The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is announcing the opening of hunting at Green River NWR in Henderson County, Kentucky as published in the Federal Register as part of the 2024-25 Hunting and Sport Fishing Rule. Green River NWR is being opened to hunting as outlined in the Hunt Plan, Hunting Compatibility Determination, and associated documents.
The final documents are now published in the Federal Register of the 2024- 25 Hunting and Sport Fishing Rule. The final Hunt Plan and supporting documents can also be found below.
Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)
Please let us know if you need the documents in an alternative format at 270/527-5770.
The Public Use Regulations Brochure and instructions for acquiring annual hunt permits are forthcoming on the refuge website.
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The tables below provide general guidance on initial use of these lands by the public. The Service intends to add other public uses, including hunting and fishing, once required planning (including rulemaking and public involvement) is completed and more land is acquired. For additional info please contact the refuge office.
Permitted Activities
| Activities | Details |
| Day use | From legal sunrise to legal sunset. |
| Photography | In areas open to the public; day use only. |
| Bicycles | Bicycle riding is permitted on refuge graveled roads or improved trails owned and maintained by the refuge while engaged in wildlife related activities only; use is daylight hours only. Bicycles are not permitted off these secondary access routes for any purpose. Some areas/trails may only be open seasonally. |
| Horses and mules | Horseback riding is permitted on refuge graveled roads or improved trails owned and maintained by the refuge while engaged in wildlife related activities only; use is daylight hours only. Horses and mules are not permitted off these secondary access routes for any purpose. Some areas/trails may only be open seasonally. |
| Picnicking | In areas open to the public; day use only. |
| Wildlife observation | In areas open to the public; day use only. |
| Exercise and meditation | In areas open to the public; day use only. |
| Scientific research | By Special Use Permits only, permitted on a case-by-case basis. |
| Release of rehabilitated wildlife | By Special Use Permits only, permitted on a case-by-case basis. |
| Firewood cutting | By Special Use Permits only, permitted on a case-by-case basis. |
| Possession, transportation, or carrying firearms | Must comply with all provisions of state and local law. |
| Licensed vehicles | Permitted on open graveled roadways. |
| Non-motorized boating | Permitted when engaged in wildlife observation; day use only. |
General Refuge Regulations
All Refuge specific regulations apply to public use on the Green River NWR.
The regulations listed below include but are not limited to the federal regulations governing public use set forth in Title 50 Code of Federal Regulations, Kentucky State Regulations and Refuge specific regulations. The following regulations are representative of some of the more common prohibited activities.
Prohibited Activities
| Activities | Details |
| Night use | From legal sunset to legal sunrise. |
| Hunting | Currently prohibited until legally required planning documents are submitted and approved. |
| Fishing | Currently prohibited until legally required planning documents are submitted and approved. |
| Littering | Includes bio-degradable waste such as grass cuttings, tree removal debris, etc. |
| Camping | Not permitted. |
| Fires | Not permitted. |
| Ceremonies | Includes weddings, birthdays gatherings, etc. |
| Trapping | Not permitted. |
| Discarding any fish, wildlife, or other animal carcasses | Not permitted. |
| Searching and/or removal of any object of antiquity | Including arrowheads, pottery or other artifacts. |
| Target practice with any weapon or non-hunting discharge of firearms | Not permitted. |
| Release of animals and/or plants | Not permitted. This includes wildlife and domesticated animals. |
| Taking of fish, wildlife, and/or plants | Includes cutting trees and brush |
| Spotlighting | No unauthorized person shall use or direct the rays of a spotlight or other artificial light, or automotive headlights for the purpose of spotting, locating or taking any animal within the boundaries of the refuge or along right-of-way for public or private roads within the refuge. |
| Feeding wildlife | Including distributing any feed, salt or other minerals. |
| All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) | Any unlicensed vehicle is prohibited on all refuge property. |
| Dogwalking | Includes running or training of dogs and all other pets. |
| Beekeeping | Not permitted. |
| Competitive races | Not permitted. |
Other Facilities in the Complex
Kentucky has two National Wildlife Refuges that are managed and located fully in the state. Both conserve and manage natural resources for future generations of outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge is located in three of Kentucky's counties: Marshall, McCracken, and Graves. It was established in 1998, and currently consists of approximately 9,500 acres.
