Law Enforcement

There are lots of fun, interesting, and educational things you can do on the refuge.  Keep in mind, if an activity is not wildlife related and does not help in the protection or understanding of wildlife or their habitat, there are probably refuge rules governing this activity.  Please check with the refuge management before participating in an activity that could harm the environment or yourself.  There are plenty of activities on the Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge for you to enjoy.  Be safe and have fun!  

A Federal Wildlife Officer on a boat checking a hunter's harvest.
Image Details

Here are a few general rules and regulations;

  • The refuge is open from legal sunrise to legal sunset only with the exception of legal refuge hunting activities
  • Camping and camp-fires are prohibited
  • The use of ATV's and UTV's and off-road motorized vehicles are prohibited
  • Searching for or removal of objects of antiquity or other value is strictly prohibited
  • The use or possession of alcoholic beverages is prohibited  
  • Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuges must comply with all provisions of state and local law
  • Dogs are permitted for raccoon and squirrel hunting, but are required to wear a collar displaying the owners name, address, and telephone number
  • Horses, mules, and burros are permitted only on refuge roads open to motorized traffic
  • The use or possession of bait, or hunting over bait is strictly prohibited. (see Public Use Regulations for details)
  • Tree stands must be removed from the refuge daily
  • The marking of any tree or other refuge feature is prohibited
  • Removal of vegetation (e.g. cutting of bushes and trees, mowing, herbicide use, and other actions) is prohibited
  • Use of electronic or photographic trail monitoring devices is prohibited
  • Hunters must comply with the hunter education requirements for the State in which license is issued
  • Trapping is prohibited

The provisions listed above supplement the general regulations which govern public use on National Wildlife Refuges as set forth in Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations.