Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge

Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge lies in the beautiful Souris River Valley of northwestern North Dakota and extends for nearly 35 miles along the Souris River corridor. This Refuge, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is an important unit in a series of national wildlife refuges in the great waterfowl migration corridor known as the Central Flyway.
Elk Hunting Opportunities - 2025/2026 Season

Beginning in the 2025/2026 season, the Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge will be open for elk hunting. Current permit holders should be aware that these opportunities listed in the final federal rule must align with state regulatory processes and therefore will not be available in the current 2024/2025 elk hunt season. 

Additionally, the Lostwood, Des Lacs and J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuges will be open for elk hunting during the 2025/2026 season. North Dakota Game and Fish (NDGF) expects Des Lacs, Lostwood and Upper Souris refuges will most likely be part of Unit E5, with J. Clark Salyer expected to be under a separate management unit. To discuss these changes and answer questions, NDGF plans to host a landowner meeting in early December 2024.

Please monitor the NDGF website for more details on the upcoming public meeting, regulation changes, and other public hunting opportunities.

Visit Us

The 32,000-acre Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge provides unique opportunities for visitors. Click on the "Visit Us" tab to learn more about these activities - and hopefully you will come and explore the Refuge and it's wildlife. 

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge is located in the Souris River Valley of northwestern North Dakota. The Refuge extends 35 miles along the Souris River corridor. This Refuge, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is an important unit in a series of national wildlife refuges in the waterfowl migration corridor known as the Central Flyway. This Refuge was set aside "...as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife...".

      What We Do

      Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the National Wildlife Refuge System. It drives everything on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands and waters managed within the Refuge System, from the purposes for which a 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       is established to the recreational activities offered to the resource management tools used. Using conservation best practices, the Refuge System manages Service lands and waters to help ensure the survival of native wildlife species.