Facility Rules and Policies

Welcome to 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 . Audubon National Wildlife Refuge provides a number of activities to enjoy nature throughout the year including hunting, ice fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. The Refuge does have areas that are closed to the public year-round or seasonally to provide important sanctuary areas for wildlife. To help protect and minimize disturbance to wildlife and its habitat, the Refuge has other rules and regulations regarding activities on the refuge. To learn more about permitted activities, pick up a Refuge regulation brochure when visiting or call Refuge staff at 701-442-5474 with any questions.

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Special Use Permits

COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES 

Includes: workshops & wildlife viewing tours. Please note: photography and filming that takes place on areas closed to the public requires a permit. Application Form

For Commercial Winter Wildlife Viewing Permits, please submit a completed special use permit application, a digital copy of your liability insurance, and a guide and vehicle list no later than 5:00pm Friday, October 1, 2021 to Fred_Oslund@fws.gov

RESEARCH & MONITORING

Includes: biological work & geological monitoring. Application Form

GENERAL ACTIVITIES

All other permits. Application Form

For questions or to submit completed application form, please email Fred Oslund, Fred_Oslund@fws.gov

A minimum of ten business days is required to request a permit. 

Protecting the Refuge

For the protection of wildlife, habitat and other visitors, please observe the following regulations:

  • The Refuge is open from sunrise to sunset.
  • Vehicles must stay on designated roads.
  • Plants, animals, artifacts and other natural materials are protected and may not be disturbed.
  • Pets must be leashed or contained in a vehicle.
  • All litter must be packed out.
  • Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuge System lands must comply with all provisions of State and local laws. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in 50 CFR Part 32).

Prohibited Activities

  • Open-water fishing
  • Horseback riding
  • Camping
  • Fires
  • Recreational water sports
  • Devices capable of shooting or directing a projectile or liquid at another person or wildlife