Hunt plans are subject to compatibility determinations, Section 7 consultation, letters of concurrence from affected states and NEPA documentation. In addition, refuge managers are required to certify compatibility and related compliance for hunt programs on an annual basis. All hunting of migratory birds on refuges and waterfowl production areas is undertaken within the framework of regulations proposed by the Final and Supplemental Environmental Impact Statements for the Issuance of Annual Regulations Permitting the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds. If necessary, regulations are developed that may be more restrictive than state hunting regulations in order to protect refuge resources. Otherwise, state regulations are observed on all refuges open to hunting.
Refuges use administrative procedures and guidelines as necessary to manage hunting programs.
For example, hunt permits are used on some refuges to limit numbers of hunters. Hunting areas may be zoned to distribute hunters or prevent conflicts with other refuge programs. The use of trained retrieving dogs and certain equipment is encouraged to reduce crippling loss. Limited access and vehicle control improve the quality of the hunt and prevent habitat disturbance. Check stations gather important biological information.