From a distance, the cattails that grow throughout Lake Zahl look idyllic and easy to negotiate. However, hunters know that this cover is like walking through a jungle. This landscape provides great hiding spots for pheasant, and even deer, despite the fact that very few trees grow on this 3,700-acre wetland refuge. As the saying goes, the thicker the cover, the better the hunting. A dog is a considerable help, and multiple hunters can help move birds.
Portions of the Refuge are open to hunting deer and upland game birds in accordance with State and Refuge-specific regulations. Hunting waterfowl or any other species is prohibited. To help protect wildlife and their habitats and to ensure your safety, please familiarize yourself with the following information.
General Regulations
- All Federal and State hunting regulations apply.
- Hunters must possess all applicable State and Federal licenses.
- Hunting on the Refuge is open only for deer and upland game birds (late season and youth pheasant).
- Waterfowl hunting is not permitted on the Refuge.
Prohibited Activities
- Use or possession of lead shot while hunting.
- Use of vehicles inside the Refuge boundaries. Only foot travel is allowed on the Refuge.
- Use of horses to hunt or retrieve game.
- Permanent tree stands or any tree stand that uses nails, wires, screws, bolts, or screw-in steps are not allowed on the Refuge. Temporary portable tree stands that meet State regulations are permitted on the Refuge, but they cannot be left up over night.
- Use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting.
- Baiting.
- Fishing.
- Littering.
- Camping and open fires.
Deer Hunting on the Refuge
Archery
- Archery hunting is permitted on the Refuge in accordance with State hunting regulations. Archery deer season generally opens the first Friday in September. Check State hunting regulations for exact dates.
Rifle
- Rifle hunting is permitted on the Refuge in accordance with State hunting regulations. Rifle deer season generally opens the first Friday in November. Check State hunting regulations for exact dates.
- Rifle hunting on the Refuge is open in State Unit 3A1. Hunters must possess a valid State unit tag which may be obtained from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
Muzzleloader
- Muzzleloader hunting is permitted on the Refuge in accordance with State hunting regulations. Muzzleloader season generally opens the first Friday after the close of the rifle deer season. Check State hunting regulations for exact dates.
- Muzzleloader hunters are required to have a special State permit which may be obtained from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department.
Upland Game Bird Hunting on the Refuge
- Special late season upland game bird hunting opens the day following the close of regular deer gun season and remains open through the end of the State season. Youth pheasant hunting follows the State season. Upland game bird hunting is permitted on the Refuge in accordance with State hunting regulations. Check State hunting regulations for exact dates.
- Pheasant, gray partridge, and sharp-tailed grouse may be hunted on the Refuge.
- A Federal Duck Stamp is not required for hunting upland game birds on the Refuge.
- Dogs are allowed for upland game bird hunting.
- Falconry is allowed on the Refuge only during the upland game bird season. State and Federal hunting regulations apply.
Hours
- Entry to the Refuge before 12 p.m. (noon) on the first day of the respective archery, gun, or muzzleloader deer hunting season is prohibited.
- All other hunting hours follow those set in the North Dakota State hunting regulations.
