Facility Rules and Policies
Printouts of the refuge rules and regulations can be found at the refuge headquarters, visitor center and several outdoor kiosks.
Only legally licensed vehicles are allowed on the refuge and are restricted to roads that are open to travel. Off-highway vehicles (ATV’s, ATC’s and UTV’s) are prohibited on the refuge.
Boats used for any recreational activity; i.e., hunting and wildlife viewing, must be removed from the refuge daily. Boats must comply with all state regulations. Starr Ranch Boat Ramp is closed to motorized boats but may be used for launching canoes and kayaks.
Roads may be closed at any time due to adverse weather conditions or management needs. Vehicles must remain on open roads as shown on the refuge map. Vehicles may be parked alongside open roads in a way that will not interrupt with the normal flow of traffic. Vehicles are not required to park at designated parking areas but are recommended to do so.
Persons with disabilities are encouraged to participate in refuge hunts and other activities. Contact the Refuge Manager for guidelines to obtain special use access.
All pets and service animals are required to remain on a leash and wear a collar displaying the owner’s name, address, and telephone number. Horses are permitted only on the Wildlife Observation Trail. Riding off roads into fields, woods, or on foot trails is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Refuge Manager.
Must remain on improved roads at all times.
Designated areas will be closed to certain types of hunting (see map for specific locations and closures). Other areas may be closed for special management or safety reasons. Roads and lands closed to public access are designated by signs.
Camping and fires are strictly prohibited on the refuge.
All government property including natural, historic, and archaeological features are protected by federal law. Searching for or removal of objects of antiquity or other value is strictly prohibited.
We allow the use of only portable blinds and tree stands on the refuge. You must remove blinds, tree stands, and all other personal equipment from the refuge at the end of each day’s hunt. The use of nails, wires, screws, or bolts to attach a tree stand to a tree, or hunting from a tree into which a metal object has been driven to support a hunter is prohibited. Each stand or camera must be clearly identified with the owner’s name, address and telephone number.
It is unlawful to mark any tree or other refuge feature with paint, flagging tape, ribbon, or similar substance.