Facility Activities
Bowdoin Wetland Management District provides numerous recreation opportunities to thousands of visitors every year. People enjoy viewing the unique geology and diverse wildlife, whether boating, driving or hiking. Regulation of recreation activities allow for public enjoyment of the refuge lands while still protecting the wildlife and habitats.
Hunting
Hunting opportunities are abundant within the Bowdoin Wetland Management District. The area includes a diversity of habitats including wetlands, grasslands, and river bottoms. These habitats support a variety of species including waterfowl, sharp-tailed grouse, sage grouse, grey partridge, pronghorn, deer and other game species.
Except for Holm Waterfowl Production Area (WPA), all WPAs within the Bowdoin Wetland Management District are open to hunting big game, migratory birds, upland game, and furbearers according to state game laws and regulations. However, be sure to check the rules and regulations section and the Bowdoin Wetland Management District Public Use Regulation Brochure for special regulations. All waterfowl hunting equipment must be removed at the end of each hunting day. All deer stands must be removed by December 15. No permanent blinds or deer stands are allowed. See the Bowdoin Wetland Management District Public Use Regulation brochure for further information.
Fishing
Wetlands on Waterfowl Production Areas are generally open to fishing in accordance with state fishing regulations. However, opportunities for fishing are limited because most of the wetlands throughout the district are shallow and few support popular game fish. Some recreational fishing opportunities can be found on McNeil Slough Waterfowl Production Area and Hammond Waterfowl Production Area (Milk River) and Beaver Creek Waterfowl Production Area (Beaver Creek). All boats, fishing equipment, and other personal property must be removed at the end of each day. Non-motorized boats are allowed on Waterfowl Production Areas. No fishing is permitted on satellite refuges.
Anglers have many quality fishing opportunities on other public lands around the Bowdoin Wetland Management District including Nelson Reservoir, Cole Ponds, Milk River, Missouri River, Fort Peck Reservoir, and stocked ponds on other public lands. Find more information through the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks https://fwp.mt.gov/fish
Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing and observation is an integral part of the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System and is allowed on every satellite refuge and waterfowl production area waterfowl production area
Waterfowl production areas are small natural wetlands and grasslands within the National Wildlife Refuge System that provide breeding, resting and nesting habitat for millions of waterfowl, shorebirds, grassland birds and other wildlife. Virtually all waterfowl production areas are in the Prairie Pothole Region states of Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.
Learn more about waterfowl production area in the Bowdoin Wetland Management District. The District provides visitors with an opportunity to experience a variety of habitats and associated wildlife. Bird watchers come from around the world to view more than 260 species of birds including abundant waterfowl, Baird's sparrow, Sprague's Pipit, McCown Longspurs, and Greater Sage Grouse. Access is by walk-in only and portable blinds may be used but must be removed daily. The Pearce WPA has an accessible viewing/photography blind available for use.
Photography
Perhaps the fastest growing activity on national wildlife refuges in the past ten years has been wildlife photography. You don’t need to purchase expensive equipment or have any experience to get started. A small camera or basic cell phone will do just fine for most visitors.
Nearly 12 million people visit outdoor areas each year to photograph wildlife, and national wildlife refuges naturally are at the top of the list. Whether it is photographing the vast prairie at sunset or capturing a Black-necked Stilt wading, opportunities abound for beginning and experienced photographers alike throughout the District. Being quiet and patient are key to capturing many of your memories in this natural setting.