Valentine National Wildlife Refuge has become a destination for upland bird hunters who enjoy pursuing different species. This refuge is one of the few areas in the country where sharp-tailed grouse and prairie chickens may be hunted in the same place. Most of the 71,772-acre refuge is grasslands, offering perfect conditions for these birds. Hunters with pointing dogs can cover a lot of country and find plenty of birds. Both species are known for flushing well out of shotgun range, but persistent hunters are usually rewarded with clean shots due to the abundance of birds. Hunters also have a good chance at taking pheasant on the same hunt. Upland birds may get most of the attention, but the Refuge also offers hunts for white-tailed and mule deer, coyote, waterfowl and mourning dove. Youth hunts are offered for deer and waterfowl.
Part of the Refuge is open to waterfowl hunting, and pheasants can be found around the many lakes and marshes. Rifle, archery, and muzzle loader hunters come to hunt both mule and white-tailed deer. Dove and coyote hunting is also permitted. Check the refuge fishing and hunting brochure for special regulations and open areas. Hunting seasons, except for coyote, license requirements, and bag limits are the same as the rest of the state and can be found at http://outdoornebraska.ne.gov/hunting.asp.
