Visit Us

Our visitor services' goal is to provide visitors of all abilities with wildlife-dependent recreation, interpretation, and environmental education opportunities that foster an appreciation and understanding of the unique wildlife, plant communities, and cultural resources of the Montana Prairie Pothole Region:

Activities

Hewitt Lake National Wildlife Refuge provide numerous recreation opportunities such as viewing wildlife and plants, photography, hiking, and hunting. Regulation of recreation activities allow for public enjoyment of the Refuge while still protecting the wildlife and habitats.

Hunting
Wildlife watching
Photography

Trails

While no formal trails exist on Hewitt Lake National Wildlife Refuge, hiking is allowed in all areas open to the public.

Other Facilities in the Complex

flock of flying mallard ducks dropping in to land
Black Coulee National Wildlife Refuge
Black Coulee National Wildlife Refuge is a land of rolling mixed-grass prairie with major drainages running in a northeasterly direction, and with a 173 acre reservoir. Black Coulee Reservoir provides water for migratory birds as well as nesting and brood-rearing habitat. It also serves as an...
National Wildlife Refuge
Malta,MT
Flock of Northern Shovelers landing among other ducks
Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge
Welcome to Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge. Established in 1936, with the primary purpose of preserving and enhancing resting, feeding, and breeding habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife, this 15,551-acre refuge contains numerous wetlands. The habitats provide a refuge and breeding ground...
National Wildlife Refuge
Malta,MT
Early summer on the short-grass prairie at Hutton Lake National Wildlife Refuge with two pronghorn antelope fawns lying in the vegetation.
Bowdoin Wetland Management District
The Bowdoin Wetland Management District was established in 1973 after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service began protecting small wetland areas and grasslands. The District includes nine Waterfowl Production Areas, four satellite refuges, and over 150 grassland and/or wetland easements spread over a...
National Wildlife Refuge
Malta,MT
Mallard duck in flight
Creedman Coulee National Wildlife Refuge
Creedman Coulee National Wildlife Refuge is primarily composed of Refuge easements. Visiting Creedman Coulee National Wildlife Refuge requires securing permission from surrounding landowners, as there is no public access to the portion of the refuge owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
National Wildlife Refuge
Malta,MT
Canadian geese in flight
Lake Thibadeau National Wildlife Refuge
Lake Thibadeau National Wildlife Refuge is primarily composed of Refuge easements on private lands. Visiting the refuge requires securing permission from an adjacent landowner, as there is no publicly accessible route to access the portion of the refuge owned by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
National Wildlife Refuge
Malta,MT
Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located on the heavily glaciated rolling plains of northeastern Montana, between the Missouri River and the Canadian border. The Refuge, established in 1935, provides important breeding and stopover habitat for a diverse array of migratory birds.
National Wildlife Refuge
Medicine Lake,MT

Rules and Policies

  • Hewitt Lake National Wildlife Refuge is open from dawn till dusk.
  • Public access off of the gravel public road is via foot travel only.
  • Parking is allowed off of the road and at entrances, as long as access gates are not blocked.
  • No camping or overnight parking is allowed on the Refuge.
  • Hiking is allowed in all areas open to the public.
  • Wildlife observation and photography are encouraged.
  • Bicycling and horseback riding are allowed only on the public highway, and not on any lands within the boundaries.
  • Boating is allowed only during the waterfowl hunting season in the fall, with boats being transported via foot from parking areas to the wetland.
  • Portions of Hewitt Lake National Wildlife Refuge are under easements of private lands. Persons wishing to access these private lands must gain permission from the private landowner.
  • Fishing is not allowed on the Refuge.
  • Only non-motorized boats are permitted during the fall waterfowl season.
  • All boats and other personal property must be removed at the end of the day.
  • Hunting is permitted on the Refuge in accordance with all state and federal regulations.
  • Firearms and other weapons are subject to state laws. At all times, persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuge system lands must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in 50 CFR Part 32), i.e., only during the lawful pursuit of game during legal seasons.
  • Dogs must be kept on a leash from April 15 - August 15.
  • Other prohibitions on the Refuge are off-road vehicles; and collecting of plants, animals, minerals, antlers and artifacts.

Locations

Hewitt Lake National Wildlife Refuge
(406) 654-2863
C/O Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge194 Bowdoin Auto Tour RoadMalta,MT59538-9617