Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Pacific Region
 

Welcome

One of over 500 National Wildlife Refuges in the United States, Bear Lake Refuge was established in 1968 to protect and manage habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds.

Bear Lake Refuge is located in southeast Idaho, seven miles south of Montpelier.

Surrounded by mountains, it lies in Bear Lake Valley at an elevation ranging from 5,925 feet on the marsh to 6,800 feet on the rocky slopes of  Merkley Mountain. The refuge office is located in the town of Montpelier.

Summers at Bear Lake are cool with temperatures seldom exceeding 90 degrees. At night, summer temperatures generally drop below 50 degrees. From mid-November through mid-April, snow and ice cover the refuge. Annual precipitation varies from 10 to 12 inches.

Special News

Waterfowl hunting season begins.

Special Youth Hunt: September 26 and 27, 2009.

Duck Season Area 1: October 3, 2009 - January 15, 2010.

Dark Goose Season Area 1: October 3, 2009 - January 15, 2010.

Light Goose Season Area 1: October 3, 2009 - January 15, 2010

For hunting regulations please consult the Idaho Fish and Game website: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/.

Please remember that Idaho State hunting, fishing, and boating regulations will be enforced.

Invasive Species

  • Idaho Invasive Species Fund (IISF) Stickers are now required on boats operating in the waters of Idaho, including Bear Lake NWR.
  • This fund is used for programs to prevent the introduction of invasive aquatic species (like Quagga and Zebra mussels) in Idaho.
  • Please go to the following website for more information and to order stickers: http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/idahoinvasivespeciesfund.aspx

Please come and enjoy YOUR refuge!
Last updated: September 14, 2009