Laws and Regulations
Welcome to your National Wildlife Refuge! Discover new places to hunt, fish, take pictures, watch wildlife, walk, cross-country ski, snowshoe, kayak and canoe. Enjoy spending time outdoors alone or with friends and family. Please refer to the refuge-specific regulations in the ‘Visit Us’ section and consult the refuge manager at 419-898-0014 if you have questions.
Permits
Special use permits are issued for compatible secondary uses such as research, commercial uses - including still and video photography - and other related activities on the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. Permits are also required for hunting. Contact the refuge office for more information at 419-898-0014 or ottawa@fws.gov.
More Information
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issues permits under various wildlife law and treaties at a number of offices throughout the country. Permits enable the public to engage in legitimate wildlife-related activities that would otherwise be prohibited by law. Service permit programs ensure that such activities are carried out in a manner that safeguards wildlife. Additionally, some permits promote conservation efforts by authorizing scientific research, generating data, or allowing wildlife management and rehabilitation activates to go forward.