Hunting
Fox River NWR preserves the oak savanna upland and sedge meadow wetland habitats historically found in extensive areas along the Fox River. The 1,054-acre refuge is used by a variety of wildlife species dependent on marsh habitat, including greater sandhill cranes, which stage here for their migration each fall. The refuge is closed to the public with the exception of licensed deer hunters during designated time periods of the deer archery and gun seasons. The hunt allows the refuge to control increasing deer numbers, which can negatively impact other wildlife habitat.
General Regulations
- The refuge is located within the Central Farmland Deer Management Zone
- Wisconsin state regulations are in effect. No special refuge permits required.
- Access is restricted to one hour before to an hour after legal hunting hours.
- Parking allowed in designated parking lots only
- Boats are prohibited on the refuge but may be used on the Fox River to access the west side of the refuge
- Foot travel only.
- Portable tree stands may be used but cannot be left overnight.
Prohibited Activities:
- scouting
- use of trail cams
- camping
- fires
- littering
- baiting
- shining
- use of drones
- damage to trees and other vegetation
Laws, rules, and regulations