Facility Rules and Policies

Waterfowl production areas are open to wildlife-dependent recreation including hunting of deer, upland game and waterfowl, fishing, trapping, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, environmental education, interpretation, berry and mushroom and nut picking (for personal use only), hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing unless otherwise posted. Waterfowl production areas are open daily year round from dawn to dusk. Some lands may also be open for night hunting in accordance with state laws and seasons.

General Regulations

Waterfowl production areas are open to wildlife-dependent recreation including hunting of deer, upland game and waterfowl, fishing, trapping, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, environmental education, interpretation, berry and mushroom and nut picking (for personal use only), hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing unless otherwise posted.

Waterfowl production areas are open daily year round from dawn to dusk. Some lands may also be open for night hunting in accordance with state laws and seasons.

Dogs are welcome but must be leashed except while engaged in hunting during established open seasons.

Prohibited

  • Motorized equipment such as snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, or boat motors (including electric types)
  • Camping or fires
  • Drones
  • Geocaching
  • Horseback riding
  • Target shooting (including "clay birds")
  • Commercial enterprises without an approved use permit
Firearms

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).

Hunting

Waterfowl production areas are open in accordance with state hunting regulations and seasons. You are responsible for knowing the boundaries and abiding by the regulations. Make sure to check zones and acquire the proper authorizations for the areas you will be hunting. For more information visit Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Additionally, the following regulations apply:

  • Nontoxic shot is required for ALL hunting. This does not include rifle bullets or shotgun slugs.
  • No placement or hunting over bait
  • Blinds, tree stands, trail cams and other personal property must be removed daily
  • Damage to trees, destruction or removal of vegetation including the cutting of shooting lanes and use of screw-in tree steps is prohibited
  • Possession or use of alcoholic beverages while hunting is prohibited
  • Shining or spot lighting wildlife is prohibited
Special Areas

Not all waterfowl production areas within Leopold Wetland Management District are open to hunting. The Blue Wing Waterfowl Production Area in Ozaukee County and Wilcox Waterfowl Production Area in Waushara County are both closed to hunting. Lucas Waterfowl Production Area in Ozaukee County is currently inaccessible.