Every year, many pintail will end their fall migration at Bald Knob NWR. Pintails are one of many waterfowl species that land on this refuge, creating an excellent opportunity for duck and goose hunters.
Duck hunters can hunt until noon during the refuge season. After the January duck season closure, goose hunters may hunt all day. All waterfowl hunters must stay 100 yards apart and may bring only 25 shells per person. The refuge also offers a variety of other hunts, including ample opportunities for deer. In addition to a lengthy archery season, a muzzleloader hunt and quota gun hunt are held each year. The refuge will close to all deer hunting when the White River Gauge at Augusta reaches 31 feet. This restriction is lifted when the gauge at Augusta falls below 30 feet and the White River Gauge at Georgetown falls to, or below, 19 feet.
NEW! Specific areas within the Refuge have now been designated as "Waterfowl Draw Hunt Areas”, requiring a special permit for access. Each of the five areas will have one “Permit Holder” per date with up to four additional guest permits.
First Come, First Served (FCFS) Waterfowl Permit sales begin each Tuesday of the hunt week at 6pm CST and will close at 11:59pm CST during the regular waterfowl season.
Permits will be available for every Friday, Saturday & Sunday in up to five hunt areas from November 23, 2024 through January 31, 2025. This includes 1 opening day that is not a weekend date.
***These areas are closed to all other entry during Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and all opening days during the regular waterfowl season.
To apply for Quota Deer Hunt permits, Waterfowl Draw Hunt permits and Youth Turkey Hunts, visit the RecAccess website below:
Bald Knob RecAccess