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Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge - Pingree, North Dakota
 
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Recreational Opportunities and Regulations

The Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge is a popular recreation destination that annually hosts thousands of visitors. Activities not expressly permitted are prohibited. If you have questions about permitted activities please contact the Refuge Manager.

Permitted Activities

Wildlife Observation, Nature Study and Photography – vehicles are restricted to established trails and wildlife observation areas. Foot access is allowed to engage in permitted activities. The area surrounding the headquarters on the west side of Arrowwood Lake as indicated on the map is closed to all entry year round.

Wild Food Gathering – June berries, chokecherries, raspberries and other fruits can be found in the steep wooded coulees of the Refuge. Wild growing asparagus may be found along ditchbanks and near old farmsteads. Gathering of these for personal use is permitted.

Boating and Canoeing – All Refuge waters are open to non-motorized boating (no sailboats) and canoeing May 1 through August 31 of each year. Motorized boats are restricted to Arrowwood and Jim Lakes and may not exceed 25 horsepower.

Hiking, Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing – There are no maintained trails but these activities are permitted in all areas except the closed area surrounding the Headquarters on the west side of Arrowwood Lake which is closed to entry year round.. The entire closed area as indicated on the map is closed to ALL entry during hunting seasons (generally September 1 through January 5). Access may be limited due to weather conditions. Contact the Refuge Manager for current information.

Hunting

Hunting is permitted in accordance with State and Federal regulations.

  • Hunting on the Refuge is permitted for deer, upland game birds, fox and cottontail rabbits only. Other species may not be hunted. Legal weapons are bow and arrow, State allowed firearms and muzzle loaders.

  • Motor vehicles are restricted to established roads and trails only. All public access roads are closed to vehicles except when retrieving harvested deer.

  • Do not block Refuge gates with parked vehicles.

  • Hunters must possess appropriate State hunting licenses.

  • Approved non-toxic shot is required for all shotgun hunting.

  • Horses may not be used for hunting.

Deer Hunting:

  • The entire Refuge is open to deer hunting, except the closed area surrounding the Headquarters and Warbler Woodland as indicated on the map.

  • Vehicles are allowed on the Refuge to retrieve deer during the following hours only: 9:30 – 10:00 AM; 1:30 – 2:00 PM and ½ hour after sunset for one hour.

  • A State issued permit is required

  • All hunters, including archery, hunters must wear blaze orange during the regular deer firearm season.

  • Tree stands are permitted on the Refuge but they may not be erected until the opening day of the State archery season. Permanent tree stands or blinds are not allowed on the Refuge. Temporary tree stands and blinds must be removed daily. Stands and steps may be clamped, roped or chained to trees but may not be nailed or screwed directly to trees.

Upland Game Bird Hunting

  • Upland game birds that may be hunted on the Refuge are ring-necked pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse and gray partridge.

  • The Refuge Upland Bird Season opens on the Monday following the close of the State firearms deer season.

  • Use of dogs is permitted but they must be under control at all times.

  • Prairie chickens may be present on the Refuge and are protected. Be sure of your target!

Fox and Rabbit Hunting

  • Red fox and cottontail rabbits may be hunted on the Refuge following the state firearm deer season.

  • Fox and rabbit seasons close on March 31 of each year.

Fishing

Refuge fisheries are temporary and sporadic. Fish occur in Refuge impoundments largely as a result of the Jamestown Reservoir. Fish enter the Refuge when water levels are high. Species you may encounter on the Refuge include northern pike, walleye, yellow perch, crappie, yellow bullhead, big-mouth buffalo and carp. All fishing is permitted in accordance with state regulations and anglers must possess a state issued license.

  • Bank Fishing is permitted along the major road rights-of-way during the entire state fishing season.

  • Bank fishing on interior portions of the Refuge is permitted from May 1 through August 31 each year. Access is by foot only.

  • Boat fishing is permitted May 1 through August 31.

  • Motorized boats are restricted to Arrowwood and Jim Lakes and restricted to a maximum of 25 horsepower.

  • Areas open to bank fishing are open to bow fishing for rough fish, May 1 though August 31, per state regulations.

Winter Fishing

  • Ice Fishing is permitted on Arrowwood Lake, Jim Lake and the south portion of Mud Lake after the firearm deer season and as soon as ice conditions are safe.

  • Vehicles and fish houses are permitted on the ice as conditions allow.

  • Fish houses must be removed no later than March 1. Portable houses may be used after March 1 but must be removed daily.

Refuge Signs and Their Meaning

Image of WPA sign

Waterfowl Production Areas

Marks the boundary of Waterfowl Production Areas open to hunting and fishing in accordance with State regulations.
Image of Refuge sign

National Wildlife Refuge

Marks the boundary of National Wildlife Refuges or Easement Refuges. Consult Refuge Manager for specific regulations.
Image of No Hunting sign

No Hunting Permitted

Marks no hunting in designated areas. Consult Refuge Manager for specific regulations.

Public Fishing Area

  • Open to Fishing according to State and Federal Regulations

Prohibited

  • Open Fires

  • Camping

  • Snowmobiles and ATV’s

  • Fireworks

  • Unleashed pets

  • Waterskiing

  • Artifacts Collecting

  • Picking, digging, or destroying flowers, shrubs or any other living vegetation except the collection of edible wild foods for personal use.

  • Littering; Please pack your trash home.

  • Vehicles off roads or established trails.

  • Horseback riding and bicycling are permitted on established roads that are open to the public. Other areas and other uses may be allowed by Special Use Permit. Contact the Refuge Manager for more information.

Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge is a place for People and Wildlife. Permitted and prohibited activities are necessary to management of the Refuge, to protect wildlife and to provide the visitor with a safe and enjoyable experience. The staff at Arrowwood welcomes you to the area and is available to answer any questions you may have concerning your visit. If you are unsure about any activity please ask before you venture afield.





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