Hunting is an important wildlife management tool that the National Refuge System recognizes as a healthy, traditional outdoor pastime, deeply rooted in America’s heritage. It also happens to be a popular activity on Felsenthal NWR enjoyed by local residents and out of town visitors. Refer to the Refuge’s Public Use Regulations for a complete list specific seasons and regulations as they are updated annually.
NEW this year on the Refuge:
- We define an ATV and a UTV as off-road vehicles, not legal for highway use, with the factory specifications not to exceed the following: having low pressure tires and/or tracks with a maximum of 1 ¼” lug height and a dry weight no greater than 1750 lbs.
- Straight-walled Cartridges are prohibited during the Muzzleloader Hunt.
- Feral hogs may be taken incidentally during the entire archery deer season.
- It is unlawful to possess, or take or attempt to take waterfowl with the use of, any simulated wing movement decoy or any decoy other than an artificial decoy that imitates the appearance of waterfowl: no moving parts or electrical components; and is not subjected to any artificial means that makes it appear to move, splash or cause ripples from the first day of the first segment of regular duck season through the last day of the last segment of regular duck season including teal and youth waterfowl season. Exception: Manually operated “jerk strings” may be used to simulate decoy movement.
- During waterfowl season, the Hebie Cut, Pine Island Boat Canal, Tom Grider Slough, Shallow Lake Boat Canal, and Lapile Creek will be posted with “No Wake” signs. The “No Wake” zone will be strictly enforced from 4am through 6am. A No Wake Zone is defined as the speed at which the vessel does not produce a wake, nor exceeds 5 mph.
- The Youth Modern Gun Turkey Hunt will not require a quota permit.
Quota Hunt Information and Procedures:
Quota Hunt applications and all payments must be processed online. Read and review the following information regarding all procedures.
Applications are accepted during the month of January for Turkey Hunts and August for Deer Hunts.
All applicants are subject to a $5.00 non-refundable application fee for quota hunts. Successful applicants will be charged an additional $15.00 per permit fee. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Unclaimed permits will be available for both the Gun and Muzzleloader Quota Deer Hunts and may be purchased on a first come first serve basis during the two weeks prior to the scheduled Hunts.
Felsenthal NWR Quota Hunt Permit Sale Site
For questions or help with applications or procedures please contact the Refuge Office at (870) 364-3167.
