Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge

Hunting

We recognize that hunting is a healthy, traditional outdoor pastime, deeply rooted in America’s heritage. Hunting can instill a unique understanding and appreciation of wildlife, their behavior, and their habitat needs. As practiced on refuges, hunting, trapping and fishing do not pose a threat to wildlife populations, and in some instances are necessary for sound wildlife management. For example, because their natural predators are gone, deer populations will often grow too large for the refuge habitat to support. At Kootenai NWR, several types of hunting opportunities are available. 

ALERT: Damaged Water Pump Temporarily Affecting Waterfowl Hunt

Hunting Regulations

Hunting regulations are designed to provide safe recreational opportunities through wise use of renewable wildlife resources. Hunting is permitted in accordance with Federal regulations governing public use on National Wildlife Refuges as set forth in Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Hunting and fishing will be in accordance with applicable State of Idaho regulations subject to the conditions stated below. Brochures may be obtained by mail, at the refuge headquarters, or from the refuge website.

Hunters and anglers are asked to clean aquatic vegetation and organisms off boats, decoys, and other equipment before entering the refuge to limit the spread of invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species .

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been detected in Idaho. CWD is a contagious and fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk, and moose populations. There is no cure for this fatal disease. Special rules are in place to help monitor and stop the spread of CWD. In brief:

• CWD testing of all hunter-harvested mule deer and white-tailed deer from game management units (GMUs) inside Boundary County is mandatory.
• Whole carcasses of harvested or salvaged deer, elk, and moose may not be transported out of a CWD Management Zone.

Accessibility Information

Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs and activities of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is available to all individuals regardless of physical or mental ability. For more information, please contact the U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Equal Opportunity.

Accessible Blinds

Migratory Bird Hunt

Three special access migratory bird hunt blinds are available by reservation. Hunters must provide proof (Idaho disabled license or doctor’s letter) prior to making reservations. Accessible blinds have designated parking areas.

Deer Hunt

Special Access Permits to hunt from an Accessible Deer Hunt Blind are available to hunters with disabilities through a lottery drawing. Multiple, 7-day white-tailed deer permits are available annually. Possession of a State of Idaho issued disabled hunter license is required to be eligible for the random drawing. Please contact the Refuge Office before July 31 to participate. Awardees are selected on August 1.

Safety

The Refuge has designated hunting areas separated spatially from hiking trails and the Auto Tour Route, except for the Ole Humpback Trail which is located inside the Turkey, Grouse and Big Game hunting Unit. A non-shooting retrieval zone has been established along the west side of the Auto Tour Route (ATR) and the Deep Creek Trail to provide for safety. All hunting firearms must be unloaded when in the posted retrieval zone for purposes of retrieving downed birds or when traveling to and from the hunting area. Hunters with disabilities should have a helper if necessary, to assist with retrieving downed game. Hypothermia can happen quickly in cold, wet weather and in minutes if you fall in cold water. Wear clothes suitable for these outdoor activities. Beware of deep water in various locations; consult a map prior to heading out.

In Idaho, Hunter Orange is Required in the following scenarios

• On sponsored hunts, such as organized youth hunts.

Hunter Orange is Encouraged

• Where and when it will increase hunter safety without being detrimental to hunter success, such as in waterfowl hunting or turkey hunting where camouflage is needed to avoid being spotted by the quarry. 

Firearms

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).

Access

Duck, goose, coot, and snipe hunting is allowed on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday during the State seasons. Entry to the waterfowl hunts units is allowed from 3:00 am until 1 hour after legal sunset on hunting days. The waterfowl hunt units are closed to all entry on non-hunt days. Waterfowl hunting hours correspond to State regulations. Big game and upland bird hunting seasons and shooting hours are in accordance with State regulations.

Visitors hunting and fishing on the Refuge must use designated parking areas as identified on the map. Note: Both free-roam and fixed-blind hunting occur in the same areas.

Access to the Refuge from private property is prohibited.

Vehicles

Licensed motor vehicles, including ATVs and UTVs, and bicycles are allowed only on County roads and the Auto Tour Route as shown on the map.

Boats

Boats are prohibited from entering the mouth of Myrtle Creek. Boats may not land on the banks of Deep Creek. Waterfowl hunters can use non-motorized boats launched from the Center Ditch at the Center Parking Lot to access the waterfowl hunt areas.

Dogs

Dogs may be used to hunt during the migratory bird, forest grouse and fall turkey seasons. Hunting dogs must always be under the control of the hunter.

Hunt Regulations Continued

State hunting and fishing regulations, seasons, methods of take, bag limits, and license requirements apply to all hunting on the Refuge with the following exceptions.

Map

Image Details

Signs and Boundaries

Please respect the following signs

• REFUGE PERMIT Hunting Parking Only
• NO HUNTING ZONE Beyond this Sign
• AREA BEYOND THIS SIGN CLOSED All public entry prohibited
• NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Unauthorized Entry Prohibited (boundary sign)
• RETRIEVING ZONE ONLY
• WATERFOWL HUNTING ONLY

Applies to the area located behind the sign

• Refuge Boundary: The entire Refuge perimeter is posted with the Blue Goose logo, National Wildlife Refuge Unauthorized Entry Prohibited, and Area Beyond this Sign Closed. Entry permitted in accordance with refuge regulations.
• Closed Area: All entry prohibited.
• No Hunting Zone: Hunting, weapons, and game retrieval prohibited. Contact Refuge Manager or Law Enforcement for consent to retrieve.
• Retrieving zone only: access through an area to get to hunt units or to retrieve downed birds.
• Waterfowl hunting only: hunting for waterfowl only as permitted by Refuge regulations

Prohibited Activities 

• Overnight parking
• Camping, fires, horseback riding, snowmobiles and unlicensed ATV/UTVs
• The use of remotely piloted/controlled devices
• Possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting
• Trapping or falconry
• Possession of loaded firearms or a bow with the arrow notched within any safety zone or Refuge Closed Area
• Searching for or removal of any natural items including, but not limited to, antlers; skulls; plants; firewood; and historic and archaeological features protected by Federal law
• Use of electronic or photographic trail monitoring devices
• Marking or flagging any tree or other Refuge feature with reflectors, paint, or other substance
• Permanent tree stands, nails, screw-in steps, or other items that penetrate the outer bark of a tree
• Access to the Refuge from private property
• Littering