The refuge provides opportunities for small game, migratory birds, turkey and white-tailed deer in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws, and subject to special refuge regulations.
A fall white-tailed deer hunt is offered to persons with disabilities. Dates of the hunt will vary from year to year, but it is typically held during the first few weeks of October. Options Inc. conducts the selection process for the hunt. Information can be obtained by calling Complex Headquarters at (763) 389-3323.
The refuge encourages deer hunters to consider using lead free ammunition while hunting. Research has found that lead pieces left behind in the gut piles of deer are dangerous and even deadly to the eagles and other wildlife that eat them. Learn more at https://fws.gov/midwest/refuges/leadfree.html.
In addition to state regulations, reference refuge-specific regulations:
Rules & Policies HUNTING BROCHURE
| Activity | Huntable Species | Seasons/ Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Small Game | Ruffed Grouse, Ring- necked pheasant, Cottontail and Jack Rabbits, Snowshoe hare, Squirrels (gray, fox and red) | Open in accordance with state regulations |
| Migratory Birds | Ducks, Geese, merganser, American coot, Common moorhen, American Woodcock, Sora, Virigina Rail, Mourning Dove, Common Snipe, Crow | Open in accordance with state regulations |
| Turkey (Permit Area 508) | Wild Turkey | Open in accordance with state regulations |
| Furbearer Hunting | Red and gray fox, Raccoon, Badger, Opossum, Long and short-tailed weasels, Bobcat, Coyote, Striped Skunk | Open in accordance with state seasons. Shooting hours 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset, except 9 am to sunset opening day |
| Furbearer Trapping | Closed | Closed |
| Big Game (Permit Area 221) | White-tailed deer (Archery, November Firearm, Muzzleloader) | Open in accordance with state regulations |
| Bear | Closed | Closed |