Facility Activities
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
- Public use of the refuge is permitted throughout the year.
- Permitted activities are hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, environmental education, and interpretation.
- The entire refuge, including the Mingo Creek Unit, is CLOSED to all other entry and public use during the Quota Gun Deer Hunt on Nov. 13 and 14. Only Quota Gun Deer Hunt permit holders are allowed to enter or use the refuge during this hunt, and only for the purpose of deer hunting and the incidental take of beaver, muskrat, nutria, coyote, striped skunk, fox, bobcat, river otter, mink, and feral hogs by the use of the device appropriate for that hunt and according to any applicable state seasons and regulations.
- The Waterfowl Sanctuary indicated on the refuge map is closed to ALL entry and public use, including hunting and fishing, from November 15 through February 28.
- The Core Waterfowl Area is closed to all ALL entry after 1:00 pm each day from November 15 through February 28 (except for goose hunting under the State Conservation Order).
- The Mingo Creek, Bison, and Waterfowl Sanctuary Units will be closed to all other entry and public use during the Youth Quota Turkey Hunt (see AGFC regulations for Youth Turkey Dates). Only Youth Turkey Hunt permit holders are allowed to enter or use these refuge units during this hunt and only for the purpose of youth turkey hunting.
- Nighttime use is limited to raccoon and opossum hunting. Raccoons and opossums may be taken at night, only when treed by dogs, and only with firearms no larger than .22 caliber rimfire and shotguns with steel shot no larger than T shot. Otherwise, the Refuge closes at sunset. No entrance before 4:00 am.
- Disturbing, feeding, or collecting wildlife or plants and searching for or removing any object of antiquity, including arrowheads and pottery shards, is prohibited.
- It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle or motorboat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Federal law also prohibits the use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting on national wildlife refuges.
Most of the time refuge roads are open to the general public. However, roads may be closed any time conditions or other administrative needs warrant. A locked gate or other barriers, road closed sign, or no vehicle sign means the road is closed to ALL vehicle travel, but not to foot travel unless signed otherwise.