Mingo National Wildlife Refuge

General Regulations

Access to the refuge trails and lands are open from 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1/2 hour after sunset unless otherwise posted. Do not enter areas signed as closed. For access information related to hunting, visit our hunting information web page and read the hunting brochure. Please consult the refuge-specific brochures or contact the visitor center for complete rules and regulations.

Prohibited Activities:

• Vehicles must stay on designated access roads, public roads, and parking areas.
• The use of ATVs, UTVs or golf carts anywhere on the refuge.
• Use of any motorized or mechanical equipment in the wilderness area wilderness area
  Wilderness areas are places untamed by humans. The Wilderness Act of 1964 allows Congress to designate wilderness areas for protection to ensure that America's pristine wild lands will not disappear. Wilderness areas can be part of national wildlife refuges, national parks, national forests or public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
  
  Learn more about wilderness area
• Drones (UAVs) taking off, landing and/or flying on or over refuge lands 
• Launching, landing or disturbing of wildlife by aircraft (includes drones) on the refuge; this includes for recreational or commercial purposes
• Use of a spotlight, headlight or other artificial light to spot, locate or take any wild animal
• Camping, open fires and overnight parking
• Target shooting
• Training pets and allowing pets off leash
• Shed antler hunting
• Collection or harm to mussels, crayfish and other aquatic species, including frogs
• Abandoning, discarding or otherwise leaving any personal property-all property brought onto a refuge must be removed at the end of each day and includes, but is not limited to vehicles, boats, fishing equipment, decoys, trail cameras, blinds, photography equipment, and trash.
• Destructing, defacing, disturbing or unauthorized removal of any natural object, artifact, cultural resource or government property 
• Introducing, liberating or placing plants or animals or their parts, taken elsewhere on refuge lands or waters
• Disposing of animal carcasses, trash, refuse, rocks, wood or other debris 
• Cutting, mowing, sawing, digging, collecting, injuring or removing vegetation except that which is approved for foraging March-September. 
• Commercial enterprise without a special use permit
• Use or possession of any illegal drug or drug paraphernalia is prohibited
• Possession of a firearm inside any building

Water Access

• All refuge waters are open to fishing and boating March 1 - September 30
• Water access is allowed year round on Red Mill Pond, Mingo River (South of Ditch 6 Road), Stanley Creek, May Pond, Fox Pond, and Ditches 1, 2, 3, 10 and 11
• See map for waterfowl sanctuary areas closed to access October - February
• The use of gas-powered boat motors is prohibited anywhere on the refuge
• The possession of any motor (gas or electric) is prohibited within the wilderness area
• Boats must be removed from refuge daily
• All boats must meet State or Missouri requirements.

Gathering Opportunities

• Visitors may gather mushrooms, berries and pokeweed with the following stipulations.
• Gathering is allowed March 1 - September 30 south of Ditch 11, west of Ditch 6 and north of the Ozark Highlands Auto Tour to Ditch 4
• Plant products are for personal use only and cannot be sold or traded
• Daily limit 2 gallons mushrooms and berries per day; 5 gallons pokeweed per day
• Ground disturbance is prohibited
• Damaging other vegetation while harvesting is prohibited
• Planting or cultivating plants for harvest is prohibited
• Use of trained animals, other than leashed dogs, to assist in mushroom hunting is not permitted

Hunting 

Big game hunting was expanded in 2015.At Mingo NWR, turkeys regularly traverse in water up to their chests and often roost in completely different areas each night. Their behavior may be unusual, but one thing is certain -there are a lot of them. The refuge is also a destination for deer hunters, particularly for the hard-to-draw muzzleloader hunt. Only about 10 percent of hunters who apply will draw a tag. While not a high-success hunt, hunters know the refuge harbors some very large deer. The muzzleloader hunt includes the wilderness unit on the 21,592-acre refuge, so hunters can expect to experience solitude in the largest remaining tract of bottomland hardwood forest in southeast Missouri.

General Hunt Rules:

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).

Vehicles

•  All vehicles are restricted to roads that are delineated on the refuge map. Roads may be closed at any time due to adverse weather or management needs. Vehicles may be parked alongside roads in a manner that will not interfere with the normal flow of traffic. Designated parking areas are available. Otherwise, do not block gates or field-access roads. ATVs and UTVs are prohibited.

Boats

• Hunters may use boats to access the hunt area on the refuge; however, boats may not be left overnight. During the hunt season, boats are only permitted in Ditches 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 11, and the lateral ditch on the south end of Gumstump Pool. Monopoly Marsh is closed to boats October 1–end of February. An approved personal flotation device is required for each person in a boat. The use of gasoline-powered boat motors is prohibited on all refuge waters, but possession of gas motors and use of electric trolling motors is allowed outside the Mingo Wilderness Area. The Wilderness Area includes Ditches 5, 6, and 10 within the Expanded Hunt Area.

Accessibility Information

• Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs and activities of the U.S. Fish and 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, https://www.doi.gov/pmb/eeo/public-civil-rights

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

Access

• Hunters may only access the public hunt area and designated access roads two hours before legal sunrise until two hours after legal sunset. All hunters must enter and exit the refuge only on designated access roads and entry points. The primary access point for hunters is located at the entrance to Red Mill Drive on Bluff Road. Other designated access roads are located at Schoolhouse Access, Job Corps, McGee Access (Co. Rd. 513), Duck Creek Conservation Area, and Rabbit Ridge Access (Co. Rd. 518). In addition, hunters may enter through designated refuge access points along Highway 51.

Hunter Stations

• Hunter kiosk stations are located at key hunt area access locations. Before departing the refuge, hunters must complete and provide hunt information on a hunter harvest report located at the hunter kiosks.

General Regulations

• The hunting regulations specific to Mingo National Wildlife Refuge are set forth in Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations. Individuals using the refuge are subject to inspections of permits, licenses, hunting equipment, bag limits, boats, vehicles, and their contents by refuge and state officers. To ensure your safety and enjoyment while visiting the refuge, please take the time to become familiar with the regulations, hunting area, and property boundaries; please call the refuge with questions.

Entrance Permits

• Persons on foot or one occupant of each vehicle are required to possess a refuge entrance permit upon entry onto the refuge. For the purposes of this regulation, a vehicle is defined as a non-commercial bicycle, equestrian animal, or other mode of transportation.
• The following may be used as an entrance permit: 
  • Daily Entrance Permit ($3.00)
  • Refuge-Specific Annual Pass ($12)
  • Federal Duck Stamp ($25)
  • Interagency Annual Senior Pass ($20)
  • Interagency Senior Lifetime Pass ($80)
  • Interagency Access Pass (free)
  • Active Military/Veteran/Gold Star Family Pass (free)
  • Every Kid Outdoors Pass (free to 4th Graders)

Entrance permits should be displayed on the dash of automobiles when on the refuge.

• In addition to the refuge permit, hunters must sign and possess the front cover of the current hunting brochure when scouting, hunting, or participating in other hunter activities on the refuge. When signed and in the possession of the hunter, the cover of this brochure serves as a hunting permit for all refuge hunts except Special Management Hunts.
• The signed brochure acknowledges individual understanding of refuge regulations. Hunters must possess all state required licenses and permits when hunting on the refuge.

Hunting Regulations and Seasons

• The State of Missouri regulations apply unless otherwise specified in the refuge-specific regulations. Hunting is permitted only in designated areas shown on map. Hunters born on or after January 1, 1967, must show proof that they have successfully completed a Hunter Education Course. Hunters under 16 years of age who are not Hunter Education Certified must be accompanied (in sight and normal voice contact) by a legally licensed hunter over 18 years of age. See Prohibited Activities section for other restrictions and regulations. For a list of hunting opportunities refer to the hunt table.

Fall Deer and Turkey Season (Archery)

• Archery deer and turkey hunting are concurrent with the State season, except the Expanded Hunt Area between Ditch 4 and 6, north of Ditch 11 and south of the Ozark Highland Auto Tour Road closes October 31. (Note: Hunt Area west of Ditch 4 is subject to closure during any overlapping Managed Hunts). During the State firearm season, archery deer hunting is allowed only with a firearm permit. Only one portable tree stand per hunter is permitted on the refuge from two weeks before until two weeks after the State archery deer season. In the area between Ditch 4 and 6, north of Ditch 11 and south of the Ozark Highland Auto Tour Road, hunters must remove stands daily. All stands must be clearly marked with owner’s state conservation identification number. Incidental take of squirrels, raccoons, and bobcats is allowed during the state archery season by use of archery equipment concurrent with respective statewide seasons until the daily bag limit for that game species is taken. Feral hogs may be taken incidental to legal hunting with archery equipment until the daily bag limit of game is taken.

Other Hunting Opportunities

• Incidental take of raccoon or bobcat is allowed during the statewide furbearer season during any refuge hunt by legal means for that game species until the daily bag limit for that game species is taken.
• Feral hogs may be taken incidental to any refuge hunt with weapons legal for that hunt until the daily bag limit of game is taken

Public Hunting Area

• The Public Hunting Area is 12,649 acres that generally encompasses the area east of Ditch 6 and north of Ditch 11 while excluding such areas as Gum Stump Pool, Rockhouse Marsh (as posted), Monopoly Marsh (to water’s edge), Hwy 51 Overlook Area, and the flooded impoundments (See Map).
• Schoolhouse Accessible Trail offers paved access to three wheelchair-accessible hunting blinds for large and small game hunting. The trail is available on a first-come, first-served basis for hunters with disabilities and their partners.

Methods

• Firearms legally possessed for hunting on the refuge are the same as those prescribed by the state of Missouri. Crossbows may be used by hunters per State regulations. The discharging of firearms, including air guns or any other weapons, on a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
  A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
  
  Learn more about national wildlife refuge is strictly prohibited except as authorized for hunters with a valid refuge hunting brochure and permit while engaged in authorized activities during established seasons.24279 MO-51 Puxico, Missouri 63960573-222 3589TTY Federal Relay System: 1-800-877-8339  U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service  1-800-344-WILD August 2022
• This is a unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System, a network of lands and waters managed for the benefit of wildlife and people.

Other Restrictions

• Dogs are permitted for waterfowl and raccoon hunting only. Waterfowl hunting dogs must be leashed or under strict voice command at all times. All game harvested must be tagged as prescribed by state regulations and checked through authorized state harvest reporting procedures.

Commercial Use

• Any commercial use of a national wildlife refuge, including guided hunts are prohibited except as may be authorized by a refuge Special Use Permit.

To Report Violations

• Refuge Law Enforcement Officer, 573-986-1327 Turn In a Poacher (TIP) Line:1-800-POACHER

Signs and Boundaries

• To avoid trespass on private property, know the meaning of these signs and area regulations. Authorized activities on refuge land include hunting, fishing, hiking, wildlife observation, canoeing, nature photography, environmental education, and interpretation.
•  Please respect the following signs:
  • No Hunting Zone: Hunting Prohibited
  • Refuge Boundary: These signs mark the boundary of the refuge; it is important to understand they DO NOT prohibit access, only unauthorized uses
  • Area Beyond this Sign Closed All Public Entry Prohibited: Sanctuary Area; This area is off limits to the public unless otherwise specified
  • No Vehicles Beyond This Point: All Motorized Traffic prohibited Vehicles must remain on designated refuge roads. All other portions of the refuge, including side roads and levee tops, are closed to vehicles at all times.

Prohibited Activities

• Trapping
• Use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting
• Leaving boats, decoys, temporary blinds, and blind materials brought onto the refuge for waterfowl hunting outside of legal hunt hours
• The construction or use of permanent blinds, stands, or scaffolds for waterfowl hunting
• The use of paint, non-biodegradable flagging, reflectors, tacks or other manmade materials to mark trails or hunting locations
• The use of climbing spikes, nails, wires, screws, bolts, or any item driven into a tree
• Distribution of bait or hunting with the aid of bait including, but not limited to, grains, feeds, salts, mineral blocks, meats, fruits, and other ingestible attractants
• Spot-lighting to locate wildlife or for hunting of wildlife
• Taking of any wildlife or plants (including cutting trees or brush) other than specified in this brochure
• Searching for or removing any object of antiquity including arrowheads, pottery or other artifacts
• Blocking of gates or roadways with vehicles
• Camping/overnight parking and open campfires
• Shed antler hunting
• Leaving game cameras or other items out during refuge closed hours

Hunt Dates and Quotas

• Please reference the refuge hunt brochure.

Mingo National Wildlife Refuge Hunt Brochure

Trapping 

• Trapping is allowed by Special Use Permit only.

Fishing 

•  Allowed methods include pole and line, trotline, throwline, limb line, bank line, jug line and yo-yo. 
• Only pole and line method may be used in Fox Pond and May Pond
• Non-game fish may be taken for personal use by net or seine March 1 - September 30
• Anglers must attend trammel and gill nets at all times and label nets and lines with owner’s MO Conservation ID number
• All fishing lines and nets must be removed at the end of each day’s fishing
• Snapping and soft-shell turtles may be harvested by pole and line only
• Bow-fishing and gigging is prohibited
• Alligator gar and alligator snapping turtles must be immediately released
• Harvest limits for sport fish align with state limits for impounded waters
• Collection or harm to mussels, crayfish and other aquatic species, including frogs are prohibited. 

Horseback Riding and Recreational Biking

• Permitted year-round on the Ozark Highlands Auto Tour and roads open to vehicular traffic
• From March 1 - September 30, horseback riding and biking is allowed on the 6-mile loop of road between Ditch 3 and 4 and the Ditch 6 Service Road
• All other roadways, dike tops, nature trails and levees are closed to equestrian and bicycle use
• Electric bikes are restricted to the same locations as non-motorized bicycles and must observe speed limits

In addition to these provisions, all state laws, county codes and Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations apply on the refuge. If you have any questions about the legality of any activity, please contact the refuge office.