What We Do

The National Wildlife Refuge System is a series of lands and waters owned and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the refuge system. It drives everything we do from the purpose a refuge is established, to the recreational activities offered there, to the resource management tools we use. Selecting the right tools helps us ensure the survival of local plants and animals and helps fulfill the purpose of the refuge.

Management and Conservation

Refuges use a wide range of land management tools based on the best science available. Some refuges use prescribed fires to mimic natural fires that would have cleared old vegetation from the land helping native plants regenerate and local wildlife to thrive. Other refuges contain Wilderness areas where land is largely managed in passively. The management tools used are aimed at ensuring a balanced conservation approach where both wildlife and people will benefit.

Law Enforcement

Law Enforcement Officers at Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge help the public understand and obey the laws that protect our natural resources. They work closely with state, tribal and local government offices to enforce federal and state hunting regulations that protect numerous wildlife and plant species from unlawful take or destruction. 

To report illegal activity or questions regarding law enforcement contact Chuck Melvin at 218-844-3423.

To report violations:

  • Call or email the National Wildlife Refuge TIPs Line at 1-844-FWS-TIPS (397-8477) or fws_tips@fws.gov
  • Call the State of Minnesota’s TIP hotline at 1-800-652-9093
  • Call a Federal Wildlife Officer at Chuck Melvin at 218-844-3423

Please provide the following information: what happened, where it happened, who was involved (including descriptions/names of person involved, vehicle information, names of other witnesses) and when it happened.

Laws and Regulations

Welcome to your national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

Learn more about national wildlife refuge . Discover new places to hunt, fish, take pictures, watch wildlife, walk, cross-country ski, snowshoe and canoe. Enjoy spending time outdoors alone or with friends and family. Please consult the refuge manager at 218-847-4431 if you have questions. We may post additional site-specific regulations.