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War Horse National Wildlife Refuge is one of four satellite National Wildlife Refuges in central Montana managed by the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge Complex and that resides within the Charles M. Russell Wetland Management District. It consists of three separate tracts of land: War Horse Unit, Wild Horse Unit, and Yellow Water Unit. Information on these units can be found in the "About Us" page. The Refuge is open to hunting, wildlife observation, and photography. In addition to compliance with all applicable State hunting regulations, non-toxic shot must be used to harvest waterfowl and upland game birds.
What to Bring
Binoculars, a backpack, and water are all essential items to bring any time you venture out to recreate on any public land. Additional helpful items are boots to protect your feet from prickly pear cactus, weather-appropriate gear, and bug repellant for the seasonally plentiful mosquitoes found on the Refuge units.
General Travel
As with traveling in any remote area, please keep emergency supplies, a full spare tire, and an eye out for changing weather or roads conditions in order to stay safe while enjoying these places. No off-road mechanized travel is permitted and is prohibited by federal law. Please stay on established routes and roads.
Activities
Activities on War Horse National Wildlife Refuge range from wildlife viewing, to hunting permitted species in season, to landscape and wildlife photography.
Please see the "Rules and Policies" section of this page for more information.
Related Documents
A map showing the Charles M. Russell Wetland Management District, Waterfowl Production Areas and satellite Refuges is available below.
Other Facilities in the Complex
Residing within the boundaries of the Charles M. Russell Wetland Management District, War Horse Refuge is managed as part of the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge Complex. A National Wildlife Refuge Complex is an administrative grouping of two or more Refuges, wildlife management areas, or other Refuge conservation areas that are primarily managed from a central office location. Refuges are grouped into a complex structure structure
Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.
Learn more about structure because they occur in a similar ecological region, such as a watershed or specific habitat type, and have a related purpose and management needs. Typically, a project leader or complex manager oversees the general management of all Refuges within the complex and Refuge managers are responsible for operations at specific Refuges. Supporting staff, composed of administrative, law enforcement, Refuge management, biological, fire, visitor services, and maintenance professionals, are centrally located and support all Refuges within the complex.
The District Manager for the Charles M. Russell Wetland Management District serves as the manager for War Horse National Wildlife Refuge.
Rules and Policies
The regulations below apply to War Horse National Wildlife Refuge and all of its respective units: War Horse Unit, Wild Horse Unit, and Yellow Water Unit.
Locations
War Horse National Wildlife Refuge consists of three separate land units: Wild Horse, War Horse and Yellow Water.
To access the Wild Horse Unit, head east from Grass Range on Highway 200 for 11 miles to the old town of Teigen. Turn north on the Blakeslee Road. Go 10 miles north until you come to a four-way intersection. Turn east and drive 1.5 miles to the lake.
To access the War Horse Unit, head east from Grass Range on Highway 200 for 11 miles to the old town of Teigen. Turn north on the Blakeslee Road. Go 6.5 miles north until you see the lake, passing the National Wildlife Refuge sign (at 5.5 miles). At the cement bridge, turn east on the dirt trail to the lake.
To access the Yellow Water Unit, take Highway 200 to the town of Winnett, then drive south on Highway 244 for 7.4 miles to the Yellow Water Road. Turn west on the gravel road and continue 5.5 miles taking a left at the ‘Y’ to the reservoir.