General Hunting Regulations
All Federal and State hunting regulations apply. Hunters must possess all applicable Federal and State licenses. The Refuges are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Hunting hours follow those set in the Colorado State hunting regulations. Only waterfowl and small game hunting are permitted on a portion of each Refuge according to State regulations and the following special Refuge regulations. All hunting on both Refuges is permitted only during waterfowl season as set by Federal and State regulations. It is our desire to prevent violations rather than to prosecute violators. Please respect other hunters who may be hunting in close proximity to you. Please handle firearms carefully. The cooperation of all sportsmen is respectfully requested. When in doubt about any of the hunting regulations, please contact a Refuge officer.

Special Refuge Hunting Regulations

• Hunting during the first and second weekends of the first duck hunting split is by permit only. All hunters who receive permits are required to have the permit as well as all licenses required, on or with them in the field. Hunting is only allowed in the designated hunting areas posted and shown on the maps. Access to Refuge hunting areas must be from designated hunter parking areas.
• Rifles and handguns are strictly prohibited. Non-toxic Shot
  must be used for all hunting on the Refuge. It is illegal to use or possess lead shot while in the field.
• Decoys cannot be left unattended and must be removed
  from the water daily. Blinds used for the purpose of hunting must be removed each day.
• The use of dogs for hunting and retrieving is permitted.
• It is illegal to use or possess alcoholic beverages while in the field.
• Littering is prohibited. Please remove all trash, including spent shell casings, from the Refuge.
• No fires of any type are permitted within the Refuge.

Safety Warning
Hunters are warned to be on alert for “boggy” areas and deep, abrupt channels. Please be very careful where
you step.

Accessible Hunting Blinds
Two accessible hunting blinds are available on a first come first serve basis. Call the Refuge Office to reserve the blinds. If hunting on the first two weekends of the first waterfowl split you must apply for a permit.

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Alamosa/Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge

Email: alamosa@fws.gov

(719) 589-4021

Important hunting information

*Permits are only required on the 1st weekend of the 1st waterfowl hunting split. During the week and the 2nd weekend you do not need a permit.

*Permit application process will remain the same for the 1st weekend as in 2006. Refer to the Waterfowl Hunting Permit Information link on the left. Please consult the 2007 Colorado Division of Wildlife Waterfowl Hunting Proclamation for bag limits and season dates.