Welcome to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

2007-2008 Hunting Regulations

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1963 as an overlay of the J. F. Kennedy Space Center. The tremendous variety of habitats found on the refuge and its location on the Atlantic flyway makes Merritt Island an important wintering area for migratory birds.

Concentrations of waterfowl occur in the open waters of Mosquito Lagoon and in the brackish and fresh water impoundments during the fall and winter. Common species include scaup, mottled ducks, blue-winged teal, pintail, and wigeon.

Hunting on Merritt Island

Waterfowl hunting is permitted on 36,000 acres of the refuge’s 140,000 acres. The remainder of the refuge is closed to hunting to protect non-game birds and endangered species and to permit other recreational activities to take place. Hunting areas include the open waters of Mosquito Lagoon and most impoundments outside the NASA security areas. The waters of the Banana River are closed to hunting at all times. Some or all areas of the Refuge can be closed by NASA for Safety or Security purposes. When NASA expands their Security perimeter, it affects the use of Hunt Area 1, 2, and the southern portion of 4. The Refuge will post this information on our Web Site and in area newspapers.

If you have questions, it is advisable to call the Refuge in advance of your visit. Individuals found in NASA's  normal" or "expanded" Restricted Area are subject to arrest. The Refuge has no control over NASA's closures, therefore refunds for quota permits will not be provided.

Hunting Regulations

Waterfowl hunting on Merritt Island NWR is in accordance with Florida and Federal Migratory Bird Regulations. Hunters should consult these regulations before going afield. Refuge regulations are more restrictive and are listed below.

• Permits- You must posses and carry a current signed Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Hunt Permit for the current year at all times while hunting on the Refuge. The permit, attached to this leaflet, is selfissuing and required by all hunters. In addition, a Quota Hunt Permit is required for Hunt Area 1 and 4 during the months of November and December. You must apply for a Quota Permit which is only valid for a specific impoundment on the date(s) stamped onthe permit. The quota permit can be used for a single party consisting of one to four hunters. The party may occupy separate blinds but must remain within 30 yards of the permit holder. All Permits must be kept in the hunter’s possession while hunting. Quota Permits are not required outside refuge impoundments nor are required during the Early Teal Season or in January. Quota Permits are non-transferable. (See details below for applying)
• Season- The open season for ducks and coots is concurrent with seasons established by Florida. (See Hunt Days) No species other than ducks or coots may be taken.
• Hunt Days- Hunting is allowed three days each week, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday and holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years) within the framework of the State season. Hunting is allowed from one-half hour before sunrise until 12:00 p.m. Entry into the Refuge for waterfowl hunting may begin no earlier than 4:00 a.m.
• Hunt Areas- Hunting for waterfowl is permitted in four areas of the Refuge. The areas open to hunting are delineated on the map on the reverse side.
• Parking- Hunter Parking is allowed on dike roads within the hunt areas or on hunt access routes leading up to the hunt areas. Motor vehicles are not allowed behind locked barricades. All vehicle and boat trailers must be pulled off the side to allow other vehicles to pass safely. You may not access hunt areas from Scrub Ridge Trail or Playalinda Beach Road. (Hunters may park at Eddy Creek) Vehicles parked in these locations may be towed.
• State Certified Hunter Safety- is required by all hunters in all areas. Hunters must carry their wallet-sized card as proof of completing the course while hunting. The Refuge honors all state-sponsored hunter safety training courses.
• Youth Hunting- is in accordance with Florida Law. Youth hunters must remain in sight and normal voice contact with an adult 18 years or older.
• Steel Shot- Only steel or other approved nontoxic shot may be used. Possession of lead or other toxic shot is prohibited.
• Shot Limit- Hunters may only possess 25 shells while hunting. This includes shotgun shells within vehicles.
• Hunting Blinds- Hunters may bring portable blinds or construct temporary blinds of natural vegetation. Temporary blinds do not become the builder’s property and are available for general use on subsequent days. Construction of permanent blinds, pit blinds and digging into dikes are prohibited activities.
• Hunting and Shooting- within 15 feet of any dike is prohibited. You may not shoot within 150 feet of any paved road right of way. You may not shoot over any dike or roadway.
• Personal Property- such as decoy, boats and other gear must be removed daily before 1:00 p.m.
• Dogs- The use of retrievers is encouraged. Dogs must remain under control at all times.
• Camping- and overnight parking is prohibited. (See Hunt Days above for entry time)
• Manatee Regulations- Most lagoon waters of the Refuge are regulated for manatee protection. Comply with all manatee protection zones.
• Professional Hunting Guides- are required to purchase a Special Use Permit and have it in their possession while guiding.
• Alcohol- The possession or use of alcoholic beverages is prohibited while engaged in hunting activities.
• Universal Access- Special accommodations are available for persons with physical disabilities. Contact the Refuge for additional information.
• Repeat Violations- of Refuge regulations may result in loss of hunting privileges.
• Pole & Troll Zones- To improve fishing and protect grass flats, two Pole & Troll Zones have been established in Mosquito Lagoon (See Map). The zones are delineated with buoys and within the zones use of internal combustion engines is prohibited (except as noted below) and vessels drafting more than 12 inches at rest are not allowed. Vessels may be propelled by a non-motorized power source such as drifting, push poles, paddles, etc. Electric trolling motors are allowed. Boats may operate internal combustion engines only in the posted channels and seasonal waterfowl hunting channels within the Pole & Troll Zones.

 

Waterfowl Management Notes

Proper water level and adequate food availability are two very important aspects of waterfowl habitat. To ensure continuing high-quality habitat, marsh restoration projects were initiated. The objective is to enhance the salt marsh ecosystem for many different species in coordination with mosquito control operations. Restoring the marsh areas by reconnecting them to the river will allow for greater species diversity in the impoundments. It will also be a part of the overall management of the Indian River Lagoon System in its entirety. Short-term inconveniences to waterfowl hunters may be realized in some areas. Lower water levels in various areas on a rotational basis will allow plants (waterfowl food) to grow in the otherwise nutrient-poor mud flats. This will help reestablish a food chain and provide better food supplies to increase the quality of habitat (and hunting) on a long-term basis. If you have questions about this project, contact the Refuge Headquarters. If you see anyone tampering with water control structures please call or contact the refuge.

For further information, write:

Self-issuing Hunt Permit Required by All Refuge Hunters Click on permits to open them in a new window for printing.		Refuge Manager Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge P.O. Box 6504 Titusville, Florida 32782 Phone (321) 861-0667 Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. or visit our website: http://www.fws.gov/merrittisland/

Quota Permits If you wish to hunt in Area 1 or 4 during the months of November or December you will need to purchase a Merritt Island Waterfowl Permit. The permits are issued through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission’s (FWC) Total Licensing System. The permit cost $16.00 and is good for the permit holder and up to 3 guests. The permit is non-transferable. You must be 18 years of age to apply. Permits which are lost or stolen may not be replaced. Each permit is issued to a specific impoundment and may be good for one or two days as indicated by the permit hunt number found on the worksheet. To apply you will need to complete a Merritt Island Waterfowl Permit worksheet and present it to any license agent, tax collector’s office, or you may apply online at www.wildlifelicense.com. Internet applicants will need to allow at least 10 days for delivery of the permit. Permits will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) on October 2, 2007. On the worksheet you may make your selection by going to the space marked “Hunt Choices,” and indicate which hunts you would like to apply for. Use the four-digit hunt number that appears to the left of the hunts you choose. You may get 1 permit per transaction and customers are limited to 3 permits per season. To get your 3 permits you will need to complete additional worksheets and apply 3 times. If you have any problems with the issuance of your permit, please contact the FWC at (850) 488-3641 (M-F 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.). Submitting false information or using another person’s identity without their consent is considered identity theft and may result in felony charges and the loss of hunting privileges. Hunt availability may me checked at www.MyFWC.com. Click on“Hunting” and under “Limited Entry Hunts” select “Check Permit Availability Results”.

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