In 2004, Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge was established with a 2,300-acre donation by The Nature Conservancy (TNC). Through additional land transfers from TNC and other land acquisitions, the refuge has eclipsed 23,000 acres in 2018. The Glacial Ridge Project is the largest contiguous prairie-wetland restoration project in North America. Hunting is approved according to an updated Glacial Ridge NWR Hunt Plan, written in 2017. Under this plan, nearly 17,000 acres of the refuge are open to some type of hunting, with more acres to be opened as the refuge grows in size. Hunting opportunities exist for deer, migratory birds, turkeys, upland game birds, rabbits and squirrels. Because refuge-specific hunting regulations do apply, hunters are advised to check with the refuge for the latest regulations sheet and hunt map. In addition to providing a wealth of habitat for deer and migrating waterfowl, the extensive refuge grasslands are also a key component of Minnesota's extensive prairie chicken restoration effort. The growing prairie chicken population allows for an annual, limited hunt that includes parts of the refuge.