in all hunting units of the Barnegat Division and a maximum of 50 approved nontoxic shotshells per day in Unit 1 of the Brigantine Division (see § 32.2(k)).
4. In Hunting Unit B of the Barnegat Division, we restrict hunting to designated sites,
5. In Hunting Units B, D, E, and F of the Barnegat Division, we require a minimum of six decoys, and we prohibit jump shooting.
6. Access is by boat only in all Units of the Barnegat Division except Unit A South and Unit F. You may access these units by foot or boat. Access is by boat only in all Units of the Brigantine Division.
7. You may not enter hunt Units before 4 a.m.
8. No person including, but not limited to, a guide, guide service, outfitter, club, or other organization, will provide assistance, services, or equipment on the refuge to any other person for compensation unless such guide, guide service, outfitter, club, or organization has obtained a Special Use Permit from the refuge for a fee.
1. We require persons hunting on the refuge for the first time to attend one of the four refuge-specific hunter-orientation sessions conducted during the fall.
2. We require a State permit for the appropriate State Deer Management Zone. You must have this permit stamped and validated in person at the Brigantine or Barnegat office. Hunters will receive maps of the refuge-specific zones upon validation.
3. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 2 hours before shooting time and must leave no later than 1 hour after the end of shooting time. Refuge hunting hours are consistent with State hunting hours.
4. During firearm big game season, hunters must wear in a visible manner on head, chest, and back a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
5. You may scout on the 2 Sundays prior to the opening day of your respective zone permit.
1. We close the Holgate unit and Little Beach Island during the migratory bird nesting season. We may extend the closure of the bay side portion of the Holgate Unit through October.
2. We require a Special Use Permit to fish from Little Beach Island. You may obtain permits from the refuge headquarters.
3. We only allow car-top-type launches at Lily Lake. There is no boat ramp.
4. We prohibit use of internal combustion engines on Lily Lake.
5. We will close the Forked River fishing area during zone 58 big game hunting season.
6. We will open Forked River and Lily Lake from legal sunrise until legal sunset.
7. We prohibit fishing, clamming, and crabbing from any waters within tract 122X, locally known as the AT&T properties. We close this tract to all public use.
1. We require a State permit for the appropriate New Jersey Deer Management Zone.
2. In addition to the State permit, we require a Deer Hunting Permit (along with a fee) issued by the refuge. This permit must be stamped for validation.
3. We require refuge hunters to pass a written examination before allowing them to hunt on the refuge.
4. Hunters must wear in a visible manner on head, chest, and back a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
5. Hunters must be in possession of refuge and State hunting permits at all times while hunting on the refuge.
6. Refuge hunting regulations, as listed in the “Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Public Deer Hunt Map,” and found in the examination, will be in effect.
1. We allow loaded and uncased firearms in an unanchored boat only when retrieving crippled birds.
2. You must remove all hunting blind materials, boats, and decoys following each day's hunt. We do not allow permanent blinds.
3. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
1. A State permit for the appropriate New Jersey Deer Management Zone is required.
2. In addition to the State permit, a Special Use Deer Hunting Permit issued by the refuge is required.
3. All hunters must attend a refuge hunter orientation session.
4. Hunters during firearms big game season must wear in a conspicuous manner on head, chest and back a minimum of 400 square inches of solid-colored hunter orange clothing or material.
5. You may only use single-projectile ammunition when hunting from a stand elevated at least 6 feet (1.8 m) above ground level and only in firearms equipped with adjustable sights or a scope. Hunters may use buckshot when hunting from the ground or from stands less than 6 feet above ground level.
1. We prohibit the taking of frogs, salamanders, and turtles from all nontidal waters and refuge lands.
2. We prohibit fishing in designated nontidal waters from sunset to sunrise.
3. We prohibit bow fishing in nontidal waters.
1. You must possess and carry a signed refuge hunt permit at all times while scouting and hunting on the refuge. We charge a fee for all hunters except youth age 16 and younger.
2. We issue one companion permit at no charge to each hunter. We allow companions to observe and call, but they cannot shoot a firearm or bow. Companion and hunters must set up in the same location.
3. We have seven hunting areas on the refuge. We allow migratory bird hunting in Areas A, D, E, and G. We close Areas C and F to migratory bird hunting. We close Area B to migratory bird hunting except we open 119 Owens Station Road to State-licensed disabled hunters. We provide maps with the refuge permit (you must possess and carry) that show these areas in detail.
4. We provide you with hunt parking areas and issue parking permits that you must clearly display in your vehicle. Hunters who park on the refuge must park in identified hunt parking areas.
5. You must wear, in a visible manner, a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
6. You may only possess approved nontoxic shotgun shells (see § 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less daily.
7. We prohibit use or erection of permanent or pit blinds. You must remove all hunting blind material, boats, and decoys (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge at the end of each hunting day.
8. We prohibit the use of all terrain vehicles (ATVs) on the refuge (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter), except if you have a State of New Jersey—disabled hunting license, have received a disabled hunting permit from the refuge, have a certificate of ATV safety class completion, and are hunting in the disabled hunter area located at 119 Owens Station Road.
9. We allow prehunt scouting, and we allow the use of dogs while hunting. However, we prohibit dogs during prehunt scouting.
10. We limit the number of dogs per hunting party to no more than two dogs.
11. We allow hunters to enter the refuge 2 hours before shooting time, and they must leave no later than 2 hours after the end of shooting time.
12. We prohibit the hunting of crows on the refuge.
1. Conditions A1, A2, A4, A8, A9, and A11 apply.
2. We have seven hunting areas on the refuge. We allow white-tailed deer and turkey hunting in Areas A, D, E, F, and G. Area B is open for big game hunting east of the abandoned railroad bed. Also in Area B, we only allow State-licensed, disabled hunters to hunt at 119 Owens Station Road. We close Area C to big game hunting. We provide maps with the refuge permit (you must possess and carry) that show these areas in detail.
3. We require firearms hunters to wear, in a visible manner, a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
4. You must remove all stands and other hunting material (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge at the end of each day.
1. We allow fishing in and along the banks of the Wallkill River and in the pond at refuge headquarters.
2. We require that anglers park in designated parking areas to access the Wallkill River through the refuge.
3. You may launch canoes, kayaks, or small boats at designated river access locations.
4. We allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
5. We prohibit commercial fishing on the refuge.
6. We prohibit the taking of frog and turtle (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. On the North Tract (including Salt Creek Wilderness Area and the portion of the refuge located north of U.S. Highway 70) all hunting must be in accordance with State seasons and regulations. On the Middle Tract (the portion of the refuge located between U.S. Highway 70 and U.S. Highway 380), we restrict hunting to goose, duck, sandhill crane, and American coot (no dove) in the designated public hunting area in the southern portion of the Tract that never approaches closer than 100 yards (90 m) to the public auto tour route only; we limit hunting to Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays during the period when the State seasons for that area are open simultaneously for ALL these species; and all hunting must cease at 1 p.m. (local time) on each hunt day. On the South Tract (the portion of the refuge located south of U.S. Highway 380), we only allow hunting during Special Hunts (Youth hunters [17 years of age and younger] and/or Physically Impaired) as per State seasons and regulations.
2. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
3. We prohibit pit or permanent blinds and require daily removal of all waterfowl decoys and all temporary blinds/stands (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
4. We only allow unleashed hunting/retrieving dogs on the refuge when hunters are legally present in areas where we allow hunters, only if the dogs are under the immediate control of hunters at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter), and only to pursue species legally in season at that time.
5. We do not require refuge or other special hunt permits other than those required by the State (
1. On the North Tract (including Salt Creek Wilderness Area and the portion of the refuge located north of U.S. Highway 70), all hunting must be in accordance with State seasons and regulations. On the Middle Tract (the portion of the refuge located between U.S. Highway 70 and U.S. Highway 380), we only allow pheasant hunting and restrict hunting to the designated public hunting area in the southern portion of the Tract that never approaches closer than 100 yards (90 m) from the public auto tour route; we limit hunting to Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays during the State season for the Middle Tract; and all hunting must cease at 1 p.m. (local time) on each hunt day. On the South Tract (the portion of the refuge located south of U.S. Highway 380) we only allow public hunting during Special Hunts (Youth hunters [17 years of age and younger] and/or Physically Impaired) as per State seasons and regulations.
2. Conditions A2 and A4 apply.
3. We do not require refuge or other special hunt permits other than those required by the State.
1. We restrict all hunting to the North Tract (including Salt Creek Wilderness Area and the portion of the refuge located north of U.S. Highway 70) in accordance with State seasons and regulations, with the specification that we only allow hunt and take of feral hog (no bag limit) during deer hunts for that area and only with the weapon legal for deer on that day in that area.
2. Condition B3 applies.
3. We only allow use of portable blinds or stands, and require daily removal of all blinds and stands (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
1. You must possess and carry a refuge permit for hunting of light goose. The permit is available through a lottery drawing, and we must receive applications for the permit by
2. We allow hunting of light goose on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the second full week of January. Hunters must report to the refuge headquarters by 4:45 a.m. each hunt day. Legal hunting hours will run from 6:45 a.m. to 10 a.m. local time.
3. We allow the use of hunting dogs for bird retrieval. You must keep dogs on a leash when not hunting (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
4. We prohibit hunters and dogs from retrieving dead or wounded birds in closed areas.
5. All State and Federal hunting and fishing regulations regarding methods of take, dates, bag limits, etc., apply to all hunting and fishing on the refuge, in addition to these refuge-specific regulations.
6. We prohibit canoeing, boating, or floating through the refuge on the Rio Grande.
7. We prohibit hunting any species on the Rio Grande within the refuge.
8. We prohibit falconry on the refuge.
1. We only allow shotguns and bows and arrows.
2. Conditions A5 through A8 apply.
1. Refer to the refuge map for designated areas.
2. Hunting on the eastside of the Rio Grande is by foot or horseback only.
3. We allow oryx hunting from the east bank of the Rio Grande and east to the refuge boundary. We will allow hunters possessing a valid State special off-range permit to hunt oryx on the refuge during the concurrent State deer season. We also may establish special hunt dates each year for oryx. Contact the refuge manager for special dates.
4. Conditions A5 through A8 apply.
1. We allow fishing on all canals within the refuge boundaries (Interior Drain, Riverside Canal, and Low Flow Conveyance Channel), and unit 25AS either from the boardwalk or from shore.
2. We allow fishing from April 1 through September 30.
3. We allow fishing from 1 hour before legal sunrise until 1 hour after legal sunset.
4. We prohibit trotlines, bows and arrows, boats or other floatation devices, seining, dip netting, traps, using bait taken from the refuge, taking of turtle (see § 27.21 of this chapter), littering, and all other activities not expressly allowed.
5. Access to the canals is via the tour loop. We prohibit fishing in closed areas of the refuge, with the exception of the Low Flow Conveyance Channel.
6. We allow frogging for bullfrog on the refuge from June 1 through August 15 in areas that are open to fishing. We only allow frogging from 1 hour before legal sunrise to 1 hour after legal sunset. Interested persons must obtain a free Special Use Permit at the refuge visitor center.
7. All State and Federal fishing regulations regarding methods of take, dates, creel limits, etc., apply to all fishing on the refuge, in addition to these refuge-specific regulations.
8. We prohibit fishing for any species on the Rio Grande within the refuge.
9. Condition A6 applies.
1. You must possess and carry a refuge permit and pay a fee.
2. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
3. Youth hunters age 17 and under must hunt under the supervision of an adult age 21 or older.
4. We prohibit hunters and dogs from entering closed areas to retrieve birds.
5. We only allow Canada goose hunting on designated day(s) of the week as identified on the permit.
6. Shooting hours for Canada goose are from
7. The bag limit for Canada goose is two.
8. For Canada goose hunting, you may only possess approved nontoxic shells (see § 32.2(k)) while in the field in quantities of six or less.
1. Fishing is permitted from noon March 1 through October 31.
2. Fishing is permitted only in Lakes 13 and 14.
3. Boats are permitted on Lakes 13 and 14 only during the fishing season.
4. Fishing is not permitted within 150 feet of headgates.
1. We require hunters to check in and out of the hunt area.
2. We require hunters to attend unexploded ordnance (UXO) training prior to entering the hunt area.
3. We require State permits and payment of a hunt fee.
1. Hunters or dogs may not enter closed areas to retrieve birds.
2. Permanent blinds are not permitted.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. Fishing is permitted only on the beach and in areas not designated as closed.
2. Fishing is permitted only during daylight hours.
1. For hunting of goose, duck, and coot (only allowed on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays):
i. We require refuge waterfowl hunting permits. We allocate permits by random drawing at the Waterfowl Hunter Check Station on Route 77 on hunt days, except that we conduct a mail-in lottery for permits issued for opening day and the first two Saturdays of the regular waterfowl season. Permits allow up to three hunters to hunt. We charge a daily fee. A hunt stand is available for physically challenged hunters possessing a Golden Access Passport. We will allocate the hunt stand in a separate random draw for opening day and by first-come, first-served basis for other hunt days. The permit will allow one helper who may also hunt.
ii. You must possess and carry a valid New York State Waterfowl Education Certificate of Qualification.
iii. You must provide and use a minimum of six decoys.
iv. We only allow hunting from
v. You may only possess approved nontoxic shotshells (see § 32.2(k)) in the field in quantities of 20 or less.
vi. You must hunt within 100 feet (30 m) of your designated stand unless actively pursuing crippled birds.
2. For hunting of rail, gallinule, snipe, and woodcock:
i. We require refuge daily small-game hunt permits and reports. You may obtain these self-issued permits at several kiosks located around the refuge. The hunter must complete and sign Part “A” and possess and carry Part “B” while hunting, then complete and return Part “B” to one of the kiosks at the end of the hunt day.
ii. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
iii. We only allow hunting east of Sour Springs Road.
3. We allow youths ages 12 to 17 to hunt goose and duck on the first Sunday of the regular waterfowl season subject to the following conditions:
i. Each youth hunter must preregister at the refuge office.
ii. Each youth hunter must participate in the prehunt orientation and education program.
iii. Each youth must hunt with a preapproved, nonhunting adult (for ages 12
iv. Conditions 1iv, 1v, and 1vi above apply.
1. We require refuge daily small-game hunt permits and reports. You may obtain these self-issued permits at several kiosks located around the refuge. You must complete and sign Part A and possess and carry Part B while hunting, then complete and return Part B to one of the kiosks at the end of the hunt day.
2. We only allow hunting from legal sunrise to legal sunset. We prohibit night hunting.
3. We allow hunting only between October 1 and the last day of February.
4. You must only possess approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) while in the field if hunting with a shotgun.
5. You must wear in a visible manner on head, chest, and back a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
1. White-tailed deer:
i. We require refuge daily deer hunt permits and reports. These self-issued permits are available at several kiosks located around the refuge. You must complete and sign Part A and possess and carry Part B while hunting, then complete and return Part B to one of the kiosks at the end of the hunt day.
ii. All hunters must wear in a visible manner on head, chest, and back a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
iii. If you use portable tree stands, blinds, and decoys, you must remove all equipment (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge at the end of the day.
2. Turkey (only allowed during the spring season):
i. We require refuge spring turkey hunting permits. We select permittees, except youth permittees as designated below, from a mail-in, random drawing for available permits. We charge a nonrefundable application processing fee.
ii. Only youth hunters 12 to17 years of age, accompanied by a properly licensed, preapproved nonhunting adult (for youths aged 12 and 13 the parent and/or guardian must be age 21 or older; for youths ages 14 and up, the parent and/or guardian must be age 18 or older), may hunt on the refuge on the first Sunday of the season. All youth hunters must register at the refuge headquarters and attend a mandatory orientation.
iii. You may use portable blinds and decoys, but you must remove all equipment (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the conclusion of each day.
iv. You may only scout during the 7 days immediately preceding the season. You must possess and carry your permit when scouting. We prohibit calling or possessing a call of any kind while scouting.
1. You may only fish or frog from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
2. We allow fishing or frogging in Oak Orchard Creek east of Route 63 and on other designated areas of the refuge year-round during the State season.
3. We only allow ice fishing on Ringneck Marsh from December 15 through the last day of February.
4. We allow frogging in areas open for public fishing. We prohibit guns or archery equipment to kill or capture frog.
5. We prohibit wading or the use of boats or other flotation devices, with the exception that you may use nonmotorized boats on Oak Orchard Creek east of Route 63.
6. We require that anglers remove boats, structures, or other equipment (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge after the completion of the day's fishing activities.
1. We require daily refuge permits (you must possess and carry)/reservations.
2. We only allow hunting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays during the established refuge season set within the State western zone season.
3. We take telephone reservations from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays for the next hunt day (except for opening day).
4. We take opening day reservations between 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. on the day immediately before the season opener.
5. The reservation telephone number is 315-568-4136.
6. All telephone reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
7. Persons with a reservation may bring one companion.
8. Hunters reserve the parking area of their choice when making their reservations.
9. All hunters with reservations and their companions must check-in at the Route 89 Hunter Check Station at least 1 hour before legal shooting time or forfeit their reservation.
10. Forfeited reservations become available on a first-come, first-served basis to standby hunters at the Route 89 Hunter Check Station.
11. We require $10.00 per reservation fee. Hunters with either Golden Age or Access Passports receive a 50 percent discount.
12. We require motorless boats to hunt and limit hunters to one boat per reservation.
13. We select hunting sites in a free-roam system.
14. You may only possess approved nontoxic shells (see § 32.2(k)) while in the field in quantities of 15 or less.
15. We prohibit shooting from the dike.
16. Hunting ends at 12 p.m. (noon), and all hunters must check out by 1 p.m.
17. We require successful completion of the New York State Waterfowl Identification Course, the Montezuma Nonresident Waterfowl Identification Course, or a suitable nonresident State Waterfowl Identification Course to hunt the refuge.
1. We only allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated portions of the refuge by archery, firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter), or muzzleloaders during established refuge seasons set within the general State white-tailed deer season.
2. We prohibit Sunday hunting.
3. Each hunter must possess, carry, and return at day's end a valid daily hunt permit card.
4. Daily hunt permits are available at the Route 89 Hunter Check Station on a first-come, first-served basis, issued by refuge personnel or available on a self-service basis.
5. We make available 150 firearms hunt permit cards each day on a first-come, first-served basis.
6. Hunters must fill out Part A of the daily hunt permit card at check-in and leave it with refuge personnel or deposit it in the Part A box at the Route 89 Hunter Check Station.
7. The hunter must carry Part B of the daily hunt permit card while hunting the refuge.
8. The hunter must complete Part B and deposit it in the Part B box at the Route 89 Hunter Check Station by the end of the hunt day.
9. Successful opening day archery hunters must bring their deer to the Route 89 Hunter Check Station.
10. Successful firearms hunters must bring their deer to the Route 89 Hunter Check Station on the days we staff it.
11. Firearms hunters must wear in a visible manner on the head, chest, and back a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
12. We only allow shotguns and muzzleloaders during the firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) season. We prohibit handguns.
13. Hunters must have all guns unloaded (see § 27.42 of this chapter) between legal sunset and legal sunrise.
14. Hunters must disassemble, lock, or case all bows after legal sunset and before legal sunrise.
15. We prohibit advance scouting.
16. We prohibit boats and canoes on refuge pools. We prohibit hunting on the open water portions of the refuge pools.
17. We prohibit ATVs (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter).
18. Hunters may only use portable tree stands and must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge each day.
19. We prohibit screw-in tree steps (see § 32.2(i)).
20. We allow firearms hunters to be on the refuge during the period that begins 1 hour before legal sunrise and ends 1 hour after legal sunset.
21. We allow archery hunters to be on the refuge during the period that begins 1 hour before legal sunrise (except for opening day) and ends 1 hour after legal sunset.
22. On opening day, we allow archery hunters on the refuge during the period that begins 2 hours before legal sunrise and ends 1 hour after legal sunset.
1. Shore and boat fishing is permitted on that portion of the Carmans River between Sunrise and Montauk Highways.
2. Only boat fishing is permitted from Montauk Highway south to the mouth of the Carmans River.
3. Fishing is permitted only during daylight hours.
4. Spearfishing and taking of baitfish and frogs is not permitted.
The following refuge units have been opened to hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. Hunters must possess and carry a valid refuge hunting permit.
2. We prohibit construction or use of a permanent blind.
3. We close the Farming Area to waterfowl hunting.
4. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. An adult may directly supervise (up to two) youth hunters (age 15 and under), who must have successfully completed a State-approved hunter safety course and possess and carry proof of certification.
5. We allow retrieving dogs in designated areas. We prohibit the use of dogs in the Gum Swamp Unit.
1. Conditions A1 and A4 apply.
2. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
3. We only allow dog training during the corresponding hunting season.
4. We require a Special Use Permit to hunt raccoon or opossum from
5. We allow retrieving, pointing, and flushing dogs in designated areas. We prohibit the use of dogs in the Gum Swamp Unit.
1. Conditions A1, A4 (an adult may only supervise one youth hunter), and B3 applies.
2. We only allow lead buckshot and slugs.
3. We close the Hyde County portion of the refuge during State bear seasons.
4. We only allow pursuit/trailing dogs in designated areas as shown in the Hunting Regulations and Permit Map. We prohibit the use of pursuit and trailing dogs in the Gum Swamp, Parched Corn Bay/Long Shoal River, and North Stumpy Point Units.
5. Unarmed hunters may walk to retrieve stray dogs from closed areas and “no dog hunting” areas.
1. We only allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
2. We only allow pole and line, rod and reel, or cast net.
3. We require a Special Use Permit for fishing or frogging between legal sunset and legal sunrise.
4. You must only take frog by use of frog gigs.
1. We allow hunting on 400 acres (160 ha) of marsh located along the southern border of West Bay and the eastern border of West Thorofare Bay between the John Day Ditch and the Thorofare Ditch. The hunt area extends 300 feet (90 m) from the shoreline into the marsh.
2. We allow portable blinds, but you must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) each day.
3. Hunters/hunt parties must not hunt closer than 150 yards (135 m) apart.
4. You may use decoys but you must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) daily upon completion of your hunting.
5. We only allow hunting during the State waterfowl seasons occurring in November, December, and January.
1. We require a North Carolina Waterfowl Hunt Permit or a Refuge Hunt Permit. You must carry a permit while hunting on the refuge.
2. You must hunt from assigned blind location.
3. We allow hunting on Wednesdays and Saturdays during the State waterfowl season.
4. We allow hunting from
5. We allow access 1
6. All hunters holding a North Carolina Waterfowl Hunt Permit must check-in at the Knotts Island Market by 5:15 a.m. on the morning of the hunt. We require no check-in for hunters holding Snow Goose Hunt Permits.
7. All guides must obtain and carry a refuge Special Use Permit to conduct guided hunts on the refuge.
Refer to § 32.66 Virginia for regulations.
1. We require a Refuge Deer Hunting Permit that hunters must sign and carry while hunting on the refuge.
2. We allow the use of shotguns, muzzleloading rifles/shotguns, and bows. We prohibit the use of all other rifles and pistols.
3. We allow access to hunting areas from 5 a.m. until 8 p.m.
4. We prohibit carrying a loaded firearm on or within 50 feet (15 m) of gravel roads.
5. We prohibit the marking of trees or vegetation (see § 27.51 of this chapter) with blazes, flagging, or other marking devices.
1. Fishing is permitted only from sunrise to sunset from March 15 through October 15 with the exception that bank fishing is permitted in Corey's Ditch and the canal adjacent to the Knotts Island Causeway year-round.
2. All fishing lines must be attended.
3. Airboats are not permitted.
1. We require refuge-issued permits that you must validate at the refuge headquarters, sign, possess, and carry while hunting.
2. Each hunt participant must pay a $12.50 daily user fee.
3. We restrict hunting to designated blinds assigned by refuge personnel.
4. Hunters may only shoot crippled waterfowl from outside the assigned blind.
5. There is a 30-shell limit per blind hunter per day.
6. You may use decoys, but you must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) daily upon completion of your hunt.
7. All waterfowl hunters must check out at the assigned station prior to leaving the refuge.
8. Shooting hours are from
9. We allow the use of retrieving dogs, but dogs must be under voice command at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
10. You must unload guns (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) during transport through the refuge.
11. We only allow the taking of Canada goose during the State September Canada goose season subject to the following conditions:
i. We allow hunting Monday through Saturday during the State season, and we require refuge-issued permits that you must obtain at the refuge office, sign, possess, and carry while hunting.
ii. We close the following areas to hunting of Canada goose: Impoundments MI-4, MI-5, and MI-6; in Rose Bay Canal, Outfall Canal, Lake Landing Canal and Waupoppin Canal; 150 feet (45 m) from the mouth of the canals where they enter Lake Mattamuskeet; and 150 yards (135 m) from State Route 94.
iii. We allow portable blinds, but you must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) daily.
12. Each youth hunter (age 16 and under) must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Youth hunters must have completed a State-certified hunter safety course and possess and carry the form or certificate.
1. The hunter must possess and carry a signed, refuge-issued permit while hunting.
2. We close to hunting areas along the Entrance Road, MI-4 impoundment, signed areas along State Route 94, areas around the refuge headquarters, and refuge residence area.
3. Hunters may take one antlered deer and one antlerless deer per day, or two antlerless deer per day.
4. Hunters may take deer with shotgun, bow and arrow, or muzzleloading rifle/shotgun.
5. We allow hunters on the refuge from 1 hour before legal shooting time until 1 hour after legal shooting time.
6. Hunters can use boats to access hunt areas, but we prohibit hunting from a boat.
7. You must check all deer taken at the check station near refuge headquarters.
8. We prohibit erecting portable blinds and tree stands prior to the hunt, and you must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge each day.
9. Hunters must wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm
10. An adult may only supervise one youth hunter. The youth hunter must be within sight and normal voice contact of the adult.
1. We are open to sport fishing, bow fishing, and crabbing from March 1 through November 1 from
i. State Route 94;
ii. The north bridge and south of the north bridge at Lake Landing;
iii. The Outfall Canal water control structure;
iv. The Central Canal bridge on Wildlife Drive; and
v. Along the west main and east main canal between Entrance Road metal bridge and Number One East Canal as posted.
2. We allow bank fishing and crabbing from the North Carolina Highway 94 causeway 24 hours per day, year-round.
3. We allow fishing boats and motors March 1 through November 1. We prohibit airboats, sailboats, Jet Skis, and windboards.
4. We prohibit bank fishing along the Entrance Road from State Route 94 to the Entrance Road metal bridge.
5. We prohibit herring dipping.
6. We allow crabbing subject to the following conditions:
i. We only allow five handlines and hand-activated traps per person. Owners must be in attendance.
ii. We prohibit crab pots.
iii. You may only possess 12 crabs per person per day.
1. We require a nighttime fishing permit for surf fishing between
2. We prohibit fishing and crabbing North Pond, South Pond, and New Field Pond Impoundments.
1. We require all hunters to possess and carry a signed Refuge General Hunt Permit and government-issued picture ID while in the field.
2. Legal shooting hours are 12 p.m. (noon) until legal sunset.
3. Validly licensed adults, age 21 or older, holding applicable permits must accompany and supervise, remaining in sight and voice contact at all times, any youth hunters (under age 16). Each adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters. Youth hunters must possess and carry evidence of successful completion of a State-approved hunter education course.
4. We prohibit possession of a loaded firearm within 100 feet (30 m) of any vehicle or road open to vehicle traffic. We define a loaded firearm as a firearm with ammunition in the magazine or chamber, or a percussion cap in place on a muzzleloader.
5. We prohibit the discharge of a weapon (see § 27.42 of this chapter) on or across a road open to vehicle traffic.
6. We prohibit entering or crossing a “No Hunting Zone” or “Closed Area”. We prohibit
7. We prohibit the discharge of a weapon (see § 27.42(a) of this chapter) for a purpose other than to take or attempt to take legal game animals during established hunting seasons.
8. We prohibit waterfowl hunting. By virtue of and pursuant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of July 3, 1918, we close the following area to the pursuing, hunting, taking, capturing, or killing of migratory birds or attempting to take, capture, or kill migratory birds: All the area consisting of the bed of the Pee Dee River, bank to bank, submerged or exposed including the water thereof, from the confluence of Pressley Creek and the Pee Dee River to approximately 5 miles (8 km) downstream to the confluence of Brown Creek and the Pee Dee River. Included also are the waters surrounding Buzzard Island and that part of the Pee Dee River on the northeast side of Leak Island beginning approximately 1/4 mile (.4 km) downstream from the head of Leak Island (at the head of a small unnamed island), and continuing downstream to the main channel of the Pee Dee River and containing, in all, a total of 220 acres (88 ha).
1. Conditions A1 and A3 through A7 apply.
2. We prohibit raccoon hunters from entering or remaining on the refuge from 1 hour before legal sunrise until 1 hour after legal sunset on established hunt dates.
3. We prohibit raccoon hunters from hunting on the night prior to the opening of a firearms deer hunt and on the nights during the deer hunt except the last night.
4. We require dogs on raccoon/opossum hunts. All dogs must wear a collar displaying the owner's name, address, and phone number.
1. Conditions A1 and A3 through A7 apply (for A3, adults may supervise no more than one youth hunter).
2. We require each person participating in a quota deer hunt to possess and carry a refuge Quota Deer Hunt Permit for the hunt in which he or she will be participating. Quota Deer Hunt Permits are nontransferable.
3. During deer hunts we prohibit hunters from entering the refuge earlier than 4 a.m., and they must leave the refuge no later than 2 hours after legal sunset.
4. We prohibit adults from possessing or discharging a firearm during the youth deer hunt.
5. During refuge firearms deer hunts, all participants must wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm
6. During State firearms deer seasons, all archery hunters must wear at a minimum a fluorescent-orange hat while hunting and while en route to and from hunting areas.
7. We prohibit man driving for deer. We define a “man drive” as an organized hunting technique involving two or more individuals where hunters attempt to drive game animals from cover or habitat for the purpose of shooting, killing, or moving such animals toward other hunters.
8. We prohibit placing a tree stand on the refuge more than 3 days prior to the opening day of the deer hunt in which you will be participating. You must remove the tree stands (see § 27.93 of this chapter) by the last day of that hunt.
9. You must wear a safety belt or harness at all times when using any tree stand or climbing equipment.
10. You must check all deer killed on refuge quota deer hunts at the refuge check station on the date of kill prior to removing the animal from the refuge.
11. We prohibit the use of dogs for deer hunting.
12. We prohibit the use of plastic flagging.
13. We prohibit the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) or off-highway vehicles (OHVs) (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter).
14. During refuge firearms deer hunts, we prohibit all other public use on the refuge.
1. We prohibit boats utilizing gasoline-powered motors.
2. You must unload and load boats by hand on all waters except those having designated launch ramps.
3. We prohibit possession or use of trotlines, set hooks, gigs, jug lines, limblines, snagging devices, nets, seines, fish traps, or other special devices.
4. We prohibit taking or attempting to take frog and turtle (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
5. We prohibit swimming.
1. We prohibit hunting on the Davenport and Deaver tracts (which include the area surrounding the Headquarters/Visitor Center and the Scuppernong River Interpretative Boardwalk), the Pungo Shop area, New Lake, refuge lands between Lake Phelps and Shore Drive, and that portion of the Pinner Tract east of SR 1105.
2. We allow you to retrieve game from closed areas listed above with consent from a refuge employee, but we prohibit possession of any type of weapon (see § 27.42 of this chapter) in a closed area.
3. We require all hunters to possess and carry a signed, self-service refuge general hunting permit while hunting on the refuge.
4. We open the refuge for daylight-use only, except that we allow hunters to enter and remain in open hunting areas from 1
5. We only allow the use of all terrain vehicles (ATVs) on designated ATV trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter) and only to transport hunters and their equipment to hunt and scout. We only allow ATV use on the ATV trails at the following times:
i. When we open the ATV trail and surrounding area to hunting;
ii. One week prior to the ATV trail and surrounding area opening to hunting; and
iii. On Sundays, when we open the ATV trail and surrounding area for hunting the following Monday.
6. You must unload and case or dismantle all weapons (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) transported via a motorized vehicle or boat under power.
7. We only allow the use of biodegradable-type flagging. We prohibit affixing plastic flagging, dots, glow tacks, reflectors, or other materials to refuge vegetation (see § 27.51 of this chapter).
8. We prohibit migratory game bird hunting on the Pungo Unit.
9. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) while migratory game bird hunting west of Evans Road.
10. We only allow the use of portable blinds and temporary blinds constructed of natural materials, but we prohibit the cutting any live vegetation on the refuge (see § 27.51 of this chapter). You must remove portable blinds (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each day.
11. We allow the use of dogs to point and retrieve migratory game birds, but they must be under your immediate control at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
12. While hunting, we require youth hunters age 16 or younger to possess and carry proof that they successfully passed a State-approved hunter education course. Youth hunters may only hunt under the direct supervision of a licensed hunter over age 21. One licensed hunter over age 21 may supervise up to two migratory game bird youth hunters at a time.
1. Conditions A1 through A7 apply.
2. We prohibit upland game hunting on the Pungo Unit.
3. We only allow the taking of beaver and nutria with firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) and only during those times when we open the area hunted to hunting of other game animals with firearms.
4. We prohibit the hunting of raccoon and opossum during, 5 days before, and 5 days after the State bear seasons. Outside of these periods, we allow the hunting of raccoon and opossum at night but only while possessing a special Refuge Nighttime Raccoon and Opossum Hunting Permit.
5. We only allow the use of shotguns and .22 caliber rim-fire rifles for hunting. We also allow disabled hunters to use crossbows while possessing the required State permit.
6. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) while hunting upland game west of Evans Road.
7. We allow the use of dogs for pointing and retrieving upland game and for chasing rabbit (but not fox). The dogs must be under your immediate control at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter), and we prohibit possession of buckshot or slugs while hunting with dogs.
8. You must wear 500 square inches (3,250 cm
9. While hunting, we require that youth hunters under age 16 must possess and carry proof that they successfully passed a State-approved hunter education course. Youth hunters may only hunt under the direct supervision of a licensed hunter age 21 or older. A licensed hunter age 21 or older may directly supervise up to two upland game youth hunters at a time.
1. Conditions A1 through A7 apply.
2. You may only hunt spring turkey if you possess and carry a valid refuge turkey hunting permit. The permits are valid only for the dates and areas shown on the permit. We require an application and a fee for these permits and hold a drawing, when necessary, to select the permittees.
3. We only allow the use of shotguns, muzzleloaders, and bow and arrow for deer and wild boar hunting. We allow disabled hunters to use crossbows but only while possessing the required State permit.
4. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) while hunting turkeys west of Evans Road and on the Pungo Unit. You may use slugs, buckshot, and muzzleloader ammunition containing lead for deer and wild boar hunting in these areas.
5. We only allow deer hunting with shotguns and muzzleloaders on the Pungo Unit while possessing a special Pungo Deer Gun-Hunt Permit issued by the refuge. These permits are valid only for the designated 2-day period shown on the permit. We set the dates of these special 2-day hunts following the publication of the State deer seasons. We require an application and a fee for these permits and hold a drawing, when necessary, to select the permittees.
6. During the special Pungo Deer Gun-Hunts, we only allow permitted hunters on the Pungo Unit. We only allow permitted hunters on the Pungo Unit from 1 hour before legal shooting time until 1 hour after legal shooting time. You must take any deer harvested during a Pungo Deer Gun-Hunt to the deer check station located at the Pungo Shop for harvest reporting and data collection.
7. We allow deer hunting with bow and arrow on the Pungo Unit during all State deer seasons prior to December 1; however, we prohibit hunting on the Pungo Unit on the designated Pungo Deer Gun-Hunts referred to above without a valid Pungo Deer Gun-Hunt Permit.
8. You must wear 500 square inches (3,250 cm
9. We only allow the use of portable tree stands and require that you remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each day, except that hunters with a valid Pungo Deer Gun-Hunt Permit may install a stand on the Pungo Unit the day before the start of their hunt and leave it until the end of the 2nd day of their 2-day hunt. You must tag stands left overnight on the refuge with the hunter's name, address, and telephone number.
10. While hunting, we require youth hunters (under age 16) to possess and carry proof that they successfully passed a State-approved hunter education course. Youth hunters may only hunt under the direct supervision of a licensed hunter age 21 and older. A licensed hunter age 21 and older may only supervise one big game youth hunter at a time.
1. We only allow fishing in Pungo Lake and New Lake from March 1 through October 31, except that we close Pungo Lake and the entire Pungo Unit to fishing during the special 2-day Pungo Deer Gun Hunts in late September and October.
2. We only allow fishing from the bank in the Pungo Unit; we prohibit use of boats in this area. We prohibit leaving a boat anywhere on the refuge overnight.
3. We only allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
1. We require a State-issued refuge permit.
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
1. We allow hunting on refuge marshlands that include Great Island, Marsh Island, and all of the refuge marshlands adjacent to Juniper Bay eastward to West Bluff Bay.
2. We prohibit hunting within the 27,000 acre (10,800 ha) Presidential Proclamation Area as posted.
3. We allow portable blinds. You must remove blinds (see § 27.93 of this chapter) each day.
4. We prohibit hunters/hunt parties from hunting closer than 150 yards (135 m) apart.
5. You may use decoys, but you must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) daily upon completion of your hunt.
6. We allow hunting during the State waterfowl season occurring in November, December, and January.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. We allow hunting beginning the day after the State general firearms deer season through the end of the regular upland bird season. Cottontail rabbit and fox seasons close March 31.
2. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
3. All State regulations/limits apply. We require a State-issued hunting license and stamp.
4. Access is by foot only.
5. We allow dogs, but they must be under the immediate control of the hunter at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
6. The entire refuge is open to upland hunting except the area surrounding the refuge headquarters area and wildlife observation area.
7. We prohibit open fires (see § 27.95 of this chapter) and camping on the refuge.
8. We close the area surrounding the refuge headquarters and wildlife observation area to all hunting and entry. The boundary of the closed area includes Section 25 and the west
1. We require a State license and State-issued unit permit, and we restrict hunters to the species and type on permit.
2. We prohibit entering the refuge before legal shooting hours on the opening day of the firearms deer season. Thereafter, hunters may enter, but not shoot, 1
3. All firearms deer hunters must wear blaze-orange clothing. Legal orange clothing is a head covering and outer garment above the waistline of solid daylight, fluorescent-orange color, totaling at least 400 square inches (2,600 cm
4. We only allow vehicles on refuge roads and established access trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter) to retrieve deer during the following times: 9:30 to 10 a.m., 1:30 to 2 p.m., and
5. Hunters participating in the State Youth Deer Season should check with refuge employees for open area information and special regulations.
6. Bow hunters must wear blaze orange during the regular deer gun season.
7. We allow temporary tree stands, but hunters must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge daily. We prohibit use of nails, screws, or devices inserted into the tree to hang stands or provide steps to the stands (see § 32.2(i)).
8. We prohibit open fires (see § 27.95 of this chapter) and camping on the refuge.
9. We close the area surrounding the refuge headquarters and wildlife observation area to all hunting and entry. The boundary of the closed area includes Section 25 and the west
1. We restrict boats (maximum of 25 hp) to Arrowwood and Jim Lakes only from May 1 through September 30 of each fishing year.
2. We allow bank fishing along the major road rights-of-way during the entire North Dakota State fishing season.
3. We allow bank fishing on interior portions of the refuge from May 1 through September 30 of each fishing year. We only allow walk-in access, except for designated areas.
4. Access to water control structures is walk-in only along established trails.
5. We allow fishing in refuge impoundment bypass channels during the regular State fishing season. We allow walk-in access along maintenance trails from June 1 through September 30 of each fishing year.
6. We only allow bow fishing for rough fish along road rights-of-way in accordance with State regulations from May 1 through September 30 of each fishing year. We prohibit crossbows.
7. We open Arrowwood Lake, Jim Lake, and the South 1/3 of Mud Lake to winter fishing in accordance with State regulations.
8. We allow fish houses and vehicles on the ice as conditions allow. Anglers must remove fish houses (see § 27.93 of this chapter) by March 15. Anglers may use portable houses after March 15, but you must remove them daily.
9. We prohibit snowmobiles and ATVs on the refuge (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter).
10. We prohibit water activities not related to fishing (sailing, skiing, tubing, etc.).
11. We prohibit open fires (see § 27.95 of this chapter) and camping on the refuge.
1. We annually open to upland bird hunting on the day following the close of the regular deer gun season. The hunting seasons continue until the State season closes. The refuge has designated open and closed areas for hunting.
2. We prohibit driving vehicles on refuge roads while hunting or to access hunting areas. Hunters must park at the refuge boundary and walk in.
3. Hunters may retrieve game up to 100 yards (90 m) inside the refuge boundary fence and closed areas of the refuge. Retrieval time must not exceed 10 minutes, and hunters may use dogs. We prohibit firearms while retrieving game.
4. We prohibit hunting on all refuge islands.
1. The refuge gun, muzzleloader, and bow deer hunting seasons open and close according to State regulations. The refuge has designated opened and closed areas for deer hunting.
2. We close the refuge to the State special youth deer hunting season.
3. We prohibit driving vehicles on refuge roads while hunting or to access hunting areas. All hunters must park at the refuge boundary and walk in. Hunters may use designated refuge roads to retrieve downed deer.
4. Hunters must only use portable tree stands that they install and remove (see § 27.93 of this chapter) each day. We prohibit permanent tree stands.
5. We prohibit hunting on all refuge islands.
1. The refuge ice fishing season opens when ice is present and closes on March 31.
2. We restrict vehicle use to refuge roads and designated ice access points (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
1. We allow hunting of deer beginning with the start of the State deer gun season.
2. Hunters may only enter the refuge on foot.
1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
2. You may use falconry for upland game hunting.
3. Upland game bird and rabbit season opens annually on the day following the close of the regular firearm deer season through the end of the State season.
4. The upland game bird and rabbit falconry season opens annually on the day following the close of the regular firearm deer season through March 31.
5. Fox hunting opens annually on the day following the close of the regular firearm deer season through March 31.
6. Turkey hunting is subject to all State regulations, license requirements, units, and dates.
1. Archers may hunt throughout the entire State archery season.
2. Deer hunting with rifle and muzzleloader is subject to all State regulations and license units.
1. You must possess and carry a “Lake Alice Refuge Permit” in order to hunt white-tailed deer with a firearm on the Tarvasted WPA in Ramsey County.
2. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent stands or platforms (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
1. We open the refuge daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
2. We allow waterfowl retrieval without a firearm within 100 yards (90 m) of the interior boundary of Public Hunting Areas and within 100 yards (90 m) of the exterior refuge boundary.
1. We open the refuge daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
2. We allow hunting for sharp-tailed grouse, partridge, and pheasant on nine designated Public Hunting Areas.
3. We allow hunting for sharp-tailed grouse, partridge, ruffed grouse, and turkey south of the Upham-Willow City Road.
4. We open to hunting annually for sharp-tailed grouse, partridge, and pheasant on the remainder of the refuge, except the closed area around the refuge headquarters, on the day following the close of the firearm deer season and close as per the State seasons.
5. Fox hunting opens annually on the day following the close of the firearm deer season and closes March 31. We allow hunting from
1. We open the refuge daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
2. We open the entire refuge, except the closed area around the refuge headquarters, for hunting during the State's youth, muzzleloader, and archery seasons.
3. We open nine Public Hunting Areas on the refuge for deer hunting during the regular firearms season without a refuge permit.
4. You must possess and carry a refuge permit to hunt on the refuge outside the nine Public Hunting Areas during the regular firearms season.
5. Hunters must remove blinds and stands (see § 27.93 of this chapter) daily.
1. We open the refuge daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
2. We open all refuge waters to ice fishing between December 15 and the end of the State fishing season.
3. We only allow boat fishing in designated areas.
4. We close to boat fishing the last Friday of September.
5. We only allow nonmotorized boats or boats with electric motors.
6. We allow fishing at the following locations:
i. Nelson Bridge, from both banks downstream (northwest)
ii. Souris River—Scenic Canoe Route, from both banks and boats, 100 feet upstream (30 m) (east) from Johnson Bridge and downstream (northwest) 13 miles (20.8 km) to the end of the Canoe Route at Dam 1, including Sandhills Slough;
iii. Dam 1, on the north bank downstream (west) 100 yards (90 m). We prohibit entry to or fishing from the dam;
iv. Dam 2, from both banks 50 feet (15 m) downstream from the water control structure;
v. Dam 320, from the bank starting 300 feet (90 m) east of the dam for
vi. Old Freeman Bridge, from both banks or boat, downstream (west) 1
vii. Cutbank Culvert on Highway 14, from the highway right-of-way 50 feet (15 m) either side of the culvert;
viii. Highway 14 Bridge, from both banks
ix. Russell-Kramer Road, from both banks or boat, upstream (south) 200 feet (60 km) from the bridge and downstream (north) from the bridge to the Soo Line railroad bridge;
x. Newburg Road, from the road right-of-way 100 feet (30 km) on either side of the bridge;
xi. Scheflo Bridge, from the road right-of way on either side of the bridge and upstream (south) on the east bank to the downstream (north) side of the water control structure;
xii. Highway 5, from the highway right-of way 100 feet (30 km) on either side of the bridge;
xiii. Westhope-Landa Road, from the road right-of-way 150 feet (45 km) on either side of
xiv. Below Dam 357, from both banks or boat on all waters downstream (north) of the dam to the Canadian border.
1. Consult the refuge brochure for season dates.
2. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
1. We allow fox hunting on certain areas of the refuge outside of the State firearm deer season without a special refuge permit; consult refuge publication.
2. We allow archery hunting on designated portions of the refuge; consult refuge publication.
1. We open the refuge all year for fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset. The refuge has designated open and closed areas for fishing.
2. We open the refuge to boating from May 1 through September 30.
3. We open the refuge to ice fishing from October 1 through March 31.
4. We restrict vehicle use to refuge roads, designated boat ramps, and ice access points (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
5. We prohibit fishing and public use on refuge islands and concrete dam spillways.
1. We open portions of the refuge to gun, muzzleloader, bow, and the special youth deer hunting seasons according to State regulations. The refuge has designated open and closed areas for deer hunting.
2. We close all refuge roads to vehicle use for hunting and retrieval of deer. Hunters must park vehicles at the refuge boundary and walk in.
3. Hunters may walk in to retrieve deer in areas marked with no hunting zone signs. We prohibit firearms while retrieving deer from these areas.
4. Hunters must only use portable tree stands that they install and remove (see § 27.93 of this chapter) each day. We prohibit permanent tree stands.
1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
2. The upland game bird season opens annually on the day following the close of the regular firearm deer season through the end of the State season.
3. Hunters may enter the refuge on foot only.
1. We allow archery hunting through the day before the opening of the State waterfowl season and allow it following the deer gun season.
2. We allow deer gun hunting concurrent with the State deer gun season.
3. Hunters may enter the refuge on foot only.
1. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
2. The upland game bird season opens annually on the day following the close of the firearm deer season and runs through the close of the State season.
3. We close to upland game hunting those areas marked with yellow closed to hunting signs.
4. We prohibit hunters and dogs from entering closed areas to retrieve game.
1. Hunters must only enter the refuge on foot.
2. We allow archery hunting. We restrict open archery areas to those areas of the refuge open to firearms during the firearm season.
3. We close to deer hunting during the firearm deer season those areas marked with yellow closed to hunting signs. We also close this area to muzzleloader hunters during muzzleloader season.
4. We prohibit hunters entering closed areas to retrieve game.
1. We restrict bank fishing to public use areas on Unit 1 and Long Lake Creek.
2. We restrict boat fishing to Long Lake Creek.
3. We restrict boats to 25 hp maximum.
4. We restrict boats to the period from May 1 through September 30.
5. We restrict ice fishing to Unit 1 and Long Lake Creek.
6. We prohibit motorized vehicles on ice (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
7. We only allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
8. Anglers must park vehicles in designated parking areas.
1. Hunting is not permitted on the portion of the refuge south of Highway 50 during the State deer gun season.
2. Hunting is permitted on the portion of the refuge north of Highway 50 only after the close of the State deer gun season.
3. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
1. Refuge and State permits are required for the first one and one half days of the State gun season.
2. Only persons with valid permits are permitted on the refuge during the first one and one half days of the season.
3. Archery hunting is permitted through the day before the opening of the State waterfowl season, and it is permitted following the deer gun season.
1. The season opens on the first Monday following the close of the State deer gun season and continues through the close of the State pheasant season.
2. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
1. The season closes September 30 and reopens the Friday following the close of the State gun deer season and continues through the end of the State archery deer season.
2. We allow deer gun hunting by refuge permit holders on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations.
3. We allow youth deer hunting on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations.
1. You may use dogs to hunt.
2. We require hunters and nonhunters accompanying legal hunters to wear the State-required, legal-orange clothing when hunting game birds during the deer gun season.
3. We open for hunting on Unit I during the North Dakota State hunting seasons. Unit I includes all refuge land north of the township road that runs east of Tolley, across Dam 41 (Carter Dam), and east to State Route 28.
4. We open for hunting on Unit II during the State hunting seasons, except we close from the first day of the regular State waterfowl season through the last day of State deer rifle season. Unit II includes refuge land between Lake Darling Dam and the township road that runs east of Tolley.
5. We close land south of Lake Darling Dam to all upland game bird hunting.
6. We prohibit hunting on the area surrounding the refuge headquarters buildings and residences. We post these areas with “Closed to Hunting” signs.
7. We prohibit remaining on the refuge between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
8. We prohibit weapons (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) in boats, canoes, float tubes, or any other floatable object.
9. We prohibit the use of snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) or similar vehicles on the refuge (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter).
10. We prohibit the use of horses during all hunting seasons.
1. Conditions B7 through B10 apply.
2. You must possess and carry a State deer bow permit to hunt deer on the refuge during the State deer bow season.
3. You must possess and carry a special State-issued refuge permit for State deer gun hunting in Unit IIIA2 to hunt deer on the refuge during the State deer gun season.
4. You must possess and carry a State muzzleloader deer permit to hunt deer on the refuge during the State muzzleloader season.
5. We only allow preseason scouting in open public use areas and areas marked “foot traffic only.”
6. We require hunters to walk in to hunt.
7. You must remove your harvested deer only by carrying, dragging, or using a hand-pulled cart or sled.
8. You may use portable tree stands but must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) daily from the refuge.
9. We prohibit the use of flagging, paint, blazes, tacks, or other types of markers.
10. You may only use strap-on steps or removable climbing ladders if needed to access portable tree stands (see § 32.2(i)).
11. You may hunt all of the refuge with the exception of the following areas: the area surrounding the refuge headquarters buildings, Office/Visitor Center, residences, fenced equipment yard, and gun range. We post these areas with “No Trespassing” or “Closed to Hunting” signs.
12. We prohibit entry to the refuge before 12 p.m. (noon) on the first day of the bow, gun, or muzzleloader deer hunting seasons. However, bow hunters may hunt on the refuge any time the State bow season is open.
13. Youth deer hunters (14 years of age) may hunt on the refuge if they register at the refuge office prior to hunting during the State Youth Deer Season. An adult or guardian age 18 or older must accompany youth hunters.
14. You may not return to the refuge with a weapon after you have filled your deer tag; however, you may carry a shotgun while hunting upland game birds in open hunting units.
1. Conditions B7 and B9 apply.
2. We allow use of fishing boats, canoes, and float tubes in designated boat fishing areas (see below) on Lake Darling for fishing from May 1 through September 30.
3. You may bank fish in designated areas (see below) whenever there is open water.
4. We prohibit the use of bow, spear, or underwater spearing equipment to take fish.
5. We prohibit fishing or access to fishing areas along the Prairie-Marsh Scenic Drive.
6. We prohibit swimming, sailing, water skiing, pleasure boating, and overnight camping.
7. You may ice fish on all ice-covered waters of the Souris River and Lake Darling; however, we designate access sites where you can walk or drive onto the ice (see below).
8. We allow you to drive licensed cars and pickups on the ice from Lake Darling Dam north to Carter Dam (Dam 41) for ice fishing.
9. We allow walk-in access at designated sites (see below) on the Souris River north of Carter Dam (Dam 41) and south of Lake Darling Dam for ice fishing. We prohibit vehicles
10. We allow you to place fish houses on the ice of Lake Darling.
11. We prohibit use of campers or other structures not made of floatable materials as fish houses. We require that all fish houses must be able to float above the water surface until they are removed from the water. We require that anglers remove fish houses or parts thereof from the refuge ice, water, and land by no later than 10 p.m. March 15. We prohibit ice houses or parts thereof to be cut off and left or burned on the refuge.
12. We allow anglers to place portable fish houses on the Souris River north of Carter Dam (Dam 41) and south of Lake Darling Dam for ice fishing, and you must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) daily from the refuge.
13. We designate the following fishing sites and lake and river access sites:
i. BAKER BRIDGE—We allow bank fishing on a loop of the Souris River located on the north side of County Road 8. The open area begins at the bridge and goes west to a point where the river meets the refuge boundary fence. You may walk onto the ice from this area for ice fishing.
ii. SILVER BRIDGE—We allow bank fishing from the road right-of-way around the bridge. You may walk onto the ice from this area for ice fishing.
iii. OUTLET FISHING AREA —Bank fishing begins
iv. LANDINGS 1, 2, and 3 on LAKE DARLING—We open the lake to boat fishing from Lake Darling Dam north 3 miles (4.8 km) to the buoy line. We allow you to launch boats at Landings 1, 2, and 3 boat ramps. We only allow driving access onto the ice at Landings 1, 2, and 3 boat ramps for ice fishing. You may bank fish along the west shore from Lake Darling Dam north approximately 1
v. SPILLWAY FISHING AREA on LAKE DARLING—We prohibit entry to this area if signs “Area Beyond This Sign Closed” are present. If the area is open, you may walk onto the ice for ice fishing. We prohibit driving vehicles onto the ice from this area (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
vi. GRANO CROSSING on LAKE DARLING “ You may bank fish from the road right-of-way on both sides of the crossing and within the boundaries of the Grano Boat Ramp. You may fish from boats on the lake north from Grano Crossing to Greene Crossing. We allow launching of boats at the Grano Boat Ramp. We prohibit operating a boat above idle speed in the boat ramp bay area. You may walk onto the ice from Grano Crossing and the Grano Boat Ramp for ice fishing. We allow driving access onto the ice at two vehicle road approaches located on the west end of the Grano Crossing (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
vii. GREENE CROSSING on LAKE DARLING—You may bank fish from the road right-of-way on both sides of the crossing and the Greene Boat Ramp area. You may fish from boats on the lake south from Greene Crossing to Grano Crossing. We allow launching of boats at the Greene Boat Ramp. You may walk onto the ice from these areas for ice fishing. We allow driving access onto the ice at two vehicle road approaches located on the west end of the Greene Crossing and at the Greene Boat Ramp (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
viii. CARTER DAM (DAM 41)—You may bank fish on both sides of the road near the water control structure (east end of the dam) and culvert (west end of the spillway). You may walk onto the ice for ice fishing.
ix. HIGHWAY 5—You may bank fish on the north side of the road from the bridge west to a point where the road meets the river. You may walk onto the ice for ice fishing on the north and south sides of the highway where the ice meets the highway right-of-way.
x. SOURIS RIVER NORTH OF MOUSE RIVER PARK TO THE NORTH END OF THE REFUGE—We allow boat fishing and canoeing. There is a boat launching ramp at the Park. You may walk onto the ice from Mouse River Park for ice fishing.
xi. SWENSON BRIDGE—You may bank fish from the road right-of-way. You may walk onto the ice from this area for ice fishing.
The following refuge units have been opened to hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. You may fish only during daylight hours during designated dates.
2. We do not allow boats or flotation devices.
1. You must possess and carry a refuge permit. All hunters must check-in and out at the hunter check station.
2. We require that hunting stop at 12 p.m. (noon) each day.
3. We require that hunters hunt within 75 yards (67.5 m) of the assigned blind.
4. You may only possess approved nontoxic shotshells (see § 32.2(k)) while in the field in quantities of 25 or less.
1. You must possess and carry a refuge permit.
2. We require that hunters check out at the refuge check station no later than 6 p.m.
3. Hunters must check all deer harvested at the refuge check station.
4. We require that hunters wear a hat and outer jacket/vest that is blaze orange.
5. We require that hunters remain within their assigned unit.
6. We prohibit possession of more than one hunting weapon while in the field.
7. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds or tree stands.
8. We require that hunters obtain permission from refuge officials before tracking a wounded deer out of their assigned hunting unit.
9. We prohibit shooting from any road.
1. We allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset during designated dates.
2. We prohibit boats or flotation devices.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. You must possess and carry a signed refuge permit. We require no fee.
2. We prohibit taking of goose during the duck hunt.
3. Species and bag limits are in accordance with State regulations.
4. We allow duck hunting on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays, from
5. You may only use portable blinds. You must remove blinds, decoys, and all personal equipment (see § 27.93 of this chapter) daily.
6. We prohibit off-road vehicle use (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
1. You must possess and carry a signed refuge permit. We require no fee.
2. We only allow shotguns and .22 caliber rimfire rifles for rabbit and squirrel. We only allow special archery hunts by refuge Special Use Permit.
3. Raccoon hunting only: Hunt hours are legal sunset to legal sunrise only. State firearm restrictions apply.
4. We publish opening and closing dates in the Refuge Hunt Brochure.
5. We allow dogs for hunting squirrel, rabbit, and raccoon, but you must remove the dogs from the refuge at the end of the hunt (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
6. We offer refuge-controlled turkey hunts. You may call the refuge office or the State for information concerning these hunts.
7. Turkey hunters must check-in and out at a refuge check station. Refuge staff provide a hunter briefing as part of the check-in.
8. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds during turkey hunts.
9. We prohibit off-road vehicle use (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
1. You must possess and carry a refuge permit.
2. We offer refuge-controlled deer hunts (archery, primitive, youth primitive). For information concerning these hunts, contact the refuge office or the State.
3. We will offer a limited archery season deer hunt following the controlled deer hunt. Contact the refuge office for more information.
4. We prohibit scouting when we are conducting controlled deer hunts.
5. You may use tree stands, but you must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) immediately following the end of the hunt.
6. We prohibit off-road vehicle use (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
1. A fishing brochure with a map is available from the refuge office. We identify parking areas and open and closed areas on the map.
2. We prohibit the possession of firearms.
3. We allow year-round fishing on the Deep Fork River. We allow fishing from March 1 through October 31 on sloughs, farm ponds, and impoundments not connected to the river.
4. Game fish species and creel/possession limits are in accordance with State regulations.
5. We allow bowfishing on the refuge from legal sunrise to legal sunset from May 15 through September 30.
6. We prohibit snagging and netting.
7. We only allow trotlines, juglines, limblines, and yo-yos in the Deep Fork River and prohibit them in any other areas on the refuge. Anglers must mark lines and attend and remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) in accordance with State regulations.
8. We allow noodling in accordance with State fishing regulations.
9. We prohibit the taking of turtle and mussel (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
1. We prohibit off-road vehicle use (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
2. We prohibit building and use of permanent blinds.
3. You may hunt from
4. You must possess and carry a signed refuge permit while hunting.
5. You may only hunt duck during designated refuge seasons.
6. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
1. Turkey hunters using firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) must pay fees and obtain a controlled hunt permit through the State.
2. Conditions A1 and A4 apply.
3. You may only hunt upland game during designated refuge seasons.
4. Shotgun hunters may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
5. You may hunt beaver during any established refuge hunting season. Refuge permits and legal weapons apply for the current hunting season.
1. Deer hunters using firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) must pay fees and obtain a controlled hunt permit through the State.
2. Condition A1 applies.
3. You may hunt feral hog during any established refuge hunting season. Refuge permits and legal weapons apply for the current hunting season.
4. Deer archery hunters must possess and carry a signed refuge permit while hunting.
1. We allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
2. Condition A1 applies.
1. Only shotguns are permitted.
2. Closed during the State gun deer season.
3. Hunting ends at 4:30 p.m. daily.
1. Archery and shotguns are permitted during spring turkey season.
2. Only archery hunting is permitted during fall seasons.
1. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
2. We require hunters to check-in and out of the refuge.
3. Hunting begins
4. We prohibit hunting during the regular State rifle deer season on Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays.
1. Conditions A1 through A4 apply.
1. We close designated areas of the Great Salt Plains Reservoir.
2. We allow fishing from April 1 through October 15.
3. We prohibit trotlines within 500 feet (150 m) of the shoreline of the Jet Recreation Area.
4. Posts used to secure or anchor trotlines must reach a minimum of 2 feet (30 cm) above the water surface, and you must mark them to make them clearly visible to boaters.
5. We prohibit the taking of any type of bait from refuge lands or waters.
6. We only allow fishing on Bonham Pond: By youths age 14 and under or by any person with a disability, only from legal sunrise to legal sunset, and with a limit of one pole per person.
1. We require a free annual refuge permit for all hunting. The hunter must possess and carry the signed permit while hunting.
2. We only open the refuge to hunting on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays. Hunters may only enter the open portion of Sally Jones Lake by boat after 5 a.m. and must leave by 1 hour after legal sunset. We generally designate open hunting areas as: Area A—Sandtown Bottom, Area B—Webber Bottom, and Area C—Girty Bottom. We prohibit hunting or shooting within 50 feet (15 meters) of designated roads or parking areas. All hunters must park in designated parking areas.
3. Season lengths and bag limits will be in accordance with State regulations with the exception that all hunting, except for the conservation light goose season, will close on January 31 of each year. If a conservation light goose season is in effect, it will follow State regulations with the exception of special refuge regulations and hunting days.
4. We only allow legal shotguns. You must unload and case shotguns (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) while transporting them in a vehicle or boat.
5. We prohibit construction of pit blinds or permanent blinds. You must reduce blinds to a natural appearance or remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of the day. You must remove all empty shells, litter, decoys, boats, or other personal property (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) at the end of the day. We prohibit camping in boats or otherwise spending the night on any area of the refuge.
6. We allow boats, and you must operate them under applicable State laws and comply with all licensing and marking regulations from their State of origin.
7. We allow the use of dogs for hunting, but the dogs must remain under the immediate control of the hunter at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter). We prohibit entry by hunters or dogs to closed areas to retrieve or rally game.
8. We prohibit guiding or outfitting for commercial purposes.
9. We restrict the use of airboats within the refuge boundary to the navigation channel and the designated hunting areas from September 1 to March 1.
1. Conditions A1, A7, A8, and A9 apply.
2. We only open the refuge to hunting on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays. We generally designate open areas as: Area A—Sandtown Bottom, Area B—Webber Bottom, and Area C—Girty Bottom. We prohibit hunting or shooting within 50 feet (15 meters) of designated roads or parking areas. All hunters must park in designated parking areas.
3. Season lengths and bag limits will be in accordance with State regulations with the exception that all upland game hunting will close on January 31 of each year.
4. We only allow legal shotguns and approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)). You must plug shotguns so they are incapable of holding more than three shells. You must unload and case shotguns (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) while transporting them by vehicle or boat.
5. We require upland game hunters to follow State blaze-orange regulations.
1. Hunters must possess and carry a refuge-controlled hunt permit, and comply with the
2. Hunters must apply to the State-controlled deer hunt drawing administered by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation for selection. We require those hunters to attend a prehunt briefing, and they must follow all applicable State regulations.
3. We require payment of State and Federal special deer hunting fees.
4. Condition A9 applies.
1. Fishing and frogging will follow State seasons, limits, and regulations with the exception that from September 1 to March 31 we prohibit fishing or frogging in the closed zone south of refuge headquarters, as designated by buoys and signs. We close the Horton Slough area south of the refuge headquarters to fishing and entry east to the confluence of Little Vian Creek.
2. We prohibit boating on the closed portion of Sally Jones Lake from September 1 to March 31.
3. You must remove trotlines (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the closed zone before September 1.
4. Conditions A6 (boats used for fishing), A8, and A9 apply.
5. We prohibit the possession of any firearms or bows with arrows while frogging.
1. The Tishomingo Wildlife Management Unit is open during seasons, dates and times as posted by signs and/or indicated on refuge leaflets, special regulations, permits and maps.
2. Hunters are required to check in and out of the unit at designated areas.
3. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
4. Dove hunting is permitted from September 1 through September 30th only.
1. Upland game hunting is not permitted during deer archery and dark goose seasons.
2. We allow only bows and arrows and shotguns using approved nontoxic shot.
3. Hunters are required to check in and out of the unit at designated areas.
4. Turkey hunters may only hunt during the statewide spring shotgun season and during the fall archery season.
1. Deer hunting on the Wildlife Management Unit is permitted only during the statewide deer archery season.
2. Refuge bonus deer gun hunts are by special permit only.
3. Hunters are required to check in and out of the unit at designated areas.
4. We prohibit baiting on the refuge and the Wildlife Management Unit.
1. Anglers may bank and wade fish with pole and line or rod and reel year-round in areas open for public fishing access.
2. Anglers may use boats from March 1 through September 30 in designated refuge waters and Wildlife Management Unit.
3. Anglers may use trotlines and other set tackle only in the Cumberland Pool and between the natural banks of the Washita River. Anglers must attach set tackle, used in Cumberland Pool, only to anchored floats.
4. Anglers may not use limblines, throwlines, juglines, and yo-yo's.
5. Anglers may not use any containers (jugs, bottles) as floats.
6. Anglers must remove fishing tackle at the end of the boating season.
7. Anglers may no-wake boat fish during the boating season with line and pole or rod and reel in: (a) open areas south and west of the Cumberland Pool shallow water buoy line; (b) lakes south and west of the Washita River; and (c) the Wildlife Management Unit.
8. Anglers may night fish from boat (during boating season) in the Cumberland Pool, except not in the no-wake area south and west of the buoy line. Anglers may night fish at the headquarters area, including Sandy Creek Bridge, Murray 23, Nida Point, and the Wildlife Management Unit.
9. You may only take bait for personal use while fishing in the refuge in accordance with Oklahoma State law. We do not allow removal of bait from the refuge for commercial sales. You cannot release bait back into the water.
10. Anglers may bow fish only in the Wildlife Management Unit.
11. Anglers may not take fish by the use of hands (noodling) in any refuge waters.
12. Anglers may not take frogs, turtles, or mussels.
1. We require permits and payment of a fee to hunt goose and sandhill crane.
2. Goose and sandhill crane hunters must hunt from designated pit blinds.
3. We allow youth hunters, ages 12 to 16, to hunt duck in a controlled youth hunt in conjunction with a waterfowl seminar.
1. We only allow shotguns.
2. Closed during the State gun deer season.
3. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
1. We allow hunting during the special refuge season in accordance with the refuge hunt information sheet.
2. You must obtain a refuge hunt permit and pay a fee (fee waived for YouthHunt participants).
3. You must check in and out of hunt areas daily at the refuge office or check station.
4. You must take bagged deer and/or hog to the refuge check station.
5. We will determine bag limits on deer annually.
6. We prohibit the use of bait.
7. A nonhunting mentor of 21 years of age or older must accompany, and be in the immediate presence of, participants in the Youth Hunt, who must be between the ages of 12 and 18. Hunters and mentors must BOTH wear hunter orange clothing meeting or exceeding the minimum State requirements.
8. We prohibit handguns.
1. Anglers may fish from March 15 through October 14 in the Washita River and Foss Reservoir. Anglers may bank fish year round in the Washita River and Foss Reservoir from open areas.
2. Anglers may access fishing areas only from designated parking areas and by boat from Foss Reservoir.
3. We do not allow boats and other flotation devices on refuge waters from October 15 through March 14.
1. Fish may be taken only with pole and line or rod and reel.
2. Taking any type of bait from refuge lands or waters is not permitted.
3. Taking of frogs and turtles is not permitted.
4. Hand-powered boats are permitted only on Jed Johnson, Rush, Quanah Parker, and French Lakes.
5. Anglers may use electric trolling motors on boats 14′ or less in length only on Jed Johnson, Rush, Quanah Parker and French Lakes.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. You may only use portable blinds or blinds constructed of on-site dead vegetation (see § 27.51 of this chapter) or driftwood.
2. You must remove all blinds, decoys, shotshell hulls, and other personal equipment and refuse (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) from the refuge at the end of each day.
3. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
1. Hunting opens concurrent with the State season and closes October 31.
2. No hunting or public entry of any kind is permitted from November 1 to March 31.
1. We only allow hunting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
2. We open the refuge from 5 a.m. until 1
3. You may only possess approved nontoxic shotshells (see § 32.2(k)) per day on the refuge in quantities of 25 or less.
4. We only allow vehicles on designated routes of travel and require hunters to park in designated parking areas (see § 27.31 of this chapter). We reserve parking lot F solely for Memorial Marsh Unit waterfowl hunters.
5. We require waterfowl hunting parties to space themselves a minimum of 200 yards (180 m) apart in the free-roam area along the reservoir shoreline.
6. We only allow portable blinds and temporary blinds constructed of natural materials.
7. We only allow nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors within that portion of reservoir open to hunting.
8. On the Memorial Marsh Unit, we only allow hunting from numbered field blind sites, and hunters must only park their vehicles at the numbered post corresponding to the numbered field blind site they are using (see § 27.31 of this chapter). Selection of parking sites/numbered posts is on a first-come, first-served basis at parking lot F. We prohibit free-roam hunting or jump shooting, and you must remain within 100 feet (30 m) of the numbered field blind post unless retrieving birds or setting decoys. We allow a maximum of four persons per blind site.
1. We only allow hunting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
2. We prohibit hunting of upland game birds until 12 p.m. (noon) of each hunt day.
3. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
4. Hunters may not possess more than 25 shells while in the field.
5. We do not allow hunting of upland game birds until noon of each hunt day.
1. In the Cold Springs Reservoir, we only allow fishing from March 1 through September 30.
2. On the south side of the reservoir, we only allow bank fishing.
3. We only allow use of nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors.
4. From October 1 through the last day of February, we only allow bank fishing, and only in the area beginning at the west inlet canal, north across the face of the dam to the closed area sign.
5. We only allow fishing with hook and line.
6. The refuge is open from 5 a.m. to 1
1. Only portable blinds and temporary blinds constructed of natural materials are permitted.
2. Waterfowl and snipe hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
1. Hunting is not permitted from February 1 through May 31.
2. Pheasant, quail, and partridge hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
1. We allow ground blinds, but we prohibit construction of them earlier than 1 week prior to the opening day of the legal season for which you have a valid permit.
2. You must remove blinds (see § 27.93 of this chapter) within 24 hours of harvesting an animal or at the end of the permittee's legal season.
3. We limit hunters to one blind each, and you must tag blinds with the owner's name and permit number.
4. We prohibit destruction of natural vegetation (see § 27.51 of this chapter) or below-ground excavation.
5. We require hunters to check-in at the refuge headquarters prior to hunting on the refuge and check out at the refuge headquarters upon completion of the hunt.
6. We prohibit hunting within 3 miles (4.8 km) of the refuge headquarters.
1. The use of air-thrust and inboard water-thrust boats is not permitted.
2. Waterfowl and snipe hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
1. Bank fishing is permitted in the borrow ditches adjacent to the Silver Lake Highway and along the shoreline of Wocus Bay.
2. The use of boats is not permitted.
1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
2. We do not allow hunting on all exposed lands on Miller Sands Island and its partially enclosed lagoon, as posted. We do not allow hunting inside the diked portion of Karlson Island, as posted.
1. Only unloaded firearms may be carried on hunter access routes open to motor vehicles or when taken through posted retrieving zones when traveling to and from the hunting areas.
2. Decoys may not be set in retrieving zones.
3. The use of air-thrust and inboard water-thrust boats is not permitted.
4. Waterfowl and snipe hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
1. Only unloaded firearms may be taken through posted retrieving zones when traveling to and from hunting areas.
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
1. We allow only nonmotorized boats or boats with electric motors.
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
1. Hunters may hunt pheasant, quail, partridge, and rabbit from the third Saturday in November to the end of the pheasant season in designated areas of the Blitzen Valley east of Highway 205, and on designated areas open to waterfowl hunting.
2. Hunters may hunt all upland game species during authorized State seasons on the refuge area west of Highway 205 and south of Foster Flat Road.
3. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field on designated areas east of Highway 205.
1. Anglers may fish year-round in the Blitzen River, East Canal, and Mud Creek upstream from and including Bridge Creek. Anglers may fish in Krumbo Reservoir during the State season from the fourth Saturday in April to the end of October.
2. Boats are not permitted, except nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors are permitted on Krumbo Reservoir.
1. We only allow hunting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
2. We open the refuge from 5 a.m. to 1
3. You may only possess approved nontoxic shotshells (see § 32.2(k)) on the refuge in quantities of 25 or less per day.
4. We only allow vehicles on designated routes of travel and require hunters to park in designated parking areas (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
5. We require waterfowl hunting parties to space themselves a minimum of 200 yards (180 m) apart.
6. We only allow portable blinds and temporary blinds constructed of natural materials.
7. We prohibit the use of boats.
1. Conditions A1 and A2 apply.
2. On the opening weekend of the hunting season, we require all hunters to possess and carry a signed refuge permit.
1. We open the refuge from 5 a.m. to 1
2. You may only possess approved nontoxic shotshells (see § 32.2(k)) on the refuge in quantities of 25 or less.
3. We prohibit off-road vehicle travel and all use of ATVs (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter). We only allow vehicles on designated routes of travel and require hunters to park in designated parking areas (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
4. The McCormack Unit is a fee-hunt area only open to hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, and New Year's Day during State waterfowl seasons.
5. Prior to entering the McCormack Fee Hunt Unit, we require you to stop at the check station to obtain a refuge permit (you must possess and carry), pay a recreation user fee, and obtain a blind assignment before hunting.
6. On the McCormack Unit, we only allow hunting from assigned blind sites and require hunters to remain within 100 feet (90 m) of marked blind sites unless retrieving birds.
7. On the Boardman Unit, we require waterfowl hunting parties to space themselves a minimum of 200 yards (180 m) apart. We only allow portable blinds and temporary blinds constructed of natural materials.
1. We prohibit hunting of upland game birds until 12 p.m. (noon) of each hunt day.
2. On the McCormack Fee Hunt Unit, we only allow hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Thanksgiving Day.
3. On the McCormack Unit, we require all hunters to possess and carry a signed refuge permit on the opening weekend of the hunting season.
1. We open the refuge from 5 a.m. to 1
2. We allow fishing on refuge impoundments and ponds from February 1 through September 30. We open other refuge waters (Columbia River and its backwaters) in accordance with State regulations.
1. The use of air-thrust and inboard water-thrust boats is not permitted.
2. Waterfowl and snipe hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
1. Fishing is permitted in Pelican Bay, Recreation Creek, Crystal Creek, Odessa Creek, Pelican Cut and that portion of Upper Klamath Lake located on the east side of the refuge.
2. Motorized boats shall not exceed 10 miles per hour in any stream, creek or canal and on that portion of Pelican Bay west of a line beginning at designated points on the north shore of Pelican Bay one-fourth mile east of Crystal Creek and extending due south to the opposite shore of the lake.
1. Only shotgun and archery hunting are permitted.
2. Hunters must check in and out of the refuge by use of self-service permits.
1. Fishing is permitted on Muddy Creek from the beginning of the State trout season in April through October 31.
2. The use of boats is not permitted.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. We allow hunting on the refuge from September 1 through the end of February.
2. We only allow nonmotorized boats for waterfowl hunting. Hunters must remove boats (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge at the end of each day.
3. Hunters must remove decoys from the refuge at the end of each day.
4. We allow dogs for hunting; however, they must be under the immediate control of the hunter at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
5. We prohibit field possession of migratory game birds in areas of the refuge closed to migratory game bird hunting.
1. We allow hunting on the refuge from September 1 through the end of February.
2. All fox, coyote, and raccoon hunters must possess and carry a refuge Special Use Permit while hunting on the refuge.
3. We prohibit pheasant hunting on the Sugar Lake Division of the refuge.
4. We allow dogs for hunting; however, they must be under the immediate control of the hunter at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
1. We allow hunting on the refuge from September 1 through the end of February.
2. Hunters must remove blinds, platforms, scaffolds, tree stands, and decoys (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge at the end of each day.
3. We prohibit organized deer drives in hunt area B of the Sugar Lake Division. We define a “drive” as three or more persons involved in the act of chasing, pursuing, disturbing, or otherwise directing deer so as to make the animal more susceptible to harvest.
4. All bear hunters must have a refuge Special Use Permit in their possession while hunting on the refuge.
5. We require all hunters to notify the refuge within 48 hours of the harvest of a deer, bear, or turkey.
1. We allow bank/pier fishing on all fishing areas.
2. We allow fishing from
3. We only allow boats without motors in Area 5 from the second Saturday in June through September 15. They must remain in an area from the dike to 3,000 feet (900 m) upstream.
4. Anglers must remove boats (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge at the end of each day.
5. We only allow ice fishing in Areas 5 and 7.
6. All persons must possess and carry a refuge Special Use Permit while taking minnow or turtle.
7. We prohibit the taking of frog.
B.
C.
1. We allow fishing on all refuge waters, except:
i. The East side of the Main Impoundment from the Dike Road south to the Trolley Bed trail; and
ii. The small pond located on the south side of Bartram Ave at the I-95 South on ramp.
2. We allow fishing on the refuge from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
3. Anglers may only operate boats, canoes, and floats in tidal waters. We prohibit them on the refuge impoundments and ponds.
4. We only allow fishing from the shoreline in refuge impoundments and ponds. We prohibit wading.
5. We prohibit bowfishing or spearfishing on the refuge.
6. We prohibit the take, collection, or capture of reptile or amphibian on the refuge.
Refer to § 32.68 West Virginia for regulations.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may surf fish in the Atlantic Ocean from the refuge shoreline in accordance with state regulations.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. We require each hunter to carry at all times while hunting a signed, current refuge hunting regulations brochure containing a refuge hunt permit. The hunt permit is invalid until signed by the hunter.
2. Each youth hunter (age 15 and under) must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. Youth hunters must have successfully completed a State-approved hunter education course.
3. We only allow hunting until 12 p.m. (noon) each day during the State waterfowl season.
4. We prohibit hunting on Corps of Engineer dredge spoil sites located on refuge property on Jehossee Island.
5. We prohibit permanent blinds. You must remove portable blinds and decoys (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each day.
6. We only allow use of retrieving dogs while hunting.
7. We allow scouting all year from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
8. Access to the hunt areas is by boat only. We prohibit boat launching on the refuge.
9. We do not require hunter check-in and check out. There is no quota on the number of hunters.
1. Conditions A1 and A2 apply.
2. We only allow hunting on days designated annually by the refuge within the State season. We only allow hunting on designated refuge areas within the Edisto Unit and the Combahee Unit.
3. We only allow archery or muzzleloader hunting, and there is no quota on the number of hunters allowed to participate. During a special quota permit hunt for the mobility impaired, we allow use of centerfire rifles or shotguns.
4. Access into all refuge hunt areas for hunting and scouting is by foot or bicycle. We may open some refuge roads on hunt days.
5. We allow scouting all year from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
6. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 5 a.m. on hunt days and must leave the refuge no later than 1 hour after legal sunset.
7. We do not require hunter check-in and check out. However, you must check all deer taken during any hunt at the designated refuge check station before removal from the refuge. In addition, you must tag all antlerless deer with an antlerless tag provided by the refuge.
8. The refuge daily bag limit is two antlerless deer and one antlered buck that must have at least three antler points on one side. We define a “point” as an antler projection of at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) or more in length.
9. You may take feral hog during refuge deer hunts. There is no size or bag limit on hog.
10. We only allow one portable tree stand per hunter and only during the actual days of each hunt.
11. We prohibit hunting on or within 100 feet (30 m) of all routes marked as roads or trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter) on the hunt brochure map.
12. All permanently fixed ground blinds are for the mobility-impaired hunt only.
13. We prohibit crossbows on the archery hunts. We only allow muzzleloading rifles using a single projectile on the muzzleloader hunts. We prohibit buckshot.
14. You may use flagging to mark the site of hunter entry from roads or trails and again at the stand site. You may use clothes pins with reflective tape between these sites to mark the route to the stand. Hunters must label all such markers with their full name and remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of the hunt.
15. We require hunters to wear an outer garment visible above the waist that contains a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm
16. We prohibit the use of organized drives for taking or attempting to take game.
1. We allow fishing in impounded waters contained within dikes and levees in the Beaufort County portion of the refuge annually from April 1 through August 31 during daylight hours. We close fishing during all remaining times within all refuge-impounded waters.
2. We prohibit boat use within refuge-impounded waters. We only allow bank fishing.
3. We only allow hook and line sport fishing utilizing rod and reel or pole.
4. We only open access into refuge areas to fishing by foot or bicycle.
1. We require a refuge hunt permit.
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot.
1. All hunters must possess and carry a signed refuge General Hunt Permit and a government-issued picture ID.
2. All hunters must complete a Small Game Check Sheet attached to the refuge General Hunt Permit. You must turn each check sheet in daily at one of the small game check sheet drop boxes.
3. We prohibit discharge of weapons (see § 27.42 of this chapter) within, into, or across a “No Hunting Zone” or “Closed Area”. We prohibit entering or crossing a “No Hunting Zone” or “Closed Area” to access areas open to hunting. We require consent from refuge personnel to enter a “No Hunting Zone” or “Closed Area” for the purpose of tracking and/or retrieving legally taken game animals.
4. Each youth hunter (age 16 or younger) must remain within sight and normal voice contact and under supervision of an adult age 21 or older with a valid license and applicable permit. Each adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters. Each youth hunter must possess and carry evidence of successful completion of a State-approved hunter education course.
5. We prohibit loaded firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) within 100 feet (30 m) of maintained refuge roads or within 500 feet (150 m) of the paved visitor's drive. We prohibit discharge of any weapon on or across any part of the refuge road system. We define a “loaded firearm” as a firearm with shells in the magazine or chamber, or, for muzzleloaders, a gun with the percussion caps put in place.
6. Hunters must possess shotguns with shot no larger than No. 5.
7. Legal shooting hours for September dove hunts are 12 p.m. (noon) to 6:30 p.m.
8. We prohibit discharge of weapons for any purpose other than to take or attempt to take legal game animals during established hunting seasons.
1. Conditions A1 through A5 and A8 apply.
2. We require dogs for hunting raccoon and opossum. All dogs must wear a collar displaying the owner's name, address, and phone number.
3. Upland game hunters may possess shotguns with shot no larger than No. 4 or .22 caliber rimfire rifles or primitive muzzleloading rifles of .40 caliber or smaller. We prohibit possession of buckshot or slugs.
4. Upland game hunters using archery equipment must use small game tips on the arrows.
1. All hunters must possess and carry a signed refuge General Hunt Permit and a government-issued picture ID; however, in addition, turkey hunters must have a Refuge Quota Turkey Hunt Permit. Refuge Quota Turkey Hunt Permits are nontransferable.
2. You must promptly check all deer and hog killed on the refuge during modern gun hunts at the Refuge Check Station on the day of the kill prior to removal from the refuge. You must promptly check all antlerless deer killed on the refuge during the primitive weapons and archery hunts at the refuge office on the day of the kill prior to removal from the refuge. You must self-check all antlered bucks and hogs at the Refuge Check
3. Conditions A3 through A5 apply.
4. During big game deer hunts, we prohibit hunters from entering the refuge before 4 a.m., and they must leave the refuge no later than 2 hours after legal sunset. We will lock gates 2 hours after legal sunset on the last day of each hunt.
5. During refuge firearms deer hunts all participants must wear at least 500 square inches (3,250 cm
6. During the primitive weapons hunt, you may use bow and arrow, muzzleloading shotguns (20 gauge or larger), or muzzleloading rifles (.40 caliber or larger). We prohibit revolving rifles or black-powder handguns.
7. During the modern gun hunts, you may use shotguns, rifles (centerfire and larger than .22 caliber), handguns (.357 caliber or larger and barrel length no less than 6 inches [15 cm]), or any weapon allowed during the primitive weapons hunt. We prohibit military, hard-jacketed bullets, and .22 caliber rimfire rifles during the modern gun hunts.
8. We prohibit driving deer. We define a “drive” as an organized hunting technique involving two or more individuals attempting to drive game animals from cover or habitat for the purpose of shooting, killing, or moving such animals toward other hunters.
9. You must identify deer stands used on the refuge with the hunter's name, address, and phone number.
10. We prohibit the use of dogs for any big game hunting.
11. We prohibit the use of flagging or reflective tape, paint, tacks, or other trail markers. You may use painted clothes pins or clothes pins with reflective tape or tacks attached, but you must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each hunt.
12. Youth hunts are for hunters ages 10 through 15 only. We prohibit adults from discharging firearms during youth deer and turkey hunts.
13. The bag limit during each deer hunt is the State limit plus two antlerless deer and unlimited hogs.
14. We require you to field-dress or remove the deer whole prior to transportation in a vehicle or removing them from the refuge.
15. We prohibit the use of ATVs, except by mobility-impaired hunters with a Special Use Permit during big game hunts. Mobility-impaired hunters must have a State Disabled Hunting license, be confined to a wheelchair, need mechanical aids to walk, or have complete single-or double-leg amputation.
16. We prohibit turkey hunters from calling a turkey for another hunter unless both hunters have Refuge Quota Turkey Hunt Permits.
17. We prohibit turkey hunting in the area defined as east of Hwy. 145, south of Rt. 9, and north of Hwy. 1.
18. Turkey hunts end each day at 1 p.m., and you must unload, case, or dismantle all weapons (see § 27.42 of this chapter) after 1 p.m.
19. During turkey hunts we only allow one weapon per hunter.
20. The bag limit for the entire hunt is two bearded turkey.
21. We prohibit discharge of weapons (see § 27.42(a) of this chapter) for any purpose other than to take or attempt to take legal game animals during established hunting seasons.
1. We allow fishing from 1 hour before legal sunrise to 1 hour after legal sunset.
2. We allow nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors. We allow boats with permanently mounted gas motors as long as you lock the propeller out of the water. You must hand load and unload boats except at designated boat ramps. We prohibit skidding boats up or down dams or on water control structures. We provide boat ramps at Pool D, Pool L, Honkers Lake, and Mays Lake.
3. We allow bank fishing on all designated waters.
4. We prohibit bow fishing, fish baskets, nets, set hooks, trotlines, or snagging devices.
5. We prohibit snagging of fish by pulling or jerking any device equipped with one or more hooks through the water for the purpose of impaling fish.
6. We prohibit swimming or wading in any areas of the refuge.
1. You must have a signed refuge permit on your person at all times. We require payment of a fee for the quota gun hunt. You may obtain information about the quota hunt drawing at the refuge headquarters in Savannah, Georgia.
2. Hunters must check-in at the designated check station between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. and park in the designated area prior to hunting.
3. Any movement within the refuge must be by foot or bicycle. We limit entry and exit points for authorized motor vehicles to designated check stations or other specified areas (see § 27.31 of this chapter). We prohibit entry by boat, and we prohibit hunters to leave by boat to reach other parts of the island.
4. We require hunters to wear an outer garment that contains a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm
5. We prohibit participating in organized drives for deer.
6. Each hunter may place one stand on the refuge during the week (Monday through Friday only) preceding the hunt. You must remove all stands (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of the hunt.
7. We prohibit camping on the refuge.
8. We only allow shotguns, 20 gauge or larger, with slugs.
9. If you are a hunter on the refuge, you must be in your stand from
10. We prohibit hunting closer than 100 yards (90 m) to U.S. Highway 278 or the check station area, or closer than 200 yards (180 m) to the residence area.
11. We prohibit flagging, blazing, or using other trail-marking devices to locate stands or for any other purpose.
12. Refuge personnel must check deer harvested during a scheduled hunt before hunters leave the refuge.
13. You may take five deer (no more than four antlerless).
14. We close the refuge to the public on hunt days.
1. Fishing is permitted year-round.
2. Fishing is only permitted from boats, into the estuarine waters adjacent to the refuge.
1. Fishing is permitted on inland ponds only from sunrise to sunset or as posted.
2. Fishing is permitted in Cantey Bay, Black Bottom, Savannah Branch and refuge ponds and impoundments from March 1 through October 31.
1. You must possess and carry a signed refuge permit at all times while hunting on the refuge. Permits and general hunting information are available at the refuge headquarters in Savanna, Georgia.
2. We only allow temporary blinds. You must remove decoys and other personal property (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge daily.
3. We prohibit hunting within 100 yards (90 m) of South Carolina Highway 170.
1. You must possess and carry a signed refuge permit at all times while hunting on the refuge. Permits and hunt information are available at the refuge headquarters in Savannah, Georgia.
2. We only allow .22 caliber rimfire rifles or shotguns with #2 shot or smaller for squirrel hunting.
3. We prohibit handguns.
4. We prohibit dogs.
5. You may take feral hog with weapons legal for this hunt (no bag limit).
6. We require a big game license.
7. We require hunters to wear a visible outer garment that contains a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm
1. Hunters must possess and carry a signed refuge permit at all times. We require payment of a fee for the wheelchair-dependent hunters' quota gun hunt for deer. Permits, quota hunt applications, and information about the quota hunt drawing are available at the refuge headquarters in Savannah, Georgia.
2. We allow archery hunting for deer and hog from October 1 through October 31 on designated areas.
3. We only authorize bows for deer/hog hunting during the archery hunt.
4. We allow gun hunting for deer and hog during the archery hunt.
5. We only allow shotguns with slugs, muzzleloaders, and bows for deer and hog hunting throughout the designated hunt area. However, we only allow centerfire rifles of .22 caliber or larger north of Interstate Highway 95. We prohibit handguns.
6. You may take five deer, no more than three antlerless and two antlered. There is no bag limit on feral hogs.
1. We allow fishing in refuge impoundments and canals from March 1 through November 30 annually.
2. We allow fishing in Kingfisher Pond year-round.
3. We allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
4. We allow fishing year-round in the canals adjacent to the wildlife drive.
5. Anglers may only use nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors within impounded water.
1. Hunters must possess and carry at all times while hunting a signed, current refuge hunting regulations brochure containing a refuge hunt permit. The hunt permit is invalid until signed by the hunter.
2. Each youth hunter (age 15 and under) must remain within sight and normal voice contact and under supervision of an adult age 21 or older. Youth hunters must have successfully completed a State-approved hunter education course.
3. We only allow waterfowl hunting until 12 p.m. (noon) each Saturday during the State waterfowl season. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier that 5 a.m. on hunt days and must be off the refuge by 2 p.m.
4. We allow scouting Monday through Friday during the waterfowl season. We prohibit possession of a firearm by anyone scouting. You must be off the refuge by 2 p.m.
5. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) while hunting all species of migratory birds on the refuge.
6. We require permanent blinds. You must remove portable blinds and decoys (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each day.
7. We only allow use of retrieving dogs while hunting.
8. We do not require hunter check-in and check out. There is no quota on the number of hunters.
9. We prohibit discharge of weapons (see § 27.42(a) of this chapter) for any purpose other than to take or attempt to take legal game animals during established hunting seasons.
10. We prohibit hunting on any unit for wildlife other than that which is officially opened and posted or entering any areas posted as “Closed” or “No Hunting Zones”.
1. Conditions A1, A2, A9, and A10 apply.
2. We only allow hunting on days designated annually by the refuge within the State season. We only allow upland game hunting on designated Refuge areas within Refuge Unit 1.
3. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) in shotguns. We allow .22 caliber rimfire rifles.
1. Conditions A1, A2, A9, and A10 apply.
2. We only allow hunting on days designated annually by the refuge within the State season.
3. We close refuge hunting areas to the general public during big game hunts.
4. We allow archery, muzzleloading (black powder) and centerfire rifles, and shotguns.
5. We prohibit crossbows, blow guns, and drugged arrows (see § 32.2(g)). We only allow muzzleloading rifles using a single projectile on the muzzleloader hunts. We prohibit buckshot, .22 caliber rimfire, and full-metal jacketed military ammunition.
6. Access into all refuge hunt areas for hunting and scouting is by foot or boat. We may open some refuge roads on hunt days. We prohibit ATVs (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter) and air boats on the refuge.
7. We allow scouting all year during daylight hours except during the State waterfowl season. During the waterfowl season, the same regulations that apply to scouting for waterfowl (A4), apply to scouting for big game species.
8. Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than 5 a.m. on hunt days and must leave the refuge no later than 1 hour after legal sunset.
9. We do not require hunter check-in and check out.
10. The refuge limit on deer is one antlered buck per refuge hunt. Hunters can harvest an additional two antlerless deer per hunt during coinciding State doe days.
11. You may take feral hogs during refuge deer hunts. There is no size or bag limit on hog. We may offer special hog hunts during and after deer season to further control this invasive species. You must dispatch all feral hogs before removing them from the refuge.
12. We prohibit hunting on or within 100 feet (30 m) of all routes marked as roads or trails (see § 27.31 of this chapter) on the hunt brochure map.
13. You must hunt deer and feral hog from an elevated deer stand. We prohibit shooting a hog from a boat.
14. We only allow one portable tree stand per hunter and only during the actual days of each hunt. You must remove deer stands (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge no later than 3 days after each refuge big game hunt.
15. We allow use of flagging to make the site of hunter entry from roads or trails and again at the stand site. We allow use of clothes pins with reflective tape between these sites to make the route to the stand. Hunters must label all such markers with their full name and remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of the hunt.
16. We require hunters to wear an outer garment visible above the waist that contains a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm
17. We prohibit the use of organized drives, including the use of boats, as an aid in the taking or attempting to take big game species.
18. We prohibit distribution of bait or hunting over a baited area (see § 32.2(h)).
19. We limit turkey hunts to annual quota hunts. We will select hunters by a random drawing. Selected hunters must sign, possess, and carry a Refuge Turkey Hunt Permit at all times during the hunt.
20. We prohibit turkey hunters from calling a turkey for another hunter unless both hunters have Refuge Turkey Hunt Permits.
21. We prohibit turkey hunting in Refuge Units 2 and 3.
22. Turkey hunts begin each day at legal sunrise and end each day at 1 p.m., and you must unload and case or dismantle all weapons (see § 27.42 of this chapter) after 1 p.m.
23. During turkey hunts we only allow one weapon per hunter.
24. The bag limit for the entire hunt is one bearded turkey.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. You must possess and carry a refuge permit on all areas, except the Little White River Recreation Area.
2. We prohibit hunting with the aid of a motor vehicle. No person may discharge a firearm within
1. We require a State permit for muzzleloader deer hunting.
2. You must possess and carry a refuge permit for archery deer hunting.
3. Condition B2 applies.
1. We only allow fishing on Pools 3, 4, 7, 10, the Little White River Recreation Area, and Cedar Creek Trout Ponds 2 and 3.
2. We allow boats with motors on all areas open to fishing, except the Trout Ponds.
3. No person may violate the “no-wake zone” that includes all waters within 500 feet (150 m) of the shoreline or emergent marsh vegetation on any refuge pool, except the Little White River Recreation Area.
4. We prohibit the use or possession of live minnows or bait fish on all waters of the refuge except the Little White River Recreation Area.
5. We restrict fishing to
1. We allow hunters to use the spaced perimeter blinds on a first-come, first-served basis located along those posted sections of road right-of-way closed to hunting.
2. We restrict vehicle parking to designated parking lots in the vicinity of the waterfowl blind areas (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
3. Unarmed waterfowl hunters on the perimeter of the refuge may retrieve downed waterfowl up to 100 yards (90 m) inside the refuge boundary.
1. The game bird season begins the Monday following closure of the refuge firearms deer season and continues through December 31.
2. Refuge access is “walk-in” only. We prohibit motor vehicles, bicycles, snowmobiles, and all-terrain vehicles (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter).
1. Only firearms deer hunters with a Sand Lake refuge permit (you must possess and carry) may hunt deer on the refuge.
2. Hunters with a valid State archery license may hunt on the refuge during the established refuge archery deer season. Consult the refuge manager for current season dates.
3. All individuals afield during the refuge firearms deer season must wear a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
4. We allow portable, elevated hunting platforms not attached to trees and portable ground blinds, but they must bear the name and address of the owner or user or the year and big game tag number of the owner or user. The labeling must be readily visible and legible.
5. Beginning the Saturday after August 25 licensed archery deer hunters and firearms deer hunters holding refuge permits (you must possess and carry) may place tree stands, elevated platforms, and portable ground blinds on the refuge. Hunters must remove all such devices (see § 27.93 of this chapter) by February 15.
6. Deer hunters may enter the refuge 1 hour before legal shooting time and remain no longer than 1 hour after shooting time ends.
7. Refuge access is “walk-in” only. We allow vehicles on designated refuge roads ONLY for retrieving harvested deer and ONLY during the following times: 9:30-10 a.m., 1:30-2 p.m., and from the end of legal shooting time to 1 hour after the end of shooting time (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
8. We restrict vehicle parking to designated parking lots in the vicinity of the waterfowl blind areas (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
9. We prohibit bicycles, snowmobiles, and all-terrain vehicles at all times (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter).
1. Fishing hours are
2. We prohibit motorized vehicles on the ice during winter (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
3. We allow ice fishing shanties, but anglers must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) daily.
4. We prohibit open fires (see § 27.95 of this chapter).
1. We prohibit deer hunting on Headquarters Island.
2. We prohibit erecting tree stands prior to hunt start dates. Hunters must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) by the end of the hunt.
3. Hunters may launch nonmotorized watercraft from designated access points to travel to islands.
4. We close archery seasons during refuge firearm seasons.
5. We prohibit deer drives during archery seasons. We define a drive as the act of chasing, pursuing, disturbing, or otherwise directing deer so as make the animals more susceptible to harvest by another hunter.
6. Refuge firearm hunters must wear a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
1. We allow ice fishing after refuge firearm deer seasons close. We prohibit open water fishing at any time.
2. Anglers must not be on the ice until 1 hour prior to legal sunrise and must be off the ice by 1 hour after legal sunset.
3. Anglers must remove ice shacks (see § 27.93 of this chapter) daily prior to closed fishing hours.
4. We restrict angler foot travel to posted access points, public roads, and lake ice.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. The refuge is a day-use area only, with the exception of legal hunting/fishing activities.
2. We prohibit the use of motorized off-road vehicles (
3. You must possess and carry a valid refuge permit while hunting on the refuge.
4. Legal hunting hours for duck, goose, coot, and merganser are
5. Mourning dove, woodcock, and snipe seasons close during youth, gun, and muzzleloader deer seasons.
6. You may only use portable blinds, and you must remove all boats, blinds, and decoys (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge by 1 p.m. daily.
7. We allow hunters to access the refuge no more than 2 hours before legal sunrise and no more than 2 hours after legal sunset.
8. Each youth hunter (under age 16) must remain within sight and normal voice contact and under supervision of an adult age 21 or older. One adult hunter may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
1. Conditions A1 through A3, and A7 through A8 apply.
2. We do not open for spring squirrel hunting on the refuge.
3. We do not open for squirrel, rabbit, and quail hunting during all firearms and muzzleloader deer seasons.
4. We allow hunting for raccoon and opossum from legal sunset to legal sunrise.
1. Conditions A1 through A3 and A7 through A9 (adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter) apply.
2. You may only participate in the refuge turkey hunts with a special quota permit issued through a random drawing. You may obtain information for permit applications at the refuge headquarters.
3. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) while hunting turkey.
4. We only allow the use of portable blinds and tree stands on the refuge. You must remove blinds, tree stands, and all other personal equipment (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge at the end of the day.
1. We only allow fishing with pole and line or rod and reel.
2. We prohibit possession of unauthorized fishing gear, including trotlines, limblines, juglines, yo-yos, nets, spears, and snag hooks, while fishing on the refuge.
3. You may use a bow and arrow or a gig to take nongame fish on refuge waters.
4. We allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
5. We prohibit taking of frog or turtle on the refuge (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
1. The refuge is a day-use area only, with the exception of legal hunting/fishing activities.
2. You must possess and carry a valid refuge permit while hunting on the refuge.
3. We set and publish season dates and bag limits annually in the refuge Public Use Regulations available at the refuge office.
4. We prohibit hunting within 50 yards (45 m) of any building, public use road, or boat launching ramp.
5. We allow hunters access to the refuge from 1
6. We prohibit the use of motorized off-road vehicles (
7. We prohibit the use of horses or other animal conveyances on refuge hunts.
8. Youth hunters under age 16 must remain in sight and normal voice contact with an adult hunter age 21 or older. One adult hunter may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
9. We allow the use of dogs to retrieve geese.
10. You may use only portable blinds, and you must remove all boats, blinds, and decoys from the refuge at the end of each day.
1. The refuge is a day-use area only, with the exception of legal hunting/fishing activities.
2. You must possess and carry a valid refuge permit while hunting on the refuge.
3. We set and publish season dates and bag limits annually in the refuge public use regulations available at the refuge office.
4. We prohibit hunting within 50 yards (45 m) of any building, public use road, or boat launching ramp.
5. We allow hunters access to the refuge from 1
6. We prohibit the use of motorized off-road vehicles (
7. We prohibit the use of horses or other animal conveyances on refuge hunts.
8. Each youth hunter (under age 16) must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. One adult hunter may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
9. We do not open for spring squirrel hunting.
1. Conditions B1 through B8 (one adult hunter may supervise no more than one youth hunter) apply.
2. We only allow the use of portable blinds and tree stands on the refuge. You must remove blinds, tree stands, and all other personal equipment (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge at the end of each day.
1. We allow fishing on refuge pools and reservoirs from March 16 through November 14 from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
2. We prohibit bows and arrows, trotlines, limblines, jugs, and slat baskets in refuge pools and reservoirs.
3. We prohibit taking of frog and turtle on the refuge (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
4. We prohibit leaving boats unattended on the refuge.
1. Hunters must possess and carry a valid refuge permit and report game taken as specified within the permit. The free refuge hunting and fishing regulation leaflet serves as the refuge permit when properly signed.
2. We prohibit hunting within 100 yards (90 m) of refuge buildings.
3. We allow hunters to access the refuge no more than 1 hour before legal sunrise and no more than 1 hour after legal sunset.
4. We only allow waterfowl hunting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from
5. We only allow portable blinds and blinds made of natural herbaceous vegetation, which must be removed from the refuge each day.
6. Each youth hunter (under age 16) must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. One adult hunter may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
7. You may take beaver, coyote, and armadillo incidental to any legal hunting activity.
1. Conditions A1 through A3 and A6 and A7 apply.
2. You may hunt for raccoon and opossum from legal sunset to legal sunrise.
3. We prohibit upland game hunting the night before and during the refuge deer archery and gun-deer hunting seasons.
4. We do not open for spring squirrel hunting.
1. Conditions A1 through A3, A6 (each adult may supervise one youth hunter) and A7 apply.
2. We set season dates and bag limits annually and publish them in the refuge public use regulations available at the refuge office.
3. You may only participate in the refuge firearms deer hunts with a special quota permit issued through random drawing. Information for permit applications is available at the refuge headquarters.
4. We only allow the use of portable blinds and tree stands on the refuge. You must remove blinds, tree stands, and all other personal equipment (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge at the end of each day.
1. Anglers must possess and carry a valid refuge permit. The free refuge hunting and fishing permit serves as the refuge permit when properly signed.
2. You must only use boats propelled by electric motors or hand power.
3. You must only use pole and line or rod and reel.
4. You must use refuge boat ramps for launching boats.
5. We do not open Oneal Lake to fishing except for authorized events.
6. You must immediately release all largemouth bass under 14 inches (30 cm) in length on Goose and Quail Hollow Lakes.
7. We only open Goose Lake for bank fishing.
1. The refuge is a day-use area only, with the exception of legal hunting/fishing activities.
2. We prohibit the use of motorized off-road vehicles (
3. We set and publish season dates and bag limits annually in the refuge Public Use Regulations available at the refuge office.
4. You must possess and carry a valid refuge permit and report game taken as specified within the permit.
5. We allow hunters to access the refuge no more than 2 hours before legal sunrise and no more than 2 hours after legal sunset.
6. Hunting hours for raccoon are 7 p.m. to 12 p.m. (midnight).
7. Each youth hunter (under age 16) must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. One adult hunter may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
1. Conditions B1 through B5, B7 (each adult may only supervise one youth hunter) apply.
2. We only allow the use of portable blinds and tree stands on the refuge. You must remove blinds, tree stands, and all other personal equipment (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge at the end of each day.
1. We open all waters of Lake Isom to fishing only from March 16 through November 14 from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
2. We only allow boats with electric or outboard motors of 10 hp or less.
3. We prohibit taking frog or turtle from refuge waters (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
1. The refuge is a day-use area only with the exception of legal hunting/fishing activities.
2. We prohibit the use of motorized off-road vehicles (
3. You must possess and carry a valid refuge permit and report game taken as specified within the permit.
4. Legal hunting hours for duck, goose, coot, and merganser are
5. We do not open for mourning dove, woodcock, and snipe seasons during all firearms and muzzleloader deer seasons.
6. You may only use portable blinds, and you must remove all boats, blinds, and decoys (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge by 1 p.m. daily.
7. We allow hunters to access the refuge no more than 2 hours before legal sunrise and no more than 2 hours after legal sunset.
8. We do not open Sunk Lake Public Use Natural Area to migratory game bird hunting.
9. Each youth hunter (under age 16) must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 21 or older. One adult hunter may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
1. Conditions A1 through A3, A7, and A9 apply.
2. We do not open for spring squirrel hunting on the refuge.
3. We do not open for squirrel, rabbit, and quail hunting during all firearms and muzzleloader deer seasons.
4. Hunting hours for raccoon and opossum are legal sunset to legal sunrise.
1. Conditions A1 through A3, A7, A8, and A10 (each adult may only supervise one youth hunter) apply.
2. You may only participate in the refuge turkey hunts with a special quota permit issued through random drawing. Information for permit applications is available at the refuge headquarters.
3. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while hunting turkey (see § 32.2(k)).
4. We only allow the use of portable blinds and tree stands on the refuge. You must remove blinds, tree stands, and all other personal equipment (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge at the end of each day.
5. We only allow archery deer hunting on the northern unit of Sunk Lake Public Use Natural Area.
1. We only allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
2. We only allow fishing with pole and line or rod and reel.
3. We prohibit possession of unauthorized fishing gear, including trotlines, limblines, juglines, yo-yos, nets, spears, and snag hooks, while fishing on the refuge.
4. You may use a bow and arrow or a gig to take nongame fish except paddlefish on refuge waters.
5. We prohibit taking frog or turtle on the refuge (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
6. We seasonally close the sanctuary area of the refuge and the southern unit of Sunk Lake Public Use Natural Area to the public November 15 through March 15.
7. We only allow the use of nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors on Sunk Lake Public Use Natural Area.
Refer to § 32.36 Kentucky for regulations.
1. The refuge is a day-use area only, with the exception of legal hunting/fishing activities.
2. We require a refuge hunt permit for all hunters age 16 and older. We charge a fee for all hunt permits. You must possess and carry a valid refuge permit while hunting on the refuge.
3. We set and publish season dates and bag limits annually in the refuge Public Use Regulations available at the refuge office.
4. We prohibit hunting within 50 yards (45 m) of any building, public use road, or boat launching ramp.
5. We allow access for goose hunting on the refuge 1
6. We prohibit the use of motorized off-road vehicles (
7. We prohibit the use of horses or other animal conveyances on refuge hunts.
8. Youth hunters under age 16 must remain in sight and normal voice contact with adult hunters age 21 or older. One adult hunter may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
9. We allow the use of dogs to retrieve geese.
10. You may use only portable blinds, and you must remove all boats, blinds, and decoys from the refuge at the end of each day.
1. The refuge is a day-use area only, with the exception of legal hunting/fishing activities.
2. We require a refuge hunt permit for all hunters age 16 and older. We charge a fee for all hunt permits. You must possess and carry a valid refuge hunt permit while hunting on the refuge.
3. We set and publish season dates and bag limits annually in the refuge Public Use Regulations available at the refuge office.
4. We prohibit hunting within 50 yards (45 m) of any building, public use road, or boat launching ramp.
5. We allow hunters access to the refuge from 1
6. We allow hunting for raccoon from legal sunset to legal sunrise.
7. We prohibit the use of motorized off-road vehicles (
8. We prohibit the use of horses and other animal conveyances on refuge hunts.
9. Each youth hunter (under age 16) must remain within sight and normal voice contact and under supervision of an adult age 21 or older. One adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.
10. We do not open for spring squirrel hunting on the refuge
11. You may take coyote and beaver incidental to legal hunting activities.
1. Conditions B1 through B5, B7 through B9 (each adult may only supervise one youth hunter), and B11 apply.
2. You may only participate in the refuge quota deer hunts with a special quota permit issued through random drawing. Information for permit applications is available at the refuge headquarters.
1. We allow fishing in Swamp Creek, Sulphur Well Bay, Bennetts Creek, and all interior impoundments from March 16 through November 14. The remainder of the refuge portion of Kentucky Lake will remain open year-round. We allow bank fishing year-round along Refuge Lane, from the New Johnsonville Pump Station, and from Busseltown Pump Station areas.
2. We limit boats to no wake speed on all refuge impoundments.
3. We prohibit leaving boats unattended on the refuge.
4. We allow fishing on interior refuge impoundments from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
5. We close the Grassy Lake heron rookery to all public entry as posted November 15 through August 31.
6. We prohibit taking frog or turtle on the refuge (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. You must possess and carry a signed refuge hunting permit while hunting on all hunt units of the refuge.
2. Hunters may enter the refuge hunt units no earlier than 4 a.m. Hunting starts at the designated legal shooting time and ends at 12 p.m. (noon). Hunters must leave refuge hunt units by 12:30 p.m. We close refuge hunt units on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
3. We allow hunting in portions of the East Unit on Saturdays, Sundays, and Tuesdays during the regular waterfowl season. We require payment of a $10.00 daily or $40.00 annual fee to hunt on the East Unit. All hunters must check-in and out through the check station when hunting the East Unit from a vehicle. We will allow a maximum of 100 hunters to access the East Unit by vehicle. We allow hunting in designated areas from East Bay Bayou, Jackson Ditch, and Onion Bayou via boat. We require hunters accessing the East Unit by boat from Jackson Ditch, East Bay Bayou, or Onion Bayou to pay the $40.00 annual fee. We prohibit access to the East Unit Reservoirs from Onion Bayou via boat. We prohibit use of motorized boats on the East Unit except on ponds accessed from Jackson Ditch.
4. We allow hunting on the East Unit Special Goose Hunt Areas by permit on a first-come, first-served basis the morning of the hunt. Hunters must have goose decoys to hunt the Special Goose Hunt Areas. We allow a minimum of two and a maximum of six persons per permit. All Special Goose Hunt Area hunters must accompany a valid permit holder. Individuals in each group must set up and stay in their permitted area and stay within 50 feet (15 m) of each other unless retrieving goose.
5. We randomly draw permits the morning of the hunt for the East Unit Special Duck Hunt Areas. Hunters must set up within 50 yards (45 m) of the post marker and must stay within 50 feet (15 m) of each other unless retrieving waterfowl. We allow a minimum of two and a maximum of six persons per permit.
6. We allow hunting in the Pace Tract daily during the September teal season and regular waterfowl season.
7. All hunters using the Oyster Bayou Boat Ramp must register at the main refuge entrance.
8. We allow hunting in portions of the Middleton Tract daily during the September teal season and on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays of the regular waterfowl season. We restrict motorized boats in inland waters of the Middleton Tract to motors of 25 hp or less or electric trolling motors.
9. Youth hunters, age 17 and younger, must be under the supervision of an adult age 18 or older.
10. We only allow shotguns for waterfowl hunting.
11. We prohibit the use of airboats, marsh buggies, ATVs (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter), and Jet Skis.
12. On inland waters of refuge hunt areas open to motorized boats, we restrict the operation of motorized boats to lakes, ponds, ditches, and other waterways. We prohibit the operation of motorized boats on or through emergency wetland vegetation.
13. On inland waters of the refuge hunt areas open to motorized boats, we restrict the use of boats powered by air-cooled engines to those powered by a single engine of 25 horsepower or less and utilizing a propeller 9 inches (22.5 cm) in diameter or less.
14. We only allow vehicular travel on designated roads and in parking areas. We prohibit hunting from roads and blocking access to any road or trail entering or on the refuge (see § 27.31(h) of this chapter).
15. We prohibit pits and permanent blinds. We allow portable blinds or temporary natural vegetation blinds. You must remove portable blinds (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge daily.
16. The minimum permitted distance between hunt parties is 200 yards (180 m).
17. Dogs accompanying hunters must be under the immediate control of handlers at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
18. You must remove all decoys, boats, spent shells, marsh chairs, and other equipment (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge daily. We prohibit the use of plastic flagging, reflectors, or reflective tape.
1. We allow fishing and crabbing on shoreline areas on East Galveston Bay, along East Bay Bayou on the East Bay Bayou Tract, along West Line Road to the southern end of Shoveler Pond, and along the canal from the Oyster Bayou Boat Ramp to the southwest corner of Shoveler Pond.
2. We only allow fishing and crabbing with pole and line, rod and reel, or hand-held line.
3. We allow cast-netting for bait for personal use along waterways in areas open to the public and along public roads.
4. We prohibit the use of trotlines, setlines, bows and arrows, gigs, or spears.
5. We prohibit boats and other flotation devices on inland waters. You may launch motorized boats into East Bay at the East Bay Boat Ramp on Westline Road and at the Oyster Bayou Boat Ramp (boat canal). You may launch nonmotorized boats along East Bay Bayou and along the shoreline on East Galveston Bay.
1. We may immediately close the entire refuge or any portion thereof to hunting in the event of the appearance of whooping cranes in the hunt area.
2. You must obtain a refuge permit and pay a fee.
3. You may not use dogs to trail game.
4. You may not possess alcoholic beverages while on the refuge.
5. We will annually designate bag limits in the refuge hunt brochure.
6. We allow archery hunting in October within the deer season for the county on specified days listed in the refuge hunt brochure.
7. We allow firearm hunting in November within the deer season for the county on specified days listed in the refuge hunt brochure.
8. Firearm hunters must wear a total of 400 square inches (10.16 m
9. You must unload and encase all firearms while in a vehicle.
10. You may not hunt on or across any part of the refuge road system, or hunt from a vehicle on any refuge road or road right-of-way.
11. You may hunt white-tailed deer and feral hog on designated areas of Matagorda Island in accordance with the State permit system as administered by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
12. We prohibit hunters possessing handguns during archery and rifle hunts. We allow the use of archery equipment and centerfire rifles in accordance with State law.
13. We only allow you to use biodegradable flagging to mark trails and your hunt stand location during the archery and rifle hunts on the refuge. We color code the flagging used each weekend during the rifle hunts. You must use the designated flagging color specified for particular hunt dates. We provide this information on the refuge hunt permit and in refuge regulations sent to permittees. You must remove flagging (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of the hunt.
1. You may not use crab traps in any refuge marshes, including Matagorda Island.
2. Beginning April 15 through October 15, you may fish on the refuge only in areas designated in the refuge fishing brochure.
3. You may fish all year in marshes on Matagorda Island and in areas designated in the refuge fishing brochure.
1. The length of the hunting season will be concurrent with the State season in September and October.
2. We allow hunting in designated areas, from noon to sunset, Saturdays and Sundays.
3. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
4. We require refuge permits and payment of a hunt fee by all hunters.
5. We allow dogs to retrieve game birds during the hunt, but the dogs must be under control of the handler at all times and not allowed to roam free.
6. All hunters must be 10 years old or older. An adult 21 years of age or older must supervise hunters ages 10-17 (inclusive).
7. We prohibit use or possession of alcohol.
8. We may immediately close the entire refuge or any portion thereof to hunting for the protection of resources, as determined by the refuge manager.
1. We allow hunting in November, December, and/or January.
2. We require hunters to check in and out of a hunt area.
3. We allow bows and arrows, shotguns, and rifles.
4. We may immediately close the entire refuge or any portion thereof to hunting for the protection of resources, as determined by the refuge manager.
5. Hunters must be at least 12 years of age. An adult 21 years of age or older must supervise hunters between the ages of 12 and 17(inclusive).
6. The refuge will set bag limits.
7. We require hunters to visibly wear 400 square inches (2,600 cm
8. We require refuge permits and the payment of a hunt fee.
1. We allow hunting in November, December, and/or January.
2. We require hunters to check in and out daily at designated check stations.
3. We allow bows and arrows, shotguns, and rifles.
4. We may immediately close to hunting the entire refuge or any portion thereof for the protection of resources as determined by the refuge manager.
5. Hunters must be at least 12 years of age. An adult 21 years of age or older must supervise hunters between the ages of 12 and 17(inclusive).
6. The refuge will set bag limits.
7. We require hunters to wear 400 square inches (2,600 cm
8. We require refuge permits and the payment of a hunt fee.
9. You may not use dogs for hunting.
10. You may not camp.
11. You may only use vehicles on designated roads and parking areas.
1. We prohibit the building or use of pits and permanent blinds.
2. We only allow the use of airboats in tidal navigable waters unless otherwise posted.
3. We prohibit target practice on the refuge.
1. We prohibit the building of pits and permanent blinds.
2. You must possess and carry a refuge permit to hunt on certain portions of the hunting area.
3. We only allow the use of airboats in tidal navigable waters unless otherwise posted.
4. We prohibit target practice on the refuge.
1. We allow access for saltwater fishing by boat on Nick's, Salt, and Lost Lakes.
2. We allow access for shore fishing at Bastrop Bayou, Clay Banks and Salt Lake Public Fishing Areas, and Salt Lake Weir Dike.
3. We open Bastrop Bayou to fishing 24 hours a day; we prohibit camping.
4. We open all other fishing areas from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
1. Permits and payment of a fee are required.
2. Hunters may hunt only one day each year.
3. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
4. Hunting is limited to five days, opening on Saturday in accordance with the opening of the State of Texas hunting season, and the subsequent Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
5. Hunting hours will be from 9 a.m. to the close of legal shooting time as listed in the State of Texas pheasant hunting regulations.
6. All hunters must check in and out at refuge headquarters.
7. Only shotguns are permitted.
1. We require you to check in and out of the hunt area.
2. We allow only shotguns.
3. You may possess no shot larger than #4 on the hunting area.
1. We require you to check in and out of the hunt area.
2. We allow only shotguns.
3. You may possess no shot larger than #4 on the hunting area.
4. You must plug shotguns to hold no more than three shells during the September dove season.
1. You may archery hunt as listed in the refuge hunt information sheet. You must obtain a refuge permit and pay a hunt fee.
2. We allow hunting with firearms including shotguns, 20 gauge or larger, loaded with rifled slug during a special youth hunt as listed in the refuge hunt information sheet. We require permits.
1. Lake Texoma and connected streams are open to fishing year round.
2. We allow fishing in ponds and stock tanks from April 1 through September 30.
3. Fishermen may string trotlines between anchored floats only. We do not allow lines attached to rubber bands, sticks, poles, trees, or other fixed objects in refuge ponds or impoundments.
4. We do not allow fishing from bridges or roadways.
5. We do not allow boats and other flotation devices on the waters of Lake Texoma from October 1 through March 31, or at any time on refuge ponds and impoundments.
1. We require hunters to pay a fee and obtain a refuge hunt permit. We issue replacement permits for an additional nominal fee. All hunt fees are nonrefundable. We require the hunter to possess and carry a signed and dated refuge hunt permit.
2. We allow archery and firearm hunting on designated units of the refuge. We open Units 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8 to archery hunting during dates designated in the refuge hunt pamphlet. We open Units 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8 to firearm hunting during dates designated in the refuge hunt pamphlet. We assign hunters to specific hunt units during firearm hunting. We prohibit hunting on the following areas: Adolph Thomae Jr. County Park in Unit 3, posted “No Hunting Zones” within all hunt units, La Selva Verde Tract (Armstrong), Waller Tract, COHYCO, Inc. Tract, Bahia Grande Unit, and South Padre Island Unit.
3. We offer hunting during specific portions of the State hunting season. We determine specific deer hunt dates annually, usually in November and December. We publish this information in the refuge hunt brochure. We may provide special feral pig and nilgai antelope hunts to reduce populations at any time during the year.
4. We annually establish a specific bag limit for deer hunted on the refuge in the refuge hunt brochure. We have an unlimited bag limit on feral pig and nilgai antelope.
5. We require hunters to visibly wear 400 square inches (2,600 c
6. Each youth hunter (ages 12 through 17) must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 18 or older. Hunters must be at least age 12.
7. We only allow the use of shoulder-fired muzzleloaders and rifled firearms. We prohibit possession of a pistol or shotgun while hunting. Muzzleloader firearms must be .40 caliber or larger, and modern-rifled firearms must be center fired and .22 caliber or larger. We prohibit loaded firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle (we define “loaded” as having rounds in the chamber or magazine or a firing cap on a muzzleloading firearm). We prohibit target practice or “sighting-in” on the refuge.
8. We allow a 9-day scouting period, ending 1 week prior to the commencement of the refuge deer hunting season. A permitted hunter and a limit of two nonpermitted individuals may enter the hunt units during the scouting period. We allow access to the units during the scouting period from legal sunrise to legal sunset. You must clearly display refuge-issued Hunter Vehicle Validation Tags/Scouting Permits (available from the refuge office) face up on the vehicle dashboard.
9. We only allow hunters to enter the refuge 1 hour before legal shooting hours during the permitted hunt season. All hunters must check out daily at the refuge check station at the end of their hunt or no later than 1 hour after legal shooting hours.
10. We allow vehicle parking at Unit 1 and Unit 6 designated parking areas and along the roadsides of General Brandt Road (FM 106), Buena Vista Road, Lakeside Road, and County Road (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
11. We restrict vehicle access to service roads not closed by gates or signs (see § 27.31
12. We allow hunting from portable stands or by stalking and still hunting. There is a limit of one blind or stand per permitted hunter. You must attach hunter identification (name, address, permit number, and phone number), to the blind or stand. We prohibit attaching blinds and stands to trees or making blinds and stands from natural vegetation (see §§ 32.2(i) and § 27.51 of this chapter)). You must remove all blinds and stands (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of the permitted hunt season.
13. We prohibit hunting with dogs.
14. Hunters must field-dress all harvested big game in the field and check the game at the refuge check station before removal from the refuge. You may quarter deer, feral pig, and nilgai antelope in the field as defined by State regulations. You may use a nonmotorized cart to assist with the transportation of harvested game animals.
15. We prohibit use of or hunting from any type of watercraft or floating device.
16. You must receive authorization from a refuge employee to enter closed refuge areas to retrieve harvested game.
1. We only allow fishing and crabbing from Adoph Thomae Jr. County Park on San Martin Lake of the Bahia Grande Unit, and on the South Padre Island Unit year-round.
2. We require payment of an entry fee and boat launch at Adolph Thomae Jr. County Park. We allow access to the park between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. from June through October, and between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. from November through May.
3. We only allow pole and line, rod and reel, hand line, dip net, or cast net for fishing. We prohibit the use of crab traps or pots for crabbing. Anglers must attend all fishing lines, crabbing equipment, or other fishing devices at all times.
4. We prohibit the taking and use of frog, salamander, and other amphibian as bait.
5. We allow the use of boats for sport fishing. You may launch boats at Adolph Thomae Jr. County Park. We only allow bank and wade fishing on the shoreline of San Martin Lake within the refuge boundary. We only allow access by foot behind posted refuge boundary signs.
6. We only allow camping at Adolph Thomae Jr. County Park.
1. We require hunters to pay a fee and obtain a refuge hunt permit. All hunt fees are nonrefundable. We require hunters to possess and carry a signed (by permittee and an authorized refuge staff member) refuge hunt permit.
2. We allow hunting on areas of the refuge during limited periods of the State-designated hunting season. We publish these dates in the refuge hunting sheet.
3. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
4. We require hunters to be at least age 12. Youth hunters, age 17 and younger must be under the supervision of an adult age 18 or older.
5. We determine the location and method of hunting each year and publish this information in the refuge hunting sheet.
6. We only allow parking in designated locations.
7. We allow the use of properly trained retrievers during these hunts.
1. Conditions A1 through A3 and A5 through A7 apply.
2. We annually establish bag limits for white-tailed deer based on survey data provided by the State. We establish no bag limits for feral hog or nilgai antelope.
3. We require hunters to visibly wear 400 square inches (2,600 cm
1. You must possess and carry a signed refuge hunting permit while hunting on all hunt units of the refuge.
2. Hunters must enter the refuge hunt units between 4 a.m. and
3. You may access hunt areas by foot, nonmotorized watercraft, outboard motor boat, or airboat. Airboats may not exceed 10 hp with direct drive with a propeller length of 48 inches (120 cm) or less. Engines may not exceed 2 cylinders and 484 cc. We prohibit all
4. On inland waters of the refuge open to motorized boats, we restrict the use of boats powered by air-cooled engines to those powered by a single engine of 25 horsepower or less and utilizing a propeller 9 inches (22.5 cm) in diameter or less.
5. On inland waters of the refuge open to motorized boats, we restrict the operation of motorized boats to lakes, ponds, ditches, and other waterways. We prohibit the operation of motorized boats on or through emergent wetland vegetation.
6. We allow hunting in the Central Hunt Units daily during the September teal season and on Saturdays, Sundays, and Tuesdays of the regular waterfowl season.
7. We only allow hunting in the Spaced Hunt Units on Saturdays, Sundays, and Tuesdays of the regular waterfowl season. We require payment of a $10.00 daily fee to hunt the Spaced Hunt Units. We allow a maximum of four hunters per area. Hunters must possess and carry Special Fee Area Permits while hunting.
8. We allow daily hunting in the Mud Bayou Hunt Unit during the September teal season and on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays of the regular waterfowl season. We allow access by foot from the beach on Middleton Levee, or by boat from the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway via Mud Bayou.
9. Each youth hunter (age 17 and younger) must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 18 or older.
10. We only allow shotguns for waterfowl hunting.
11. We only allow vehicular travel on designated roads and in parking areas. We prohibit blocking access to any road or trail entering or on the refuge (see § 27.31(h) of this chapter).
12. We prohibit pits and permanent blinds. We allow portable blinds or temporary natural vegetation blinds. You must remove portable blinds (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge daily.
13. The minimum permitted distance between hunt parties and between hunters and driveable roads and buildings is 200 yards (180 m). We prohibit hunting from roads or levees.
14. Dogs accompanying hunters must be under the immediate control of handlers at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
15. You must remove all decoys, boats, spent shells, marsh chairs, and other equipment (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) from the refuge daily. We prohibit use of plastic flagging, reflectors, or reflective tape on the refuge.
1. We only allow fishing and crabbing with pole and line, rod and reel, or handheld line.
2. We allow cast netting for bait for personal use along waterways in areas open to the public and along public roads.
3. We prohibit the use of trotlines, setlines, bows and arrows, gigs, or spears in inland waters.
4. We allow fishing and crabbing in 10-Mile Cut and Mud Bayou and in the following inland waters: Star Lake and Clam Lake. We also allow fishing and crabbing from the shoreline of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and along roadside ditches.
5. On inland waters of the refuge open to motorized boats, we restrict the operation of motorized boats to lakes, ponds, ditches, and other waterways. We prohibit the operation of motorized boats on or through emergent wetland vegetation.
6. Condition A4 applies.
1. We prohibit pits and permanent blinds.
2. We require permits and payment of fees for the Sargent Permit Waterfowl Hunt, Big Pond Hunt Area, and Light Goose Conservation Order Season Permit Hunt Area. Hunters must abide by all terms and conditions set by the permits.
3. We only allow the use of airboats in tidal navigable waters unless otherwise posted.
4. We prohibit target practice on the refuge.
1. Hunters must possess and carry a signed refuge hunting permit while hunting on the refuge.
2. Hunters must enter the refuge hunt unit between 4 a.m. and
3. We allow hunting in portions of the refuge daily during the September teal season and on Saturdays, Mondays, and Wednesdays during the regular waterfowl season.
4. We allow access into hunt areas by foot, nonmotorized watercraft, outboard motor boat, or airboat. Airboats may not exceed 10 hp with direct drive with a propeller length of 48 inches (120 cm) or less, and engines may not exceed 2 cylinders and 484 cc. We prohibit other motorized vehicles. We prohibit marsh buggies, ATVs, and Jet Skis (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter).
5. On inland waters of the refuge open to motorized boats, we restrict the use of boats powered by air-cooled engines to those powered by a single engine of 25 horsepower or less and utilizing a propeller 9 inches (22.5 cm) in diameter or less.
6. On inland waters of the refuge open to motorized boats, we restrict the operation of motorized boats to lakes, ponds, ditches, and other waterways. We prohibit the operation or motorized boats on or through emergent wetland vegetation.
7. Each youth hunter (age 17 and younger) must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 18 or older.
8. We only allow shotguns for waterfowl hunting.
9. We only allow vehicle travel on designated roads and in designated parking areas (see § 27.31 of this chapter). We prohibit blocking access to any road or trail entering or on the refuge (see § 27.31(h) of this chapter).
10. We prohibit pits and permanent blinds. We allow portable blinds or temporary natural vegetation blinds, but you must remove them (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge daily.
11. The minimum distance between hunt parties is 200 yards (180 m). We prohibit hunting from roads or levees.
12. Dogs must be under the immediate control of the hunter at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
13. You must remove all decoys, boats, spent shells, marsh chairs, and other equipment (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) from the refuge daily. We prohibit use of plastic flagging, reflectors, or reflective tape on the refuge.
1. We only allow fishing and crabbing in inland waters with pole and line, rod and reel, or handheld line.
2. We only allow cast netting for bait by individuals along waterways in areas open to the public and along public roads.
3. We prohibit the use of trotlines, setlines, bows and arrows, gigs, or spears in inland waters.
4. Conditions A5 and A6 apply.
1. We only allow hunting on Champion Lake by drawing.
2. We require an application fee for participants to enter the drawing. After the State announces hunting dates, we will issue a refuge permit to those drawn. The hunter must possess and carry the permit at all times when hunting.
3. We only allow hunting on Champion Lake Saturdays and Sundays during the State duck season. Hunters may not enter the refuge until 5 a.m. and must be off the hunt area by 12 p.m. (noon).
4. We only allow portable blinds. Hunters must remove all blinds, decoys, shell casings, and other personal equipment (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) from the refuge each day.
5. We limit motors to 10 hp or less.
6. We allow retrievers, but they must be under the immediate control of the hunter at all times.
7. Each youth hunter (age 17 and under) must remain within sight and normal voice contact and under supervision of an adult age 18 or older.
8. Hunt parties must keep a minimum distance of 150 yards (135 m) between them.
1. We require participants to pay an application fee to enter the hunt permit drawing. We issue a refuge permit to the individuals whose names are drawn. Successful participants must possess and carry these permits at all times. Permits are nontransferable.
2. We allow hunting during a designated 9-day season. Hunters may enter the refuge and park in an assigned parking area no earlier than 4:30 a.m. We allow hunting from
3. We prohibit hunting along refuge roads.
4. We prohibit the use of dogs, feeders, baiting, campsites, fires (see § 27.95 of this chapter), and all-terrain vehicles (see § 32.2(h)).
5. We restrict weapons to shotguns and rimfires.
6. Youth hunters age 17 and younger must be under the direct supervision of an adult age 18 or older.
7. The minimum distance we allow between hunt parties is 200 yards (180 m). We require
1. Conditions B1, B2, B4, B6, and B7 apply.
2. We only allow temporary blinds. We prohibit hunting or blind erection along refuge roads.
3. We restrict weapon type used depending on unit hunted. We publish this information on the refuge permit (you must possess and carry) and in the refuge hunt brochure.
1. We only allow fishing with pole and line, rod and reel, or hand-held line.
2. We prohibit the use of trotlines, setlines, bows and arrows, gigs, spears, fish traps, crab/crawfish traps or nets.
3. We prohibit the harvesting of frog or turtle (see § 27.21 of this chapter).
4. We allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
5. We limit motors to a maximum of 10 hp. We prohibit fishing or enter within 200 yards (180 m) of an established bird rookery from March through the end of June. Check at refuge headquarters for rookery locations.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. Hunters may not shoot or hunt within 100 yards (30.48 meters) of principal refuge roads (the tour route).
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
3. Hunters may not use pits or permanent blinds.
4. Airboats are permitted only in Unit 9 and in Block C of the Refuge.
5. You may enter the refuge 2 hours before legal sunrise and must exit the refuge by 2 hours after legal sunset. We prohibit leaving decoys, boats, vehicles, and other personal property on the refuge overnight (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
6. Hunters may only park in designated parking sites.
7. Any person entering, using or occupying the refuge for waterfowl hunting must abide by all the terms and conditions in the Refuge Hunting Brochure.
8. When hunters are in their vehicles, at parking lots, or traveling on Refuge roads, all firearms must be completely unloaded (including the magazine) and cased or dismantled.
9. You may only possess 10 shells while hunting on or within 50 feet (15 m) from the center of Unit 1A or 2C dike.
1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
2. Pheasants may not be taken with a shotgun of any description capable of holding more than three shells, unless it is plugged with a one-piece filler, incapable of removal without disassembling the gun, so its total capacity does not exceed three shells.
1. Fishermen may fish year-round in designated areas of the Refuge.
1. All hunters must register individually at the visitor information station before entering the open hunting area and prior to exiting the refuge.
2. We do not allow hunters or dogs to enter closed areas to retrieve birds.
3. You may only possess firearms legally used to hunt waterfowl unless you case or break them down.
4. You may construct nonpermanent blinds. You must remove all blinds constructed out of materials other than vegetation at the end of a hunt day.
5. We allow use of small boats (15′ or less). We do not allow gasoline motors and air boats.
6. You may enter the refuge 2 hours prior to sunrise and must exit the refuge by 1
7. We have a Special Blind Area for use by the disabled. We prohibit trespass for any reason by any individual not registered to utilize that area.
1. We prohibit hunting within 100 yards (90 m) of the Green River in Leota Bottom.
2. We close the Green River within the refuge boundaries to hunting.
3. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
4. We prohibit pits and permanent blinds.
5. You may use portable blinds or blinds constructed of natural dead vegetation (see § 27.51 of this chapter).
6. You must remove all decoys, shell casings, portable and temporary blinds, and other personal equipment (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) from the refuge at the end of each day.
7. We prohibit operation of a gas-powered boat or vehicle within Leota Bottom.
8. We prohibit possession or consumption of any alcoholic beverage while hunting (see § 32.2(j)).
9. During hunting season the refuge is open from 1
10. We prohibit possession of a loaded firearm in your vehicle. You must unload, case, or dismantle all firearms (see § 27.42 of this chapter) when traveling through the refuge.
1. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
2. We prohibit hunting the islands and sandbars within the Green River.
3. We prohibit hunting pheasants with a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells.
4. We prohibit hunting of turkey and quail.
1. You may hunt with the aid of a temporary tree stand that does not require drilling or nailing into the tree.
2. You must remove your tree stand (
3. We prohibit hunting on the islands and sandbars within the Green River.
4. We prohibit hunting of pronghorn and elk.
1. We prohibit fishing on or from the diked interior impoundments or canals.
2. You may only fish with the aid of a pole, hook, and line. We prohibit trot lines, bow and arrows, spears, spear guns, cross bows, and firearms.
3. You must release unharmed any of the four endangered fish if caught (razorback sucker, Colorado pike minnow, humpbacked chub, or bonytailed chub).
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. Waterfowl—For the hunting of goose, brant, duck, merganser, and coot we divide the refuge into six discrete waterfowl hunting units: the Delta Lakeshore Area, the Saxes Pothole/Creek and Shad Island Area, the Junior Waterfowl Hunting Area (including Long Marsh Bay, Patrick Marsh, and Charcoal Creek), the Long Marsh Channel and Metcalfe Island Area, and the Maquam Swamp Area. Conditions for each area are as follows:
i. Delta Lakeshore Area includes lakeshore areas from Shad Island to the south side of Martindale Point but does not include Saxes Pothole/Creek and Shad Island Pothole.
a. We prohibit blind staking, permanent blinds, or unattended decoys.
b. We prohibit jump shooting within 200 yards (180 m) of a party hunting from a boat or blind.
c. We do not require a refuge permit to hunt in this area.
d. This area is available to youth waterfowl hunters on Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend.
e. We prohibit entering closed areas of the refuge for any reason, except for the recovery of legally harvested animals, and in that case you may not carry a weapon (see § 27.42(a) of this chapter).
f. Unarmed hunters may scout open hunting areas before a particular season opens but in no case before September 1. We do not require a hunting permit for scouting.
ii. Maquam Shore Area encompasses a 30-acre area along the lakeshore of Maquam Bay and is bounded by private land on the west and a Vermont wildlife management area on the east. a. Conditions A1i(a-f) apply.
iii. Saaxes Pothole/Creek and Shad Island Pothole encompasses Saxes Creek, Saxes Pothole, and Shad Island Pothole. This is a controlled hunting area. We stake and make available five zones (numbered 1-5) to five hunting parties in Saxe's Pothole, zone 6 is staked and available to one hunting party in Shad Island Pothole.
a. A hunting party consists of the hunter named on the permit and one guest hunter per zone per day. Nonhunters may accompany a hunting party.
b. Each hunting party must possess and carry a permit for the specific zone on the specific day they are hunting in this area. Permits are not transferable.
c. You may obtain permits for the period from the opening day of duck hunting season through the first Sunday of the duck hunting season, and for the second weekend of the duck hunting season through application to a preseason lottery. During the years when the State elects to have a split season, you may also obtain your permits for the second opening day through the following Sunday through application to the preseason lottery. On all other hunt days, you must acquire permits through self-registration at the Mac's Bend Landing no earlier than 2 hours before legal shooting time on the day of the hunt.
d. Hunters selected during the preseason lottery must pay a $10 fee. The refuge must receive the fee no earlier than 2 days before the opening of the season or forfeit the permit, which we will then make available to other hunters on a first-come, first-served basis. The fee is paid for any permit assigned before the day of the hunt. There is no fee for any permit obtained on the day of the hunt.
e. On those days that we draw permits by preseason lottery, hunters must sign in at the Mac's Bend Landing by 7 a.m. before going to the assigned zone. After 7 a.m. other hunters may sign in, self-register, and use unoccupied zones.
f. At the end of each daily hunt, you must sign out and deposit a report of hunt success at the Mac's Bend Landing. When you sign out, another party may sign in and use the vacated zone. You must sign out of a zone at Mac's Bend Landing prior to occupying a different hunting site in any of the controlled hunting areas.
g. You must hunt within 100 feet (30 m) of a numbered stake corresponding to your assigned zone. We prohibit jump shooting.
h. You must use a retrieving dog.
i. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot shells (see § 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less per day.
j. This area is open on a first-come, first-served basis to youth waterfowl hunters during the annual 2-day special Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend conducted in late September. We will hold no preseason drawing and assess no fee, however, youth hunters must self-register and submit a report of their hunt.
k. We prohibit entering closed areas of the refuge for any reason, except for the recovery of legally harvested animals, and in that case we prohibit carrying a weapon (see § 27.42(a) of this chapter).
l. Unarmed hunters may scout open hunting areas before a particular season opens but in no case before September 1. We do not require a hunting permit for scouting.
iv. Junior Waterfowl Hunting Area encompasses Long Marsh Bay, Patrick Marsh and that portion of Charcoal Creek south of Vermont Route 78. This is a controlled hunting area. We establish 11 blind sites for use by junior waterfowl hunters, blind sites 4-8 in Long Marsh Bay, blind sites C-F in Charcoal Creek, and blind sites A-B in Patrick Marsh.
a. Junior waterfowl hunters (ages 12-15, inclusive, at the time of the hunt) following successful completion of the annual training program (usually held the third or fourth Saturday in August) vie for blind site assignments during a lottery drawing at the conclusion of the training. The 11 blind sites are available exclusively to these junior waterfowl hunters and their mentors the first 4 Saturdays and Sundays of the duck season.
b. As an incentive to the adult volunteers who serve as mentors to junior waterfowl hunters, they will vie for blind site assignments during a lottery drawing at the conclusion of the annual junior waterfowl hunter training for the use of blind sites in the junior hunt area on the first Wednesday following the second weekend of the season. This day is known as Mentor Day. We will collect no fee from mentors for this hunt day. We will make available blinds not assigned because of this lottery to other adult hunters via a preseason lottery.
c. Following the use of the blind sites in this area by junior hunters and junior hunter mentors, all blind sites are then available to all adult hunters by permit awarded via a preseason lottery for the second Wednesday following the second weekend of the duck season; and on weekends following the junior hunt by a first-come, first-served, self-registration, and permitting basis at the refuge headquarters.
d. Hunters, including junior hunters, with preregistered permits must sign in at refuge headquarters no later than 7 a.m. on the date of their scheduled hunt. After 7 a.m. other hunters may sign in, self-register, and use unoccupied blind sites. Only junior hunters may hunt on the first 4 Saturdays and Sundays of the season.
e. Each junior hunter must possess and carry a free permit for the assigned blind site and day. On Mentor Day, mentors must also possess and carry this free permit for the assigned blind site. Each adult hunting party must possess and carry a permit for the blind site and day they are hunting. Permits are not transferable.
f. The mentor must accompany the junior hunter who completed the training program with him or her. We include the mentor on the permit assigned to the junior hunter. A mentor may simultaneously oversee up to two junior hunters at one blind site.
g. Each adult hunter, except mentors on Mentor Day, must pay $10 for each permit issued because of the preseason lottery. Permits acquired by self-registration are free.
h. Only junior hunters may discharge a firearm in this area during the junior hunt periods.
i. We allow and recommend hunting from portable blinds and boat blinds constructed and place by the refuge for the junior waterfowl hunting program at some of the blind sites. Junior hunters, with the approval of the refuge manager, may construct stationary blinds and leave them in place for the duration of the season. Otherwise, we prohibit permanent blinds.
j. All hunting must take place within 100 feet (30 m) of the stake marking the blind area. We prohibit jump shooting.
k. This area is available to refuge-trained junior waterfowl hunters during the Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend in late September.
l. Shooting hours are from legal opening time until 11 a.m.
m. Hunters must deposit the Hunt Success Report portion of their permit at refuge headquarters at the end of the hunt.
n. A small flat-bottom boat, car-top boat, or canoe is necessary for access to Charcoal Creek and Patrick Marsh blind sites. Access is available at the Charcoal Creek crossing on Vermont Route 78 or from a pulloff on Route 78 about 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km) east of the Charcoal Creek access.
o. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot shells (see § 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less per day.
p. A hunting party consists of the hunter named on the permit and one guest hunter per blind site per day. Junior hunters may not invite a guest hunter unless it another refuge-trained junior hunter. Nonhunters may accompany a hunting party.
q. You must use at least six decoys.
r. We prohibit entry to closed areas of the refuge for any reason, except for the recovery of legally harvested animals, and in that case you may not carry a weapon (see § 27.42(a) of this chapter).
s. Unarmed hunters may scout open hunting areas before a particular season opens but in no case before September 1. We do not require a hunting permit for scouting.
v. Long Marsh Channel and Metcalfe Island encompasses the Metcalfe Island Pothole and Long Marsh Channel. This is a controlled hunting area. We established three blind sites, designated 1-3, in Long Marsh Channel. We established three blind sites, designated 8-10, on Metcalfe Island.
a. We will limit hunting to Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays throughout the waterfowl hunting season for duck.
b. You may obtain permits for the first 5 days of the duck season through application to a preseason lottery. The procedure described in the Saxes Pothole/Creek and Shad Island controlled hunt area apply. Following the first 5 days, hunters may acquire permits on a first-come, first-served basis with self-service permitting and sign in at the Mac's Bend Landing, no more than 2 hours before legal shooting time.
c. Hunters selected during the preseason lottery must pay a $10 fee. The refuge must receive the fee no less than 2 days before the opening of the season or the permit will be forfeited and made available first to standby hunters identified at the time of the drawing, and second to other hunters on a first-come, first-served basis. The fee is paid for any permit assigned before the day of the hunt. There is no fee for any permit obtained on the day of the hunt.
d. On those days that we draw permits by preseason lottery, hunters must sign in at the Mac's Bend Landing by 7 a.m. before going to the assigned zone. After 7 a.m., other hunters may sign in, self-register, and use unoccupied zones.
e. Shooting hours will be from
f. At the end of each daily hunt, you must sign out and deposit a report of hunt success at the Mac's Bend Landing. When a party signs out, another party may sign in and use the vacated zone. Hunters must sign out of a zone at Mac's Bend Landing prior to occupying a different hunting site in any of the controlled hunting areas.
g. You must hunt within 100 feet (30 m) of a numbered stake corresponding to your assigned zone.
h. You must use a retrieving dog.
i. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot shells (see § 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less per day.
j. We prohibit permanent blinds.
k. We prohibit jump shooting.
l. You must use at least six decoys.
m. You must use a boat to hunt at each of these blind sites.
n. This area is open on a first-come, first-served basis to youth waterfowl hunters during the annual 2-day special Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend conducted in late September. We will hold no preseason drawing and assess no fee, however, youth hunters must self-register and submit a report of their hunt.
o. We will close this area to waterfowl hunting during split seasons when goose are the only waterfowl that hunters may legally take.
p. We prohibit entry to closed areas of the refuge for any reason, except for the recovery of legally harvested animals, and in that case you may not carry a weapon (see § 27.42 of this chapter).
q. Unarmed hunters may scout open hunting areas before a particular season opens but in no case before September 1. We do not require a hunting permit for scouting.
vi. Marquam Swamp Area encompasses about 200 acres (80 ha) west of the Central Vermont Railroad and south of Coleman's inholding and is open to migratory bird hunting with the following special requirements:
a. Conditions A1ia and A1ic through A1 if apply.
b. You must use a retrieving dog.
c. We prohibit hunting within the area encompassing the headquarters nature trail. We identify this area with “No Hunting Zone” signs.
2. Other migratory birds (including woodcock and common snipe):
i. The open area consists of the Delta Lakeshore Waterfowl Hunting Area excluding the Saxe's Creek/Pothole and Shad Island Pothole controlled areas.
ii. You may hunt woodcock and snipe in the Maquam Swamp Area, but you must have a retriever.
iii. We do not require a permit to hunt woodcock and snipe in these areas.
iv. Conditions A1ie and A1if apply.
1. You must obtain a permit at refuge headquarters prior to hunting, and you must hold a valid State hunting license. We will collect a $10 fee for each permit issued. The permit applies for the calendar year of issue.
2. You may pursue upland game: east of the Missisquoi River and north of Goose Bay Pool (as indicated by public hunting area signs), on Shad Island, on all refuge lands west of Tabor Road, and on all refuge lands between Tabor Road and the Central Vermont Railroad bed to the east, except the marked area encompassing the headquarters nature trail and the land east of Charcoal Creek and north of the marked boundary near Coleman's inholding. We mark the headquarters trail area with “No Hunting Zone” signs.
3. We only allow shotguns or muzzleloaders on open areas east of the Missisquoi River and on Shad Island.
4. You must use approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) for the shotgun hunting of all upland game species except deer.
5. We prohibit hunting from the end of snowshoe hare and rabbit season through September 1.
6. We require you to submit an annual report of the results of your hunt by December 31. Failure to do so will result in denial of a permit the following year.
7. We prohibit entry into closed areas of the refuge for any reason, except for the recovery of legally harvested animals, and in that case you may not carry a weapon (see § 27.42(a) of this chapter).
8. Unarmed hunters may scout open hunting areas before a particular season opens but in no case before September 1. We do not require a hunting permit for scouting.
1. We prohibit hunting of bear, moose, or turkey.
2. You must obtain a permit at refuge headquarters prior to hunting, and you must hold a valid State hunting license. We will collect a $10 fee for each permit issued. The permit applies for the calendar year of issue. Permits issued to youth hunters (licensed hunters age 16 and under) for the Youth Deer Hunting Weekend are free.
3. You may pursue deer during State-designated archery and regular firearms seasons: east of the Missisquoi River and north of Goose Bay Pool (as indicated by public hunting area signs), on Shad Island, on all refuge lands west of Tabor Road, and on all refuge lands between Tabor Road and the Central Vermont Railroad bed to the east, except the marked safety zone encompassing the headquarters nature trail and the land east of Charcoal Creek and north of the marked boundary near Coleman's inholding.
4. We only allow shotguns, muzzleloaders, or archery equipment on open areas east and north of Vermont Route 78. We prohibit rifles in these areas at any time.
5. During the State-designated muzzleloader season and Youth Deer Hunting Weekend, you may hunt the entire area north of the line of public hunting area signs west of Mudgett Island, and all of Metcalfe Island, in addition to the open areas described in C3 above.
6. During the State regular firearms season, Youth Deer Hunting Weekend, and muzzleloader big game season, you must wear in a visible manner on head, chest, and back a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
7. You may use portable tree stands in accordance with State regulations guiding their use on State Wildlife Management Areas. We require written approval from the refuge manager on your big game hunting permit prior to leaving a stand or blind unattended. We prohibit permanent stands and blinds (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
8. Conditions B6, B7, and B8 apply.
1. We allow sport fishing by boat in the west branch, east branch and main channel of the Missisquoi River, Dead Creek, and shallow water areas of the Missisquoi River delta from Goose Bay to Charcoal Creek (north of Vermont Route 78) with the following exceptions:
i. We close the following areas from ice out to July 15—Goose Bay, Saxes Creek and Pothole, Metcalfe Island Pothole, Long Marsh Channel, and Clark Marsh.
ii. We close the following areas from Labor Day to December 31—Long Marsh Bay and Long Marsh Channel.
2. We allow bank fishing along Charcoal Creek where it passes under Route 78, and along the shoreline of the Missisquoi River from refuge headquarters to Mac's Bend boat launch. Bank fishing is accessible only by foot along the Missisquoi River from Louie's Landing to Mac's Bend.
3. We prohibit fishing from any dike or from within any water management unit or any other area not specifically designated as being open under D1 and D2 above.
4. We allow ice fishing in open areas described in D1 above.
5. We allow bow fishing from a boat on refuge waters that are open to fishing as described in D1 above.
6. We prohibit taking fish with firearms within refuge boundaries.
7. We allow boat launching from Louie's Landing year-round. We allow boat launching from Mac's Bend boat launch area from September through November inclusive.
8. Anglers may collect minnows in accordance with State regulations from refuge open fishing areas for personal use. We prohibit collection of more than 2 quarts (1.9 l) per day from the refuge.
9. We authorize commercial bait dealers to take and transport minnows in excess of 2 quarts (1.9 l) per day only after acquiring a refuge Special Use Permit that will contain the following special conditions:
i. We require a $35 fee for the Special Use Permit.
ii. The permittee must possess and carry a Commercial Bait Dealer's Permit from the Vermont Commissioner of Fish.
iii. Excessive fish mortality and waste, as determined by the refuge manager, will result in revocation of the Special Use Permit and denial of future permit applications.
iv. The permittee must remove all traps and holding cages (see § 27.93 of this chapter) within 1 week of permanent freeze up.
v. The Special Use Permit must be in the possession of the permittee or an employee of the permitee on site while on the refuge and is not transferable to another individual or party.
vi. The Special Use Permit does not grant or imply permission to obstruct any refuge road, parking area, boat launch, or waterway at any time.
vii. The permittee must keep all equipment used clean so as not to introduce aquatic nuisance species. The permittee must not clean or empty tanks and other equipment used into refuge waters.
viii. Failure to comply with conditions of the Special Use Permit will result in its revocation and the denial of future permit applications.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. We close the refuge to all other public uses beginning at legal sunrise on the first Saturday of October through legal sunset of the following Saturday.
2. We require a Special Use Hunting Permit. You must carry the signed permit on your person while hunting. We issue permits
3. We only allow shotguns 20 gauge or larger (loaded with buckshot or rifled slugs) and bow and arrow. We prohibit possession of loaded firearms (
4. We prohibit the use of dogs to hunt deer or feral hog.
5. You must be at least age 18 to hunt without an accompanying, qualified adult. Youths between ages 12 and 18 may only hunt when accompanied by a licensed nonhunting adult who is age 21 or older.
6. You must visibly wear a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
7. We reserve Hunting Zone 5 for use by nonambulatory hunters. We define a “nonambulatory” hunter as “any person who presents a medical doctor's written statement that said person is permanently unable to walk.” Zone 5 will be available to the general public only when nonambulatory hunters are not present.
8. We will decide reservations for hunt days and zones by a computerized lottery at the refuge headquarters in mid-September. You may obtain a hunt application by calling the Back Bay Refuge headquarters at (757) 721-2412 during August.
9. We restrict scouting to the week prior to the refuge hunt. We restrict access to hunting zones to travel by bicycle or on foot. Scouts must wear 400 square inches (2,600 cm
10. You must register at the Refuge Entrance Fee Booth between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. on the day of the hunt. After 5 a.m., we will allow standby hunters to fill vacant slots in a separate lottery. All hunters must check out at the Check Station no later than 6 p.m.
11. Transportation to Hunt Zone 7 (Long Island) is only by car-top boat (canoe, punt, row-boat,
12. A Safety Zone runs from the Check Station to north of the headquarters parking lot. We prohibit hunting or discharging of firearms/bow and arrows within the Safety Zone. We prohibit retrieval of crippled game from a No Hunting Area or Safety Zone without the consent of the refuge employee on duty at the Check Station.
13. You must use safety belts at all times while you are in a tree stand.
14. We close the “Hacking Tower” in Hunt Zone 3 to public access.
1. We close all areas within the hunting zones, as well as the refuge oceanfront, to fishing, crabbing, and clamming during the annual refuge white-tailed deer and feral hog hunt, beginning at legal sunrise on the first Saturday in October through legal sunset of the following Saturday.
2. You must attend all fishing lines and crab pots at all times.
3. We prohibit on-site cleaning of fish.
4. We prohibit the taking of amphibian, reptile, marine mammal, aquatic invertebrate, or any other marine organism from refuge lands or waters.
5. We allow sportfishing, crabbing, and clamming access to Back Bay from the refuge headquarters parking lot only by foot, bicycle, and hand-launched, nontrailered boat.
6. We only allow surf fishing, crabbing, and clamming south of the refuge's beach access ramp.
7. For sportfishing in D Pool and at Horn Point:
i. We only allow fishing from the docks or banks. We prohibit boats, canoes, or kayaks on refuge pools and impoundments.
ii. We prohibit live minnows or other live bait fish for fishing in refuge pools and impoundments.
iii. We require barbless or flattened hooks for all fishing.
iv. Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and pickerel are catch-and-release only. The daily creel limit for D Pool for other species is a maximum combination of any 10 fish.
v. Parking for mobility-impaired visitors is available adjacent to the dock at D Pool. We require all other visitors to hike or bicycle.
1. You must possess and carry while hunting on the refuge written authorization from the refuge. You may obtain hunting brochures containing an application for permission to hunt from the refuge administration building during normal business hours. The refuge administration office has available hunting brochures containing application procedures, seasons, bag limits, methods of
2. Each youth hunter (under age 18) must remain within sight and normal voice contact and under direct supervision of an adult age 18 or older. The supervising adult must also possess and carry a State hunting license and a refuge permit.
3. You may only access hunting areas by boat.
4. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot (
5. You may erect portable blinds and deploy decoys, but you must remove the blinds and decoys (
6. You may use trained dogs to assist in the retrieval of harvested birds.
7. You must complete a harvest report card, provided by the refuge, after each hunt period. You must return the harvest report card to the refuge within 15 days of your permitted hunt.
1. General hunt information:
i. You must possess and carry a refuge permit. We issue the permits based on a computer lottery system. You may obtain permit applications from the refuge administration office during normal business hours. Hunting brochures containing hunting application procedures, seasons, bag limits, methods of hunting, maps depicting areas open to hunting, and the terms and conditions under which we issue hunting permits are available from the refuge administration office.
ii. You must be age 12 or older to hunt on the refuge. An adult age 18 or older must accompany hunters under age 18. The supervising adult must also possess and carry a State hunting license and refuge permit.
iii. You must attend a hunt orientation. We conduct orientations beginning at 10 a.m. Sundays and Wednesdays throughout the hunt season. We allow scouting from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. following each orientation.
iv. You must sign in at the hunter registration station prior to entering your hunt zone and sign out upon exiting your hunt zone. All hunters must sign out no later than 2 hours after the end of the hunt day.
v. You must check all harvested animals at the refuge's official check station.
vi. You must make a reasonable effort to recover wounded animals from the field and must notify the check station personnel immediately if you are not able to recover a wounded animal.
vii. We prohibit crossing water management areas unless you are retrieving a harvested animal.
viii. We prohibit use of a boat, all-terrain vehicle, bicycle, or saddled animal to access or travel within your hunt zone (
ix. We allow the use of a portable tree stand.
2. Archery hunt information:
i. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and sika with bow and arrow in designated areas of the refuge.
ii. You may not nock an arrow within 50 feet (15 m) of the centerline of any road.
iii. During the sika archery season, you may take up to five sika daily, two of which may be antlered. In addition, you may take antlerless white-tailed deer in accordance with State regulations.
iv. We prohibit deer drives.
v. You must print your full name in a permanent manner near the fletching on each arrow shaft used for hunting.
3. Firearm hunt information:
i. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and sika with firearms in designated areas of the refuge.
ii. You must wear a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
iii. You may use any firearm allowed by State law in designated areas of the refuge. We restrict other areas of the refuge to shotgun and muzzleloading firearms only. We restrict shotgun ammunition to slugs, 00 buckshot, or 000 buckshot. You must unload and either case or disassemble firearms (
iv. We prohibit possession of a loaded firearm within 50 feet (15 m) of the centerline of any road.
v. During the sika firearm season, you may take up to five sika daily, two of which may be antlered. In addition, hunters may take antlerless white-tailed deer in accordance with State regulations on the first day of designated white-tailed deer hunt periods. If you take an antlerless white-tailed deer on the first day of your hunt, you may take antlered white-tailed deer or any sika, not to exceed prescribed bag limits, on the second day of your hunt period. If you do not take an antlerless white-tailed deer on the first day of your hunt period, you may only take antlerless white-tailed deer or any sika, not to exceed prescribed bag limits, on the second day of your hunt period.
vi. You must have a 4-wheel drive vehicle to hunt in zones 10, 10a, and Tom's Cove Hook. All oversand vehicles must carry a shovel, jack, tow rope or chain, board or similar support for the jack, and a low pressure tire gauge.
vii. We reserve zone 2 for hunters confined to wheelchairs. Those hunters must remain on the paved trail or overlook platform on Woodland Trial. They may use any firearm allowed by State law while hunting from the
1. You may not enter any water management areas.
2. You must attend minnow traps, crab traps, crab pots, and handlines at all times.
3. You must possess and carry a refuge permit to surf fish after hours while fishing.
1. There are 12 days of archery and 7 days of shotgun hunting that occur during the State hunting season.
2. You must hunt white-tailed deer in designated zones. You must possess and carry a refuge permit to hunt that serves as your pass to enter your hunt zone. The permit fee is $15.00 for each hunt.
3. You must be at least age 18 to hunt without an accompanying, qualified adult. Youth hunters between ages 12 and 17 may only hunt when accompanied by an adult age 21 or older who must possess and carry a valid hunting license. The minimum age for hunters is 12.
4. You must sign in before entering the hunt zone and sign out upon leaving the zone.
5. We allow portable tree stands, but you must remove them (
6. You must bring all deer harvested to the refuge check station before the end of hunt day for inspection by refuge personnel.
7. We prohibit the use of organized drives for taking or attempting to take game.
8. We prohibit nocked arrows in your vehicle or outside your hunt zone.
9. For the firearm hunt, we allow shotgun hunting in zones 1-4. We allow archery hunting in zone 5 during the firearm season.
10. We only allow shotguns, 20 gauge or larger, loaded with buckshot during the firearm season.
11. During the firearm hunt, you must wear a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
12. You must unload and case or disassemble firearms
1. You must possess and carry a refuge permit.
2. We allow shotguns, 20 gauge or larger, loaded with buckshot and/or rifled slugs, and bows and arrows.
3. We prohibit dogs.
4. We require all hunters to wear 400 square inches (2,600 cm
5. We require hunters to sign in and out each hunt day.
6. We prohibit possession of loaded firearms (
7. We prohibit hunters to shoot onto or across refuge roads, including roads closed to vehicles.
1. We only allow fishing in Lake Drummond and in the Feeder Ditch on the east side of Lake Drummond during daylight hours.
2. We prohibit bank fishing.
3. You must attend all fishing lines.
4. We require permits for vehicular access to the boat ramp on Interior Ditch Road on the west side of Lake Drummond.
1. We require firearm hunters to purchase a refuge hunt permit at the Refuge Hunter Check Station on the morning of each hunt on a first-come, first-served basis. The hunter must possess and carry the permit while on refuge property.
2. We require archery hunters to purchase a refuge hunt permit by mail by the designated application deadline. The hunter
3. We allow the use of shotguns (20 gauge or larger, loaded with buckshot only), muzzleloaders, and bows and arrows on designated refuge hunt days.
4. You may take two deer of either sex per day.
5. We prohibit dogs.
6. We only allow portable tree stands that you must remove (
7. Firearm hunters must wear in a visible manner on head, chest, and back a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
8. Firearm hunters must remain within 25 feet (7.5 m) of their assigned stand unless tracking or retrieving a wounded deer.
9. Archery hunters must wear a solid-colored, hunter-orange hat or cap while moving to and from their stand.
10. You may only retrieve wounded deer from closed areas with prior consent from a refuge employee.
11. You must unload all weapons (
12. We prohibit discharge of firearms (
1. Hunters must sign and carry a Refuge Deer Hunting Permit while hunting on the refuge.
2. We allow the use of shotguns, muzzleloading rifles/shotguns, and bows. We prohibit the use of all other rifles and pistols.
3. We allow access to hunting areas from 5 a.m. until 8 p.m.
4. We prohibit marking of trees or vegetation (
1. We allow fishing only from sunrise to sunset from March 15 through October 15.
2. You must attend all fishing lines.
3. We do not allow airboats.
1. You must possess and carry a refuge permit.
2. We select hunters by lottery. Contact the refuge office for information on application dates.
3. We send applicants an information packet detailing specific dates, details, and requirements for the hunt, including, but not limited to: hunt dates, hunt areas, bag restrictions, weapon certification requirements and locations, orientation dates/times, scouting date(s), check station location, and maps.
4. Hunters must certify/qualify weapons and ammunition and attend an orientation session prior to issuance of a permit.
5. Hunters must wear a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
6. We may close areas of the refuge to hunting. We will identify these areas on the maps in the information packet and review them during orientation.
1. You must possess and carry a refuge permit.
2. We select hunters by lottery. Contact the refuge office for information on application dates.
3. We send applicants an information packet detailing specific dates, details, and requirements for the hunt, including, but not limited to: hunt dates, hunt areas, bag restrictions, weapon certification requirements and locations, orientation dates/times, scouting date(s), check station location, and maps.
4. Hunters must certify/qualify weapons and ammunition and attend an orientation session prior to issuance of a permit.
5. Hunters must wear a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
6. We may close areas of the refuge to hunting. We will identify these areas on the maps in the information packet and review them during orientation.
1. You must possess and carry a signed Special Use Hunting Permit while hunting waterfowl on the refuge. We only open the Cow Island area of the refuge to waterfowl hunting. We close all other areas of the refuge to all public entry.
2. We limit hunting parties to three individuals hunting at one blind site.
3. You may hunt from the location of your choice: unimproved shore locations, camouflaged boats (float blinds) anchored to the shore, or temporary blinds erected on the interior of the island.
4. We prohibit permanent blinds/structures on the refuge.
5. We prohibit jump-shooting.
6. Except for peak use days, we restrict waterfowl hunting to three mornings per week: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings until 12 p.m. (noon) local time. We prohibit hunting on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
7. You must retrieve and remove all decoys, temporary blinds, and equipment (
8. We define peak use days as the waterfowl season opening days and some Federal holidays. We will define peak use dates for the current season after the State establishes its waterfowl hunting season(s).
9. You must secure reservations by telephone (call 804-829-9020 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.) no more than 4 workings days prior to your desired hunt date. We will issue the first five callers for those days a reservation number that they must possess and carry while hunting on their reserved date.
10. No more than two other hunters may accompany hunters with reservations, and they must hunt as a party from the same blind.
11. Youth Waterfowl Hunt Day: We will open Cow Island for the youth waterfowl hunt as per State regulations. Youth hunters must also possess and carry a signed refuge Special Use Hunting Permit.
1. We require hunters to purchase a Refuge Hunt Permit at the Refuge Hunter Check Station on the morning of each hunt on a first-come, first-served basis. The hunter must possess and carry the permit while on refuge property.
2. We allow the use of shotguns (20 gauge or larger, loaded with buckshot and/or rifled slugs).
3. You may take two deer of either sex per day.
4. We prohibit dogs.
5. We only allow portable tree stands that you must remove (
6. You must wear in a visible manner on head, chest, and back, a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
7. You must remain within 25 feet (7.5 m) of your designated stand unless tracking or retrieving a wounded deer.
8. You must unload all firearms (
1. We require hunters to purchase a refuge hunt permit at the Refuge Hunter Check Station on the morning of each hunt on a first-come, first-served basis. The hunter must possess and carry the permit while on refuge property.
2. We require archery hunters to purchase a refuge hunt permit by mail by the designated application deadline. The hunter must possess and carry the permit must while on refuge property.
3. We allow shotgun, muzzleloader, and archery hunting on designated refuge hunt days.
4. You may take two deer of either sex per day.
5. We prohibit dogs.
6. We only allow portable tree stands that you must remove (
7. Firearm hunters must wear in a visible manner on head, chest, and back a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
8. Archery hunters must wear in a visible manner a solid-colored, hunter-orange hat or cap while moving to and from their stand.
9. We prohibit the possession of loaded firearms (
10. We prohibit the discharge of a firearm or archery equipment across or within refuge roads, including roads closed to vehicles.
11. You may only retrieve wounded deer from closed areas with prior consent from a refuge employee.
1. As we implement the new fishing program at Wilna Pond, we intend to be open on a daily basis, legal sunrise to legal sunset. If unexpected law enforcement issues arise, we may restrict hours of access for fishing.
2. From March 15 through June 30, we allow fishing from the Wilna Pond pier only (no boat or bank fishing).
3. During the period when we open the Wilna Tract for deer hunting, we will close it to all other uses, including fishing.
4. We prohibit fishing by any means other than by use of one or more attended poles with hook and line attached.
5. We prohibit the use of lead fishing tackle.
6. We require catch and release fishing only for largemouth bass. Anglers may take other finfish species in accordance with State regulations.
7. We prohibit the take of any reptile, amphibian, or invertebrate species for use as bait or for any other purpose.
8. We prohibit the use of live minnows as bait.
9. We prohibit use of boats propelled by gasoline motors, sail, or mechanically operated paddle wheel. We only permit car-top boats; and we prohibit trailers.
10. Prescheduled environmental education field trips will have priority over other uses, including sport fishing, on the Wilna Pond pier at all times.
D.
1. You must possess and carry a refuge permit. We issue permits based on a computer lottery system. You may obtain permit applications from the refuge administration office during normal business hours. Hunting brochures containing application procedures, seasons, and maps depicting areas open to hunting are available from the refuge administration office. You must provide an unobstructed view of the refuge permit on the vehicle's dashboard while hunting on the refuge.
2. You must be age 12 or older to hunt on the refuge. An adult age 18 or older must accompany and directly supervise hunters under age 18. The supervising adult must also possess and carry a State hunting license and refuge permit.
3. You must sign in at the hunter registration station prior to entering your hunt zone and sign out upon exiting your hunt zone. You must sign out no later than two hours after the end of the hunt day.
4. You must wear a minimum of 400 square inches (2,600 cm
5. You may use of portable tree stands.
6. We prohibit dogs.
7. You must park your vehicle in designated areas (
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. We only allow hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays on Marsh Unit 1 and Farm Units 226-227.
2. Prior to entering the Farm Unit 226-227 hunt area, we require you to possess and carry a refuge permit, pay a recreation user fee, and obtain a blind assignment.
1. We only allow hunting of upland game birds during State upland game seasons that run concurrently with the State waterfowl season.
2. We allow hunting from 12 p.m. (noon) to legal sunset on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays in Marsh Unit 1.
1. We only allow shotgun and archery hunting.
2. We only allow hunting during State deer seasons that run concurrently with the State waterfowl season.
1. On waters open to fishing, we only allow fishing from April 1 to September 30, with the exception of Falcon, Heron, Goldeneye, Corral, Blythe, Chukar, and Scaup Lakes that are open year-round.
2. We allow nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors on Upper and Lower Hampton, Hutchinson, and Shiner Lakes.
3. We allow motorized boats and nonmotorized boats on all other refuge waters open to fishing.
4. We allow frogging during periods when we allow fishing on designated waters.
5. We allow catch-and-release fishing using artificial flies with a single barbless hook on Quail Lake.
1. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while on the refuge (
2. We allow access from 2 hours before legal sunrise to 2 hours after legal sunset. We prohibit overnight camping and/or parking.
3. We prohibit permanent and pit blinds and the cutting of vegetation (
4. We only allow nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors on the WB-10 Pond (Wahluke Lake) and with walk-in access only.
1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while on the refuge.
2. We allow only shotguns and archery hunting.
3. We allow access from 2 hours before sunrise to 2 hours after sunset. We prohibit overnight camping and/or parking.
1. We allow only shotguns, muzzleloaders, and archery hunting.
2. We allow access from 2 hours before sunrise to 2 hours after sunset. We prohibit overnight camping and/or parking.
1. We allow access from 2 hours before legal sunrise to 2 hours after legal sunset. We prohibit overnight camping and/or parking.
2. We allow nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors on the WB-10 Ponds and with walk-in access only.
1. We only allow vehicles on designated routes of travel and require hunters to park in designated parking areas (
2. We only allow portable blinds and temporary blinds constructed of natural materials.
3. We allow dove hunting in accordance with State regulations on the Wallula, Burbank Sloughs, Stateline, Juniper Canyon, Peninsula, and Two Rivers Units only.
4. The McNary Fee Hunt Unit is only open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, and New Year's Day from 5 a.m. to 1
5. Prior to entering the McNary Fee Hunt Unit, we require you to possess and carry a refuge permit, pay a recreation user fee, and obtain a blind assignment before hunting.
6. On the McNary Fee Hunt Unit, we only allow hunting from assigned blind sites and require hunters to remain within 100 feet (30 m) of marked posts unless retrieving birds or setting decoys. We allow a maximum of four persons per blind site.
7. On the McNary Fee Hunt Unit, you may only possess approved nontoxic shotshells (
8. On the Wallula Unit, we prohibit hunting within
9. On the Peninsula Unit, we allow waterfowl hunting subject to the following conditions:
i. On the east shoreline of the Peninsula Unit, we only allow hunting from established numbered blinds sites, assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. We require hunters to remain within 100 feet (30 m) of marked posts unless retrieving birds or setting decoys.
ii. On the west shoreline of the Peninsula Unit, we require hunters to space themselves a minimum of 200 yards (180 m) apart.
10. We close the furthest downstream refuge island (Columbia River mile 341-343) in the Hanford Islands Division to hunting.
11. On the Peninsula and Two Rivers Units, we close Casey Pond to all hunting.
12. We close Strawberry Island in the Snake River to all hunting.
13. We close Badger and Foundation Islands in the Columbia River to all hunting.
1. On the McNary Fee Hunt Unit, we only allow hunting of upland game birds on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. We prohibit hunting until 12 p.m. (noon) of each hunt day.
2. On the Peninsula Unit, we prohibit upland game hunting before 12 p.m. (noon) on goose hunt days.
3. We only allow turkey hunting on the Wallula Unit.
4. We close all islands of the Hanford Islands Division to hunting.
1. We allow fishing from boats outside the Brown Farm Dike and outside the Research Natural Area.
2. We allow bank fishing in the designated McAllister Creek Bank Fishing Area from legal sunrise to legal sunset. The 3/4-mile (1.2 km) area of bank fishing is located
3. We prohibit bank fishing along the Nisqually River.
4. We prohibit fishing in any waters inside the Brown Farm Dike.
5. We allow shellfishing on the tideflats. Access is by boat or by foot from the Luhr Beach Boat Launch. We prohibit tideflat access from the Brown Farm Dike.
6. We prohibit boat launching on the refuge.
1. We only allow waterfowl hunting by refuge permit (you must possess and carry). You may apply for advanced hunting permits between August 15 and September 15; otherwise, we issue hunting permits by lottery from the check station for standby hunters or on a first-come, first-served basis after 10 a.m. during each hunt day.
2. We only allow access to the hunt area 2 hours before legal shoot time and 2 hours after shoot time on hunt days. We prohibit entering the hunt area on nonhunt days.
3. We prohibit camping or parking overnight anywhere on the refuge.
4. You may only park in the parking lot designated for your hunting blind.
5. We only allow hunting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, excluding Federal holidays, during the regular waterfowl hunt season designated by the State.
6. We require all hunters to check-in and check out at the hunter check station.
7. We prohibit goose hunting in Blind #1.
8. You must hunt within your designated hunt blind except when shooting to retrieve crippled birds. We allow a maximum of three people per blind.
9. You may only possess approved nontoxic shells (see § 32.2(k)) while in the field in quantities of 25 or less.
10. You may use decoys, but you must collect them at the end of each hunt day.
11. We prohibit temporary or portable blinds.
12. We allow retrieving dog in the hunt area, but owners must keep them under their immediate control at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter). Owners must leash dogs at all times except while in the hunting blind. We prohibit dog training or trials (see § 27.91 of this chapter).
13. On the last Saturday in October, we only allow youth hunters ages 10 to 17 to hunt. Each youth hunter must remain within sight and normal voice contact of an adult age 18 or older.
1. We close all interior waters to fishing at the River “S” Unit.
2. We prohibit motorized and nonmotorized boats or floatation devices on any of the interior waters of the refuge.
3. We only allow fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
4. We only allow fishing with hook and line.
5. We prohibit frogging.
6. While fishing in Lake River, you must park and walk from the River “S” Unit entrance parking lot.
1. We open the refuge from 5 a.m. to 1
2. We only allow vehicles on designated routes of travel and require hunters to park in designated parking areas (see § 27.31 of this chapter). We prohibit off-road vehicle travel and all use of ATVs (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter).
3. We only allow dove hunting on the Webb, Petty, Halvorson, Chambers, and Isiri Units.
4. You may only possess approved nontoxic shotshells (see § 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less per day.
5. On the Petty, Isiri, Chamber, and Cloe Units, we allow hunting 7 days a week subject to the following condition: We require hunting parties to space themselves a minimum of 200 yards (180 m) apart.
6. On the Halvorson and Webb Units, we only allow hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. On these units, we allow hunting only from designated field pits, and we prohibit jump shooting.
7. On the Robbins Road Unit, we only allow hunting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
8. On the Robbins Road and Pumphouse Units, we only allow hunting from numbered field blind sites, and hunters must only park their vehicles at the numbered post corresponding to the numbered field blind site they are using (see § 27.31 of this chapter). Selection of parking sites/numbered posts is on a first-come, first-served basis at the designated parking lot. We prohibit free-roam hunting or jump shooting, and you must remain within 100 feet (30 m) of the numbered field blind post unless retrieving birds or setting decoys. We allow a maximum of four persons per blind site.
1. On all refuge units, we prohibit hunting of upland game birds until 12 p.m. (noon) of each hunt day.
2. On the Halvorson and Webb Units, we only allow hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
3. On the Robbins Road Unit, we only allow hunting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
1. We open the refuge from 5 a.m. to 1
2. We only allow vehicles on designated routes of travel and require hunters to park in designated parking areas (see § 27.31 of this chapter). We prohibit off-road vehicle travel and all use of ATVs (see § 27.31(f) of this chapter).
3. We only allow portable blinds and temporary blinds constructed of natural materials.
4. You may only possess approved nontoxic shotshells (see § 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less per day.
5. On the Paterson Slough and Whitcomb Units, we only allow hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
6. In the refuge ponds within the Paterson Slough area, we only allow nonmotorized boats and boats with electric motors.
7. On the Ridge Unit, we only allow shoreline hunting and prohibit all hunting from boats.
8. We require waterfowl hunting parties to space themselves a minimum of 200 yards (180 m) apart.
1. We prohibit hunting of upland game birds until 12 p.m. (noon) of each hunt day.
2. In the Paterson Slough and Whitcomb Units, we only allow hunting on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
1. We open the refuge from 5 a.m. to 1
2. We allow fishing on refuge impoundments and ponds from February 1 through September 30. We open other refuge waters (Columbia River and its backwaters) in accordance with State regulations.
1. Prior to entering the hunt area at the Riekkola and Tarlatt Slough Units, we require you to obtain a refuge permit, pay a recreation user fee, and obtain a blind assignment.
2. At the Riekkola and Tarlatt Slough Units, you may take ducks and coots only coincidental to hunting geese.
3. We allow hunting on Wednesday and Saturday in the Riekkola and Tarlatt Slough Units only from established blinds.
4. At the Lewis Unit, we prohibit hunting from the outer dike that separates the bay from the freshwater wetlands.
5. At the Riekkola and Tarlatt Slough Units, you may possess no more than 25 approved nontoxic shells per day while in the field.
6. At the Leadbetter Unit, you may possess only approved nontoxic shot.
1. We require you to obtain and carry a refuge permit and report game taken, as specified with the permit.
2. We allow only archery hunting.
3. We do not allow firearms on Long Island at any time.
4. We do not allow dogs on Long Island.
1. At Long Island you must possess a valid refuge permit and report game taken, as specified with the permit.
2. At Long Island we allow only archery hunting and prohibit firearms.
3. At Bear River we do not allow bear hunting.
4. We prohibit dogs.
The following refuge units have been opened to hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. We require each hunter to possess and carry a signed refuge hunting permit, State hunting license, and driver's license (or other photo identification card) at all times while hunting on the refuge. The refuge hunting permit is free, and you may obtain it at the refuge headquarters. We require each hunter to submit a survey form at the end of the hunting season. Hunters must submit survey forms to the refuge headquarters if they wish to receive a hunting permit the following year.
2. We allow hunting on most refuge lands with the following exceptions: the area surrounding the refuge headquarters, areas marked as safety zones, areas marked as no hunting zones, areas marked as closed to all public entry, or within 500 feet (150 m) of any dwelling.
3. We prohibit the building or use of permanent blinds.
4. The refuge closes 1 hour after legal sunset, including parking areas. We prohibit hunters from leaving decoys and other personal property on the refuge.
5. We allow the use of dogs for hunting migratory game birds. We require all dogs to wear a collar displaying the owner's name, address, and telephone number.
6. We prohibit dog training except during legal hunting seasons.
7. We require hunters accessing the refuge through private property to possess and carry written permission of the landowner while hunting on the refuge.
1. Conditions A1, A2, A6, and A7 apply.
2. The refuge opens 1 hour before legal sunrise and closes 1 hour after legal sunset, including parking areas.
3. You may hunt raccoon at night, but you must obtain a Special Use Permit for raccoon hunting.
4. We only allow hunting in the No Rifle Zones with the following equipment: archery, shotgun, or muzzleloader.
5. You may use dogs for hunting upland game species. We prohibit more than six dogs per hunting party for raccoon hunting. You must account for all dogs at the conclusion of the hunt. You must search for lost dogs for at least 3 days, and we prohibit hunting during the search period. All dogs must wear a collar displaying the owner's name, address, and telephone number.
6. We prohibit the hunting of upland game species between March 1 and the youth squirrel season in September.
1. Condition A1, A2, A6, A7, and B4 apply.
2. You may only enter the refuge on foot. You may use hand-powered, two-wheeled carts for transporting big game.
3. You may only use handguns for hunting deer and black bear in the rifle zone.
4. When using shotguns for big game hunting, we only allow ammunition containing a single lead projectile. We prohibit the use of buckshot.
5. We prohibit the marking of any tree or other refuge feature with flagging, paint, or other substance.
6. We prohibit the cutting and trimming of coniferous trees (balsam fir, red spruce, and hemlock). We prohibit construction of blinds from these materials.
7. We prohibit permanent tree stands, but we allow use of temporary tree stands. You must clearly print your name and address in an easily read area on the stand while the stand is affixed to the tree. You must remove tree stands (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of the deer season.
8. We require all hunters to wear at least 400 square inches (2,600 cm
9. We prohibit hunting for turkey with a rifle. You must use a shotgun or muzzleloader with a shot size of #4 or smaller.
10. We allow dogs for hunting black bear during the gun season. We prohibit more than six dogs per hunting party. You must account for all dogs at the conclusion of the hunt. You must search for lost dogs for at least 3 days, and we prohibit hunting during the search period. All dogs must wear a collar displaying the owner's name, address, and telephone number.
11. We prohibit black bear hunting during the Tucker County antlerless deer season. The gun bear season begins the Monday following the antlerless deer season.
12. The refuge closes 1 hour after legal sunset, including parking areas. We prohibit camping or overnight parking.
1. We require each hunter to possess and carry a refuge hunting permit, State hunting license, and valid driver's license (or other photo identification card) at all times while hunting on the refuge. The refuge hunting permit is free, and you may obtain it at the refuge headquarters. We request each hunter to submit a survey form at the end of the hunting season.
2. We prohibit the building or use of permanent blinds.
3. The refuge opens 1 hour before legal sunrise and closes 1 hour after legal sunset, including parking areas. We prohibit hunters leaving decoys and personal property, as well as camping and overnight parking.
4. We only allow dogs to locate, point, and retrieve when hunting for migratory game birds. We require all dogs to wear a collar displaying the owner's name, address, and telephone number.
5. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
1. Conditions A1 and A3 apply.
2. We prohibit the use of pursuit dogs for hunting rabbit or squirrel.
3. We prohibit the use of bows, rifles, or pistols for hunting rabbit or squirrel.
4. We only allow the use of shotguns with approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) for the hunting of rabbit or squirrel.
1. Conditions A1 and A3 apply.
2. We prohibit the use or possession of rifles, pistols, or shotguns for the hunting of white-tailed deer.
3. We prohibit organized deer drives by two or more individuals. We define a deer drive as the act of chasing, pursuing, disturbing, or otherwise directing deer so as to make the animals more susceptible to harvest.
4. We allow trail marking with nonpermanent methods such as flagging and reflectors. We prohibit the use of paint, and hunters must remove all trail-marking materials (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of the deer season.
5. We prohibit the use of permanent tree stands or blinds. We allow the use of temporary tree stands. All tree stands must have the name and address of the owner clearly printed in an easily read area on the stand while the stand is affixed to the tree. Hunters must remove tree stands and blinds (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge at the end of each day.
6. We prohibit baiting for deer on refuge lands (see § 32.2(h)).
7. We require all hunters to wear at least 400 square inches (2,600 cm
1. Condition A3 applies.
2. We require each angler to possess and carry a State fishing license and a valid driver's license (or other photo identification card) at all times while fishing on the refuge.
3. We restrict bank fishing to refuge open hours, from 1 hour before legal sunrise through 1 hour after legal sunset.
The following refuge units have been opened to hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. We require refuge permits during designated time periods.
2. We do not allow the construction or use of blinds, platforms, or ladders.
3. We allow hunting only during the State firearms season and during a designated time period of the archery season.
1. We require permits.
2. We allow only participants in the Young Wildfowlers and Special Programs to hunt.
1. Shotgun hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting upland game species.
2. Hunting in the youth/novice pheasant hunt area (Area F) is for youth who are 12-15 years of age, and by permit.
1. We only allow hunting during the early archery season and the regular State firearms seasons.
2. We do not allow the construction and use of permanent blinds, platforms, or ladders.
3. You must remove all stands from the refuge following each day's hunt.
4. Hunting in the area surrounding the office/visitor center (Area E) is by permit only.
5. Hunting in the auto tour/hiking trail complex (Area D) is open only during the State firearms deer season.
1. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
2. You must remove boats, decoys, and blinds (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the conclusion of each day.
1. You may possess only unloaded guns in the retrieval zone of Refuge Area 7 during the State waterfowl hunting season, except while hunting deer during the gun deer season.
2. During the spring turkey season, we allow unarmed hunters who have an unexpired spring turkey permit in their possession to scout the hunt area. We allow this scouting beginning on the Saturday immediately prior to the opening date listed on their State turkey hunting permit.
3. Refuge Area 3 is open to hunting after the State deer gun season through the end of the respective State seasons or until February 28, whichever occurs first.
4. You may only use dogs when hunting waterfowl and small game, except raccoon.
5. You may only hunt showshoe hare during the season for cottontail rabbit.
1. You may not possess a loaded firearm or a nocked arrow on a bow within 50 feet (15 m) of the centerline of all public roads. Also, during the gun deer season, you may not possess a loaded firearm within 50 feet (15 m) of the center of refuge trails, nor may you discharge a gun from across, down, or alongside these trails.
2. You may not construct or use permanent blinds, stands, or ladders.
3. You may use portable elevated devices, but you must lower them to the ground from
4. Refuge Areas 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are open to deer hunting.
5. Refuge Area 3 is open to deer hunting during the State gun, muzzleloader, and late archery seasons. Unarmed deer hunters may
6. We do not allow target or practice shooting.
7. We prohibit the use of flagging, paint, blazes, tacks, or other types of markers.
1. We allow only hand-powered boats or boats with electric motors on the refuge.
2. You must remove ice fishing shelters from the refuge following each day's hunt.
3. We prohibit possessing archery or spearing equipment on refuge pools at any time. We allow taking rough fish by bow and arrow or spear only along the refuge boundary in the backwaters of the Trempealeau River, in accordance with State regulations.
Refer to 32.32 Illinois for regulations.
1. We allow only the use of portable or temporary blinds.
2. You must remove portable or temporary blinds and any material brought on to the refuge for blind construction at the end of each day's hunt.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. Permits are required.
2. Hunters may not be let out of vehicles on refuge roads.
3. Shooting from or across refuge roads and parking areas is not permitted.
4. The use of citizen band (CB) radios in the hunt area is not permitted.
1. We prohibit hunting of migratory birds on the west side of the Green River between the south end of the Dunkle Unit and Highway 28. We post the boundary for this area with refuge signs stating “Area Closed to Migratory Bird Hunting”.
2. We prohibit all hunting between Highway 28 and 0.8 miles (1.28 km) north of the refuge headquarters on the west side of the Green River. We post the boundary for this area with refuge signs stating “No Hunting Zone”.
3. We open the refuge to the general public from
4. Hunters must confine or leash dogs except when participating in a legal hunt (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
5. You must only use portable blinds or blinds constructed from dead and downed wood. We prohibit digging pit blinds.
6. You must remove portable blinds, tree stands, decoys, and other personal equipment (see § 27.93 of this chapter) from the refuge each day.
7. You must completely dismantle blinds constructed of dead and downed wood at the end of the waterfowl hunting season.
8. We only allow hunters to retrieve downed game from closed areas with consent from a refuge employee or State game warden.
9. You must unload and either case or dismantle all firearms (see § 27.42(b) of this chapter) when transporting them in a vehicle or boat under power.
B.
1. Conditions A2, A8, and A9 apply.
2. We open the refuge to the general public from
3. Hunters must confine or leash dogs (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter) except when participating in a legal hunt for sage grouse, cottontail rabbit, or jackrabbit.
4. When using shotguns or muzzleloaders, you may only possess approved nontoxic shot (see § 32.2(k)) while in the field.
1. Conditions A2, A8, A9, and B2 apply.
1. Condition B2 applies.
2. You must only launch or pick up trailered boats at the following boat ramps: Dodge Bottom, Hayfarm, Lombard, and Six-Mile.
3. We prohibit taking of mollusk, crustacean, reptile, and amphibian from the refuge.
The following refuge units have been opened to hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
We have opened the following refuge unit to hunting and/or fishing with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
1. Anglers may be on the refuge from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
2. We prohibit overnight camping on the refuge.
3. You may not possess surround or gill nets on the refuge.
4. We prohibit the collection of corals, giant clams (
5. We prohibit use of Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) to take fish or invertebrates.
6. We prohibit anchoring boats on the refuge.
7. We prohibit sailboards or motorized personal watercraft on the refuge.
16 U.S.C. 715s, as amended.
The purpose of the regulations contained in this part is to prescribe the procedures for making payments in lieu of taxes to counties for areas administered by the Secretary through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in accordance with the Revenue Sharing Act.
(a) The Act of October 17, 1978, Pub. L. 95-469, amended the Act of June 15, 1935, as amended by the Act of August 30, 1964 (78 Stat. 701; 16 U.S.C. 715s), by revising the formula and extending the revenue sharing provisions to all fee and reserve areas that are administered solely or primarily by the Secretary through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Payments under this Act may be used for any governmental purpose.
(b) Pursuant to title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252; 42 U.S.C. 2000d), and the regulations issued pursuant thereto, which are contained in 43 CFR part 17, counties must file an assurance with the Department, comply with the terms of the assurances, and comply with regulations contained in 43 CFR part 17 in order to continue to receive this Federal financial assistance.
(a) The term
(b) The term
(c) The term
(d) The term
(e) The term
(f) The term
In order to receive payments under the Act, a county must qualify under the definition in § 34.3(c) of this part and there must be located within the county, areas of land owned in fee title by the United States and administered by the Secretary of the Interior through the Fish and Wildlife Service, including wildlife refuges, waterfowl production areas, wildlife ranges, wildlife management areas, fish hatcheries, research centers or stations, and administrative sites, and these areas must be solely or primarily administered by the Service. In addition to this Act, reserve areas administered solely or primarily by the Service are entitlement lands under section 6(a) of the Act of October 29, 1976 (Pub. L. 94-565, 31 U.S.C. 1601-1607), for which regulations are published in title 43, part 1880, Code of Federal Regulations.
The Act provides that the Secretary, at the end of each fiscal year, shall pay to each county out of the fund:
(a) For reserve areas, an amount equal to 25 per centum of the net receipts, collected by the Secretary in connection with the operation and management of such area, provided that when any such area is situated in more than one county, the distributive share to each from the aforesaid receipts shall be proportional to its acreage of such reserve area.
(b) For fee areas, whichever of the following is greater:
(1) An amount equal to 75¢ per acre for the total acreage of the fee area located within such county.
(2) An amount equal to three-fourths of one per centum of the fair market value, as determined by the Secretary, of that portion of the fee area (excluding any improvements thereto made after the date of Federal acquisition) which is located within such county. For those areas of fee land within the National Wildlife Refuge System as of September 30, 1977, the amount of payment based on fair market value will not be less than the amount paid on the adjusted cost basis as in effect at that time. Actual cost, or appraised value in case of donation, will be used for lands acquired during fiscal year 1978. For those areas of fee lands added to lands administered by the Service after September 30, 1978, by purchase, donation, or otherwise, fair market value shall be determined by appraisal as of the date said areas are administered by the Service.
(3) An amount equal to 25 per centum of the net receipts collected by the Secretary in connection with the operation and management of such fee area during such fiscal year; but if a fee area is located in two or more counties, the amount each such county is entitled to shall be the amount which bears to such 25 per centum, the same ratio as that portion of the fee area acreage which is within such county bears to the total acreage of such fee area.
(c) In accordance with section 5(A) of the act, each county which receives a payment under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, with respect to any fee area or reserve area, shall distribute that payment to those units of local government which have incurred the loss or reduction of real property tax revenues because of the existence of such area in accordance with the following guidelines.
The county would receive the total payment, keep 80 percent and pass through 20 percent to the school district. An example using the construction method is:
Here again, the county would receive the total payment, keep 80 percent and pass through 20 percent to the school district.
(d) Each county which receives a payment under these regulations shall maintain a record for a period of three years as to how the payment was distributed to units of local government under paragraph (c) of this section. The record shall be available for inspection by the regional director, should a dispute arise as to the distribution of payments. See § 29.21-2(c) for a listing of the regional directors of the Service.
The Secretary shall make fair market value appraisals of areas administered by the Service within five years after October 17, 1978, beginning with areas established earliest. All areas for which payments were not authorized prior to fiscal year 1979 (i.e.; fish hatcheries, administrative sites, and research stations) shall be included in the areas appraised during the first fiscal year. Once appraised, areas shall be reappraised on a schedule of at least once every five years. Until areas are appraised, the fair market value for the purposes of this regulation shall be the adjusted cost as of September 30, 1978, except that fee lands added to such areas after that date shall be on the basis of fair market value.
Fee areas administered by the Service will be appraised in accordance with standard appraisal procedures in order to estimate the fair market value of each area as a whole. The evaluation will be premised on an appropriate determination of highest and best use in accordance with existing or potential zoning, the present condition of the land and the general economic situation in the vicinity. Standard appraisal techniques will involve a market data comparison of these areas with similar properties which have sold recently in the local market. These techniques may also include consideration of potential income and development of the cost approach for special use properties having limited marketability. An appropriate evaluation of these areas will also take into consideration a discount for size as recognized by the market for large properties where applicable. The appraisals will be accomplished by the regional director, using Service staff appraisers or private appraisers contracted by the Service.
The Act authorizes appropriations to the fund for any fiscal year when the aggregate amount of payments required to be made exceeds the net receipts in the fund.
(a) Computation of payments shall be based on Federal records concerning land, real property improvements, and accounting of net receipts from areas administered solely or primarily by the Service.
(b) Any affected county may protest the results of the computations of its payments to the regional director in charge of the State and county affected. See § 29.21-2(c) for a listing of the regional directors of the Service.
(c) Any protesting county shall submit sufficient evidence to show error in the computation or the data from which the computations are made.
(d) All protests to the regional director shall be filed within 90 days from the date of receipt of the payment.
(e) The regional director shall consult with the affected county to resolve conflicts in the computations and/or data. The regional director shall make a determination as to the correct payment, which determination shall be final and conclusive.
78 Stat. 890; 16 U.S.C. 1131-1136; 43 U.S.C. 1201.
As used in the rules and regulations in this subchapter:
(a) Units of the National Wildlife Refuge System have been established by divers legal means and are administered for a variety of wildlife program purposes. The establishment of each wilderness unit is within and supplemental to the purposes for which a specific unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System was established and is administered. Each wilderness shall be administered for such other purposes for which the national wildlife refuge was established and shall be also administered to preserve its wilderness character.
(b) Except as otherwise provided by law, wilderness areas shall be devoted to the public purposes of recreational, scenic, scientific, educational, conservation, and historical use and shall be administered in such a manner as will leave them unimpaired for future use and enjoyment as wilderness.
Rules and regulations governing administration of the National Wildlife Refuge System will apply to wilderness units where said rules and regulations do not conflict with provisions of the Wilderness Act or Act of Congress which establishes the wilderness unit.
No appropriation shall be made available for the payment of expenses or salaries for the administration of a wilderness unit as a separate entity nor shall any appropriation be made available for additional personnel solely for the purpose of managing or administering areas because they are included within the National Wilderness Preservation System.
Except as specifically provided and subject to existing private rights, there shall be no commercial enterprise and no permanent road within a wilderness unit, and except as necessary to meet minimum requirements for the administration of the area (including measures required in emergencies involving the health and safety of persons within the area), there shall be no temporary road, no use of motor vehicles, motorized equipment or motorboats, no landing of aircraft, no other form of mechanized transport, and no structure or installation within any such area.
(a) The Director may authorize occupancy and use of a national wildlife refuge by officers, employees, agencies, and agents of Federal, State, and county governments to carry out the purposes of the Wilderness Act and the Act establishing the wilderness and will prescribe conditions under which motorized equipment, mechanical transport, aircraft, motorboats, installations, or structures may be used to meet the minimum requirements for authorized activities to protect and administer the wilderness. The Director may also prescribe the conditions under which such equipment, transport, aircraft, installations, or structures may be used in emergencies involving the health and safety of persons, damage to property, violations of civil and criminal law, or other purposes.
(b) The Director may permit, subject to such restrictions as he deems desirable, the landing of aircraft and the use of motorized equipment at places within a wilderness where such uses were established prior to the date the wilderness was designated by Act of Congress as a unit of the National Wilderness Preservation System.
Public uses of a wilderness unit will be in accordance with the purposes for which the individual national wildlife refuge was established and is administered and laws and regulations governing public uses within the National Wildlife Refuge System.
(a) When public uses are authorized within a wilderness unit, the Refuge Manager may regulate such use. Regulating will include limiting the numbers of persons allowed in the wilderness at a given time, imposing restrictions on time, seasons, kinds and location of public uses, requiring a permit
(b) All persons entering a wilderness unit will be required to remove such materials as they carry in.
(c) Informational signs for the convenience of visitors will not be permitted in a wilderness unit; however, rustic directional signs for vistor safety may be installed in locations appropriate to a wilderness setting.
(d) Limited public use facilities and improvements may be provided as necessary for the protection of the refuge and wilderness and for public safety. Facilities and improvements will not be provided for the comfort and convenience of wilderness visitors.
(e) Public services and temporary structures generally offered by packers, outfitters, and guides for realizing the recreational or other wilderness purposes of a wilderness may be permitted. Temporary installations and structures which existed for these subsistence purposes under valid special use permit or easement when the wilderness was established may be continued if their use is necessary to administer the refuge for the purposes for which it was established and for wilderness purposes. The number, nature, and extent of such temporary structures and services will be controlled through regulations and special use permits issued by the Refuge Manager so as to provide maximum protection of wilderness resources and values.
(f) Hunting and fishing in a refuge wilderness will be in accordance with Federal and State regulations including special regulations for the specific wildlife refuge. Hunting or fishing which requires motorized equipment will not be permitted except as provided in § 35.5(a) and (b).
To the extent necessary, the Director shall prescribe measures to control wildfires, insects, pest plants, and disease to prevent unacceptable loss of wilderness resources and values, loss of life, and damage to property.
Forest management activities in a wilderness unit will be directed toward allowing natural ecological processes to operate freely. Commercial harvesting of timber shall not be permitted except where necessary to control attacks of insects or disease as prescribed in § 35.7.
(a) The grazing of livestock, where established prior to the date of legislation which designates a wilderness unit, may be permitted to continue subject to part 29 of this subchapter and in accordance with special provisions which may be prescribed for individual units. Numbers of permitted livestock will not be more liberal than those utilizing a wilderness prior to establishment and may be more restrictive.
(b) The Director may permit, subject to such conditions as he deems necessary, the maintenance, reconstruction or relocation of only those livestock management improvements and structures which existed within a wilderness unit when it was incorporated into the National Wilderness Preservation System.
Controlled burning will be permitted on wilderness units when such burning will contribute to the maintenance of the wilderness resource and values in the unit; however, any fire in a wilderness area that poses a threat to resources or facilities outside the unit will be controlled and extinguished.
Recognizing the scientific value of wilderness, research data gathering and similar scientific uses will be encouraged providing that wilderness values are not impaired. The person or agency involved in scientific investigation must be willing to accept reasonable limitations on activities and location and size of the area to be used for research purposes. A special use permit authorizing scientific uses shall be required.
Nothing in the regulations in this part constitutes an expressed or implied claim or denial on the part of the Department of the Interior as to exemption from State water laws.
Rights of States or persons and their successors in interest, whose land is surrounded by a wilderness unit, will be recognized to assure adequate access to that land. Adequate access is defined as the combination of modes and routes of travel which will best preserve the wilderness character of the landscape. Mode of travel designated shall be reasonable and consistent with accepted, conventional, contemporary modes of travel in said vicinity. Use will be consistent with reasonable purposes for which such land is held. The Director will issue such permits as are necessary for access, designating the means and route of travel for ingress and degress so as to preserve the wilderness character of the area.
(a) Special regulations will be issued by the Director for individual wilderness units within the National Wildlife Refuge System as established by Public Law. These special regulations will supplement the provisions of this part.
(b) Special regulations may contain administrative and public uses as recognized in the:
(1) Legislative Record of the establishing Act.
(2) Committee Reports of the Congress.
(3) Departmental and Executive Reports to the Congress.
(4) Other provisions.
(c) Such special regulations shall be published in subpart B of this part after a wilderness has been established by Public Law and shall become effective upon publication in the
5 U.S.C. 301; 16 U.S.C. 460(k)
(a) The regulations contained in this part are prescribed for the proper use and management of all Alaska National Wildlife Refuges and supplement the general National Wildlife Refuge System regulations found in title 50 CFR chapter I, subchapter C. The general National Wildlife Refuge System regulations are automatically applicable in their entirety to the Alaska National Wildlife Refuges except as supplemented or modified by these regulations or amended by ANILCA.
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, the regulations contained in this part are applicable only on federally-owned lands within the boundaries of any Alaska National Wildlife Refuge. For purposes of this part, “federally-owned lands” means land interests held or retained by the United States, but does not include those land interests:
(1) Tentatively approved, legislatively conveyed, or patented to the State of Alaska; or
(2) Interim conveyed or patented to a Native Corporation or person.
(c) The regulations found in 50 CFR, parts 25, 26, 27, and 28, and §§ 32.2(d) and 32.5(c), except as supplemented or modified by this part or amended by ANILCA, along with the regulations found in 50 CFR 36.35(d), also are applicable to administrative and visitor facility sites of the Fish and Wildlife Service in Alaska which we may hold in fee or less than fee title and are either inside or outside the approved boundaries of any Alaska National Wildlife Refuge. Less than fee title lands do not include easements under Section 17(b) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 688), but although not limited to, they include sites administered by a national wildlife refuge under the terms of a memorandum of understanding or lease agreement.
The following definitions shall apply to the regulations contained in this part.
(1) Land selections of the State of Alaska which have been tentatively approved or validly selected under the Alaska Statehood Act (72 Stat. 339) and lands which have been confirmed to, validly selected by, or granted to the Territory of Alaska or the State under any other provision of Federal law;
(2) Land selections of a Native Corporation made under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (85 Stat. 688) which have not been conveyed to a Native Corporation, unless any such selection is determined to be invalid or is relinquished; and
(3) Lands referred to in section 19(b) of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.
(1)
(2)
(i) For other fish or game of their parts; or
(ii) For other food or for nonedible items other than money if the exchange is of a limited and noncommercial nature; and
(3)
The information collection requirements contained in this part have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget under 44 U.S.C.
(a) Consistent with the management of fish and wildlife in accordance with recognized scientific principles and the purposes for which each Alaska National Wildlife refuge was established, designated, or expanded by ANILCA, the purpose of this subpart is to provide the opportunity for local rural residents engaged in a subsistence way of life to do so pursuant to applicable State and Federal law.
(b) Consistent with sound management principles and the conservation of healthy populations of fish and wildlife, the utilization of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges is to cause the least adverse impact possible on local rural residents who depend upon subsistence uses of the resources of the public lands in Alaska.
(c) Nonwasteful subsistence uses of fish, wildlife and other renewable resources by local rural residents shall be the priority consumptive uses of such resources over any other consumptive uses permitted within Alaska National Wildlife Refuge areas.
(d) The State of Alaska is authorized to regulate the taking of fish and wildlife for subsistence uses within Alaska National Wildlife Refuges to the extent such regulation is consistent with applicable Federal Law, including but not limited to ANILCA.
(e) Nothing in this subpart shall be construed as permitting the level of subsistence uses of fish and wildlife within Alaska National Wildlife Refuges to be inconsistent with the conservation of healthy populations of fish and wildlife.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of subchapter C of title 50 CFR the use of snowmobiles, motorboats, dog teams and other means of surface transportation traditionally employed by local rural residents engaged in subsistence uses is permitted within Alaska National Wildlife Refuges except at those times and in those areas restricted or closed by the Refuge Manager.
(b) The Refuge Manager may restrict or close a route or area to the use of snowmobiles, motorboats, dog teams or other means of surface transportation traditionally employed by local rural residents engaged in subsistence uses if the Refuge Manager determines that such use is causing or is likely to cause an adverse impact on public health and safety, resource protection, protection of historic or scientific values, subsistence uses, conservation of endangered or threatened species, or other purposes and values for which the refuge was established.
(c) No restrictions or closures shall be imposed without notice and a public hearing in the affected vicinity and other locations as appropriate. In the case of emergency situations, restrictions or closures shall not exceed sixty (60) days and shall not be extended unless the Refuge Manager establishes, after notice and public hearing in the affected vicinity and other locations as appropriate, that such extension is justified according to the factors set forth in paragraph (b) of this section. Notice of the proposed or emergency restrictions or closures and the reasons therefor shall be published in at least one newspaper of general circulation within the State and in at least one local newspaper if available, and information about such proposed or emergency actions shall also be made available for
(d) Snowmobiles, motorboats, dog teams and other means of surface transportation traditionally employed by local rural residents engaged in subsistence uses shall be operated (1) in compliance with applicable State and Federal law, (2) in such a manner as to prevent waste or damage to the refuge, and (3) in such a manner as to prevent the herding, harassment, hazing or driving of wildlife for hunting or other purposes.
(e) At all times when not engaged in subsistence uses, local rural residents may use snowmobiles, motorboats, dog teams and other means of surface transportation in accordance with subpart C of this part.
Fish may be taken by local rural residents for subsistence uses in compliance with applicable State and Federal law. To the extent consistent with the provisions of this part and other Federal law, applicable State laws and regulations governing the taking of fish which are now or will hereafter be in effect are hereby incorporated by reference as a part of these regulations.
Local rural residents may hunt and trap wildlife for subsistence uses in Alaska National Wildlife Refuges in compliance with applicable State and Federal laws. To the extent consistent with the provisions of this part and other Federal law, applicable State laws and regulations governing the taking of wildlife which are now or will hereafter be in effect are hereby incorporated by reference as a part of these regulations.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, the noncommercial cutting of live standing timber by local rural residents for appropriate subsistence uses, such as firewood or house logs, may be permitted in Alaska National Wildlife Refuges as follows:
(1) For live standing timber greater than six inches diameter at breast height (4
(2) For live standing timber between three and six inches diameter at breast height, cutting is allowed on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge south of latitude 68 degrees North and on the Innoko, Kanuti, Koyukuk, Nowitna, Selawik, Tetlin, and Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuges unless restricted by the Refuge Manager, except that no more than 20 trees may be cut annually by an individual without a special use permit, no cutting may be done within 50 feet of a stream, lake, or river and no more than one tree in five (20%) may be cut in any specific stand; on the remainder of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and on all other Alaska National Wildlife Refuges, the Refuge Manager may allow cutting in accordance with the specifications of a special use permit if such cutting is determined to be compatible with the purposes for which the refuge was established;
(3) For live standing timber less than three inches diameter at breast height, cutting is allowed unless restricted by the Refuge Manager.
(b) The noncommercial gathering by local rural residents of fruits, berries, mushrooms, and other plant materials for subsistence uses, and the noncommercial gathering of dead or downed timber for firewood, shall be allowed without a permit.
(c)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, the Refuge Manager, after notice and public hearing in the affected vicinity and other locations as appropriate, may temporarily close all or any portion of an Alaska
(2) If the Refuge Manager determines that an emergency situation exists and that extraordinary measures must be taken for public safety or to assure the continued viability of a particular plant population, the Refuge Manager may immediately close all or any portion of an Alaska National Wildlife Refuge to the subsistence uses of such population. Such emergency closure shall be effective when made, shall be for a period not to exceed sixty (60) days, and may not subsequently be extended unless the Refuge Manager establishes, after notice and public hearing in the affected vicinity and other locations as appropriate, that such closure should be extended.
(3) Notice of administrative actions taken pursuant to this section, and the reasons justifying such actions, shall be published in at least one newspaper of general circulation within the State and in at least one local newspaper if available, and information about such actions and reasons therefor also shall be made available for broadcast on local radio stations in a manner reasonably calculated to inform local rural residents in the affected vicinity. All closures shall be designated on a map which shall be available for public inspection at the office of the Refuge Manager of the affected refuge and the post office or postal authority of every affected community within or near the refuge, or by the posting of signs in the vicinity of the restrictions, or both.
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, the Refuge Manager, after consultation with the State and adequate notice and public hearing in the affected vicinity and other locations as appropriate, may temporarily close all or any portion of an Alaska National Wildlife Refuge to subsistence uses of a particular fish or wildlife population only if necessary for reasons of public safety, administration, or to assure the continued viability of such population. For the purposes of this section, the term “temporarily” shall means only so long as reasonably necessary to achieve the purpose of the closure.
(b) If the Refuge Manager determines that an emergency situation exists and that extraordinary measures must be taken for public safety or to assure the continued viability of a particular fish or wildlife population, he may immediately close all or any portion of a refuge to the subsistence uses of such population. Such emergency closure shall be effective when made, shall not exceed sixty (60) days, and may not subsequently be extended unless the Refuge Manager establishes, after notice and public hearing in the affected vicinity and other locations as appropriate, that such closure should be extended.
(c) Notice of administrative actions taken pursuant to this section and the reasons justifying such actions shall be published in at least one newspaper of general circulation within the State and in at least one local newspaper if available, and information about such actions and justifying reasons shall be made available for broadcast on local radio stations in a manner reasonably calculated to inform local rural residents in the affected vicinity. All closures shall be designated on a map which shall be available for public inspection at the office of the Refuge Manager of the affected refuge area and the post office or postal authority of every affected community within or near the refuge area, or by the posting of signs in the vicinity of the closures, or both.
(a) Public recreational activities within the Alaska National Wildlife Refuges are authorized as long as such activities are conducted in a manner compatible with the purposes for which
(b) Surface collection, by hand (including handheld gold pans) and for personal recreational use only, of rocks and minerals is authorized:
(a) The taking of fish and wildlife for sport hunting, trapping and sport fishing is authorized in accordance with applicable State and Federal law and such laws are hereby adopted and made a part of these regulations;
(b) The exercise of valid commercial fishing rights or privileges obtained pursuant to existing law, including any use of refuge areas for campsites, cabins, motorized vehicles and aircraft landing directly incident to the exercise of such rights or privileges, is authorized;
(c) The following provisions shall apply to any person while engaged in the taking of fish and wildlife within an Alaska National Wildlife Refuge:
(1)
(ii) Each person shall comply with the applicable provisions of Federal law;
(iii) In addition to the requirements of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, each person shall continue to secure a trapping permit from the appropriate Refuge Manager prior to trapping on the Kenai, Izembek and Kodiak Refuges and the Aleutian Islands Unit of the Alaska Maritime Refuge.
(iv) It shall be unlawful for a person having been airborne to use a firearm or any other weapon to take or assist in taking a wolf or wolverine until after 3:00 a.m. on the day following the day in which the flying occurred, except that a trapper may use a firearm or any other weapon to dispatch a legally caught wolf or wolverine in a trap or snare on the same day in which the flying occurred. This prohibition does not apply to flights on regularly scheduled commercial airlines between regularly maintained public airports.
(2)
(ii) Each person shall comply with the applicable provisions of Federal law.
(d) Nothing in this section shall apply to the taking of fish and wildlife for subsistence uses.
(e) Nothing in these rules shall be interpreted as waiving the requirements of other fish and wildlife conservation statutes such as the Airborne Hunting Act or those provisions of subchapter C of title 50 CFR regarding the taking of depredating wildlife. Animal control programs shall only be conducted in accordance with a special use permit issued by the Refuge Manager.
(a)
(b)
(1) A special use permit is required to construct, use and/or occupy a cabin on Fish and Wildlife Service lands within the refuge. The permit may also authorize the use of related structures and other necessary appurtenances.
(2) After adequate public notice has been given, unclaimed cabins become the property of the Federal Government. Adequate public notice shall include: Posting notices of trespass on unclaimed cabins; publication of notices of trespass in Anchorage and Fairbanks newspapers and in at least one local newspaper if available; and posting notices of trespass at appropriate community post offices. A Government-owned cabin may be used for refuge administration, used for emergency purposes by the public, permitted to another applicant, designated a public use cabin, or destroyed. Disposal of excess cabins and structures will be according to regulations pursuant to title 41, chapter 114 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
(3) Willful noncompliance with the conditions and stipulations of a special use permit shall be considered grounds to invoke the administrative process leading to notice and hearing, and possible revocation of the permit. The refuge manager will attempt to resolve problems of noncompliance with the permittee as soon as possible after the situation becomes known. If this effort fails, the refuge manager shall provide written notice to the permittee within 30 days of that date, informing the permittee of noncompliance, giving specific instructions for compliance and
(4) No special use permit will be issued for the construction of a cabin for private recreational use or for the private recreational use of an existing cabin.
(5) Guests are allowed to occupy a cabin only during the activity period identified on the special use permit. Guests occupying a cabin during the absence of the permittee shall obtain a letter of authorization from the permittee. The guest must have a copy of the letter in his/her possession. In commercial cabins, the permittee or another person listed on the permit must be present when the cabin is occupied by guests or clients.
(6) A person whose permit application (new or renewal) for a cabin has been denied or whose cabin permit has been revoked by the refuge manager may appeal to the Regional Director as described in § 36.41(b).
(c)
(1) Where a valid cabin permit or lease was in effect on December 2, 1980, or at the time the land was subsequently added to the refuge, the refuge manager shall provide for the continuation of the permit or lease under the same conditions. The new permit shall be nontransferable and renewable every five years unless the continuation would directly threaten or significantly impair the purposes for which the refuge was established. The cabin and related structures are the personal property of the claimant and can be removed by him/her upon non-renewal or revocation. The owner of a cabin may sell his/her interest in the cabin to another person; however, the new owner does not automatically qualify for a permit and must apply for a new one.
(2) To obtain a special use permit for a cabin that was not under permit or lease before December 2, 1980, or at the time the land was subsequently added to the refuge, a claimant should submit to the refuge manager an application that includes the following:
(i) Reasonable proof of possessory interest or right to occupy the cabin as shown by affidavit, bill of sale, or other document.
(ii) Date of construction or acquisition.
(iii) A sketch or photograph that accurately depicts the cabin and related structures.
(iv) The dimensions of the cabin and related structures.
(v) A U.S. Geological Survey topographic map that shows the geographic location of the cabin and related structures.
(vi) The claimant's agreement to vacate and remove all personal property from the cabin and related structures within one year from receipt of a non-renewal or revocation notice.
(vii) The claimant's acknowledgment that he/she has no legal interest in the real property on which the cabin and related structures are located.
(viii) A list of family members residing with the claimant in the cabin being applied for. It need only include those immediate family members who may be eligible to renew a permit for continued use and occupancy upon the original claimant's death (this is not applicable to cabins used for commercial purposes).
(3) Applications for permits for existing cabins, which are not currently under valid permits, will only be accepted for a period of one year following the effective date of these regulations. However, cabins that were legally located on lands that subsequently become refuge will also be considered “existing” cabins. The owners will have two years following the date the lands become refuge to apply for a permit. Following those dates, all applications for cabins will be for “new” cabins only, no matter when the cabin was built or first used. If ownership is not established within three years after the land becomes refuge, the cabin may be considered abandoned, and it will become Federal property in accordance with Federal regulations.
(4) The occupancy of a noncommercial cabin is limited to the permittee and his/her family, bona fide partners, and guests.
(5) Major modification or rehabilitation of an existing cabin must be approved by the refuge manager before construction begins. The modifications
(d)
(1) A nontransferable, five year special use permit shall only be issued upon a determination that the proposed construction, use and maintenance of the cabin is compatible with refuge purposes and that the cabin use is either directly related to refuge administration or is needed for continuation of an ongoing activity or use otherwise allowed within the refuge where the applicant lacks a reasonable off-refuge site. In addition, these activities must have historically been supported by the construction and use of cabins in the geographic area. In general, new cabin permits will be given only to local residents to pursue a legitimate subsistence activity. In determining whether to permit the construction, use, and occupancy of cabins or other structures, the refuge manager shall be guided by factors such as other public uses, public health and safety, environmental and resource protection, research activities, protection of historic or scientific values, subsistence uses, endangered or threatened species conservation and other management considerations necessary to ensure that the activities authorized pursuant to a permit are compatible with the purposes for which the refuge was established.
(2) To obtain a special use permit for a new cabin, an applicant should submit to the refuge manager an application that includes the following:
(i) A sketch that accurately depicts the proposed cabin and related structures.
(ii) The dimensions of the proposed cabin and related structures.
(iii) A U.S. Geological Survey topographic map that shows the geographic location of the proposed cabin and related structures.
(iv) The applicant's agreement to vacate and remove all personal property from the cabin and related structures within one year from receipt of a non-renewal or revocation notice.
(v) The applicant's acknowledgment that he/she has no legal interest in the cabin and related structures or in the real property on which the cabin and related structures are located.
(vi) A list of family members residing with the applicant in the cabin being applied for. It need only include those immediate family members who may be eligible to renew a permit for continued use and occupancy upon the original claimant's death.
(3) The permitting instrument shall be a nontransferable renewable five year special use permit. It shall be renewed every five years (upon request) until the death of the original claimant's last immediate family member unless the special use permit has been revoked or the cabin has been abandoned.
(4) No new cabins will be constructed in designated wilderness areas unless they are built specifically for the administration of the area, for public safety, or for trapping where trapping has been a traditional and customary use.
(5) New trapping cabins in wilderness will be available for public use to ensure public health and safety.
(6) The occupancy of a noncommercial cabin is limited to the permittee, and his/her family, bona fide partners, and guests.
(e)
(1) A special use permit is required for all cabins used for commercial purposes. Refuge managers may also issue special use permits that authorize additional commercial use of an existing cabin used for guiding, etc. The use of a new cabin shall be limited to the type of use specified in the original permit.
(2) When the commercial fishing or guiding rights associated with a permittee's existing cabin are acquired by a new party, the privilege of using the cabin cannot be sold and the new party does not necessarily qualify for a cabin permit. He/she must apply for a permit and meet the criteria described in this paragraph (e) before issuance of a special use permit by the refuge manager. He/she may not occupy the cabin before issuance of a permit.
(3) No new commercial cabins will be permitted in wilderness areas.
(4) Commercial cabins may be occupied only by persons legitimately involved in the commercial enterprise, assistants, employees, their families, guests and clients and only during the time that the authorized activity is occurring. The names of those individuals, excluding guests and clients, will be listed on the permit. The permittee or another individual listed on the permit must be present when the cabin is occupied.
(5) Special use permits for commercial cabins may be renewed annually in conjunction with the special use permit renewal for the commercial activity itself. The cabin permit may be issued for periods of up to five years and is a separate permit from one issued for the commercial activity.
(f)
(1) The refuge manager can designate those cabins not under permit as administrative cabins to be used for official government business. Administrative cabins may be used by the public during life-threatening emergencies. On a case-by-case basis, they may also be designated as public use cabins when not needed for government purposes. In such cases, the refuge manager must inform the public and post dates or seasons when the cabins are available.
(2) The refuge manager may designate government-owned cabins as public use cabins. They are only intended for short-term public recreational use and occupancy. The refuge manager may develop an allocation system for managing public use cabins for short-term recreational use. No existing public use cabins shall be removed or new public use cabins constructed within wilderness areas designated by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 or subsequently designated wilderness areas until the Secretary of the Interior notifies the House Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
The possession, use and transporting of firearms is authorized for hunting and personal protection in accordance with State and Federal laws unless prohibited or otherwise restricted by the Refuge Manager in accordance with the provisions of § 36.42.
(a) Leaving any snowmachine, vessel, off-road vehicle or other personal property unattended for longer than 12 months without the prior permission of the Refuge Manager is prohibited, and any property so left may be impounded by the Refuge Manager.
(b) The Refuge Manager may (1) designate areas where personal property may not be left unattended for any time period, (2) establish limits on the amount and type of personal property that may be left unattended, (3) prescribed the manner in which personal property may be left unattended or (4) establish limits on the length of time personal property may be left unattended.
(c) Such designations and restrictions arising under paragraph (b) of this section shall be (1) published in at
(d) In the event unattended property interferes with the safe and orderly management of a refuge area or causes damage to refuge resources, it may be impounded by the Refuge Manager at any time.
The general trespass provisions of 50 CFR 26.21 shall not apply to household pets and sled, work, or pack dogs under the direct control of their owners or handlers, but such activities may be prohibited or otherwise restricted pursuant to the provisions of § 36.42.
(a)
(2) The rights granted by this section to historical operators, preferred operators, and Cook Inlet Region, Incorporated, are not exclusive. The Refuge Manager may authorize other persons to provide visitor services on refuge lands. Nothing in this section shall require the Refuge Manager to issue a visitor services permit if not otherwise mandated by statute to do so. Nothing in this section shall authorize the Refuge Manager to issue a visitor services permit to a person who is not capable of carrying out its terms and conditions in a satisfactory manner.
(3) This section does not apply to the guiding of sport hunting or sport fishing.
(b)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(i) On or before January 1, 1979, was lawfully engaged in adequately providing any type of visitor service in a refuge within the scope of paragraph (c) of this section;
(ii) Has continued to lawfully provide that visitor service; and
(iii) Is otherwise determined by the Refuge Manager to have a right to continue to provide such services or similar services pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section.
(6)
(7)
(i) For
(ii) For
(8)
(9)
(10) A
(11)
(12)
(13)
(c)
(2) A historical operator may also apply to the Refuge Manager for a permit or amended permit to provide similar types of visitor services. Granting the request will not result in an increase in the scope or level of service in excess of those provided as of January 1, 1979, by the requesting historical operator. The Refuge Manager shall grant the request if such visitor services are determined by the Refuge Manager to be:
(i) Consistent with the management of refuge resources and the purposes for which the refuge area was established;
(ii) Similar to the visitor services provided by the historical operator prior to January 1, 1979; and
(iii) Consistent with the legal rights of any other person.
(3) When a historical operator permit has expired, and if the visitor services permitted by it were adequately provided and consistent with the purposes of the refuge as determined by the Refuge Manager, the Refuge Manager shall renew the permit for a fixed term consistent with such new terms and conditions as are in the public interest. Should a historical operator decline to accept an offer of renewal, its rights as a historical operator shall be considered as terminated.
(4) If the Refuge Manager determines that permitted visitor services must be curtailed or reduced in scope or season to protect refuge resources, or for other purposes, the Refuge Manager shall require the historical operator to make such changes in visitor services. If more than one historical operator providing the same type of visitor services is required to have those services curtailed, the Refuge Manager shall establish a proportionate reduction of visitor services among all such historical operators, taking into account historical operating levels and other appropriate factors, so as to achieve a fair curtailment of visitor services among the historical operators. If the level of visitor services must be so curtailed that only one historical operator feasibly may continue to provide the visitor services, the Refuge Manager shall select one historical operator to continue to provide the curtailed visitor services through a competitive selection process.
(5) The rights of a historical operator shall terminate if the historical operator fails to provide the visitor services under the terms and conditions of a permit issued by the Refuge Manager or fails to provide the visitor services for a period of more than twenty four (24) consecutive months.
(6) The rights of a historical operator under this section shall terminate upon a change, after January 1, 1979, in the controlling interest of the historical operator through sale, assignment, devise, transfer or otherwise.
(7) The Refuge Manager may authorize other persons to provide visitor services in a refuge in addition to historical operators, as long as such other persons conduct the services in a manner compatible with the purposes of the refuge.
(d)
(2) In selecting persons to provide any type of visitor service for refuges subject to a preferred operator preference under this section, the Refuge Manager will publicly solicit competitive offers for persons to apply for a permit, or the renewal of a permit, to provide such visitor service pursuant to Service procedures. Preferred operators must submit a responsive offer to such solicitation in order to effect their preference. If, as a result of the solicitation, an offer from a person other than a preferred operator is determined to be the best offer and that offeror is determined to be capable of carrying out the terms of the permit, the preferred operator which submitted the most responsive offer shall be given an opportunity to substantially equal the best offer received by amending its offer. If the amended offer of the preferred operator is considered by the Refuge Manager as being substantially equal to the terms of the best offer, the preferred operator, if determined to be capable of carrying out the terms of the permit, shall be awarded the visitor service permit. If the preferred operator fails to meet these requirements, the Refuge Manager shall award the permit to the person who submitted the best offer in response to the solicitation. The Native Corporation(s) determined to be “most directly affected” under this section and local residents have equal preference.
(3) Nothing in this section shall prohibit the Refuge Manager from authorizing persons other than preferred operators to provide visitor services in refuge areas so long as the procedures described in this section have been followed with respect to preferred operators. Preferred operators are not entitled by this section to provide all visitor services in a qualified refuge.
(4) An offer from a Native Corporation or a local corporation under this section must document its controlling interest in the entity or in the case of a joint venture, all partners, making the offer.
(5) The preferences described in this section may not be sold, assigned, transferred, or devised, directly or indirectly.
(e)
(2) In order to exercise this right of first refusal, CIRI must submit an offer responsive to the terms of a visitor services solicitation. If CIRI makes such an offer and is determined by the Refuge Manager to be capable of carrying out the terms of the special use permit, it shall be awarded the permit. If it does not, the permit may be awarded to another person pursuant to a showing that such other person can carry out the conditions of the special use permit in a manner compatible with the purposes of the refuge. An offer being made by CIRI under this section must document controlling interest by CIRI when made in cooperation with village corporations within the Cook Inlet Region. The CIRI right of first refusal shall have precedence over the rights of preferred operators.
(3) The right of first refusal described in this section may not be sold, transferred, devised, or assigned, directly or indirectly.
(f)
(i) The name, address, and telephone number of the Native Corporation, the date of incorporation, its articles of incorporation and structure, and the name of the applicable refuge area;
(ii) The location of the corporation's population center or centers;
(iii) An assessment of the socioeconomic impacts, including historical and traditional use, and their effects on the Native Corporation as a result of the expansion or establishment of the refuge; and
(iv) Any other information the Native Corporation believes is relevant.
(2) Upon receipt of all applications from interested Native Corporations, the Refuge Manager will determine the “most directly affected” Native Corporation based on, but not limited to, the following criteria:
(i) The number of acres of surface land within and adjoining the refuge that the Native Corporation owns, or which has been selected under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, unless such selection is determined to be invalid or is relinquished;
(ii) The distance and accessibility from the Native Corporation's population center and/or business address to the applicable refuge; and
(iii) The socio-economic impacts, including historic and traditional use, and their effects as a result of the expansion or establishment of the refuge.
(3) In the event that more than one Native Corporation is determined to be equally affected, each such Native Corporation shall be considered as a preferred operator under this section.
(4) The Refuge Manager's “most directly affected” Native Corporation determination or when requested, the Regional Director's appeal decision for a
(5) Any Native Corporation that has not applied for a most directly affected Native Corporation determination may apply for a determination upon issuance of a future solicitation for a new visitor service. A corporation determined to be most directly affected for a refuge will maintain that status for all future visitor service solicitations.
(g)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(2) Off-road vehicles are permitted on the refuge complex under § 36.12(a),§ 36.39(c)(2)(ii) or § 36.39(c)(2)(iii) and must meet the following conditions:
(i) Vehicles are limited to three or four-wheeled vehicles with a maximum gross weight of 650 pounds as listed by the manufacturer.
(ii) ORV's are permitted on the following trails only: Yantarni Bay Airstrip; Yantarni Bay Airstrip to beach trail; and Yantarni Bay Airstrip to oil well site trail. Maps of the above areas are available from the Refuge Manager.
(iii) Subject to the weight and size restrictions listed in (i) above, subsistence use of off-road vehicles, as authorized by 50 CFR 36.12(a) is allowed throughout the Alaska Peninsula/Becharof National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
(3) Camping is permitted on the Refuge Complex subject to the following restrictions:
(i) These camping limits do not apply to subsistence users except at Big Creek where they apply to all refuge complex users.
(ii) No permanent improvements may be made to campsites without a special use permit. All materials brought on to the refuge complex must be removed upon cessation of camping unless authorized by a special use permit.
(iii) Other than reserved sites authorized by special use permits, camping at one location is limited to seven consecutive nights from August 1 through November 15 within
(iv) Tent camps must be moved a minimum of one mile following each seven-night camping stay during the periods specified above.
(4) Temporary facilities may be authorized on the Alaska Peninsula/Becharof National Wildlife Refuge Complex by special use permit only, subject to the following conditions:
(i) Except for administrative or subsistence purposes, new temporary facilities are prohibited within
(ii) Except for administrative purposes, new temporary facilities are prohibited in the following areas: within
(d)-(h) [Reserved]
(i)
(A) Within the Canoe Lakes, Andy Simons, and Mystery Creek units of the Kenai Wilderness, only the following lakes are designated for airplane operations:
Bedlam Lake
Bird Lake
Cook Lake
Grouse Lake
King Lake
Mull Lake
Nekutak Lake
Norak Lake
Sandpiper Lake
Scenic Lake
Shoepac Lake
Snowshoe Lake
Taiga Lake
Tangerra Lake
Vogel Lake
Wilderness Lake
Pepper, Gene, and Swanson Lakes are only open for sport ice fishing.
Emerald Lake
Green Lake
Harvey Lake
High Lake
Iceberg Lake
Kolomin Lakes
Lower Russian Lake
Martin Lake
Pothole Lake
Twin Lakes
Upper Russian Lake
Windy Lake
Dinglestadt Glacier terminus lake
Wusnesenski Glacier terminus lake
Tustumena Lake and all wilderness lakes within one mile of the shoreline of Tustumena Lake.
All unnamed lakes in sections 1 & 2, T. 1 S., R. 10 W., and sections 4, 5, 8, & 9, T. 1 S., R. 9 W., S.M., AK.
An unnamed lake in section 11, T. 6 N., R. 5 W., S.M., AK.
(B) Airplanes may operate on all lakes outside the Kenai Wilderness, except those lakes with recreational developments, including, but not limited to, campgrounds, campsites, and public hiking trails connected to road waysides. The non-wilderness lakes closed to aircraft operations are as follows:
Afonasi Lake
Anertz Lake
Breeze Lake
Cashka Lake
Dabbler Lake
Dolly Varden Lake
Forest Lake
Imeri Lake
Lili Lake
Mosquito Lake
Rainbow Lake
Silver Lake
Upper Jean Lake
Watson Lake
Weed Lake
West Lake
All lakes in the Skilak Loop Area (South of Sterling Highway and North of Skilak Lake) are closed to aircraft except that airplanes may land on Bottenintnin Lake, which is open year-around and Hidden Lake, which is only open for sport ice fishing.
Headquarters Lake is restricted to administrative use only.
(ii) Notwithstanding any other provision of these regulations, the operation of aircraft is prohibited between May 1 and September 30, inclusive, on any lake where nesting trumpeter swans and/or their broods are present, except Windy and Lonesome Lakes where the closure is between May 1 and September 10 inclusive.
(iii) The operation of wheeled aircraft, at the pilot's own risk, is only authorized on the unmaintained Big Indian Creek Airstrip, on gravel areas within
(iv) Unlicensed aircraft are permitted to operate on the refuge only as authorized by a special use permit from the Refuge Manager.
(v) Airplanes may operate only within designated areas on the Chickaloon Flats, as depicted on a map available from the Refuge Manager.
(vi) Airplane operation is permitted on the Kasilof River, the Chickaloon River outlet, and the Kenai River below Skilak Lake from June 15 through March 14. All other rivers on the refuge are closed to aircraft.
(2)
(i) Motorboats are not authorized on lakes within the Canoe Lakes Unit of the Kenai Wilderness, except those lakes designated for airplane operations as described on a map available from the Refuge Manager. Boat motor use is not authorized on those portions of the Moose and Swanson Rivers within the Canoe Lakes Unit of the Kenai Wilderness.
(ii) That section of the Kenai River from the outlet of Skilak Lake downstream for three miles is closed to motorboat use between March 15 and June 14, inclusive. However, any boat having a motor attached may drift or row through this section provided the motor is not operating.
(iii) That section of the Kenai River from the powerline crossing located approximately one mile below the confluence of the Russian and Kenai Rivers downstream to Skilak Lake is closed to motorboats. However, any boat having a motor attached may drift or row through this section provided the motor is not operating.
(iv) Motors in excess of 10 horsepower are not authorized on the Moose, Swanson, Funny, Chickaloon (upstream of river mile 7.5), Killey, and Fox Rivers.
(v) A “no-wake” restriction applies to Engineer, Upper and Lower Ohmer, Bottenintnin, Upper and Lower Jean, Kelly, Petersen, Watson, Imeri, Afonasi, Dolly Varden, and Rainbow Lakes.
(vi) Notwithstanding any other provision of these regulations, operation of a motorboat is prohibited between May 1 and September 30, inclusive, on any lake where nesting trumpeter swans and/or their broods are present, except Windy and Lonesome Lakes where the closure is between May 1 and September 10, inclusive.
(3)
(ii) Off-road vehicle use, including operation on lake and river ice, is not permitted. Licensed highway vehicles are permitted on Hidden, Engineer, Kelly, Petersen, and Watson Lakes for ice fishing purposes only, and must enter and exit lakes via existing boat ramps.
(4)
(i) Snowmobiles are permitted between December 1 and April 30 only when the Refuge Manager determines that there is adequate snowcover to protect underlying vegetation and soils. During this time, the Refuge Manager will authorize, through public notice, the use of snowmobiles less than 46 inches in width and less than 1,000 pounds (450 kg) in weight. Designated snowmobile areas are described on a map available from the Refuge Manager.
(ii) All areas above timberline, except Caribou Hills, are closed to snowmobile use.
(iii) The area within sections 5, 6, 7, and 8, T. 4 N., R. 10 W., S.M., AK., east of the Sterling Highway right-of-way, including the refuge headquarters complex, the environmental education/cross-country ski trails, Headquarters and Nordic lakes, and the area north of the east fork of Slikok Creek and northwest of a prominent seismic trail to Funny River Road, is closed to snowmobile use.
(iv) An area, including the Swanson River Canoe Route and portages, beginning at the Paddle Lake parking area, then west and north along the Canoe Lakes wilderness boundary to the Swanson River, continuing northeast along the river to Wild Lake Creek,
(v) An area, including the Swan Lake Canoe Route, and several road-connected public recreational lakes, bounded on the west by the Swanson River Road, on the north by the Swan Lake Road, on the east from a point at the east end of Swan Lake Road south to the west bank of the Moose River, and on the south by the refuge boundary, is closed to snowmobile use.
(vi) Within the Skilak Loop Special Management Area, snowmobiles are prohibited, except on Hidden, Kelly, Petersen and Engineer lakes for ice fishing access only. Upper and Lower Skilak Lake campground boat launches may be used as access points for snowmobile use on Skilak Lake.
(vii) Snowmobiles may not be used on maintained roads within the refuge. Snowmobiles may cross a maintained road after stopping and when traffic on the roadway allows safe snowmobile crossing.
(viii) Snowmobiles may not be used for racing or for the harassment of wildlife.
(5)
(ii) A special use permit, available from the Refuge Manager, is required prior to baiting black bears.
(iii) Hunting with the aid or use of a dog for taking big game is permitted only for black bear, and then only under the terms of a special use permit from the Refuge Manager.
(iv) Hunting and trapping within sections 5, 6, 7, and 8, T. 4 N., R. 10 W., S.M., AK., encompassing the Kenai NWR headquarters/visitor center and associated environmental education trails, are prohibited. The boundary of these administrative and environmental education areas is depicted on a map available from the Refuge Manager.
(6)
(7)
(A) Camping may not exceed 14 days in any 30-day period anywhere on the refuge.
(B) Campers may not spend more than two consecutive days at the Kenai-Russian River access area, more than seven consecutive days at Hidden Lake Campground, or more than seven consecutive days in refuge shelters.
(C) Within developed campgrounds, camp only in designated areas and use open fires only in portable, self-contained, metal fire grills, or fire grates provided by us.
(D) Do not camp within
(E) Campers may cut only dead and down timber for campfire use.
(F) Pets must be on a leash no longer than nine feet in developed campgrounds.
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(B) From July 1 to August 15 the public may not use or access any portion of the 25-foot wide public easements along both banks of the Kenai River within the Moose Range Meadows area; or along the Homer Electric Association Right-of-Way from Funny River Road and Keystone Drive to the downstream limits of the streamside easements. You may obtain maps showing these closed areas from the Refuge Manager by referring to Sections 1, 2, and 3 of Township 4 North, Range 10 West, Seward Meridian.
(j)
(2) Access easement provision. Notwithstanding any other provision of this paragraph (j), there exists a twenty-five foot wide access easement on an existing trail within the Koniag Inc. Regional Native Corporation lands within properties described in paragraph (j)(1) of this section in favor of the United States of America.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(2) For noncompetitively issued permits, the applicant may present the application verbally if he/she is unable to prepare a written application. The refuge manager will keep a written record of such verbal application. For competitively issued permits, the applicant must submit a written application in the format delineated in the prospectus or other designated format of the Service.
(3) The refuge manager will grant or deny applications for noncompetitively issued permits in writing within 45 days, except for good cause. For competitively issued permits, the refuge manager will grant or deny applications in accordance with the time frame established in the prospectus, except for good cause.
(4) Refuge managers may establish application period deadlines for individual refuges for both competitively and noncompetitively issued permits. The refuge manager will send notification of availability for commercial opportunities and application deadlines to existing and/or the previous year's
(5) The Service may limit the number of applications that an individual may submit for competitively awarded offerings.
(e)
(2) Where numbers of permits have been limited for an activity prior to the promulgation of these regulations and a prospectus with invitation to bid system has not yet been developed, refuge managers may issue noncompetitive five-year permits consistent with the terms set forth in paragraph (e)(16) of this section on a one-time basis to existing permittees.
(3) The Service will publish notice of all solicitations for competition in accordance with paragraph (d)(4) of this section and include reasonable application periods of not less than 60 days. When competitively selecting permittees for an activity in a use area where permits for that activity were not previously competitively awarded, the Service will publish notice of the upcoming opportunity a minimum of 18 months prior to the effective date of the permit term.
(4) All prospectuses will identify the selection criteria that the Service will use to evaluate the proposals. All prospectuses involving commercial visitor services must include experience and performance in providing the same or similar services as a criterion. In evaluating the experience of an applicant, the Service will specifically consider knowledge of the specific area covered by the prospectus and the nature of the technical skills required to provide quality service to the public.
(5) A panel of Service employees who use a scoring process based on the selection criteria will evaluate and rank applications received in response to a prospectus.
(6) The Service has discretionary authority to not evaluate or consider proposals that are incomplete or improperly submitted.
(7) The Service may establish minimum scores to qualify for the award of permits. If established, these minimum scores will be identified in the prospectus.
(8) The Service may establish limits on the number of use areas within an individual refuge, or on refuges statewide, in which a permittee is authorized to operate. This limit applies to different corporations in which the same individual has any ownership interests.
(9) When vacancies occur in competitively filled use areas, the procedure for reissuing the permits will depend on how long it has been since the permit originally was issued. The Service will award the permit to the next highest ranking interested applicant in the original solicitation, if a vacancy occurs within the first 12 months of the permit's effective date. Resolicited competition for the area will occur as soon as practicable if:
(i) A vacancy occurs after 12 months of the permit's effective date; and
(ii) At least 24 months of the original permit term is available for a new permittee after completion of the solicitation, application, evaluation and awards period. If less than 24 months of the term of the permit is available, the
(10) Terms of permits awarded under the prospectus with invitation method are valid for 5 years except in those instances where the Service issues permits to fill vacancies occurring during a scheduled award cycle. In these instances, the permit duration is limited to the expiration date of the original award period. Permits awarded under the prospectus by invitation method must be renewed noncompetitively by the refuge manager for a period of 5 additional years upon application and a showing of permittee compliance with all applicable permit terms and conditions and a satisfactory record of performance. After one renewal, the Service shall not extend or noncompetitively renew another permit.
(11) Permit privileges may be transferred to other qualified entities that demonstrate the ability to meet Service standards, as outlined in the prospectus upon which the existing permit was based, subject to approval by the refuge manager. Requests for transfers must be made in writing to the refuge manager. A permittee who transfers his/her privileges will not be eligible to be considered for competitively awarded permits for the same type of activity on the same national wildlife refuge for a period of three years following the authorized transfer. The Service retains complete discretion in allowing transfers. In general, the Service approves transfers only upon demonstrating that it is to the government's benefit and if all the following criteria are satisfied:
(i) The transfer is part of the sale or disposition of the current permittee's entire business as earlier defined;
(ii) The current permittee was either conducting the commercial operation in the refuge under authorization of a permit for a minimum of 12 years or owns significant real property in the area, the value of which is dependent on holding a refuge permit. Consideration of the last element will include, but is not limited to:
(A) The relationship of the real property to permitted refuge activities as documented in the operations plan;
(B) The percentage that the authorized refuge activities comprise of the total commercial use associated with the real property; and
(C) The appraised value of the real property.
(iii) The transferee must be independently qualified to hold the permit under the standards of the prospectus of the original existing permit.
(iv) The transferee has an acceptable history of compliance with State and Federal fish and wildlife and related permit regulations during the past 5 years. An individual with any felony conviction is an ineligible transferee. Transfer approval to an individual having any violations, convictions, or pleas of nolo contendere for fish and wildlife related federal misdemeanors or State violations will be discretionary. Denial is based on, but not limited to, whether the individual committed any violation in which the case disposition resulted in any of the following:
(A) Any jail time served or probation;
(B) Any criminal fine of $250 or greater;
(C) Forfeiture of equipment or harvested animal (or parts thereof) valued at $250 or greater;
(D) Suspension of privileges or revocation of any fish and wildlife related license/permits;
(E) Other alternative sentencing that indicates the penalty is of equal severity to the foregoing elements; or
(F) Any multiple convictions or pleas of nolo contendere for fish and wildlife-related Federal misdemeanors or State fish and wildlife-related violations or misdemeanors irrespective of the amount of the fine.
(12) The transferee must follow the operations plan of the original permittee. The transferee may modify the operations plan with the written consent of the refuge manager as long as the change does not result in increased adverse impacts to refuge resources or other refuge users.
(13) Upon timely approval of the transfer, the Service will issue the new
(14) Permit privileges issued under this paragraph (e) may be transferred, subject to refuge manager approval, to a former spouse when a court awards permit-associated business assets in a divorce settlement agreement to that person. The recipient must independently qualify to hold the originally issued permit under the minimum standards identified by the Service, and the permittee must have an acceptable history of compliance as set forth in paragraph (e)(11)(iv) of this section.
(15) Permit privileges issued under this paragraph (e) may be transferred in the case of death or disability of the permittee, subject to refuge manager approval, as provided in this paragraph (e). In these cases, the permit privileges may pass to a spouse who can demonstrate he/she is capable of providing the authorized services and who has an acceptable history of compliance as set forth in paragraph (e)(11)(iv) of this section. A spouse who lacks any required license(s) but otherwise qualifies may hire an employee, who holds the required license(s) and who has an acceptable history of compliance as set forth in paragraph (e)(11)(iv) of this section, to assist in the operation. Permit privileges may also pass to another member of the immediate family or a person who was a business partner at the time of original permit issuance. This person must be independently qualified under the minimum standards identified by the Service at the time of original permit issuance and have an acceptable history of compliance as set forth in paragraph (e)(11)(iv) of this section.
(16) Upon September 26, 1997, refuge managers will amend existing competitively-awarded permits through the prospectus method to make the terms fully consistent with this section, including eligibility for a 5-year non-competitive renewal.
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(2) Prior to making any adverse decision or order on any permit or an application for a noncompetitively issued permit, the refuge manager will notify the permittee or applicant, verbally or in writing, of the proposed action and its effective date. A permittee or applicant of noncompetitively issued permits, shall have 45 calendar days after notification in which to present to the refuge manager, orally or in writing, a statement in opposition to the proposed action or effective date. Notification in writing to a valid permit holder shall occur within 10 calendar days
(3) The permittee or applicant shall have 45 calendar days from the postmarked date of the refuge manager's final decision or order in which to file a written appeal to the regional director. In appeals involving applicants who were not selected during a competitive selection process, the selected applicant concurrently will have the opportunity to provide information to the regional director prior to the final decision. Selected applicants who choose to take advantage of this opportunity, will retain their right of appeal should the appeal of the unsuccessful applicant result in reversal or revision of the original decision. For purposes of reconsideration, appellants shall present the following information:
(i) Any statement or documentation, in addition to that included in the initial application, permit or competitive prospectus, which demonstrates that the appellant satisfies the criteria set forth in the document under which the permit application/award was made;
(ii) The basis for the permit applicant's disagreement with the decision or order being appealed; and
(iii) Whether or not the permit applicant requests an informal hearing before the regional director.
(4) The regional director will provide a hearing if requested by the applicant. After consideration of the written materials and oral hearing, and within a reasonable time, the regional director shall affirm, reverse, or modify the refuge manager's decision or order and shall set forth in writing the basis for the decision. The applicant must be sent a copy of the decision promptly. The decision will constitute final agency action.
(5) Permittee compliance with any decision or order of a refuge manager shall be required during the appeal process unless the regional director makes a preliminary finding contrary to the refuge manager's decision, and prepares a written determination that such action is not detrimental to the interests of the United States, or upon submission and acceptance of a bond deemed adequate by the refuge manager to indemnify the United States from loss or damage.
(j)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(2) Emergency closures or restrictions relating to the taking of fish and wildlife shall be accompanied by notice with a subsequent hearing;
(3) Other emergency closures or restrictions shall become effective upon notice as prescribed in § 36.42(f); and
(4) No emergency closure or restriction shall be for a period exceeding 30 days.
(d)
(2) Other temporary closures shall be effective upon notice as prescribed in § 36.42(f);
(3) Temporary closures or restrictions shall extend only for so long as necessary to achieve their purposes, and in no case may exceed 12 months or be extended beyond that time.
(e)
(f)
(2) Designated by the posting of appropriate signs; or
(3) Both.
(g)
(h) Except as otherwise specifically permitted under the provision of this part, entry into closed areas or failure to abide by restrictions established under this section is prohibited.
*These indicated units were previously existing refuges before the Alaska Lands Act of December 2, 1980, and are now part of the 16 National Wildlife Refuges established by the Alaska Lands Act.
Sec. 1002, Pub. L. 96-487, 94 Stat. 2449, as amended by sec. 110, Pub. L. 97-394, 96 Stat. 1982 (16 U.S.C. 3142); sec. 110, Pub. L. 89-665, as added by sec. 206, Pub. L. 96-515, 94 Stat. 2996 (16 U.S.C. 470h-2); sec. 401, Pub. L. 148, 49 Stat. 383, as amended (16 U.S.C. 715s); 31 U.S.C. 9701; 5 U.S.C. 301; 209 DM 6.1.
The information collection requirements contained in this part do not require approval by the Office of Management and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3501
These regulations implement the requirement of section 1002(d) of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, 94 Stat. 2450, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 3142(d), that the Secretary establish guidelines governing surface geological and geophysical exploration for oil and gas within the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Section 1002 mandates an oil and gas exploration program for the refuge's coastal plain. The program shall culminate in a report to Congress which contains, among other things, the identification of those areas within the coastal plain that have oil and gas production potential, an estimate of the volume of oil and gas concerned, the description of the wildlife, its habitat, and other resources that are within the areas identified, and an evaluation of the adverse effects that the carrying out of further exploration for, and the development and production of, oil and gas within such areas will have on the refuge's resources. It is the objective of this program to ascertain the best possible data and information concerning the probable existence, location, volume, and potential for further exploration, development, and production of oil and gas within the coastal plain without significantly adversely affecting the wildlife, its habitat, or the environment and without unnecessary duplication of exploratory activities. These regulations prescribe the requirements and procedures for obtaining authorization for and the conduct of such exploratory activities, and for submitting to the Department the resulting data and information. These regulations also describe other matters relating to the administration of the program.
The following definitions are applicable to the sections of this part.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
(q)
(r)
(s)
(t)
(u)
(v)
(w)
(x)
(y)
(z)
(aa)
(a) Nothing in this part shall be construed to relieve a permittee or any person from complying with any applicable federal laws or any applicable state and local laws, the requirements of which are not inconsistent with this part.
(b) Until the litigation between the United States and the State of Alaska over title to the submerged lands of the coastal lagoons, “United States v. Alaska”, Sup. Ct., No. 84, Orig. (1979), is resolved, the permittee shall satisfy both federal and state requirements for conducting oil and gas exploration in the coastal lagoons. In the event of an inconsistency between such requirements the permittee shall satisfy that requirement which provides the greatest environmental protection.
(a) Authorization granted under this part to conduct exploratory activities shall not confer a right to any discovered oil, gas, or other mineral in any manner.
(b) Any person who obtains access pursuant to § 37.54 to data and information obtained as a result of carrying out exploratory activities shall be disqualified from obtaining or participating in any lease of the oil and gas to which such data and information pertain. Any person who obtains access to data and information obtained as a result of carrying out exploratory activities from any person other than the permittee who obtained such data and information shall be disqualified from obtaining or participating in any lease of the oil and gas to which such data and information pertain.
(a) No exploratory activities shall be conducted without a special use permit. Requirements and procedures for obtaining a special use permit are prescribed in §§ 37.21 through 37.23.
(b) Exploratory activities shall be conducted so that they do not:
(1) Significantly adversely affect the refuge's wildlife, its habitat, or the environment;
(2) Unnecessarily duplicate exploratory activities of the permittee or another permittee; and
(3) Unreasonably or significantly interfere with another permittee's activities.
(c) Reexamination of an area may be permitted by the Regional Director if necessary to correct data deficiencies or to refine or improve data or information already gathered.
(d) Drilling of exploratory wells is prohibited.
(a) The permittee shall comply and shall be responsible for the compliance of its officials, employees, contractors, subcontractors and agents with the regulations of this part, the terms and conditions of its special use permit, the provisions of its approved exploration plan and plan or operation, and all reasonable stipulations, demands and orders issued by the Regional Director. All actions by the permittee inconsistent with this part are prohibited.
(b) The permittee shall designate a general representative who shall be the person primarily accountable for managing the permittee's authorized activities, and a field representative who shall be the person primarily accountable for supervising the permittee's field operations, and their alternates. The Regional Director shall be informed of the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the persons designated pursuant to this paragraph and of the procedures for contacting them on a 24-hour basis, including the radio frequency for field operations, at the time the permittee submits its first plan of operation pursuant to § 37.24. The permittee shall notify the Regional Director promptly of any changes in such personnel or the procedures for contacting them.
(c) Field operations shall be conducted by the permittee or a designee approved by the Regional Director. Assignment of a designee shall be in a
(d) The permittee shall submit to the Regional Director 30 days prior to the commencement of field operations for each year covered by its exploration plan an updated list of the names and addresses of all persons participating in the exploratory activities covered thereby or sharing in the data and information resulting therefrom through a cost-sharing or any other arrangement.
(e) The permittee shall perform operations and maintain equipment in a safe and workmanlike manner. The permittee shall take all reasonable precautions necessary to provide adequate protection for the health and safety of life and the protection of property and to comply with any health and safety requirements prescribed by the Regional Director.
(a) To avoid unnecessary duplication of exploratory activities, the permittee shall, if ordered by the Regional Director, afford all interested persons, through a signed agreement, an opportunity to participate in its exploratory activities. Within 60 days following such order, the permittee shall provide evidence satisfactory to the Regional Director of its compliance therewith. The permittee shall provide the Regional Director with the names and addresses of all additional participants, as they join.
(b) If, with the approval of the Regional Director, the permittee at any time changes any provisions of its approved exploration plan relating to areal extent, intensity of exploratory activities, or logistical support, and the Regional Director determines such changes to be significant, the Regional Director may require the permittee to afford all interested persons another opportunity to participate in the permitted exploratory activities in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section.
(c) The requirements of this section do not preclude the permittee from initiating field operations as authorized under its special use permit.
(d) All participants shall be bound by the regulations of this part, the permittee's special use permit, approved exploration plan and plan of operation and any reasonable stipulations, demands and orders issued by the Regional Director.
(a) Before the issuance of its special use permit, any applicant whose exploration plan has been approved under § 37.22 shall furnish to the Service a surety bond of not less than $100,000, or other security satisfactory to the Service, to secure performance of its exploration plan and plan(s) of operation and compliance with the permit and this part. Such surety bond shall be issued by qualified surety companies approved by the Department of the Treasury (see Department of the Treasury Circular No. 570). Such bond shall be maintained by the permittee for the benefit of the Service until the Regional Director notifies the permittee
(b) Whenever a permittee's exploration plan, plan of operation, or special use permit is revised or modified, the permittee shall provide to the Regional Director within 30 days thereafter an acknowledgement by the surety that its bond continues to apply to the exploration plan, plan of operation or special use permit, as revised or modified, unless a waiver of notice to the surety is contained in the bond or the surety is not otherwise released by the revision or modification, or unless the permittee provides to the Service an increased or additional bond.
(c) Recovery of the amount specified in the permittee's bond or other security shall not preclude the Department from seeking specific performance by the permittee of any obligations not satisfied by enforcement of the bond or security, or compensation for any damages, losses or costs due to the permittee's activities which exceed the amount recovered, by pursuing the Department's legal remedies.
(a) Prior to submitting an exploration plan, applicants may meet with the Regional Director to discuss their proposed plans and exploratory activities and the requirements of this part.
(b) Any person wanting to conduct exploratory activities may apply for a special use permit by submitting for approval one or more written exploration plans, in triplicate, to the Regional Director, Region 7, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1011 East Tudor Road, Anchorage, Alaska 99503. To be considered, exploration plans covering the period from the inception of the program through May 31, 1986, or any portions thereof, must be received by the Regional Director during normal business hours on May 20, 1983; exploration plans covering exploratory activities other than seismic exploration for the period from June 1, 1984, through May 31, 1986, or any portions thereof, must be received by the Regional Director during normal business hours on April 2, 1984; and exploration plans covering, but not limited to, seismic exploration for the period from October 1, 1984, through May 31, 1986, or any portions thereof, must be received by the Regional Director during normal business hours on June 4, 1984.
(c) In addition to containing the information required in paragraph (d) of this section, any exploration plan submitted shall describe the applicant's plan for carrying out an integrated program of exploratory activities in such a manner as will satisfy the objective and limitations stated in § 37.1. If an applicant submits an exploration plan on May 20, 1983 with the intention of submitting another exploration plan on March 1, 1984, the applicant shall describe in its initial plan how its future exploratory activities will be integrated with those proposed under its initial plan. Any applicant submitting an exploration plan on May 20, 1983 which incorporates preliminary field investigations and/or surface geological exploration proposed to commence before August 1, 1983 may submit a written request to the Regional Director for an expedited review and approval of that portion of the exploration plan covering such preliminary investigations and/or exploration. Each exploration plan submitted must be published and be the subject of a public hearing in accordance with requirements of § 37.22(b).
(d) An exploration plan shall set forth in general terms such information as is required by this part and by the Regional Director in determining whether the plan is consistent with this part, including, but not limited to:
(1) The name and address of any person who will conduct the proposed exploratory activities, i.e., the applicant/permittee, and, if that person is an agency, firm, corporation, organization, or association, the names and addresses of the responsible officials, or, if a partnership, the names and addresses of all partners;
(2) The names and addresses of all persons planning at the time of plan submittal to participate in the proposed exploratory activities or share in the data and information resulting therefrom through a cost-sharing or any other arrangement;
(3) Evidence of the applicant's technical and financial ability to conduct integrated and well designed exploratory activities in an arctic or subarctic environment and of the applicant's responsibility in complying with any exploration permits previously held by it;
(4) A map at a scale of 1:250,000 of the geographic areas in which exploratory activities are proposed and of the approximate locations of the applicant's proposed geophysical survey lines, travel routes to and within the refuge, fuel caches, and major support facilities;
(5) A general description of the type of exploratory activities planned, including alternate exploratory methods and techniques if proposed, and the manner and sequence in which such activities will be conducted;
(6) A description of how various exploratory methods and techniques will be utilized in an integrated fashion to avoid unnecessary duplication of the applicant's own work;
(7) A schedule for the exploratory activities proposed, including the approximate dates on which the various types of exploratory activities are proposed to be commenced and completed;
(8) A description of the applicant's proposed communication technniques;
(9) A description of the equipment, support facilities, methods of access and personnel that will be used in carrying out exploratory activities;
(10) A hazardous substances control and contingency plan describing actions to be taken to use, store, control, clean up, and dispose of these materials in the event of a spill or accident;
(11) A general description of the anticipated impacts that the proposed exploratory activities may have on the refuge's wildlife, its habitat, the environment, subsistence uses and needs, and cultural resources, and a description of mitigating measures which will be implemented to minimize or avoid such impacts;
(12) A description of the proposed procedures for monitoring the environmental impacts of its operation and its compliance with all regulatory and permit requirements;
(13) A statement that, if authorized to conduct exploratory activities, the applicant shall comply with this part, its special use permit, its approved exploration plan, plan of operation, and all reasonable stipulations, demands and orders issued by the Regional Director;
(14) A description of the applicant's proposed data quality assurance and control program; and
(15) Such other pertinent information as the Regional Director may reasonably require.
(a) An exploration plan shall be approved by the Regional Director if he determines that it satisfies the requirements of § 37.21 (c) and (d) and is otherwise consistent with the Act and the regulations of this part. In order to meet the objective and limitations stated in § 37.1, enforce the standards stated in § 37.11(b), or minimize adverse impacts on subsistence uses, the Regional Director may approve or disapprove any exploration plan in whole or in part or may require, as a condition of approval, an applicant to conduct its exploratory activities in an assigned area or jointly with other applicants or to make such modification in its exploration plan as he considers necessary and appropriate to make it consistent with this part. No plan shall be approved if the applicant submitting it does not demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of the Regional Director its adequate technical and financial ability to conduct integrated and well designed exploratory activities in an arctic or subarctic environment, and a
(b) Upon receipt of an exploration plan submitted in accordance with § 37.21(b), the Regional Director shall promptly publish notice of the application and text of the plan in the
(c) Whenever the Regional Director disapproves an exploration plan in whole or in part, he shall notify the applicant in writing of the reasons for his disapproval. The applicant may request the Director to consider that which was disapproved by the Regional Director by filing a written request with the Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, DC 20240, within 30 days from the date of disapproval. Such a request shall not operate to stay the Regional Director's disapproval. The request shall:
(1) State fully the basis for the applicant's disagreement with the Regional Director's determination;
(2) Include any statement or documentation, in addition to that already submitted by the applicant with its application, which demonstrates that the applicant's exploration plan is consistent with this part; and
(3) Indicate whether or not the applicant requests an informal hearing before the Director.
(d) The Regional Director, as a condition of approval of any exploration plan under this section, shall:
(1) Require that all data and information (including processed, analyzed and interpreted information) obtained as a result of carrying out the plan shall be submitted to the Regional Director, as provided in § 37.53;
(2) Make such data and information available to the public, except that any processed, analyzed and interpreted data or information shall be held confidential by the Department for a period of not less than 10 years following the submission of such data or information to the Regional Director or 2 years following any lease sale including the area within the refuge from which the information was obtained, whichever period is longer, as provided in § 37.54; and
(3) Require that all raw data and information obtained as a result of carrying out the plan shall be made available by the permittee to any person at fair cost.
(e) In the course of evaluating an exploration plan, the Regional Director shall also evaluate the effect of the proposed exploratory activities on subsistence uses and needs, the availability for exploration of alternate areas within the coastal plain, and alternatives to the proposed activities which would reduce or eliminate the use of areas within the coastal plain needed for subsistence purposes. If the
(a) Within 45 days, or sooner if practicable, of approving an exploration plan, or portion thereof, the Regional Director shall, unless prohibited by law, issue a special use permit to authorize the permittee to proceed with those exploratory activities described and approved in its exploration plan, or portion thereof, provided that the requirements of § 37.14(a) have been satisfied. The special use permit may contain such terms and conditions and may be amended from time to time as the Regional Director deems necessary and appropriate to carry out the Act and this part.
(b) Before issuing a special use permit to authorize exploration of lands within the coastal plain allotted pursuant to the Act of May 17, 1906, 34 Stat. 197, as amended by the Act of August 2, 1956, 70 Stat. 954, or on lands within the coastal plain the surface estate in which has been selected by or conveyed to the Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation pursuant to Sections 12 and 14 of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, 85 Stat. 701 and 702, 43 U.S.C. 1611 and 1613, the Regional Director shall seek the views of the holder of such approved native allotment or the Corporation for the purpose of developing permit conditions designed to mitigate the effects of such exploration on its interests.
Each approved exploration plan shall be supplemented by a written plan of operation for each fiscal year, or portions thereof, covered by the exploration plan. Each plan of operation shall specify the field operations for implementing that exploration plan during the year, or portions thereof, covered by the plan of operation. Each plan of operation shall be submitted to the Regional Director at least 30 days before field operations are to be commenced thereunder, except that any plan of operation supplementing a portion of an exploration plan that received expedited review and approval pursuant to § 37.21(c) shall be submitted 10 days before field operations are to be commenced thereunder. A plan of operation shall set forth such specific information as is required by the Regional Director in determining whether the plan is consistent with the exploration plan to which it pertains and with this part. The permittee shall make such modifications in its plan of operation as are deemed at any time by the Regional Director to be necessary and appropriate to ensure such consistency. Reconsideration of the Regional Director's actions under this section may be obtained by employing the procedures described in § 37.22(c).
(a) A permittee may request the Regional Director for permission to revise its approved exploration plan. Until the Regional Director grants the permittee's request, no revision of its exploration plan shall be implemented. Such request shall be deemed to be granted on the 10th working day following its receipt unless the Regional Director denies the request; advises the permittee that the proposed revision is major and, therefore, must satisfy the publication and hearing requirements of § 37.22(b) before it can be acted upon; by timely written notice extends the period for considering the request; conditionally approves the proposed revision with such modifications as he stipulates are necessary and appropriate; or, unconditionally approves the proposed revision within a shorter period. No revision of an exploration plan shall be approved that is inconsistent with the Act or this part. Approval of any revision is subject to the conditions stated in § 37.22(d) to the extent that they are pertinent.
(b) Upon 10 working days advance notice to the Regional Director of its proposed revision, or within such lesser period as may be concurred in by the Regional Director, a permittee may
(c) Reconsideration of the Regional Director's actions under this section may be obtained by employing the procedures described in § 37.22(c). A request for reconsideration shall not operate to stay the Regional Director's actions unless such stay is granted in writing by the Director.
(a) The permittee shall conduct operations in a manner which avoids significant adverse effects on the refuge's wildlife, its habitat, and environment. The Regional Director may impose stipulations to supplement the permittee's special use permit and issue other orders as needed to ensure that the permittee's activities are conducted in a manner consistent with this part. If, after 30 days, or in emergencies such shorter periods as shall not be unreasonable, following a demand by the Regional Director, the permittee shall fail or refuse to perform any action required by this part, its exploration plan, plan of operation, special use permit, or a stipulation or order of the Refuge Manager, the department shall have the right, but not the obligation, to perform any or all such actions at the sole expense of the permittee. Prior to making such demand, the Regional Director shall confer with the permittee, if practicable to do so, regarding the required action or actions included in the demand. Reconsideration of the Regional Director's demands under this section may be obtained by employing the procedures described in § 37.22(c). A request for reconsideration shall not operate to stay the Regional Director's demands or the Department's performance pursuant to this section unless such stay is granted in writing by the Director.
(b)
(2) Ground vehicles shall be of the type causing the least practicable harm to the surface, such as Nodwell FN-110 or FN-60 or Bombardier track vehicles, mobile camps on flexible tracks or skids, vibrator units on flexible tracks or wheels, D-7 Caterpillar tractors, or their equivalent. They shall be operated only in the winter and where there is adequate protective cover. Vehicle operation shall cease in the spring when the Regional Director determines that the protective cover is no longer adequate. Operation of ground vehicles in the summer is prohibited.
(3) Movement of equipment through riparian willow stands shall be avoided, except when approved by the Regional Director.
(4) Above ground explosive charges shall be utilized in a manner to minimize damage to the vegetative mat.
(5) Campsites may be located on lakes which are frozen throughout, including bottom sediments, on durable ground, and on lagoons which are frozen to sufficient depth to ensure safety of personnel, but shall not be located on river ice. Durable ground can include gravel or sand bars or vegetated ground with adequate protective cover.
(6) Campsites and trails shall be kept clean of waste.
(7) Gray water may be discharged to the surface provided it is filtered, disinfected, and not discharged directly into lakes and rivers.
(8) The permittee shall take all precautionary measures necessary to prevent and suppress man-caused tundra fires and shall notify the Regional Director of the occurrence of any tundra fires immediately or as soon as communication can be established.
(9) Rehabilitation of disturbed surface areas shall be accomplished by the permittee in accordance with schedules and a plan required and approved by the Regional Director. Revegetation shall be accomplished exclusively with endemic species.
(10) The permittee shall not harass wildlife in any manner, including, but not limited to, close approach by surface vehicles or aircraft. Aircraft should maintain an altitude of at least 1500 feet above ground level whenever practicable.
(11) No explosives shall be detonated within
(12) The permittee shall operate in such a manner as not to impede or restrict the free passage and movement of large mammals, including caribou, muskoxen, moose, polar bear, and brown bear.
(13) Feeding of wildlife is prohibited. This includes the leaving of garbage or edibles in a place which would attract wildlife. Garbage shall be kept in covered animal-proof containers while awaiting incineration.
(14) Hunting, fishing, and trapping by the permittee within the refuge are prohibited during the conduct of exploratory activities. Employing firearms in defense of life and property is allowed.
(c)
(2) No water shall be removed from any subsurface source. Removal of water or snow cover from or compaction of snow cover on streams, rivers or lakes identified by the Regional Director as inhabited by fish shall be prohibited during the winter.
(3) To protect fish and other aquatic fauna, high explosives shall not be detonated within, beneath, on or in close proximity to fish-bearing waters unless prior drilling indicates that the water body, including its substrate, is solidly frozen. The minimum acceptable offset from fishing-bearing waters for various size charges is:
(4) All operations shall be conducted in a manner that will not impede the passage of fish, disrupt fish spawning, overwintering or nursery areas identified by the Regional Director or block or change the character or course of, or cause significant siltation or pollution of any stream, river, pond, pothole, lake, lagoon, or drainage system.
(5) Ground vehicles shall not cross active spring areas.
(d)
(2) Unless otherwise specified by the Regional Director, the following prohibitions shall be in effect:
(i) No vehicle of any type shall pass over or through a known cultural resource site with standing structures; and
(ii) No seismic train shall camp on a known cultural resource site.
(3) If any exploratory activities require entry into areas known to contain historic or archeological resources, high probability areas, or areas previously unsurveyed for cultural resources, prior to the initiation of such activities, the permittee shall, if ordered by the Regional Director, locate, identify and evaluate properties eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, recover for the Department historic and archeological data contained in such properties, and take other measures, as directed by the Regional Director, designed to mitigate, minimize or avoid to the extent
(e)
(2) All combustible solid waste shall be incinerated or returned to the permittee's base of operations for disposal in accordance with applicable federal, state and local standards. All non-combustible solid waste, including, but not limited to, fuel drums and shot wire, shall be returned to the permittee's base of operations for disposal in accordance with applicable federal, state and local standards.
(3) No discharge of petroleum, petroleum products, or toxic materials shall be made within the refuge. All hazardous subtances utilized and/or generated in conducting exploratory activities shall be contained, controlled, and cleaned up in accordance with the permittee's approved hazardous substances control and contingency plan. Such measures shall take precedence over all other matters except human safety.
(4) Unless exigencies warrant, in any field operations employing surface geological exploration, the equipment, facilities, and personnel used within the coastal plain shall not exceed that necessary to support a maximum of 6 simultaneously operating surface geological survey crews, and in any field operations employing seismic exploration methods, the equipment, facilities, and personnel used within the coastal plain shall not exceed that necessary to support a maximum of 6 simultaneously operating seismic survey crews.
(5) No fuel storage facilities shall be placed within the annual floodplain of fish-bearing watercourses or within 100 feet of any other water body, and no vehicle refueling shall occur within such areas except when approved by the Regional Director. All fuel storage sites shall be approved by the Regional Director. Fuel containers shall be properly stored and marked with the permittee's name, type of fuel, and last date of filling. All fuel containers with a storage capacity greater than 55 gallons shall be of double-wall construction. All fuels containers, including those emptied, shall be capped when not in actual use. All fuel containers placed within the annual floodplain of fish-bearing watercourses shall be removed prior to breakup.
(6) The permittee shall not disturb or damage any geodetic land survey monuments. If any monument is disturbed or damaged, the permittee shall reestablish it in a manner acceptable to the Regional Director.
(7) The timing and location of the detonation of explosives shall be approved in advance by the Regional Director.
(8) No permanent structures or facilities will be erected within the coastal plain. The type and location of temporary structures and facilities including, but not limited to, ice airstrips, for use in support of exploratory activities must be approved by the Regional Director.
(a)
(b)
(1) One generally encompassing the Tamayariak uplands bordered on the east by the Tamayariak River, on the northwest by the Canning River, on the east by a north-south line intersecting the benchmark “Can”, and on the south by an east-west line also intersecting the benchmark “Can”.
(2) One generally encompassing the Carter Creek uplands, bordered on the east by the Sadlerochit River, on the north by the mainland coastline, on the west by Carter Creek, and on the south by an east-west line approximately six miles inland from the coastline.
(3) One generally encompassing the Niguanak hills, bordered on the east by the Angun River, on the north by the mainland coastline, on the west by a line parallel to and two miles west of the Niguanak River, crossing portions of the Okerokovik River, and extending south to the southern boundary of the coastal plain, and on the south by the southern boundary of the coastal plain.
(c)
(d)
(e) In addition, the Regional Director may designate specific areas within the coastal plain that are important for other wildlife or that encompass lands the surface estate in which is owned by holders of approved native allotments or the Kaktovik Inupiat Corporation as special areas in which exploratory activities may be prohibited, conditioned or otherwise restricted in such manner and for such period as prescribed by the Regional Director to avoid significant adverse effects from exploratory activities.
(f) The Regional Director shall notify the permittee of the locations of designated special areas and of the applicable limitations on its exploratory activities as far in advance of the effective dates of such limitations as is possible. The Regional Director may modify or remove such designations and limitations whenever he determines that they are no longer necessary to protect the resources or values of such special areas from significant adverse effects.
(g) No exploratory activities shall be conducted by any permittee at any time within
The permittee shall provide opportunities for the Regional Director to conduct environmental and other pertinent briefings for all of its personnel involved in field operations prior to commencement of field work and periodically thereafter as the Regional Director may determine. The permittee shall require the attendance of its personnel and arrange the time and place
The Regional Director is authorized to approve and disapprove exploration plans; issue special use permits; inspect and regulate exploratory activities; require compliance with the permittee's approved exploration plan, plan of operation, this part, and other statutes and regulations under which the refuge is administered; and perform all other duties assigned to the Regional Director by this part. The Regional Director may issue written or oral stipulations, demands and orders to carry out his responsibilities, and amend and terminate them as he deems appropriate. Any oral stipulation, demand or order shall be confirmed in writing within 3 working days from its issuance.
The Regional Director may designate field representatives, hereinafter known as Field Monitors, to monitor the exploratory activities in the field. A Field Monitor may exercise such authority of the Regional Director as is provided by delegation, except that a Field Monitor may not revoke a permittee's special use permit, and provided that any order issued by a Field Monitor which suspends all of a permittee's field activities shall, except in emergencies, require the concurrence of the Regional Director. The Regional Director shall have a continuing right of access to any part of the exploratory activities at any time for inspection or monitoring and for any other purpose that is consistent with this part. A permittee, upon request by the Regional Director, shall furnish lodging, food, and reasonable use of its communication and surface and air transportation systems, to the Field Monitors and other representatives of the United States for the purposes of inspecting and monitoring the permittee's exploration activities in the field and for any other purpose consistent with this part. Whenever possible, the Regional Director shall give advance notice of the need for such services and facilities, including the names of persons to be accommodated.
If at any time while exploratory activities are being carried out under an approved exploration plan and special use permit, the Regional Director, on the basis of information available to him, determines that continuation of further activities under the plan or permit will significantly adversely affect the refuge's wildlife, its habitat, or the environment, or significantly restrict subsistence uses, or that the permittee has failed to comply with its approved exploration plan, plan of operation, special use permit, any reasonable stipulation, demand or order of the Regional Director, or any regulation of this part, the Regional Director may, without any expense or liability to the Department, suspend activities under the plan and/or permit for such time, or make such modifications to the plan and/or permit, or both suspend and so modify, as he determines necessary and appropriate. Such suspensions shall state the reasons therefore and be effective immediately upon receipt of the notice. Suspensions issued orally shall be followed by a written notice confirming the action within 3 days, and all written notices will be sent by messenger or registered mail, return receipt requested. A suspension shall remain in effect until the basis for the suspension has been corrected to the satisfaction of the Regional Director. For good cause, the Regional Director may also grant at the permittee's request, a written waiver of any provision of its special use permit, so long as such waiver will not be likely to result in significant adverse effects on the refuge's resources. Reconsideration of the Regional Director's actions under this section may be obtained by employing the procedures described in § 37.22(c). A request for reconsideration shall not operate to stay the Regional Director's actions unless such stay is granted in writing by the Director.
For nonuse, for failure to comply with § 37.14, or for any action of the permittee not consistent with this part, the Regional Director may revoke or a permittee may relinquish a special use permit to conduct exploratory activities at any time by sending to the other a written notice of revocation or relinquishment. Such notice shall state the reasons for the revocation or relinquishment and shall be sent by registered mail, return receipt requested, at least 30 days in advance of the date that the revocation or relinquishment will be effective. Revocation or relinquishment of a permit to conduct exploratory activities shall not relieve the permittee of the obligation to comply with all other obligations specified in this part and in its special use permit, approved exploration plan and plan of operation. Reconsideration of the Regional Director's actions under this section may be obtained by employing the procedures described in § 37.22(c). A request for reconsideration shall not operate to stay the Regional Director actions unless such stay is granted in writing by the Director.
Notwithstanding the requirement found in § 37.21(b) on when exploration plans shall be submitted, the U.S. Geological Survey may at any time apply for a special use permit to conduct exploratory activities by submitting for approval one or more exploration plans in accordance with the requirements of this part and the Act. No plan submitted by the Survey will be approved unless (1) no other person has submitted a plan for the area involved which satisfies the regulations of this part and (2) the information which would be obtained from the Survey is needed to make an adequate report to Congress pursuant to the Act. Sections 37.13, 37.14, 37.22(d)(3), 37.46, 37.47, and 37.54(d) and the provisions of §§ 37.22(d)(2), 37.53(e), and 37.54 on processed, analyzed and interpreted data or information shall not apply to the Survey. If authorized to conduct exploratory activities, the Survey shall comply with this part in all other respects. All contractors and subcontractors used by the Survey to conduct exploratory activities shall be subject to all of the regulations of this part excepting §§ 37.13 and 37.46 and the provisions of §§ 37.22(d)(2), 37.53(e), and 37.54 on processed, analyzed and interpreted data or information.
(a) Each applicant for or holder of a special use permit issued under this part shall reimburse the Department for its actual costs incurred, including, but not limited to, its direct costs and indirect costs as established by the indirect cost rate of the charging bureau or office, in publishing, reviewing (which includes, but is not limited to, conducting any public hearings thereon), modifying, and approving or disapproving the applicant's or permittee's exploration plan(s); reviewing evidence of the permittee's compliance with any order given by the Regional Director under § 37.13; preparing and issuing the permittee's special use permit; reviewing and acting on the permittee's plan(s) of operation; inspecting, monitoring, and enforcing the permittee's compliance with its approved exploration plan(s), plan(s) or operation, special use permit and this part; performing the permittee's obligations pursuant to § 37.31(a); and identifying, evaluating and preserving historic, archeological and cultural resources in areas to be explored by the permittee; as further delineated by the Regional Director.
(b) Each applicant shall submit with each exploration plan submitted a payment, the amount of which shall be an estimate made by the Regional Director of the costs which will be incurred by the Department in publishing, reviewing, modifying and approving or disapproving the applicant's exploration plan.
(1) If the applicant's plan is disapproved or if the applicant withdraws its application before a decision is reached on its plan, the applicant shall be responsible for such costs incurred by the Department in processing the applicant's application up to the date on which the plan is disapproved or the Regional Director receives written notice of the applicant's withdrawal, and
(2) If the applicant's plan is approved, the applicant shall pay an estimate made by the Regional Director of the costs which will be incurred by the Department in preparing and issuing to the applicant a special use permit. The first quarterly payment made by the applicant pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section will be adjusted upward or downward, as warranted, to accurately reflect the actual costs incurred by the Department in processing the permit. If an applicant withdraws after its plan is approved, but before its special use permit is issued, the applicant shall be responsible for such costs incurred by the Department in preparing the applicant's permit up to the date on which the Regional Director receives written notice of the applicant's withdrawal and for costs subsequently incurred by the Department in terminating permit preparation and issuance.
(3) When two or more applications are filed which the Regional Director determines to be in competition with each other, each applicant shall reimburse the Department for such actual costs incurred in processing its exploration plan and special use permit, if issued, except that those costs which are not readily identifiable with one of the applicants, shall be paid by each of the applicants in equal shares.
(c) Upon issuance of a special use permit, the permittee shall make an initial advance payment covering that current fiscal year quarter and quarterly payments thereafter to cover the actual costs incurred by the Department in administering the permittee's permit for its duration. Such costs shall include, but are not limited to, those direct costs and indirect costs, as established by the indirect costs rate of the charging bureau or office, incurred in reviewing and acting on permittee's plan(s) of operation; reviewing evidence of the permittee's compliance with any order given by the Regional Director under § 37.13; preparing and issuing the permittee's special use permit; inspecting, monitoring, and enforcing the permittee's compliance with its approved exploration plan, plan(s) of operation, special use permit and this part; performing the permittee's obligations pursuant to § 37.31(a); and identifying, evaluating and preserving historic, archeological and cultural resources in areas to be explored by the permittee. Each quarterly payment will be paid at the outset of the quarter and will cover the estimated cost of that quarter as adjusted by the Regional Director by reason of any adjustment warranted by paragraph (b) of this section or by overpayments or underpayments in previous quarters for which adjustment has not already been made. Upon termination of the permittee's special use permit, reimbursement or refundment of any outstanding amounts due the Department or the permittee shall be made within 180 days.
(d) Estimates required by this section shall be made by the Regional Director on the basis of the best available cost information. However, reimbursement shall not be limited to the Regional Director's estimate if actual costs exceed projected estimates.
(e) All payments required by this section shall be made payable to the Service. No applicant or permittee shall set off or otherwise deduct any debt due to or any sum claimed to be owed to it by the United States from any payment required by this section. Overpayments shall be credited or refunded to the person making them.
(f) When through partnership, joint venture or other business arrangement more than one person applies for or participates in a special use permit, each shall be jointly and severally liable for reimbursing the Department's cost under this section.
(g) Any lodging, food, communication, and transportation provided by a permittee under § 37.42 shall be deemed to be costs paid to the Department in kind for services rendered in inspecting
(h) Any dispute between an applicant or permittee and the Regional Director as to costs actually incurred by the Department and charged to the applicant or permittee shall be finally decided for the Secretary by the Director, using the procedures described in § 37.22(c).
(a) This section prescribes the procedures for assessing a civil penalty for the violation of any provision of an approved exploration plan, any term or condition of the special use permit issued under § 37.23, or any prohibition contained in this part. The civil penalty remedy afforded by this section is in addition to all other remedies available to the Secretary.
(b)
(i) A summary of the facts believed to show a violation by the respondent;
(ii) A specific reference to the provision, term, condition or prohibition allegedly violated; and
(iii) The amount of the penalty proposed to be assessed. The notice may also contain an initial proposal for compromise or settlement of the action.
(2) The notice of violation shall also advise respondent of his right to:
(i) Respond to the notice within 45 calendar days from the date of its issuance by: (A) Undertaking informal discussions with the Solicitor; (B) Accepting the proposed penalty or the compromise, if any, offered in the notice; or (C) Filing a petition for relief in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section; or
(ii) Take no action and await the Solicitor's notice of assessment. Such response must be received by the Solicitor on or before the 45th day during normal business hours at the address stated in the notice.
(3) Any notice of violation may be amended, but any nontechnical amendment will extend the running of the respondent's 45 day period for response from the date of the notice to the date of the amendment.
(4) Acceptance of the proposed penalty or the compromise, if any, stated in the notice of violation shall be deemed to be a waiver of the notice of assessment required in paragraph (d) of this section and of the respondent's right to an opportunity for a hearing described in paragraph (e) of this section.
(c)
(d)
(2) The notice of assessment shall also advise the respondent of his right
(e)
(f)
(g)
(2) The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 554 through 557 and with 43 CFR part 4 to the extent that it is not inconsistent with this part. Subject to 43 CFR 1.3, the respondent may appear in person, by representative, or by counsel. The hearing shall be held in a location established by the administrative law judge, giving due regard to the convenience of the parties, their representatives and witnesses. Failure to appear at the time set for hearing shall be deemed a waiver of the right to a hearing and consent to the decision on the record made at the hearing. The judge shall render a written decision on the record, which shall set forth his findings of facts and conclusions of law and the reasons therefore, and an assessment of a civil penalty if he determines that the respondent committed the violation charged.
(3) Discovery shall be obtained by employing the procedures described 43 CFR 4.1130 through 4.1141. In addition, discovery of facts known and opinions held by experts, otherwise discoverable under 43 CFR 4.1132(a) and acquired and developed in anticipation of administrative adjudication or litigation, may be obtained only as follows:
(i)(A) A party through interrogatories require any other party to identify each person whom the other party expects to call as an expert witness, to state the subject matter on which the expert is expected to testify, and to state the substance of the facts and opinions to which the expert is expected to testify and a summary of the grounds for each opinion.
(B) Upon motion, the administrative law judge may order further discovery by other means, subject to such restrictions as to scope and such provisions under paragraph (g)(3)(iii) of this section concerning fees and expenses, as the administrative law judge may deem appropriate.
(ii) A party may discover facts known or opinions held by an expert,
(iii) Unless manifest injustice would result, (A) the administrative law judge shall require the party seeking discovery to pay the expert, or the Department if the expert is an employee of the United States, a reasonable fee for time spent in responding to paragraphs (g)(3)(i)(B) and (g)(3)(ii) of this section; and (B) with respect to discovery under paragraph (g)(3)(i)(B) of this section the administrative law judge may require and with respect to discovery under paragraph (g)(3)(ii) of this section the administrative law judge shall require, the party seeking discovery to pay the other party a fair portion of the fees and expenses reasonably incurred by the latter party in obtaining facts and opinions from the expert.
(4) Unless the notice of appeal is filed in accordance with paragraph (h) of this section, the administrative law judge's decision shall constitute the final administrative decision of the Secretary in the matter and shall become effective 30 calendar days from the date of the decision.
(h)
(2) Upon receipt of such a request, the Director, Office of Hearings and Appeals, shall appoint an ad hoc appeals board to determine whether an appeal should be granted, and to hear and decide an appeal. To the extent they are not inconsistent herewith, the provisions of 43 CFR part 4, subpart G shall apply to appeal proceedings under this paragraph. The determination of the board to grant or deny an appeal, as well as its decision on the merits of an appeal, shall be in writing and become effective as the final administrative determination of the Secretary in the matter on the date it is rendered, unless otherwise specified therein.
(i)
(j)
(a) Each permittee shall submit reports every 2 weeks on the progress of exploratory activities in a manner and
(b) Each permittee shall submit to the Regional Director a semiannual report of exploratory activities conducted within the periods from December through May and June through November. These semiannual reports shall be submitted on August 1 and February 1 or, as otherwise specified by the Regional Director, and shall contain the following:
(1) A description of the work performed;
(2) Charts, maps, or plats depicting the areas in which any exploratory activities were conducted, specifically identifying the seismic lines and the locations where geological exploratory activities were conducted, and the locations of campsites, airstrips and other support facilities utilized;
(3) The dates on which exploration was actually performed.
(4) A narrative summary of any: (i) Surface occurrences of hydrocarbon or environmental hazards, and (ii) adverse effects of the exploratory activities on the refuge's wildlife, its habitat, the environment, cultural resources, or other uses of the area in which the activities were conducted; and
(5) Such other information as may be reasonably specified by the Regional Director.
(c) Each permittee shall also submit such other reports as are specified in this part.
The permittee shall keep accurate and complete records relating to its exploratory activities and to all data and information, including, but not limited to, raw, processed, reprocessed, analyzed and interpreted data and information, obtained as a result thereof. Until September 2, 1989, the Secretary shall have access to and the right to examine and reproduce any records, papers, or other documents relating to such activities, data and information in order to ascertain the permittee's compliance with this part, ability to perform under any special use permit, and reliability and accuracy of all data, information and reports submitted to the Regional Director.
(a) The permittee shall submit to the Regional Director free of charge all data and information obtained as a result of carrying out exploratory activities. Such data and information include copies of all raw data and information and all processed, analyzed and interpreted data or information. The permittee shall, unless directed otherwise by the Regional Director, submit such data and information within 30 days after the end of the annual quarter during which they become available to it at every level of data gathering or utilization, i.e., acquisition, processing, reprocessing, analysis, and interpretation.
(b) Each submission of geophysical data or information shall contain, unless otherwise specified by the Regional Director, the following:
(1) An accurate and complete record of each geophysical survey conducted under the permittee's permit, including digital navigational data, if obtained, and final location maps of all survey stations; and,
(2) All seismic data developed under the permit, presented in a format prescribed or approved by the Regional Director and of a quality suitable for processing.
(c) Processed geophysical information shall be submitted with extraneous signals and interference removed as much as possible, and presented in a format and of a quality suitable for interpretive evaluation, reflecting state-of-the-art processing techniques.
(d) Processed, analyzed and interpreted data or information required to be submitted by the Act and this section shall include, but not be limited to, seismic record sections, and intepretations thereof; geologic maps, cross sections, and intepretations thereof; maps of gravitational and magnetic fields and interpretations thereof; and chemical or other analyses of rock samples collected on the refuge and interpretations thereof.
(e) Any permittee or other person submitting processed, analyzed and interpreted data or information to the Regional Director shall clearly identify them by marking the top of each page bearing such data or information with the words ”PROCESSED, ANALYZED AND INTERPRETED DATA OR INFORMATION”. All pages so marked shall be physically separated by the person submitting them from those not so marked, unless doing so will destroy the value or integrity of the data or information presented. In that event or in the event that an item is submitted which is not susceptible to marking by page, the document or item submitted will be accompanied by a summary identifying the location of all processed, analyzed and interpreted data or information which are not segregated or marked by page, and explaning the reasons therefore. All pages not marked with this legend, all other data and information not identified as bearing such data or information, and all other data and information incorrectly identified as bearing such data or information shall be treated as raw data and information and shall be made available to the public upon request in accordance with § 37.54(a). The Department reserves the right to determine whether any page or item is correctly identified as constituting processed, analyzed and interpreted data or information.
(f) If the permittee proposes to transfer any data or information covered by this section to a third party or the third party proposes to transfer such data or information to another third party, the transferor shall notify the Regional Director at least 10 days in advance and shall require the receiving third party, in writing, to abide by the obligations of the permittee as specified in this section as a condition precedent to the transfer of such data or information.
(g) Upon request by the Department, a permittee shall identify each person to whom the permitttee has provided data and information pursuant to § 37.22(d)(3) and provide a description of the area to which such data and information pertain.
(a) The Department shall make raw data and information obtained as a result of carrying out exploratory activities and submitted by the permittee or a third party available to the public upon submittal to the Congress of the report required by subsection (h) of the Act in accordance with subsection (e)(2)(C) of the Act, this section, and the procedural requirements of the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552, and 43 CFR part 2. The Department shall withhold from the public all processed, analyzed and interpreted data or information obtained as a result of carrying out exploratory activities and submitted by the permittee or a third party, if they have been properly marked and correctly identified in accordance with § 37.53(e), until 10 years after the submission of such data or information to the Regional Director or until 2 years after any lease sale including the area within the refuge from which such data or information were obtained, whichever period is longer, by invoking subsection (e)(2)(C) of the Act and exemption 3 to the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(3). Thereafter, the Department shall treat such data or information as raw data and information. The Department shall make all other records, except exploration plans which must be published in accordance with § 37.22(b), submitted by a permittee or a third party relating to the activities covered by the Act and this part available to the public in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552, and 43 CFR part 2.
(b) The Department reserves the right to disclose any data and information obtained as a result of carrying out exploratory activities and submitted by a permittee or a third party and any other information submitted by a permittee or a third party which may be exempt from public disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552, to an agent or third party in order to carry out the Department's statutory authorities. When practicable, the Department shall notify the permittee who provided the data or information of its intent to disclose the data or information to an agent or
(c) The Department reserves the right to disclose upon proper request any processed, analyzed and interpreted data and information and any other confidential information to the State of Alaska, to the Congress and any committee or subcommittee of the Congress having jurisdiction over the refuge or this exploration program, and to any part of the Executive and Judicial Branches of the United States for official use. The recipient shall be responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of such data and information in accordance with the Act.
(d) Commercial use by any person of data or information obtained as a result of carrying out exploratory activities and disclosed pursuant to this section is prohibited. No person shall obtain access from the Department, pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, to any data or information obtained as a result of carrying out exploratory activities and submitted by the permittee or a third party until such person provides the Department with a statement certifying that person's awareness of the prohibition contained in this paragraph and the disqualification stated in the first sentence of § 37.4(b).
Beginning at the meander corner of section 35 on the First Standard Parallel North on the line of mean high water on the left bank of the Canning River, T. 5 N., R. 23 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence easterly, along the First Standard Parallel North, approximately 40
Thence southerly, between Rs. 30 and 31 E., approximately 6 miles to the corner of Tps. 3 and 4 N., Rs. 33 and 34 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence easterly, between Tps. 3 and 4 N., approximately 18 miles to the corner of Tps. 3 and 4 N., Rs. 33 and 34 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence southerly, between Rs. 33 and 34 E., approximately 6 miles to the corner of Tps. 2 and 3 N., Rs. 33 and 34 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence easterly, between Tps. 2 and 3 N., approximately 21 miles to the meander corner of sections 4 and 33, on the line of mean high water on the left bank of the Aichilik River, Tps. 2 and 3 N., R. 37 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence northeasterly, along the line of mean high water on the left bank of the Aichilik River, approximately 32 miles to a point at the line of mean high tide of the Beaufort Lagoon, located in section 28, T. 6 N., R. 40 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence on an approximate forward bearing of N. 65 degrees E., approximately 7,600 feet to a point on the northerly boundary of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge located in section 22, T. 6 N., R. 40 E., Umiat Meridian at the line of extreme low tide;
Thence northwesterly, along the northerly boundary of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge at the line of extreme low tide on the seaward side of all offshore bars, reefs and islands, approximately 28 miles, to a point in section 33, T. 9 N., R. 36 E., that is due north of the corner of T. 8 N., Rs. 36 and 37 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence due South, approximately
Thence southerly between Rs. 36 and 37 E., approximately 3 miles to the corner of sections 13, 18, 19, and 24, T. 8. N., Rs. 36 and 37 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence westerly, between sections 13 and 24, approximately 1 mile to the corner of sections 13, 14, 23 and 24, T. 8. N., R. 36 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence northerly, between sections 13 and 14, approximately 1 mile to the corner of sections 11, 12, 13 and 14, T. 8. N., R. 36 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence westerly, between sections 11 and 14, 10 and 15, 9 and 16, 8 and 17, approximately 4 miles to the corner of sections 7, 8, 17 and 18, T. 8 N., R. 36 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence southerly, between sections 17 and 18, 19 and 20, 29 and 30 to the corner of sections 29, 30, 31 and 32, T. 8. N., R. 36 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence westerly, between sections 30 and 31, approximately 1 mile to the corner of sections 25, 30, 31 and 36, T. 8. N., Rs. 35 and 36 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence southerly, between sections 31 and 36, approximately 1 mile to the corner of Tps. 7 and 8 N., Rs. 35 and 36 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence westerly, between Tps. 7 and 8 N., approximately 1 mile to the corner of sections 1, 2, 35 and 36, Tps. 7 and 8 N., R. 35 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence Northerly, between sections 35 and 36 and 25 and 26, 23 and 24, approximately 3 miles to the corner of sections 13, 14, 23 and 24, T. 8 N., R. 35 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence westerly, between sections 14 and 23, 15 and 22, 16 and 21, 17 and 20, 18 and 19, 13 and 24, 14 and 23, 15 and 22, 16 and 21, 17 and 20, approximately 10 miles to the corner of sections 17, 18, 19 and 20, T. 8 N., R. 34 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence northerly, between sections 17 and 18, approximately 1 mile to the corner of sections 7, 8, 17 and 18, T. 8 N., R. 34 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence westerly, between sections 7 and 18, approximately 1 mile to the corner of sections 7, 12, 13 and 18, T. 8 N., Rs. 33 and 34 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence southerly, between Rs. 33 and 34 E., approximately 1 mile to the corner of sections 13, 18, 19 and 24, T. 8 N., Rs. 33 and 34 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence westerly, between sections 13 and 24, 14 and 23, 15 and 22, approximately 3 miles to the corner of sections 15, 16, 21 and 22, T. 8 N., R. 33 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence southerly, between sections 21 and 22, approximately 1 mile to the corner of sections 21, 22, 27 and 28, T. 8 N., R. 33 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence westerly, between sections 21 and 28, approximately one mile to the corner of sections 20, 21, 28 and 29, T. 8 N., R. 33 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence southerly, between sections 28 and 33, 29 and 32, approximately 2 miles to the corner of sections 4, 5, 32 and 33, Tps. 7 and 8 N., R. 33 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence westerly, between Tps. 7 and 8 N., approximately 2 miles to the corner of Tps. 7 and 8 N., Rs. 32 and 33 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence southerly, between section 1 and 6 approximately 1 mile to the corner of sections 1, 6, 7, and 12, T. 7 N., Rs. 32 and 33 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence westerly, between sections 1 and 12, approximately 1 mile to the corner of sections 1, 2, 11 and 12, T. 7 N., R. 32 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence northerly, between sections 1 and 2, 35 and 36, approximately 2 miles to the corner of sections 25, 26, 35 and 36, T. 8 N., R. 32 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence westerly, between sections 26 and 27, 34 and 35, approximately 2 miles to the corner of sections 27, 28, 33 and 34, T. 8 N., R. 32 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence southerly, between sections 33 and 34, approximately one mile to the corner of sections 3, 4, 33 and 34, Tps. 7 and 8 N., R. 32 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence westerly, between Tps. 7 and 8 N., approximately 3 miles to the corner of Tps. 7 and 8 N., Rs. 31 and 32 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence northerly, between ranges 31 and 32 E., approximately 3
Thence westerly, along the northerly boundary of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge approximately 57 miles along the line of extreme low water of the Arctic Ocean, including all offshore bars, reefs, and islands, to the most westerly tip of the most northwesterly island, westerly of Brownlow Point, section 6, T. 9 N., R. 25 E., Umiat Meridian;
Thence on an approximate forward bearing of S. 56
Thence southerly, along the mean high water line of the west bank of the Canning River approximately 32 miles to the meander corner on the First Standard Parallel North at a point on the southerly boundary of section 35, T. 5 N., R. 23 E., Umiat Meridian, the point of beginning.
5 U.S.C. 301; 16 U.S.C. 460k
(a) The regulations of this part apply to the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge. For the purpose of this part, the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge includes the Midway Islands, Hawaiian Group, between the parallels of 28 deg. 5′ and 28 deg. 25′ North latitude, and their territorial seas located approximately between the meridians of 177 deg. 10′ and 177 deg. 30′ West longitude, as were placed under the jurisdiction and control of the Interior Department by the provisions of Executive Order No. 13022 of October 31, 1996 (3 CFR, 1996 Comp., p. 224).
(b) Administration of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge is governed by the regulations of this part and parts 25-32 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations; the general principles of common law; the provisions of the criminal laws of the United States in their entirety including the provisions of 18 U.S.C. 13 and those provisions that were not specifically applied to unincorporated possessions; the laws applicable under the special maritime jurisdiction contained in 48 U.S.C. 644a; and the provisions of the criminal laws of the State of Hawaii to the extent the criminal laws of the State of Hawaii do not conflict with the criminal laws of the United States.
The provisions of this part are in addition to the regulations of 50 CFR parts 25-32 which also apply to Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.
The executive authority of the Secretary of the Interior over the Midway Islands will be exercised by the Service Regional Director. The executive authority of the Service Regional Director may be redelegated to the Refuge Manager, Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.
The executive authority of the Regional Director concerning the Midway Islands includes:
(a) Issuance of citations for violations of this part and 50 CFR parts 25-32;
(b) Abatement of any public nuisance upon the failure of the person concerned to comply with a removal notice;
(c) Seizure of evidence;
(d) Investigation of accidents and offenses;
(e) Custody and disposal of lost or abandoned property;
(f) Regulation of aircraft and boat traffic and safety;
(g) Imposition of quarantines;
(h) Evacuation of hazardous areas;
(i) Lawful restraint, detention, confinement, and care of persons prior to their prompt transfer to the custody of the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii;
(j) Lawful removal of person from the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge for cause;
(k) Regulation of vehicle traffic and safety;
(l) Performance of other lawful acts necessary for protecting the health and safety of persons and property on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge; and
(m) Issuance of lawful notices and orders necessary to the exercise of executive authority under this section.
During the imminence and duration of any emergency, the Regional Director may perform any lawful acts necessary to protect life and property on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.
In addition to any act prohibited by this part or 50 CFR part 27, any act committed on the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge that would be a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of the State of Hawaii
Any person who commits any act or omission on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge which, although not made punishable by an enactment of Congress, would be punishable if committed within the United States under the United States criminal code at the time of such act or omission, including any provisions of the United States criminal code that are not specifically applied to unincorporated possessions of the United States, will be guilty of a like offense and subject to like punishment. Any person who commits any act or omission on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge which, although not made punishable by an enactment of Congress, would be punishable if committed within the State of Hawaii by the laws thereof at the time of such act or omission, will be guilty of a like offense and subject to like punishment to the extent the laws of the State of Hawaii do not conflict with the criminal laws of the United States.
Any provisions of the laws of the State of Hawaii, as they now appear or as they may be amended or recodified, which are adopted by this part will apply only to the extent that they are not in conflict with any applicable Federal law or regulation.
No person on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge will:
(a) With intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof, engage in fighting, threatening, or other violent or tumultuous behavior; or make unreasonable noise or offensively coarse utterances, gestures, or displays, or address abusive language to any person present; or create a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act which is not performed under any authorized license or permit;
(b) Having no legal privilege to do so, knowingly or recklessly obstruct any roadway, alley, runway, private driveway, or public passage, or interfere with or unreasonably delay any emergency vehicle or equipment or authorized vehicle, boat, vessel, or plane, or any peace officer, fireman, or other public official engaged in or attempting to discharge any lawful duty or office, whether alone or with others. “Obstruction” as used in this paragraph means rendering impassable without unreasonable inconvenience or hazard;
(c) When in a gathering, refuse to obey a reasonable request or order by a peace officer, fireman, or other public official:
(1) To prevent an obstruction of any public road or passage;
(2) To maintain public safety by dispersing those gathered in dangerous proximity to a public hazard; or
(d) With intent to arouse or gratify sexual desire of any other person, expose one's genitals under circumstances in which one's conduct is likely to cause affront or alarm.
No person on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge will:
(a) Loiter, prowl, or wander upon or near the assigned living quarters and adjacent property of another without lawful purpose, or, while being upon or near the assigned living quarters and adjacent property of another, peek in any door or window of an inhabited building or structure located thereon without lawful purpose;
(b) Enter upon any assigned residential quarters or areas immediately adjacent thereto, without permission of the assigned occupant;
(c) Enter or remain in, without lawful purpose, any office building, warehouse, plant, theater, club, school, or other building after normal operating hours for that building; or
(d) Enter or remain in any area or building designated and posted as “restricted” unless authorized by proper authority to be there.
No person on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge will:
(a) Engage in prostitution. “Prostitution” means the giving or receiving of the body for sexual intercourse for hire; or
(b) Commit any lewd act in a public place which is likely to be observed by others who would be affronted or alarmed.
No person on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge will:
(a) Sell any alcoholic beverages to any person who, because of age, would be prohibited from purchasing that beverage in a civilian establishment in Hawaii.
(b) Present or have in possession any fraudulent evidence of age for the purpose of obtaining alcoholic beverages in violation of this section.
(c) Be substantially intoxicated on any street, road, beach, theater, club, or other public place from the voluntary use of intoxicating liquor, drugs or other substance. As used in this paragraph, “substantially intoxicated” is defined as an actual impairment of mental or physical capacities.
No person on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge will exceed the speed limit for automobiles, trucks, bicycles, motorcycles, or other vehicles. Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit throughout the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge is 15 miles per hour.
No person on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge will:
(a) Smoke or ignite any fire in any designated and posted “No Smoking” area, or in the immediate proximity of any aircraft, fueling pit, or hazardous material storage area;
(b) Knowingly report or cause to be reported to any public official, or willfully activate or cause to be activated, any alarm, that an emergency exists, knowing that such report or alarm is false. “Emergency.” as used in subpart B of this part, includes any condition which results, or could result, in the response of a public official in an emergency vehicle, or any condition which jeopardizes, or could jeopardize, public lives or safety, or results or could result in the evacuation of an area, building, structure, vehicle, aircraft, or boat or other vessel, or any other place by its occupants; or
(c) Intentionally report to any public official authorized to issue a warrant of arrest or make an arrest, that a crime has been committed, or make any oral or written statement to any of the above officials concerning a crime or alleged crime or other matter, knowing such report or statement to be false.
No person on Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge will attempt to commit any offense prohibited by this part.
Any person who violates any provision of this part will be fined or imprisoned in accordance with 16 U.S.C. 668dd(e) and Title 18, U.S. Code.
Civil administration of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge shall be governed by the provisions of this part, 50 CFR parts 25-32, and the general principles of common law.