A drawing will be conducted the first week after the application period closes. All applicants will be notified in writing as to whether or not they were selected for a permit. Hunting permits are valid throughout the respective hunting season. Permits may not be transferred or used by anyone other than the person on the permit. The Marais des Cygnes River and floodplain ponds provide additional fishing opportunities for flathead and channel catfish, crappie, and walleye.
Access is mostly limited to working.
Non-motorized boats, and boats with electric motors, are allowed by getting boats in and out is generally an arduous venture. Hunting and fishing regulations generally follow the statewide regulations including seasons and bag limits established by Kansas Wildlife and parks. Pecan and black walnut trees are very common on the refuge, especially in the floodplains of the Marais des Cygnes River and other streams, and at abandoned farmsites. Nuts are generally harvested in late fall. Other regulations specific to Marais des Cgynes Refuge are as follows.