Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge has the unprecedented task to reconstruct the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, which includes native wildlife, grasses and wildflowers. Deer are common in the area and offer the archery, muzzleloader or shotgun hunter an exciting experience. Pheasant also thrive here and provide excellent hunting, particularly for hunters with dogs. Bison and elk are part of the prairie reconstruction. They have been reintroduced in an 800-acre section. Hunting is not permitted in the elk/bison area, but hunters can drive through this section to experience a small glimpse of what the prairie must have looked like in pre-settlement times.

Hunting rules

• The refuge may have additional requirements in addition to state regulations based on location, timing, species, methods of take, etc.
• Where small game hunting is an approved use on the refuge, hunters using shotguns, including turkey hunters, are required to use and possess only non-toxic shot
• During the small game and migratory bird seasons, hunting dogs must be under the immediate control of the hunter
• Hunters must wear an article of blaze orange/pink consistent with state regulations
• We prohibit constructing or occupying permanent stands or blinds
• We also prohibit the use of nails, wire, screws or bolts to attach a stand to a tree or hunting from a tree, into which a metal object has been driven to support a hunter
• Portable hunting stands must be set up and removed each day
• We prohibit the use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting
• We prohibit distribution of feed or bait, or hunting over bait (this includes salts and minerals)
• You may not use a spotlight, headlight or other artificial light to spot, locate or take any wild animal on a refuge

For more information on refuge rules and policies