Laws and Regulations

General Regulations for WPAs and Satellite Refuges

  • These lands are open to visitors from dawn to dusk.
  • Public access is via foot travel only unless otherwise authorized
  • No camping or overnight parking is allowed.
  • Fires are not permitted
  • To protect wildlife and their young, dogs must be kept on a leash from April 15 through August 15. Dogs must be under the owner's control when not on a leash.
  • Please Carry out your trash and dispose of it properly.

Hunting and Fishing Regulations for WPAs and Satellite Refuges

  •  All hunting and fishing activities are allowed in accordance with State regulations and as described below.
  • Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuge System lands must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in 50 CFR Part 32).
  • Portions of the land within or surrounding the boundaries of these satellite refuges are private. Persons wishing to hunt on the private land must gain permission from the landowner.

WPA Hunting & Fishing Regulations

  • All WPAs with the exception of Holm WPAare open to migratory game bird hunting, upland game bird hunting, big game hunting, fox and coyote hunting, and fishing.
  • Holm WPA is closed to all hunting and fishing.
  • Only non-motorized boats are allowed.
  • At the end of each day, remove boats, decoys, all blinds, other personal property, and any materials brought onto the area for blind construction.
  • Hunters may only possess approved non-toxic shot.
  • Portable tree stands and free-standing elevated platforms may be left on WPAs from August 15th to December 15th. The construction or use of any permanent tree stand or ladder, and the use of nails, wire, or screw-in spikes is prohibited
  • Portable tree stands and free-standing elevated platforms must be visibly marked with your automated licensing system (ALS) number.
  • Only archery, muzzleloader (as defined by State regulations), and shotgun hunting are allowed on McNeil Slough and Hammond WPA for big game hunting.
  • Fox and coyote hunters may use only center-fire rifles, rim-fire rifles, or shotguns with approved non-toxic shot.
  • Boats, fishing equipment, and other personal property must be removed at the end of each day.

Satellite Refuges Hunting & Fishing Regulations

  • Hunting is allowed on designated portions of satellite refuges.
  • Fishing is not allowed on satellite refuges
  • Satellite Refuges are open to migratory game bird hunting, upland game bird hunting, big game hunting, and fox and coyote hunting.
  • Hunters may only possess approved non-toxic shot.
  • At the end of each day, remove boats, decoys, all blinds, other personal property, and any materials brought onto the area for blind construction.
  • Air-thrust boats and boats with greater than 25 horsepower motors are not permitted on Hewitt Lake NWR.
  • Only non-motorized boats are allowed on Black Coulee NWR.
  • Portable tree stands and free-standing elevated platforms may be left on satellite refuges from August 15th to December 15th. The construction or use of any permanent tree stand or ladder, and the use of nails, wire, or screw-in spikes is prohibited.
  • Portable tree stands and free-standing elevated platforms must be visibly marked with your automated licensing system (ALS) number.
  • Fox and coyote hunters may use only center-fire rifles, rim-fire rifles, or shotguns with approved non-toxic shot.
  • Shooting or taking of prairie dogs is prohibited on Hewitt Lake NWR.