Laws and Regulations
General Regulations
- Daily registration and fee payment are required.
- Closing times are strictly enforced; gates will close and lock 30 minutes after sunset.
- Drones, remote controlled aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles are prohibited.
Alcohol
- Use of alcohol beverages is prohibited.
- Entering or remaining on the refuge while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances is prohibited.
Pets
- Pets must always be kept on a short leash (4-6 feet) and under owner control.
- Please pick up after your pets.
- Do not allow pets to drink or enter water; alligators and venomous snakes are present.
Animal, Plant, and Artifact Collection and Disturbance
- Feeding or disturbing wildlife is strictly prohibited.
- Collection of plants, animals, or artifacts is strictly prohibited; no metal detectors allowed.
Trails and Roadways
- Speed limit is 25 miles per hour. Watch for wildlife on roadways.
- Only street legal vehicles are allowed, and only on designated refuge roads.
- No ATVs, UTVs, or dirt bikes are allowed on or off refuge roads.
- Bicycling is permitted on the auto tour loop only; no bikes are allowed on trails.
- For your own safety, hiking is allowed only on trails and walkways.
Camping
- Camping is not allowed anywhere on the refuge.
Picnicking
- Picnicking is allowed at designated picnic area. Only propane grills are allowed.
- No charcoal, open fires, or fireworks are allowed on the refuge.
Fishing
- Fishing is permitted in designated areas and during designated times only.
- Anglers must follow all Texas state regulations.
Hunting and Firearms
- Hunting is permitted only in designated areas and during designated seasons; permit required.
- Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuges must comply with all provisions of state and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations.