Facility Rules and Policies

Special regulations are necessary to protect wildlife and habitat. Please familiarize yourself with Refuge regulations and respect the privileges of other visitors. Your understanding of regulations will make your visit a safe and enjoyable one. Please ask Refuge staff if you have any questions about Refuge regulations. 

Rules and Policies

Hours
The Refuge is open daily from 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset. After sunset, all public use is prohibited. The Office and Visitor Center are open from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. The Office and Visitor Center are closed on all federal holidays

Access
To protect wildlife from disturbance and minimize habitat damage, vehicles and bicycles must stay on developed roads. The speed limit on all Refuge roads is 35 mph unless posted otherwise. Off-road vehicle travel is prohibited.

Parking
Vehicles must park in pullouts or within 10 feet of the road. Overnight parking is not permitted.

Camping
Camping is not permitted on the Refuge. Open fires are not allowed on Refuge lands.

Horses
Horseback riding is permitted. Use of certified weed-free hay is recommended to minimize further introduction of invasive plants.

Accessible Facilities
An accessible walking trail is located in Sheppard Bottom.

Firearms, Explosives, and Other Weapons
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). Carrying, possessing, or discharging explosives, including fireworks, is strictly prohibited. Target shooting is prohibited. 

Animal and Plant Life
Collecting, possessing, or destroying any plant or animal or part thereof (alive or dead) is prohibited (except legally taken game. This includes shed antlers.

Introduction of Plants and Animals
Plants and animals, or their parts, may not be introduced or placed on the Refuge.

Historical Artifacts and Other Valued Objects
Searching for, removing, or damaging historic items, Native American artifacts, or fossils are prohibited. No person shall search for or remove rocks, stones, or mineral specimens. Possession and use of metal detectors are prohibited.

Pets
Pets must be confined or leashed (except hunting dogs when participating in a legal hunt).

Disposal of Waste
Dumping of litter, sewage, liquid wastes, or any other material on the Refuge is prohibited.