Hunting
at Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge
Click here for current waterfowl numbers
All hunters must possess a valid Kansas hunting license and all the necessary stamps and/or permits as required by Federal and State laws.
Archery deer hunters are required to obtain and carry a free permit while hunting on the Refuge. This permit will assist with tracking the use of archery deer hunting areas on the Refuge as well as helping with management of the deer herds to improve hunting opportunities.
Season dates, methods of taking game, and bag and possession limits are the same as Federal and Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks regulations, EXCEPT FOR THE FOLLOWING:
Only Federally approved non-toxic shot may be used.
Species that can be legally hunted on the Refuge include ONLY waterfowl, doves, pheasants, quail, turkey, prairie chickens, snipe, coots, cottontail rabbits, fox squirrels, and deer (archery only). Hunting of cottontail rabbits and fox squirrels is allowed only during pheasant season. Hunting of other wildlife is not permitted.
Shotguns no larger than 10 gauge are the only legal firearms permitted on the Refuge. No rifles or handguns are permitted. Discharge of a firearm for any reason other than the legal taking of game animals is prohibited.
Portable tree stands and hunting blinds are permitted. They may be installed no more than seven (7) days prior to the season and must be removed no later than two (2) days after the season. The use of nails, wire, screws, or bolts to attach a stand to a tree or hunting from a tree into which a metal object has been driven to support a hunter is prohibited on the Refuge. The construction or use of any permanent stand or blind is not permitted. The digging or use of holes or pits is not permitted. Natural vegetation may be used to construct a temporary blind.
Areas open to hunting are outlined on the Refuge map. Not all hunting areas are open for all species, so be sure that you hunt in the proper area. If you are unsure, contact a Refuge Officer for assistance. While in the field during dark goose season, ALL hunters in the area from the Quillback Cove parking lot to the "no hunting" boundary east of Dog Town may possess a daily maximum of six (6) shells.
Game may not be retrieved from a NO HUNTING ZONE or from an area that is not open to the hunting of that species. Regulate your hunting to ensure that game does not fall into an area where it cannot be retrieved.
Use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting is prohibited.
