General Hunting Regulations

All hunting is in accordance with regulations and bag limits established by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. Hunters must 

possess appropriate state licenses. Consult state regulations for further information. 

NOTE: Approximately 3,000 acres on the west end of the Refuge adjacent to the Refuge Headquarters is closed to hunting. This area is

marked with yellow signs, in addition to the white and blue Refuge boundary signs. (See Refuge hunting map on next page.) Archery

deer hunting is permitted in this area during specified portions of the archery deer season (see below). 

Refuge Specific Hunting Regulations

Migratory Bird hunting is NOT permitted anywhere within the Refuge boundary! 

Upland Gamebirds - The Refuge season begins annually the day following the close of the North Dakota firearm deer hunting season and runs through the end of 

the North Dakota upland gamebird season. Legal species include ring-necked pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, and Hungarian partridge. Refuge hunters are required 

to use federally approved non-toxic shot on all Refuge lands. Firearm hunters are not permitted to hunt or retrieve game within the 3,000 acre closed area 

identified on the reverse side. 

Youth Deer Hunting - Youth deer hunting is allowed on portions of the Refuge during the North Dakota youth deer hunting season in compliance with state 

regulations. Hunters are asked to notify the Refuge prior to going afield. Firearm hunters are not permitted to hunt or retrieve game within the 3,000 acre closed 

area identified on the reverse side. 

Firearm Deer Hunting - The Refuge season coincides with the North Dakota firearm deer season. Hunters must possess a valid state deer license and unfilled tag 

for the appropriate hunting zone (2I) established by the North Dakota Game & Fish Department to hunt open portions of the Refuge. Firearm hunters are not 

permitted to hunt or retrieve game within the 3,000 acre closed area identified on the reverse side.

Muzzleloader Deer Hunting - The Refuge season coincides with the North Dakota muzzleloader deer season. Hunters must possess a valid state license and 

unfilled tag issued by the North Dakota Game & Fish Department to hunt open portions of the Refuge. Muzzeloader hunters are not permitted to hunt or retrieve 

game within the 3,000 acre closed area identified on the reverse side. 

Archery Deer Hunting - The Refuge season coincides with the North Dakota archery deer season. Hunters must possess a valid license and unfilled tag issued by 

the North Dakota Game & Fish Department. The entire Refuge, including the 3,000 acre closed area is open to archery hunters, except during firearm deer season. 

During the firearm deer season the 3,000 acre closed area identified on reverse side is closed to all hunters, including archery. 

Access: Vehicle travel is not permitted within the interior portions of the Refuge. 

Weapons: Only legal shotguns, rifles, muzzeloaders and hand-held bows are permitted. It is unlawful to carry a loaded firearm in any vehicle. Only 

federally approved non-toxic shot is permitted on National Wildlife Refuges and federal Waterfowl Production Areas. 

Hours: Consult State regulations for season-specific hunting hours. Entering the Refuge before approved hunting hours is prohibited. 

Camping: Overnight camping and open fires are prohibited. The Refuge Observation Area is only open during daylight hours.