Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge

Regulation of recreation activities allows for public enjoyment of the refuge while still protecting the wildlife and habitats. 

• The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset. Hiking is allowed in all areas open to the public. Wildlife observation and photography are encouraged.
• Roads throughout the refuge are graveled and visitors must maintain the posted speed limit of 15 miles per hour. Parking is allowed in designated parking areas only. No overnight parking is allowed on the refuge. State traffic laws that govern the use and operation of vehicles apply on the Refuge.
• Please stay out of closed areas to minimize disturbance to plants and animals. Bicycling is allowed only on designated public access routes. It is not allowed on trails or roads closed to public vehicles. Traveling outside of designated routes of travel is prohibited. Designated routes of travel are shown on the Refuge maps or as posted with road closed, no vehicle, or foot traffic only signs.
• Only non-motorized boats and boats with electric motors are permitted. Gasoline or other internal combustion engines are prohibited. If these types of motors are permanently affixed or built into the boat, they must be temporarily rendered inoperable by removing gas tanks, batteries, etc.
• Firearms and other weapons are subject to state law. At all times, persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on the refuge must comply with all provisions of state law. Carrying, using, or possessing cross bows, bows and arrows, air guns, spears, gigs, or other weapons is prohibited. Some of these weapons may be legal to use for hunting or fishing (see current Refuge hunting permit and State regulations). Firearms may only be discharged in accordance with refuge hunting regulations, i.e., only during the lawful pursuit of game during legal seasons.
• Horseback riding is prohibited on the refuge.
• Camping, open fires, feeding or baiting of wildlife, swimming in Refuge canals, or entering any area posted with area closed signs is prohibited.
• All domestic pets (dogs and cats, etc.) must be properly confined or leashed (10-foot maximum), and under owner control at all times.  
• Littering or dumping of garbage, refuse, sewage, debris, or other wastes or poisons is prohibited.
• The use of a spotlight, automotive headlight, or other artificial light to spot, observe, locate, or take any animal on the Refuge is prohibited.
• Taking, possessing, injuring, disturbing, damaging, destroying, or collecting any plant or animal (or attempting these actions) is prohibited.
• Destroying, defacing, damaging, disturbing, or removing any private or public property, including any natural object or artifact, is prohibited. The use or possession of metal detectors or similar devices is prohibited.
• Disturbing, molesting, or interfering with any person engaged in an authorized activity is prohibited. Engaging in any act of indecency or disorderly conduct (as defined by State or local laws) is prohibited.
• Entering or remaining on the Refuge when under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance is prohibited.
• Begging or soliciting in any form or conducting a commercial enterprise on the Refuge is prohibited.
• Unauthorized discharge of firearms/fireworks is prohibited.
• Hunting and fishing are subject to State and local regulations, seasons, and bag limits. Only the use of pole and line, rod and reel, or cast net is permitted. A Refuge permit is required for hunting.
• Operating any vehicle or boat that does not bear valid license plates or identification numbers and that is not properly lighted, certified, registered, or inspected according to State laws is prohibited. ATV's (3-wheelers, 4-wheelers, dirt bikes, etc.) are prohibited.
• Stopping or parking a vehicle (either attended or unattended) on a road, trail, or firelane such that it blocks the free movement of other vehicles is prohibited.
• Carrying, using, or possessing paintball guns or paintball markers is prohibited.