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Lottery Open: Spring Turkey Hunt at Great Bay NWR

The annual spring turkey hunt lottery for Great Bay National Wildlife Refuge is now open through March 31. The lottery is free to enter, but all entries must be received on Rec Access. Please note: two priority permits are reserved each year for youth, novice, and/or mobility impaired hunters. If you have questions about entering in the priority category, please contact Ella Weber, visitor services manager, at ella_weber@fws.gov.

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Refuge Status

The refuge is open with normal hours from sunrise to sunset.

The gravel road between Hellcat Trail and Sandy Point is closed to vehicles. Walking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snow shoeing is allowed while the road is closed to vehicle traffic.

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Seasonal Job Openings

Great Marsh Field Technician: March - November

Great Marsh Field Technician: March - May

Great Marsh Lead Technician: March - November

Great Marsh Lead Technician: March - May

Located along the northeast coast of Massachusetts in an area of dense and expanding human development, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge has special significance and value to migratory birds, other wildlife, and people. The refuge also provides high-quality opportunities for nature-based recreation, including walking & biking, wildlife observation & photography, hunting, fishing, paddling, and beach use. We hope you visit us soon!

Visit Us

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Come explore YOUR national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

Learn more about national wildlife refuge by visiting during open hours, or joining one of our programs!

The refuge supports a wide variety of wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities. You can learn more about how to enjoy some of our popular activities using the links below:

Pass Types & Fees

Paid Passes

Free Passes

***If purchasing passes at the refuge, payment can be made by cash or check only. Please call ahead to ensure that someone will be able to sell you a pass when you wish to come. Alternatively, most passes can be purchased online through Rec Access or USGS.***

Location and Contact Information

      Tours

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      To schedule a program, tour, or field trip of Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, contact us at 978-465-5753, or via email at parkerriver@fws.gov.

      Our Species

      Our Library

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      Alternative Beaches & Recreation Areas

      Parker River NWR periodically closes due to capacity and/or management requirements. But fear not! There are many local beaches and recreation areas to explore.

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      Parker River Accessibility Guide.pdf
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      Parker River Accessibility Guide.pdf
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      Final Habitat Management Plan - Parker River NWR & Thacher Island NWR

      This Habitat Management Plan (HMP) provides a long-term vision and specific guidance on managingpriority species, habitats, and ecosystems at Parker River and Thacher Island National Wildlife Refuges(NWRs). This is accomplished by determining the refuges’ priorities, setting goals and objectives...

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