US LAWS, STATUTES & CODES ON-LINE

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, swan, and coot in designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions (consult refuge manager prior to hunting to learn of changes or updates):

1. We prohibit access to refuge hunting areas from other than authorized refuge parking areas. We prohibit hunting on or within 25 yards (22.5 m) of dikes or roads except the marked portion of the dike between Marsh Units 5 and 6. Hunters must have a means of bird retrieval, using a boat, boots, or a trained dog, while hunting on this dike (see §26.21(b) of this chapter).

2. We allow hunting with the opening of waterfowl season and close November 30.

3. Hunters with a documented mobility disability may reserve an accessible blind in advance by contacting a refuge officer or calling the refuge office.

4. We only allow nonmotorized boats on refuge waters.

5. We allow hunting from temporary portable blinds or blinds made from natural vegetation.

6. We prohibit the retrieval of downed game from areas closed to hunting.

7. You must unload and case all firearms (see §27.42(b) of this chapter) when outside of the refuge hunt area on the refuge.

B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, and gray partridge in designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions (consult refuge manager prior to hunting to learn of changes or updates):

1. Conditions A2, A6, and A7 apply.

2. We prohibit access to refuge hunting areas from other than authorized refuge parking areas.

3. We prohibit hunting on or within 25 yards (22.5 m) of dikes or roads except the marked portion of the dike between Marsh Units 5 and 6.

C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]

D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may sport fish on designated areas of the refuge as posted by signs.

Black Coulee National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, swan, sandhill crane, and mourning dove on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We only allow nonmotorized boats on refuge waters.

2. You must remove all boats, decoys, portable blinds, other personal property, and any materials brought onto the refuge for blind construction by legal sunset (see §§27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, sage grouse, gray partridge, fox, and coyote on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot (see §32.2(k)).

2. Fox and coyote hunters may only use centerfire rifles, rimfire rifles, or shotguns with approved nontoxic shot.

3. We require game bird hunters to wear at least one article of blaze-orange clothing visible above the waist.

C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]

D. Sport Fishing [Reserved]

Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, swan, sandhill crane, and mourning dove on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. You must check-in and check out of the refuge daily. Before hunting, each hunter must record the date, their name, and the time checking into the refuge on a register inside the Hunter Registration Kiosk at refuge headquarters. After hunting, each hunter must record hunting data (hours hunted waterfowl and/or upland game and the number of birds harvested) before departing the refuge.

2. We prohibit air-thrust boats or boats with motors greater than 25 hp.

3. You must remove all boats, decoys, portable blinds, other personal property, and any materials brought onto the refuge for blind construction by legal sunset (see §§27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, sage grouse, gray partridge, fox, and coyote on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. Condition A1 applies.

2. You must possess and carry a refuge Special Use Permit to hunt fox and coyotes.

3. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot (see §32.2(k)).

4. Fox and coyote hunters may only use centerfire rifles, rimfire rifles, or shotguns with approved nontoxic shot.

5. We require game bird hunters to wear at least one article of blaze-orange clothing visible above the waist.

C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]

D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]

Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. Refuge open to hunting of migratory game birds in accordance with State law.

B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunting of upland game birds, turkey and coyote is permitted on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition:

1. Coyote hunting allowed from the first day of antelope rifle season through March 1 annually.

C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of big game on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We allow the use of portable blinds and stands. You may install stands and blinds no sooner than August 1, and you must remove them by December 15 of each year. We limit each hunter to three stands or blinds. The hunter must have their name, address, phone number, and automated licensing system number (ALS) visibly marked on the stand.

2. We allow hunting of elk on designated areas of the refuge. You must possess and carry a refuge permit to hunt elk on the refuge.

D. Sport fishing. Refuge open to sport fishing in accordance with State law, and as specifically designated in refuge publications.

Creedman Coulee National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. Hunting of migratory game birds is permitted on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: Air-thrust boats and boats with motors greater than 10 horsepower motors are not permitted.

B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]

C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]

D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]

Hailstone National Wildlife Refugee

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. The refuge unit is open to the hunting of migratory game birds, but has no refuge-specific regulations as it follows guidelines set out in State law.

B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt upland game birds on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:

1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.

C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]

D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]

Halfbreed Lake National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]

B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]

C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]

D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]

Hewitt Lake National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, swan, sandhill crane, and mourning dove on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We prohibit air-thrust boats and boats with motors greater than 25 hp.

2. You must remove all boats, decoys, portable blinds, other personal property, and any materials brought onto the refuge for blind construction by legal sunset (see §§27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).

B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]

C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]

D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]

Lake Mason National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. Hunting of migratory game birds is permitted on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: The use of motorized boats is not permitted.

B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.

C. Big Game Hunting. Refuge open to big game hunting in accordance with State law.

D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]

Lake Thibadeau National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. Hunting of migratory game birds is permitted on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: Air-thrust boats and boats with greater than 10 horsepower motors are not permitted.

B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]

C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]

D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]

Lamesteer National Wildlife Refugee

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. The refuge unit is open to the hunting of migratory game birds but has no refuge-specific regulations as it follows guidelines set out in State law.

B. Upland Game Hunting. The refuge unit is open to the hunting of upland game but has no refuge-specific regulations as it follows guidelines set out in State law.

C. Big Game Hunting. The refuge unit is open to big game hunting but has no refuge-specific regulations as it follows guidelines set out in State law.

D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may sport fish in accordance with state law.

Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, and coot from established blinds in designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions (consult refuge manager prior to hunting to learn of changes or updates):

1. Hunting Access: We have numbered the blinds and assigned them to a single access point designated in the refuge hunting leaflet. Hunters must park at this access point and at the numbered parking space corresponding to a blind. Hunters must walk to the blind along mowed trails designated in the hunting leaflet. We open the access point to hunters who intend to immediately hunt on the refuge. We prohibit wildlife observation, scouting, and loitering at the access point.

2. Hunting Hours: We open the hunting area, defined by the refuge boundary fence, 2 hours before and require departure 2 hours after legal waterfowl hunting hours, as defined by the State.

3. Registration: Each hunter must record the date, his or her name, Automated License System number, date of birth, and the time checking into the hunt area at the appropriate register before hunting; must set the appropriate blind selector before and after hunting; and must record hunting data (hours hunted, the number of shots fired, and birds harvested) at the appropriate register before departing the hunting area.

4. Blind selection is on a first-come, first-served basis with the exception of the opening weekend of waterfowl season. We will distribute blind permits for the opening weekend by a public drawing. We will announce the drawing time and place in local newspapers.

5. We prohibit attempting to “reserve” a blind for use later in the day by depositing a vehicle or other equipment on the refuge. A hunter must be physically present in the hunting area in order to use a blind.

6. We prohibit blocking access to refuge gates (see §27.31(h) of this chapter).

7. Hunters with a documented mobility disability may reserve an accessible blind in advance by contacting a refuge officer.

8. No more than four hunters or individuals may use a blind at one time.

9. You may only possess approved nontoxic shotshells (see §32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less.

10. You must conduct all hunting from within 10 feet (3 m) of a blind.

11. All hunters must have a visible means of retrieving waterfowl such as a float tube, waders, or a dog capable of retrieving.

12. We prohibit falconry hunting.

13. We prohibit boats, fishing gear, and fires (see §27.95 of this chapter).

14. We require dogs be on a leash at the hunter access point and when walking to and from the hunt area/blind (see §26.21(b) of this chapter).

15. We require hunters to unload shotguns (see §27.42(b) of this chapter) at the hunter access point and when walking to and from the hunt area/blind.

B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]

C. Big Game Hunting. We allow archery hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions (consult refuge manager prior to hunting to learn of changes or updates):

1. Hunting Access: Hunters must enter and exit the hunt areas through designated archery hunting access points. We open access points to hunters intending to immediately hunt on the refuge. We prohibit wildlife observation, scouting, and loitering at access points and parking areas.

2. Condition A2 applies.

3. Registration: Each hunter must record the date, his or her name, Automated License System number, and date of birth at the appropriate register before hunting and must record hunting data (hours hunted, the number of arrows released, and deer harvested) at the appropriate register before departing the hunting area.

4. Tree Stands and Blinds: We only allow portable tree stands and blinds that must be removed each day (see §27.93 of this chapter).

5. We prohibit preseason entry or scouting.

6. Hunters may not enter or retrieve deer from closed areas of the refuge without the consent of a refuge officer.

7. We prohibit boats, fishing gear, fires (see §27.95 of this chapter), and firearms.

8. Hunters with a documented mobility disability may access designated locations in the hunting area to hunt from ground blinds. To access these areas, hunters must contact the refuge manager in advance to obtain a Special Use Permit.

9. We prohibit the use of any mechanized vehicle to enter or exit the hunt area; this includes bicycles.

D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas (Wildlife Viewing Area) of the refuge in accordance with State regulations in effect on the Bitterroot River from Tucker Crossing to Florence Bridge.

Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]

B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of turkey and mountain grouse in designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. We do not allow hunting in areas posted as “Closed to Hunting” around the refuge headquarters, maintenance buildings, and quarters.

2. We prohibit guiding and outfitting.

3. We allow use of riding or pack stock on access routes designated through the refuge to access off-refuge lands as designated in the public use leaflet.

4. You may not use dogs for hunting of any species.

5. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while on the refuge.

6. We prohibit overnight camping.

7. We prohibit retrieval of game through areas closed to hunting without prior consent by the refuge manager.

8. We allow only portable or temporary blinds and tree stands.

9. We allow parking in designated areas only.

C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of elk, white-tailed deer, and mule deer within designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:

1. We do not allow hunting in areas posted as “Closed to Hunting” around the refuge headquarters, maintenance buildings, and quarters.

2. We prohibit guiding and outfitting.

3. We allow use of riding or pack stock on access routes designated through the refuge to access off-refuge lands as designated in the public use leaflet.

4. You may not use dogs for hunting of any species.

5. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while on the refuge.

6. We prohibit overnight camping.

7. We prohibit open fires.

8. We prohibit retrieval of game through areas closed to hunting without prior consent by the refuge manager.

9. We allow only portable or temporary blinds and tree stands.

10. We allow parking in designated areas only.

11. The first week of the archery and the first week of general elk and deer hunting season are open to youth-only (ages 12 and 13 only) hunting.

D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]

Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, snipe, and dove on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations.

B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, partridge, and sharp-tailed grouse on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations.

C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer and antelope on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations.

D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to posted refuge restrictions.

National Bison National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]

B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]

C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]

D. Sport Fishing. The refuge unit is open to sport fishing but has no refuge-specific regulations as it follows guidelines set out in State law.

Nine-Pipe National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]

B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]

C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]

D. Sport Fishing. The refuge unit is open to sport fishing but has no refuge-specific regulations as it follows guidelines set out in State law.

Pablo National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]

B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]

C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]

D. Sport Fishing. The refuge unit is open to sport fishing but has no refuge-specific regulations as it follows guidelines set out in State law.

Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State hunting regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We only allow hunting on Lower Red Rock Lake and that portion of the River Marsh located directly north of Lower Red Rock Lake. We close all other areas of the refuge to hunting of goose, duck, and coot.

2. Hunters must remove all blinds, decoys, shell casings, and other personal equipment (see §§27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) from the refuge each day.

3. We only allow nonmotorized boats in the hunt area east of the Lower Red Rock Lake dam. We allow boats with motors 10 hp or less west of Lower Red Rock Lake dam.

B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]

C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer, elk, moose, and pronghorn antelope on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State hunting regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. Moose hunting on the refuge portion of Montana moose hunt zone 334 opens October 15 and runs through the end of the State moose season.

2. We restrict moose hunting to the willow bog area south of Elk Springs Creek and nearby foothills at the southeast corner of the refuge. We prohibit moose hunting in all other areas of the refuge.

3. You may hire outfitters or ranchers for the retrieval of big game.

4. We only allow retrieval of game in closed areas of the refuge with the consent of a refuge employee.

5. We prohibit use of wheeled game carts or other mechanical transportation devices for game retrieval on portions of the refuge designated as Wilderness Area.

6. We prohibit horses north of Red Rock Pass Road except for the retrieval of big game. We only allow horses for back-country access to the Centennial Mountains south of Red Rock Pass Road. We require the use of certified weed-free hay or pellets.

D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State fishing regulations subject to the following conditions:

1. We allow fishing from the third Saturday in May through November 30 on Odell Creek, Red Rock Creek, and Elk Springs Creek west of Elk Lake Road.

2. We allow fishing from July 15 through September 30 on Widgeon Pond, Culver Pond, MacDonald Pond, Picnic Creek, and Elk Springs Creek east of Elk Lake Road.

3. We allow fishing in open areas from 1/2 hour before legal sunrise to 1/2 hour after legal sunset.

4. We prohibit fishing on all other refuge waters.

5. You must only use pole and line or rod and reel to fish on the refuge.

6. You must use artificial lures or flies when fishing refuge waters; we prohibit bait fishing.

7. We prohibit the use or possession of lead sinkers or any lead fishing product while fishing.

8. We prohibit tubes and other flotation devices used for fishing unless posted at refuge parking areas as open.

Swan River National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of geese, ducks, and coots on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: Waterfowl and coot hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.

B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]

C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]

D. Sport Fishing. Refuge open to sport fishing in accordance with State law, and as specifically designated in refuge publications.

UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. The refuge unit is open to the hunting of migratory game birds but has no refuge-specific regulations as it follows guidelines set out in State law.

B. Upland Game Hunting. Refuge is open to upland game hunting in accordance with State laws, regulations and subject to the following condition:

1. Coyote hunting allowed from the first day of antelope rifle season through March 1 annually.

C. Big Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt big game subject to refuge-specific regulations as designated in refuge publications.

D. Sport Fishing. The refuge unit is open to sport fishing but has no refuge-specific regulations as it follows guidelines set out in State law.

War Horse National Wildlife Refuge

A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. The refuge unit is open to the hunting of migratory game birds but has no refuge-specific regulations as it follows guidelines set out in State law.

B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game birds on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.

C. Big Game Hunting. The refuge unit is open to big game hunting but has no refuge-specific regulations as it follows guidelines set out in State law.

D. Sport Fishing. Refuge open to sport fishing in accordance with State law, and as specifically designated in refuge publications.