Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge

There are plenty of activities on Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge for you to enjoy. Please stay out of closed areas to minimize disturbance to plants and animals. Be safe and have fun!

Hunting and Fishing Rules and Regulations

Migratory game bird hunting – we allow migratory game bird hunting on designated areas of the refuge.

Upland game hunting – we allow upland game hunting on designated areas of the refuge.

Big game hunting – we allow upland game hunting on designated areas of the refuge.

Sport fishing – we allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: You must remove all boats, motor vehicles, fishing equipment, and other personal property, excluding ice houses, by the end of each day’s fishing activity.

Designated Areas (see map)

Owen’s Bay Unit – Hunting and fishing NOT allowed.

South Unit – Fishing allowed according to state regulations.

Center Unit – Hunting and fishing allowed according to state regulations.

North Unit – Closed to public access.

General Rules and Regulations

Hunting and Fishing are allowed in accordance with Federal regulations governing public use on national wildlife refuges as set forth in Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations, State regulations, and Refuge-specific regulations outlined in the Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge Hunting and Fishing Regulations brochure.

Fishing

Fishing is allowed as per state regulations on the South and Center Units of Lake Andes.  All boats, motor vehicles, fishing equipment, and other personal property, excluding ice houses, must be removed by the end of each day's fishing activity.

Hunting

Hunting in accordance with all state and federal regulations is permitted on the Center Unit of Lake Andes only.  All boats, decoys, portable blinds, other personal property, and any materials brought onto the area for blind construction must be removed by the end of each day's hunt.  Non-toxic shot is required for all shot shells.

Wildlife Observation

Wildlife observation and photography is allowed on the refuge in all areas open to the public.

Environmental education and interpretation

Environmental education and interpretation is allowed on the refuge in areas open to the public. 

Parking

Parking is allowed in designated parking areas only.  No overnight parking or camping is allowed.

Hiking

Foot travel is permitted on the Refuge.  Hiking is allowed in all areas open to the public.

Bicycling

Bicycling is allowed only on designated public trails or roads.

Horses

Horseback riding is allowed on signed refuge public access routes that are open to motor vehicles.

Dogs

Dogs must be on a leash, unless participating in a hunting activity, and under control at all times.

Off-Road Vehicles

Use of any off-road vehicle, including those used on air, water, ice, snow, is prohibited except when used in association with an approved activity and that does not destroy, harm, or disturb habitat.

Boats

Use of motorized or non-motorized boats is allowed on the Center and South Units of the Lake. Loading and unloading of boats from the dike roads is not allowed.

Collection

Collecting of natural materials such as plants, animals, minerals, and artifacts are prohibited.

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 Part 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in 50 CFR Part 32).

Commercial Activities

Commercial activities are not allowed on the refuge.

Drones

Use of drones are not allowed on the refuge.

Other Activities

Consult with refuge staff about any activities not listed above.