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Marais des Cygnes
National Wildlife Refuge

Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge is one of a system of over 500 refuges administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and dedicated to the preservation and conservation of wildlife.  The refuge is named after the Marais des Cygnes river which runs through the middle of the refuge and is the dominant natural feature of the region.  The name, Marais des Cygnes, comes from the French language and means Marsh of the Swans.  It is presumed that Trumpeter Swans, which were historically common in the Midwest, used the wetlands adjacent to the Marais des Cygnes River during spring and fall migration.

The refuge was established in 1992 for the protection and restoration of bottomland hardwood forest.  Approximately 5,000 acres of the 7,500 acre refuge are available for wildlife oriented recreation including hunting, fishing, and birding.   A wildlife sanctuary encompasses the remaining 2,500 acres of the refuge and is not available for public use.

How to Find Us

Detailed view of the Refuge (60k)

Aerial Photo with Boundary Lines and Roads (264k) Area Location Map (69k) Adjacent Sites of Interest

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Picking of berries, mushrooms, and nuts is another popular outdoor activity on the refuge. There are some refuge regulations which guide public use - please see "PUBLIC USE REGULATIONS" section.

Wild strawberries and blackberries (early summer) and persimmons (late fall) are abundant on many portions of the refuge.

Morel (spring) and Oyster Mushrooms (summer) as well as many other kinds of mushrooms are found throughout the refuge.

Pecan and black walnut trees are very common on the refuge, especially in the floodplains of the Marais des Cygnes River and other streams, and at abandoned farmsites.  Some years (mast years) will produce "bumper" crops of nuts while on other years only a few trees will produce well.  Nuts are generally harvested in late fall.

PUBLIC USE REGULATIONS

Hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities generally follow statewide regulations including seasons and bag limits established by Kansas Wildlife and Parks.  Other regulations specific to Marais des Cgynes Refuge are as follows.

Motorized Vehicles - Motor vehicles, including ATV’s, are restricted to public roads and parking lots. Do not park in front of gates or access roads.

Boating - Outboard motor use is restricted to the westernmost 5½ mile section of the Marais des Cygnes River. Non-motorized boats and electric trolling motors may be used on all open portions of the refuge including the eastern 4 mile section of the Marais des Cygnes River. Property boundaries are located at the center of the river. Therefore, where sections of the river border private property, only the half of the river adjacent to public property is open to public use.

Camping - Overnight camping and building of fires is prohibited.

Fishing - Fishing is allowed in accordance with statewide seasons and creel limits.

Firearms

• Firearms are prohibited except when used for appropriate hunting seasons.

• Center-fire and rim-fire rifles and pistols are prohibited at all times.

• Nontoxic shot is required for all shotgun hunting except for turkey.

Hunting

• Deer and spring turkey hunting open only to those possessing a valid Refuge Access Permit.  To apply, call office any day in February for Spring Turkey, August for Archery Deer, and November for Antlerless deer.

• Hunting, running dogs, and trapping for furbearers and coyotes is prohibited.

• Blinds, tree stands, and steps may not be fastened with any device which is inserted into trees, except screws.  Construction and hunting from illegal blinds is a violation.

• Decoys must be removed each day.

• No discharge of firearms within 150 yards of any residence or other occupied building.

Pets - Pets must be leashed except when used for hunting during appropriate hunting seasons.

Personal Conduct

• "Closed Areas" are closed to all public entry unless specifically opened for a special event.

• Disorderly conduct and leaving of any refuse on the land or water is prohibited.

• Use of open portion of refuge for nature observation and other related activities is allowed.

Animals and Plants

• Spotlighting deer on the Refuge is prohibited.

• Molesting or injuring any animal or plant, except fish and game taken in season, is prohibited.

• Harvest of berries, nuts, and mushrooms, and collecting of shed deer antlers, for non-commercial use, is allowed.

Artifacts and Historic Items - Artifacts and historic items are protected on Refuge lands by Federal law.  It is unlawful to excavate or remove these objects from the Refuge.

BIOLOGICAL AND CLIMATIC HAZARDS TO AVOID

Insects, heat and humidity, rain, and blackberry brambles can be very troublesome.  However, awareness of these hazards can greatly diminish suffering.

CHIGGERS are generally found in grassy areas from late May through September.  They are nearly impossible to see.  Bites cause small red marks which itch more than you can possibly imagine.  They are easily repelled with insect repellants containing DEET or sulfur powder.  Apply these products wherever grass may come in contact with your clothes.   Apply especially liberal amounts where clothes fit tight on the body such as behind the knees, around waist, feet/ankles, and arm pits.

If you suddenly realize you may have traveled through prime chigger habitat without having used repellant, the best approach is to place clothes in a plastic bag and seal, then shower with hot water and soap as soon as possible.  If you cannot do this then apply a liberal amount of repellent on them and hope they hop off of you.  Also, remember that if you drive to a motel or home to shower, your car seat may be covered with chiggers.  Before returning to your seat you will need to use some kind of repellant or other product to remove them.  A severe case of chigger bites will cause many sleepless nights and may also result in a low grade fever - take them seriously!

WOOD TICKS encountered on the refuge are generally one of three different species.  They are most prevalent in areas with an abundance of low grassy/herbaceous vegetation, especially where many deer trails are present and immediately adjacent to deer trails.  Dense woods with sparse ground vegetation is actually where you are least likely to encounter wood ticks.  The time of year when wood ticks are most prevalent is late April through June, though a few may be encountered nearly anytime of the year.

Occasional cases of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lymes Disease have been reported in the county.  These diseases are caused by wood tick bites. It is believed however that wood ticks cannot instantly transfer disease but must remain attached for a specified period of time to cause disease transfer and that only a small percentage of the wood tick population is capable of transmitting disease.

Insect repellants containing DEET can greatly reduce the number of wood ticks encountered.  Spray all portions of clothing which may come in contact with grassy or herbaceous plants.

The most troublesome type of wood tick is locally referred to as a "seed tick".  They are about the size of a pin head and are very difficult to see.  They are sometimes encountered in large groups locally referred to as a "nest".  If you find a nest of seed ticks on you the best approach is to place clothes in a plastic bag and seal, then shower with hot water and soap as soon as possible.  If you cannot do this then apply a liberal amount of repellent on them and hope they hop off of you.

MOSQUITOES are generally not a problem.  They can be troublesome at periodic times of the year if you sit in one spot for quite a while and are near an area of shallow standing water.   They are generally repelled by common insect repellants as long as you don’t sweat off the repellant.

HEAT and HUMIDITY are a climatic feature which add greatly to the robustness and diversity of the local vegetation and unfortunately the suffering of humans.  Late May through September is the predominant period of heat and humidity.  Temperatures during this period can be expected to be in the mid 80's to upper 90's with humidity readings in the same range.   There are periodic breaks in the heat and humidity but they are generally infrequent and don’t last for very long.  Fortunately the heat usually does not’t become extremely unpleasant until sometime between 10:00 and 12:00 am.   The heat of the day usually does not’t subside until after sunset.  The best way to beat the heat is to avoid the hottest times of the day.  If you cannot or do not want to do this then try to stay in the shade and drink lots of liquids with electrolytes.

RAIN can cause a lot of misery if it is not prepared for.  Waterproof boots and breathable rain gear can add greatly to comfort.  The average yearly rain fall for the refuge is 39 inches.  Unfortunately, most of this rain seems to fall during a small part of the year, usually in mid to late spring and again in mid fall.  However, being located in the middle of the continent makes rain prediction tricky.  It can rain heavily any time of the year.  Once the ground is saturated even small rains of 1/4" can cause rivers and streams to flood.  Be extremely cautious of walking or driving through flooded areas.  Seemingly motionless water can have swift currents and roads are often flooded at much greater depths than is apparent.

BLACKBERRY BRAMBLES can be found as rather extensive stands along forest edges and in other open areas of the refuge.  Don’t try to go through a large patch - you will curse yourself for it.   However, other than scratches, torn clothes, and imbedded thorns you will live through an encounter with blackberries.

ADJACENT SITES OF INTEREST

Area Location Map

The Mine Creek Battlefield (a civil war battlefield) and Museum, is located 10 miles southwest of the Refuge and east of Mound City, Kansas. Another museum and civil war site, the Marais des Cygnes Massacre Site, lies 3 miles north of the Refuge. Both sites are managed by local curators with the Kansas State Historical Society.

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Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area  is a 7,500-acre site managed by Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. The area borders the refuge on the west side and is primarily managed for waterfowl and to provide waterfowl hunting opportunities. They may be reached at 913-352-8941.

MARAIS DES CYGNES WILDLIFE AREA PUBLIC USE REGULATIONS Hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities generally follow statewide regulations including seasons and bag limits established by Kansas Wildlife and Parks. Other regulations specific to MDC Wildlife Area are as follows. Motorized Vehicles - Motor vehicles, including ATV’s, are restricted to public roads and parking lots. Do not park in front of gates or access roads. Boating - Boats may be used for hunting and fishing. Check posted regulations regarding motor use. Camping - Primitive camping is allowed at designated sites. Fires must be contained in fire rings, grills, or stoves. No amenities are provided. Fishing Fishing is allowed year-round in the river and streams and from April 15 through September 15 in all marsh units except in Units B and C1. Salvage of fish may be allowed by posted notice during dewatering of marshes. Firearms Center-fire and rim-fire rifles and pistols are permitted. Target practice is prohibited. Nontoxic shot is required for all shotgun hunting. Hunting Waterfowl hunters must register and obtain a permit at the Wildlife Area Headquarters before hunting. Daily permits are free and available after 5 am. Hunting from dikes, levees, or roads is prohibited. Portions of Unit A along the Marais des Cygnes River are closed to shooting during the dark goose season. Access permits are required for some deer hunting seasons. Contact the Wildlife Area Office for details and permits. Portable blinds and stands may be used, but must be removed within 14 days of the close of the appropriate season. Pit blinds are prohibited. Special hunts may be allowed on the Wildlife Area. Contact local personnel or consult the Kansas Special Hunts brochure or Department website. "Closed Areas" are closed to all public entry unless specifically opened for a special event. Trash barrels are not provided. Visitors must take their trash out of the area. Animals and Plants - Harvest of berries, mushrooms, and nuts, and collecting of shed deer antlers, for non- commercial use, is allowed.  Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area 15492 US Hwy 69 Pleasanton, KS 66075 913-352-8941 Karl Karrow, Manager

HUNTING REGULATIONS OVERVIEW --Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. --Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area is managed by Kansas Wildlife and Parks. Hunting regulations are mostly the same for both areas, however, there are some key differences which are outlined below. Hunting Season National Wildlife Refuge Wildlife Area Small Game (quail, dove, rabbit, squirrel) Non-toxic shot required Non-toxic shot required .22 and center-fire firearms prohibited Waterfowl (duck, geese) Statewide regulations Hunters required to register before hunting and report harvest daily Outboard motors allowed on Unit G only Archery Deer Permit required. Permits are free and allocated by lottery Permit required. Permits are free and unlimited Antlerless deer tags (game tags) valid Antlerless deer tags (game tags) not valid December Firearms Deer Prohibited Statewide regulations Antlerless deer tags (game tags) not valid January Firearms Deer Permit required. Permits are free and allocated by lottery Permit required. Permits are free and unlimited Shotguns and muzzleloaders only firearms allowed Antlerless deer tags (game tags) not valid Antlerless deer tags (game tags) valid Spring Turkey Permit required. Permits are free and allocated by lottery Statewide regulations Lead shot allowed Non-toxic shot required Furbearer Hunting (coyote, bobcat, raccoon) Prohibited Statewide regulations Furbearer Trapping Prohibited Permit required Questions regarding the Wildlife Area should be directed to: Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area 16382 US Hwy 69 Pleasanton, KS 66075 Phone: 913-352-8941.

OTHER WEBSITES OF INTEREST

USGS River Guage Website for Trading Post Kansas, provides information about river flows on the Refuge. Generally, you can easily wade across rock riffles on the Marais des Cygnes River if flows are less than 150 CFS. Flooding of the bottoms begins at a gauge reading of 24'.

Kansas Wildlife and Parks Website, provides information about hunting and fishing licenses, regulations and other information.

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