In the 1800s, pioneers drained shallow Conboy Lake to provide farmland. Today, some of the habitat at Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge has been restored, and in the spring many waterfowl species nest here. The refuge is open to waterfowl hunting in the fall, but the quality of the hunting depends highly on precipitation and early snowfall levels. Hunting is walk-in only. Hunters may construct blinds in the hunting area. About 40 percent of the 6,000-acre refuge is open to hunting. Early in the season, the hunting can be spotty at best. Often there are few opportunities. Hunting improves later in the season. As many as 10,000 ducks can be at the refuge in December and January. If the lake freezes, it can impact hunting. Because of the inconsistent hunting conditions, hunters are advised to scout the area regularly throughout the season.
For refuge-specific regulations, please visit www.fws.gov/mcriver/regulations/.