Environmental Education and Interpretation
Wildlife Observation and Photography
Bowdoin NWR has ample opportunities for close-up encounters with a variety of wildlife. The Refuge offers a 15 mile self-guided auto tour route and a 0.4-mile accessible foot trail located at the Display Pond near Refuge headquarters. The trail features a photo blind, an overlook, and tables for conducting environmental education activities. Foot travel is allowed on all portions of the Refuge except the railroad right-of-way or where otherwise posted. Motor vehicles are restricted to the auto tour route and designated parking areas. Photography is intended for personal use only. If an individual plans to receive any monetary gain from the photographs taken on the Refuge, a special use permit and fee is required. Contact the refuge manager for more information.
Hunting and Fishing
Hunting on Bowdoin NWR- Waterfowl and upland game bird hunting is permitted during the fall in designated hunting areas. The Refuge complies with State hunting regulations, and enforces several Refuge specific hunting regulations. Click here for refuge specific regulations (Please note the following change to the attached public use brochure: the boat motor horse power restriction has been changed from 10 to 25 hp. Anyone wishing to use a boat motor in excess of 25 hp must contact the refuge manager and request a special use permit).
Migration dates for key waterfowl species.
Big game hunting and trapping is not permitted on Bowdoin NWR.
Hunting on Waterfowl Production Areas
(FWS Photo)
Fishing on Bowdoin NWR- The high alkalinity of the water in Lake Bowdoin does not support sport fishing.
Fishing on Waterfowl Production Areas- Sport fishing is allowed on Waterfowl Production Areas throughout the District, in accordance with State regulations, and subject to the following conditions: you must remove boats, fishing equipment and other personal property at the end of each day.
Fishing on Satellite Refuges- Sport fishing is allowed on Creedman Coulee National Wildlife Refuge in accordance with State regulations. Most of the land within the refuge boundary is private land (inholding); persons wishing to access the private land must gain permission from the landowner.
