Facility Activities

Hunting and ice fishing are two of the most frequent activities on waterfowl production areas. Most hunting seasons open in the fall, making this the most popular time of year for waterfowl production area waterfowl production area
Waterfowl production areas are small natural wetlands and grasslands within the National Wildlife Refuge System that provide breeding, resting and nesting habitat for millions of waterfowl, shorebirds, grassland birds and other wildlife. Virtually all waterfowl production areas are in the Prairie Pothole Region states of Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Learn more about waterfowl production area visitation. Waterfowl production areas in the District range in size from 0.32 acres (McIntosh PDL 1C) to 1,757 acres (Lazy M). These waterfowl production areas are spread throughout the four counties and are open to wildlife-dependent recreational activities year-round.

Hunting

Over 45,000 acres of waterfowl production areas (WPAs) are open to public hunting, including the high number of wetlands on these properties. In many parts of the District, the abundance of wetlands attracts waterfowl breeding pair densities in the spring of over 100 pairs per square mile. In...

Fishing

Fishing season is year-round. Available species include walleye, perch, smallmouth bass and northern pike, with tremendous ice fishing available on some waterfowl production areas. Motorized boat access can be challenging in many areas, although Mundt Lake WPA has a boat ramp and vault toilet....

Ice fishing

Ice fishing for walleye, perch, and northern pike on waterfowl production areas and other lakes in the District is a popular winter pastime. The North Dakota Game and Fish Department actively stocks many less permanent wetlands that are experiencing high water levels. Productivity in these...

Trapping
Trapping is carefully managed to ensure safety and the sustainability of wildlife populations. Permitted trapping on refuges typically mirrors state regulations, and trappers who access refuge lands for recreation must possess state licenses and follow state regulations as well as permit stipulations.
Wildlife watching

Wildlife viewing is available year-round and each season brings something different. Be sure to bring your binoculars or camera. Mornings and evenings are usually the best times to see wildlife. During spring and fall migrations, hundreds of thousands of snow geese gather in the area to rest and...

Photography

Whether you wield a telephoto lens or a smartphone, photography is an activity for every visitor to consider. Snap a photo of a gorgeous sunset over your favorite hunting spot, train your lens on the eye of a white-faced ibis or capture a panoramic image of thunderstorm rolling across the...

Birding

Birdwatching is one of the simplest ways to enjoy the outdoors. Over 290 species of birds reside in or migrate through the District.  You can actively seek out certain birds or passively notice them. Birdwatching can be free, or you can invest in a good pair of binoculars or other equipment...

Wild edible foraging

Mature wild fruits, berries, seeds, and the above-ground portions of asparagus, mushrooms and rhubarb can be collected for personal (non-commercial) use on waterfowl production areas. Some of the most commonly-collected edibles include chokecherries and wild plums. Most fruits ripen in late...