32.42—Minnesota.
The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl on the Farmers Pool Unit area of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow a youth hunt only (age 16 and under). Youth hunters age 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or older.
2. We prohibit vehicles and hunters from entering the refuge before 5:30 a.m. They must leave the refuge each day as soon as possible after legal hunting hours.
3. We prohibit the use of motorized boats.
4. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands, or scaffolds (see § 27.92 of this chapter).
5. You must remove all personal property, which includes boats, decoys, and blinds brought onto the refuge, each day of hunting (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
6. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times.
7. We prohibit the use of snowmobiles and ATVs.
8. We prohibit camping.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of ruffed grouse and sharp-tailed grouse on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow hunting from the opening of the State's deer firearms season to the close of the regular State's ruffed grouse and sharp-tailed grouse seasons.
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
3. We prohibit hunting in the closed areas around the administrative buildings.
4. Conditions A2 through A8 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and moose on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We are currently closed to moose hunting until the population recovers.
2. Conditions A1, A3, A4, A5, A7, and A8 apply.
3. We allow scouting the day before the youth deer hunt and the deer firearms hunt.
4. We open archery hunting at the start of the State's deer firearms season and close according to the State's archery deer season.
5. We allow muzzleloader deer hunting following the State's muzzleloader season.
6. Hunters may use portable stands. We prohibit construction or use of permanent blinds, permanent platforms, or permanent ladders.
7. You must remove all stands and personal property from the refuge by legal sunset of each day (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
8. We prohibit hunters from occupying illegally set up or constructed ground and tree stands (see condition C2).
9. We allow the use of wheeled, nonmotorized conveyance devices (e.g., bikes, retrieval carts) except in Wilderness Areas.
10. We prohibit vehicles and hunters from entering the refuge during the youth deer hunt until after 6 a.m.
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We prohibit the hunting of migratory game birds. We allow the unarmed retrieval of waterfowl, legally taken outside the refuge, up to 100 yards (90 m) inside the refuge boundary.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of ring-necked pheasant, Hungarian partridge, rabbit (cottontail and jack), squirrel (fox and gray), raccoon, fox (red and gray), and striped skunk on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Shotgun hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
2. We allow the use of hunting dogs for upland game bird hunting only, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times during the State-approved hunting season (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
3. We prohibit the use of dogs for hunting furbearers.
4. You may only hunt fox, raccoon, and striped skunk from 1/2 hour before legal sunrise until legal sunset from September 1 through the last day of February.
5. We allow nonmotorized boats and boats using electric motors only in the Minnesota River channel. We prohibit boats on all other refuge waters.
6. We prohibit camping.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer and turkey on designated areas in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow the use of temporary stands, blinds, platforms, or ladders. Hunters may construct blinds using manmade materials only. We prohibit hunters bringing plants or their parts onto the refuge.
2. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands, or scaffolds (see § 27.92 of this chapter).
3. You must remove all stands, temporary blinds, platforms, ladders, materials brought onto the refuge, and other personal property from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
4. Turkey hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
5. Conditions B5 and B6 apply.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions B5 and B6 apply.
2. You must remove all ice fishing structures, devices, and personal property from the refuge following each day's fishing activity (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
3. We allow only bank fishing on all refuge pools and open marshes.
Big Stone Wetland Management District
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game birds throughout the district in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit the use of motorized boats.
2. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands, or scaffolds.
3. You must remove all personal property, which includes boats, decoys, and blinds brought onto the WPA each day (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
4. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times during the State-approved hunting season (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
5. We prohibit camping.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting throughout the district in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions: Conditions A4 and A5 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting throughout the district in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunters may use portable stands. Hunters may not construct or use permanent blinds, permanent platforms, or permanent ladders.
2. You must remove all stands and personal property from the WPAs each day (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
3. We prohibit hunters occupying ground and tree stands that are illegally set up or constructed.
4. Condition A5 applies.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing throughout the district in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit the use of motorized boats.
2. You must remove all ice fishing shelters and all other personal property from the WPAs each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
3. Condition A5 applies.
Detroit Lakes Wetland Management District
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game birds throughout the district in accordance with State regulations, except that we prohibit hunting on the Headquarters Waterfowl Production Area (WPA) in Becker County, the Hitterdal WPA in Clay County, and the McIntosh WPA in Polk County. The following conditions apply:
1. We prohibit the use of motorized boats.
2. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands, or scaffolds (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
3. You must remove all personal property, which includes boats, decoys, and blinds brought onto the WPAs each day (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
4. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times during the State-approved hunting season.
5. We prohibit camping.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting in accordance with State regulations throughout the district (except that we allow no hunting on the Headquarters Waterfowl Production Area [WPA] in Becker County, the Hitterdal WPA in Clay County, and the McIntosh WPA in Polk County) subject to the following conditions: Conditions A4 and A5 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting in accordance with State regulations throughout the district, except that we prohibit hunting on the Headquarters Waterfowl Production Area (WPA) in Becker County, the Hitterdal WPA in Clay County, and the McIntosh WPA in Polk County. The following conditions apply:
1. Hunters may use portable stands. Hunters may not construct or use permanent blinds, permanent platforms, or permanent ladders.
2. You must remove all stands and personal property from the WPAs each day (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
3. We prohibit hunters occupying ground and tree stands that are illegally set up or constructed.
4. Condition A5 applies.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing in accordance with State regulations throughout the district subject to the following conditions:
1. You must remove all ice fishing shelters and all other personal property from the WPAs each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
2. Condition A5 applies.
Fergus Falls Wetland Management District
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game birds throughout the district (except that we allow no hunting on the Townsend, Headquarters, Mavis, and Gilmore Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA) in Otter Tail County, and Larson WPA in Douglas County) in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit the use of motorized boats.
2. You must remove boats, decoys, blinds, and blind materials (see § 27.93 of this chapter) brought onto the WPAs at the end of each day.
3. During the State-approved hunting season, we allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
4. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands, or scaffolds (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
5. We prohibit hunters occupying ground and tree stands that are illegally set up or constructed.
6. We prohibit camping.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting throughout the district (except that we prohibit hunting on the Townsend, Headquarters, Mavis, and Gilmore WPAs in Otter Tail County, and Larson WPA in Douglas County) in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions: Conditions A3 and A6 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting throughout the district (except that we allow no hunting on the Townsend, Headquarters, Mavis, and Gilmore WPAs in Otter Tail County, and Larson WPA in Douglas County) in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, platforms, or ladders.
2. You must remove all portable hunting stands and blinds from the area at the end of each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
3. Condition A6 applies.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing throughout the district (except that we allow no fishing on the Townsend, Headquarters, Mavis, and Gilmore WPAs in Otter Tail County and Larson WPA in Douglas County) in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 and A6 apply.
2. You must remove all ice fishing structures, devices, and personal property (see § 27.93 of this chapter) brought onto the area following each day of fishing.
Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, woodcock, snipe, rail, and mourning dove on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit all types of watercraft.
2. We restrict vehicles to designated parking lots (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of prairie chicken and sharp-tailed grouse on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Only those hunters selected by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to hunt prairie chicken may hunt sharp-tailed grouse.
2. Condition A2 applies.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. You must remove all stands from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt.
2. Condition A2 applies.
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Hamden Slough National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of waterfowl on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We only allow waterfowl hunting during the State's Youth Waterfowl Day.
2. Youth waterfowl hunters must be age 15 and under.
3. We will only allow waterfowl hunting in refuge tracts within Audubon and Riceville Townships.
4. We prohibit the use of motorized boats.
5. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands, or scaffolds.
6. You must remove all personal property, which includes boats, decoys, blinds, and blind materials (except for blinds made entirely of marsh vegetation) brought onto the refuge, following that day's hunt (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
7. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times during the State-approved hunting season.
8. We prohibit entry to hunting areas earlier than 2 hours before legal shooting hours.
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We only allow hunting during the State's muzzleloader season with muzzleloaders.
2. Hunters may use portable stands. We prohibit construction or use of permanent blinds, permanent platforms, or permanent ladders.
3. Hunters must remove all stands and personal property from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
4. Condition A8 applies.
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Litchfield Wetland Management District
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game birds throughout the district except we prohibit hunting on the Phare Lake Waterfowl Production Area in Renville County. All hunting is in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. You must remove boats, decoys, and other personal property following each day's hunt.
2. You must remove portable or temporary blinds and any material brought onto the area for blind construction following each day's hunt.
3. We prohibit the use of motorized boats.
4. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
5. We prohibit camping.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting throughout the district (except we prohibit hunting on the Phare Lake Waterfowl Production Area in Renville County) in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions: Conditions A4 and A5 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting throughout the district, except we prohibit hunting on the Phare Lake Waterfowl Production Area in Renville County. Hunting is in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We do not allow construction or use of permanent blinds, stands, or platforms.
2. You must remove all temporary blinds, stands, or platforms following each day's hunt.
3. Condition A5 applies.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing throughout the district in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit the use of motorized boats.
2. You must remove all ice fishing structures, devices, and personal property (see § 27.93 of this chapter) brought onto the area at the end of the day.
3. Condition A5 applies.
Minnesota Valley 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 regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We require permit for special hunts.
2. We prohibit the use of motorized boats. We allow nonmotorized boats in areas open to waterfowl hunting during the waterfowl hunting seasons.
3. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands, or scaffolds.
4. You must remove all personal property, which includes boats, decoys, and blinds brought onto the refuge each day (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
5. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times during the State-approved hunting season.
6. We prohibit entry to hunting areas earlier than 2 hours before legal shooting hours, and all hunters must exit within 2 hours after the close of the legal shooting hours.
7. We prohibit camping.
B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt upland game, except for furbearers and crows, on designated areas of the refuge consistent with State regulations, subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunters may only use shotguns and bows and arrows in designated areas.
2. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
3. We allow the use of .22 caliber rimfire rifles on designated areas of the refuge.
4. Conditions A5 and A7 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. Hunting of white-tailed deer is permitted on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. Permits may be required.
2. The construction or use of permanent blinds or platforms is not permitted.
3. All portable stands must be removed from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt.
4. Hunters may not use or possess single shot projectiles (shotgun slugs, or bullets) on the Soberg Waterfowl Production Area.
5. We prohibit the possession of centerfire rifles or handguns on the refuge.
6. We allow the use of shotguns and muzzleloaders on designated areas.
7. Conditions A6 and A7 apply.
D. Sport Fishing. Fishing is permitted on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. Only bank fishing is permitted.
2. Ice fishing is permitted when ice conditions are safe.
3. Ice fishing shelters must be removed from the refuge following each day's fishing activity.
Minnesota Valley Wetland Management District
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game birds throughout the district in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit the use of motorized boats.
2. We prohibit the construct or use of permanent blinds, stands, or scaffolds.
3. You must remove all personal property, which includes boats, decoys, and blinds brought onto the WPAs each day (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
4. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times during the State-approved hunting season (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
5. We prohibit camping.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting throughout the district in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions: Conditions A4 and A5 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting throughout the district in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunters may use portable stands. Hunters may not construct or use permanent blinds, permanent platforms, or permanent ladders.
2. Hunters may not possess single shot projectiles (shotgun slugs or bullets) on the Soberg Waterfowl Production Area.
3. You must remove all stands and personal property from the WPAs at the end of each day (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
4. We prohibit hunters occupying ground and tree stands that are illegally set up or constructed.
5. Condition A5 applies.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing throughout the district in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 and A5 apply.
2. You must remove all ice fishing shelters and all other personal property from the WPAs each day (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
Morris Wetland Management District
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game birds throughout the district except that we prohibit hunting on the designated portions of the Edward-Long Lake Waterfowl Production Area (WPA) in Stevens County in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit the use of motorized boats.
2. You must remove boats, decoys, blinds, and blind materials (see § 27.93 of this chapter) at the end of each day.
3. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times during the State-approved hunting season (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
4. We prohibit camping.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game, except that we prohibit hunting on the designated portions of the Edward-Long Lake Waterfowl Production Area in Stevens County, in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions: Conditions A3 and A4 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer throughout the district except that we prohibit hunting on the designated portions of the Edward-Long Lake Waterfowl Production Area in Stevens County in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, platforms, or ladders.
2. You must remove all portable hunting stands and blinds from the area at the end of each day (see § 27.93 of this chapter).
3. Condition A4 applies.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing throughout the district except that we prohibit fishing on the designated portions of the Edward-Long Lake Waterfowl Production Area (WPA) in Stevens County in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 and A4 apply.
2. You must remove all ice fishing structures, devices, and personal property (see § 27.93 of this chapter) brought onto the WPA at the end of each day's fishing.
Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, rail (Virginia and sora only), woodcock, common snipe, and mourning dove in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
2. Hunters may construct temporary blinds using manmade materials only (see § 27.92 of this chapter). We prohibit hunters from bringing plants or their parts onto the refuge.
3. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands, scaffolds, and ladders.
4. We prohibit hunters from leaving boats, decoys, or other personal property unattended at any time (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
5. Hunters must remove boats, decoys, portable or temporary blinds, materials brought onto the refuge, and other personal property at the end of each day's hunt (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
6. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times during the State-approved hunting season (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
7. We prohibit the use of motorized watercraft.
8. We prohibit camping.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of ring-necked pheasant, Hungarian partridge, rabbit (cottontail and jack), squirrel (fox and gray), raccoon, opossum, fox (red and gray), badger, coyote, striped skunk, and crows on designated areas in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Shotgun hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see § 32.3(k)).
2. We allow the use of dogs for upland game bird hunting only, provided that the dogs remain under the immediate control of the hunter at all times, during the State-approved hunting season (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
3. We prohibit the use of dogs for hunting furbearers.
4. We close the refuge to all hunting from March 1 through August 31.
5. We allow hunting for coyote, striped skunk, raccoon, and fox from 1/2 hour before legal sunrise to legal sunset.
6. Conditions A7 and A8 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow the use of temporary stands, blinds, platforms, or ladders (see § 27.92 of this chapter). Hunters may construct blinds using manmade materials only. We prohibit hunters from bringing plants or their parts onto the refuge.
2. Conditions A3, A5, A7, and A8 apply.
3. Turkey hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of woodcock and common snipe on designated areas in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Shotgun hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
2. We require that the visible portion of at least one article of clothing worn above the waist be blaze orange.
3. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times during the State-approved hunting season (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
4. We prohibit camping.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of ruffed grouse, spruce grouse, gray and fox squirrels, cottontail rabbit, and snowshoe hare on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Shotgun hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting upland game species.
2. We require that the visible portion of at least one article of clothing worn above the waist be blaze orange.
3. Conditions A3 and A4 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. Hunting of white-tailed deer is permitted on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. The construction or use of permanent blinds, platforms or ladders is not permitted.
2. All stands must be removed from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt.
3. Permits are required for firearms hunting.
4. Hunting of deer on the Rice Lake Unit is by firearm and archery; hunting on the Sandstone Unit is by archery only.
5. Condition A4 applies.
D. Sport Fishing. Fishing is permitted on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. Fishing from non-motorized boats or boats powered by electric motors is permitted only in designated areas.
2. Ice fishing is permitted on Mandy Lake when ice conditions are safe.
3. Ice fishing shelters must be removed from the refuge following each day's fishing activity.
4. Condition A4 applies.
Rydell National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. Hunting of white-tailed deer is permitted on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. Permits are required to hunt white-tailed deer in the Special Permit Area of the refuge.
2. Hunting in the Special Permit Area is permitted with firearms only.
3. Hunters may not construct or use permanent blinds, permanent platforms, or permanent ladders. Hunters may use portable stands, but must remove them from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt.
4. Hunters who harvest deer in the Special Permit Area must take their deer to the refuge check station.
5. We prohibit camping.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on Tamarac Lake in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We only allow fishing from designated fishing piers.
2. We allow fishing from May 1 to November 1.
3. We allow parking at designated parking lots only (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
4. Condition C5 applies.
Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, coot, rail, woodcock, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Field possession of migratory game birds is not permitted on refuge areas closed to migratory game bird hunting.
2. Only nonmotorized boats are permitted, and they must be launched at designated access sites.
3. Boats, decoys and blinds must be removed from the refuge following each day's hunt except for blinds made entirely of marsh vegetation.
4. We prohibit entry to hunting areas earlier than 2 hours before legal shooting hours.
5. We prohibit hunting during the State Special Goose Hunt (the early September and late December Canada goose hunting seasons).
6. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times, during the State-approved hunting season (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
7. We prohibit camping.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of ruffed grouse, ring-necked pheasant, gray and fox squirrel, snowshoe hare, cottontail rabbit, and jackrabbit on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Shotgun hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting for all upland game species.
2. We prohibit field possession of upland game species on areas closed to upland game hunting.
3. Conditions A6 and A7 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulation subject to the following conditions:
1. The construction or use of permanent blinds, platforms or ladders is not permitted.
2. All stands must be removed from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt.
3. You must dismantle hunting blinds, platforms, and ladders made from natural vegetation at the end of each day.
4. We prohibit the possession of firearms or archery equipment on areas closed to white-tailed deer hunting.
5. We prohibit deer pushes or deer drives in the areas closed to deer hunting.
6. Conditions A4 and A7 apply.
D. Sport Fishing. Fishing is permitted on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. Fishing is permitted on the St. Francis River only.
2. Nonmotorized boats are permitted only on designated areas of St. Francis River and must be launched from designated access points.
Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow the hunting of goose, duck, coot, woodcock, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunting by tribal members is in accordance with White Earth Reservation regulations on those portions of the Reservation that are a part of the refuge.
2. You must remove all personal property, which includes boats, decoys, and blinds brought onto the refuge each day (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
3. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times, during the State-approved hunting season (see § 26.21(b) of this chapter).
4. We prohibit camping.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of ruffed grouse, red, gray, and fox squirrel, cottontail rabbit, jackrabbit, snowshoe hare, red fox, raccoon, and striped skunk on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunting by tribal members is in accordance with White Earth Reservation regulations on those parts of the Reservation that are part of the refuge.
2. You may only hunt red fox, raccoon, and striped skunk from 1/2 hour before legal sunrise until legal sunset from September 1 through the last day of February.
3. Shotgun hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while hunting for all upland game species.
4. We require hunters to wear at least one article of blaze orange clothing visible above the waist.
5. Conditions A3 and A4 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunting by tribal members is in accordance with White Earth Reservation regulations on those parts of the Reservation that are part of the refuge.
2. The construction or use of permanent blinds, platforms or ladders is not permitted.
3. All stands must be removed from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt.
4. Condition A4 applies.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge between the hours of 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow fishing in North Tamarac Lake, Wauboose Lake, and Two Island Lake all year in accordance with State and/or White Earth Reservation regulations.
2. We allow fishing in Blackbird Lake and Lost Lake from the first day of the State walleye season through Labor Day under State and/or White Earth Reservation regulations.
3. We only allow bank fishing in an area 50 yards (45 m) on either side of the Ottertail River Bridges on County Roads #26 and #126 during State seasons.
4. We allow fishing in Pine Lake from December 1 until March 31.
5. You must remove all ice fishing shelters and all other personal property from the refuge each day (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
6. Condition A4 applies.
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of migratory game birds on areas designated by the refuge manager and shown on maps available at refuge offices in accordance with State regulations. We prohibit migratory bird hunting March 16 through August 31 each year. All migratory bird hunting is subject to the following conditions:
1. You must possess a hunting license valid in the State in which you are hunting and be in compliance with all applicable State and Federal regulations and requirements (see § 32.2). You cannot reserve hunting areas, except at Potter's Marsh Managed Hunt Area, Pool 13, near Thomson, Illinois, in accordance with procedures established by the refuge manager.
2. In areas posted and shown on maps as “No Entry—Sanctuary,” we prohibit migratory bird hunting at all times and all public entry except as specified. These areas are named and located as follows:
i. Pool Slough, Pool 9, Minnesota/Iowa, 1,126 acres.
ii. Bertom Island, Pool 11, Wisconsin, 31 acres.
iii. Guttenberg Ponds, Pool 11, Iowa, 252 acres.
iv. Spring Lake, Pool 13, Illinois, 3,697 acres.
3. In areas posted and shown on maps as “Area Closed” and “Area Closed—No Motors,” we prohibit migratory bird hunting at all times. We ask that you practice voluntary avoidance of these areas by any means or for any purpose from October 15 to the end of the respective State duck season. In areas also marked “no motors,” we prohibit the use of motors on watercraft from October 15 to the end of the respective State duck season. These “Area(s) Closed” are named and located as follows:
i. Big Lake, Pool 4, Wisconsin, 2,210 acres.
ii. Weaver Bottoms/Lost Island, Pool 5, Minnesota/Wisconsin, 3,508 acres.
iii. Polander Lake, Pool 5A, Minnesota/Wisconsin, 1,873 acres.
iv. Lake Onalaska, Pool 7, Wisconsin, 7,366 acres (voluntary avoidance on 3,365 acres until mid-November).
v. Wisconsin Islands, Pool 8, Minnesota/Wisconsin, 6,538 acres.
vi. Harpers Slough, Pool 9, Iowa/Wisconsin, 5,209 acres.
vii. Wisconsin River Delta, Pool 10, Wisconsin, 1,414 acres (closed November 1 to end of duck season).
viii. 12-Mile Island, Pool 11, Iowa, 1,139 acres.
ix. Bertom-McCartney, Pool 11, Wisconsin, 2,384 acres (no voluntary avoidance provision).
x. Pleasant Creek, Pool 13, Iowa, 2,191 acres.
xi. Elk River, Pool 13, Iowa, 1,248 acres.
The “Area(s) Closed—No Motors” are named and located as follows:
xii. Peterson Lake, Pool 4, Wisconsin 572 acres.
xiii. Rieck's Lake, Pool 4, Wisconsin, 499 acres.
xiv. Spring Lake, Pool 5, Wisconsin, 254 acres.
xv. Sturgeon Slough, Pool 10, Wisconsin, 340 acres.
xvi. 12-Mile Island, Pool 10, Iowa, 540 acres.
xvii. John Deere Marsh, Pool 11, Iowa, 439 acres.
xviii. Kehough Slough, Pool 12, Illinois, 333 acres.
xiv. Beaver Island, Pool 14, Iowa, 864 acres.
4. In areas posted and shown on maps as “No Hunting Zone” or “No Hunting or Trapping Zone,” we prohibit migratory bird hunting at all times. These areas are named and located as follows:
i. Buffalo River, Pool 4, Wisconsin, 219 acres.
ii. Fountain City Bay, Pool 5A, Wisconsin, 24 acres.
iii. Upper Halfway Creek Marsh, Pool 7, Wisconsin, 143 acres.
iv. Mathy Tract (Brice Prairie), Pool 7, Wisconsin, 75 acres.
v. Hunter's Point, Pool 8, Wisconsin, 82 acres.
vi. Goose Island, Pool 8, Wisconsin, 984 acres (also no motors and voluntary avoidance as in condition A3).
vii. Sturgeon Slough, Pool 10, Wisconsin, 66 acres.
viii. Goetz Island Trail, Pool 11, Iowa, 31 acres.
ix. Crooked Slough Backwater, Pool 13, Illinois, 2,453 acres.
x. Crooked Slough Proper, Pool 13, Illinois, 270 acres.
xi. Frog Pond, Pool 13, Illinois, 64 acres.
xii. Ingersoll Learning Center, Pool 13, Illinois, 41 acres.
5. We prohibit hunting of migratory birds within 50 yards (45 m) of the Great River Trail at Thomson Prairie, within 150 yards (135 m) of the Great River Trail at Mesquaki Lake, and within 400 yards (360 m) of the Potter's Marsh Managed Hunt area, all in or near Pool 13, Illinois.
6. You must immediately make a reasonable attempt to retrieve downed waterfowl unless the bird lies in plain sight of you, is clearly dead, and there is no risk of the bird drifting off due to wind or current. You may retrieve dead or wounded game from areas posted “Area Closed,” “No Hunting Zone,” and “No Hunting or Trapping Zone” provided you do not attempt to chase birds from the area. You may not use a motor to aid in the retrieval of game in areas posted “Area Closed—No Motors.” You may not retrieve birds or other game from areas posted “No Entry—Sanctuary.”
7. You may not engage in open-water waterfowl hunting in Pool 11, approximate river miles 586-592, Grant County, Wisconsin as marked with signs and as shown on refuge maps. Open-water hunting regulations and definitions that apply for Wisconsin outside of Grant County will apply in this area.
8. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot shells while in the field (see § 32.2(k)).
9. We allow the use of dogs for hunting in accordance with State regulations. When dogs are not actively engaged in authorized hunting activities, the following conditions apply:
i. We prohibit dogs disturbing or endangering wildlife or people while on the refuge.
ii. All dogs while on the refuge must be under the control of their owners/handlers at all times or on a leash.
iii. We prohibit allowing dogs to roam.
iv. All dogs must be on a leash when on hiking trails, or other areas so posted.
v. We allow working a dog in refuge waters by tossing a retrieval dummy or other object for out-and-back exercise.
vi. Owners/handlers of dogs are responsible for disposal of dog droppings on refuge public use concentration areas such as trails, sandbars, and boat landings.
vii. We prohibit field trials and commercial/professional dog training.
10. We prohibit the construction of permanent hunting blinds (see § 27.92 of this chapter). You may use natural material for seasonal blinds, with restrictions. You may gather grasses and marsh vegetation from the refuge for blind-building materials; however, Phragmites (giant cane) may not be cut or brought onto the refuge. You may not gather, bring onto the refuge, or use for blind building tree(s) or other plant parts, including dead wood on the ground, greater than 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. We prohibit constructing hunting blinds from rocks placed for shoreline protection (rip rap). You may leave only seasonal blinds made entirely of natural vegetation and biodegradable twines on the refuge. We consider all such blinds public property and open to use by any person on a first-come-first-served basis. You may use manmade material for temporary blinds, with restrictions. You may not use lumber, pipe, posts, or timbers greater than 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. At the end of each day's hunt, you must remove all manmade blind materials, including boat blinds. Any blinds containing manmade materials left on the refuge are subject to immediate removal and disposal. Manmade materials include, but are not limited to, wooden pallets, metal fence posts, wire, nails, staples, netting, or tarps (see §§ 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
11. We will phase out the construction and use of permanent hunting blinds for waterfowl hunting within the Savanna District of the refuge. We will no longer allow permanent blinds on the refuge in Pool 12 beginning with the 2007-2008 waterfowl hunting season, Pool 14 after the 2007-2008 season, and Pool 13 after the 2008-2009 season. The following regulations apply for phase out of permanent hunting blinds:
i. All permanent blinds must have the current name, address, and telephone number of the blind owner, posted no smaller than 3″ x 5″ (7.5 cm x 12.5 cm) inside the blind.
ii. The blind's owner must remove from the refuge all blind materials, including old blind materials located within 100 yards (90 m) of the blind, within 30 days of the end of the waterfowl hunting season.
iii. After the phase-out year of permanent blinds in each pool, refuge hunting blind regulations in Condition A10 will apply, except that we require a 200-yard (180-m) spacing distance between hunting parties on the Illinois portions of the refuge in Pools 12, 13, and 14.
12. You may set up hunting equipment the day of the hunt but must remove it at the end of each day. You may place and leave hunting equipment and decoys on the refuge only from 1 hour before the start of legal shooting hours until 1/2 hour after the close of legal shooting hours. You may not use nails, wire, screws, or bolts to attach a stand to a tree, or hunt from a tree into which a metal object has been driven or screwed for support (see § 32.2(i) and § 27.93 of this chapter).
13. We prohibit the cutting, removing, or damaging of any tree or other vegetation except as allowed for blinds in Condition A10 or by written permit. You may not clear vegetation for shooting lanes or limb trees for trees stands (see § 27.51 of this chapter).
14. We prohibit camping during waterfowl hunting seasons within areas posted “No Entry—Sanctuary,” “Area Closed,” “Area Closed—No Motors,” and “No Hunting Zone” or on any sites not clearly visible from the main commercial navigation channel of the Mississippi River. We define camping as erecting a tent or shelter of natural or synthetic material, preparing a sleeping bag or other bedding material for use, parking of a motor vehicle, or mooring or anchoring of a vessel for the apparent purpose of overnight occupancy, or occupying or leaving personal property, including boats or other craft, at a site anytime between the hours of 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. on any given day. Where we allow camping, you must occupy claimed campsites each night.
15. We prohibit the building or use of warming fires while hunting (see § 27.95 of this chapter). We only allow campfires in conjunction with camping, day-use activities on beaches, or on the ice while ice fishing using only dead wood on the ground, or materials brought onto the refuge such as charcoal or firewood. You must remove any unused firewood brought onto the refuge upon departure due to threat of invasive insects.
16. We prohibit all vehicle use on or across refuge lands at any time except on designated routes of travel or on the ice over navigable waters accessed from boat landings. We prohibit parking beyond vehicle control barriers or on grass or other vegetation. You may not park or operate vehicles in a manner that obstructs or impedes any road, trail, fire lane, boat ramp, access gate, or other facility or in a manner that creates a safety hazard or endangers any person, property, or environmental feature. We may impound any vehicle left parked in violation at the owner's expense (see § 27.31 of this chapter).
17. We require that you keep all refuge lands clean during your period of use or occupancy. At all times you must keep all refuse, trash, and litter contained in bags or other suitable containers and not left scattered on the ground or in the water. You must remove all personal property, refuse, trash, and litter immediately upon vacating a site. We consider animal carcasses and spent shells to be litter (see § 27.94 of this chapter).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on areas of the refuge designated by the refuge manager and shown on maps available at refuge offices in accordance with State regulations. We prohibit upland game hunting from March 16 through August 31 each year except for spring wild turkey hunting, and squirrel hunting on the Illinois portion of the refuge. All upland game hunting is subject to the following conditions:
1. Condition A1 applies.
2. We prohibit the carrying, possessing, or discharging of firearms (including dog training pistols and dummy launchers), air guns, or any other weapons on the refuge, unless you are a licensed hunter or trapper engaged in authorized activities during established seasons, in accordance with Federal, State, and local regulations. We prohibit target practice on the refuge (see §§ 27.42 and 27.43 of this chapter).
3. In areas posted and shown on maps as “No Entry—Sanctuary,” we prohibit entry and upland game hunting at all times. In areas posted and shown on maps as “No Entry—Sanctuary October 1 to end of state duck hunting season,” we allow upland game hunting beginning the day after the respective State duck hunting season until upland game season closure or March 15, whichever comes first, except we allow spring turkey hunting during State seasons. We describe these areas more fully in Condition A2.
4. In areas posted and shown on maps as “Area Closed” and “Area Closed—No Motors,” we allow upland game hunting beginning the day after the respective State duck hunting season until upland game season closure or March 15, whichever comes first, except we allow spring turkey hunting during State seasons. We ask that you practice voluntary avoidance of these areas by any means or for any purpose from October 15 to the end of the respective State duck season. In areas also marked “Area Closed—No Motors,” we prohibit the use of motors on watercraft from October 15 to the end of the respective State duck season. We describe these areas more fully in Condition A3.
5. In areas posted and shown on maps as “No Hunting Zone” or “No Hunting or Trapping Zone,” we prohibit upland game hunting at all times. You must unload and encase firearms in these areas. We describe these areas more fully in Condition A4.
6. We prohibit hunting of upland game within 50 yards (45 m) of the Great River Trail at Thomson Prairie, within 150 yards (135 m) of the Great River Trail at Mesquaki Lake, and within 400 yards (360 m) of the Potter's Marsh Managed Hunt area, all in or near Pool 13, Illinois.
7. You may only use or possess approved nontoxic shot shells while in the field, including shot shells used for hunting wild turkey (see § 32.2(k)).
8. We prohibit the shining of a light to locate any animal on the refuge except at the point of kill for species specified in respective State night or artificial light hunting regulations (see § 27.73 of this chapter). You may use lights to find your way. We prohibit the distribution of bait or feed, the hunting over bait or feed, and the use or possession of any drug on any arrow for bow hunting (see § 32.2(g) and (h)). You must comply with all other hunt method regulations of the respective State on the refuge.
9. Conditions A6, A9, A10, and A12 through A17 apply.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of big game on areas of the refuge designated by the refuge manager and shown on maps available at refuge offices in accordance with State regulations. We prohibit big game hunting from March 16 through August 31 each year. All big game hunting is subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions A1 and B2 apply.
2. In areas posted and shown on maps as “No Entry—Sanctuary,” we prohibit entry and big game hunting at all times. In areas posted and shown on maps as “No Entry—Sanctuary October 1 to end of state duck hunting season,” we allow big game hunting beginning the day after the respective State duck hunting season until big game season closure or March 15, whichever comes first. We describe these areas more fully in Condition A2.
3. In areas posted and shown on maps as “Area Closed” and “Area Closed—No Motors” we allow big game hunting beginning the day after the respective State duck hunting season until big game season closure or March 15, whichever comes first. We ask that you practice voluntary avoidance of these areas by any means or for any purpose from October 15 to the end of the respective State duck season. In areas also marked “Area Closed—No Motors,” we prohibit the use of motors on watercraft from October 15 to the end of the respective State duck season. These areas are described more fully in Condition A3.
4. In areas posted and shown on maps as “No Hunting Zone” or “No Hunting or Trapping Zone,” we prohibit big game hunting at all times. You must unload and encase firearms in these areas. We describe these areas more fully in Condition A4.
5. We prohibit hunting of big game within 50 yards (45 m) of the Great River Trail at Thomson Prairie, within 150 yards (135 m) of the Great River Trail at Mesquaki Lake, and within 400 yards (360 m) of the Potter's Marsh Managed Hunt area, all in or near Pool 13, Illinois.
6. Conditions A6, A9, A10, A12 through A17, and B7 apply.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on areas of the refuge designated by the refuge manager and shown on refuge maps available at refuge offices in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. In the Bertrom Island “No Entry—Sanctuary” area, Pool 11, Wisconsin we prohibit entry and fishing at all times.
2. In the Spring Lake “Area Closed” area, Pool 13, Illinois, we prohibit fishing from October 1 until the day after the close of the State duck hunting season.
3. In areas posted and shown on maps as “Area Closed” and “Area Closed—No Motors,” we allow fishing; however, we ask that you practice voluntary avoidance of these areas by any means or for any purpose from October 15 to the end of the respective State duck season. In areas also marked “Area Closed—No Motors,” we prohibit the use of motors on watercraft from October 15 to the end of the respective State duck season. We describe these areas more fully in Condition A3.
4. On Mertes Slough, Pool 6, Wisconsin, we allow only hand-powered boats or boats with electric motors.
5. For the purpose of determining length limits, slot limits, and daily creel limits, the impounded areas of Spring Lake, Duckfoot Marsh, and Pleasant Creek in Pool 13, Illinois, are part of the Mississippi River site-specific State regulations.
6. Conditions A10, and A13 through A17 apply.
Windom Wetland Management District
A. Migratory Game Bird Huntin