Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge & Wetland Management District
Midwest Region

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Phone: 952-854-5900
Address:
3815 American Blvd. East
Bloomington, MN 55425
Hunting Regulations Page Header

Many people enjoy hunting on the Refuge. The information below is the hunting regulations for Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, including the current year's hunting brochure. Download a copy of the current year’s hunting brochure, stop by either visitor center to obtain a copy, or call 952-854-5900 to have one mailed.

Blue Winged Teal by Chad Gustafson

Photo Credit - Chad Gustafson
Blue Winged Teal is one species of migratory waterfowl that is hunted on the Refuge.

GENERAL INFORMATION

All Minnesota State regulations and refuge specific regulations pertaining to hunting and trapping will be enforced. You may only hunt or trap in the areas and during the times specified in the current year's brochure. Each unit offers specific hunting opportunities during Minnesota state seasons. You may only hunt species listed in the current year's hunting brochure.

Make sure to observe posted Refuge boundary signs and No Hunting Zones closely since some Refuge areas are adjacent buildings, private property, or critical habitat areas.

General Hunting Regulations:

  • The possession of alcohol while hunting is prohibited.
  • Gas or electric boat motors are prohibited on the Refuge.
  • It is unlawful to drive a metal object into a tree or to hunt from a tree in which a metal object has been driven. Screw-in steps are prohibited.
  • All items, including stands and boats must be removed from the Refuge at the end of each day. It is unlawful to hunt from a permanent stand.
  • The distribution of bait and hunting over bait, including salt licks and mineral blocks or any chemical substance applied to the ground or vegetation is prohibited on National Wildlife Refuge units.
  • Motorized vehicles are not allowed within the hunting units except at designated parking areas.
  • Single projectiles for small game are prohibited.
  • No hunting on, across or within 50 feet of any road, parking lot or marked trail.
  • Target shooting is prohibited.
  • The use of rifles, pistols, or air guns for hunting is prohibited on the Refuge.
  • Check with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for further explanation of State Regulations.

SHOTGUN AND MUZZLELOADER DEER HUNTING

The Rapids Lake Unit is open to shotgun and muzzleloader deer hunting consistent with state regulations.

BOW AND ARROW DEER HUNTING

Hunting is permitted in the Rapids Lake, Louisville Swamp and Wilkie Units during the regular Minnesota State archery season only.

SMALL GAME HUNTING

Small game includes Cottontail Rabbit, Gray Squirrel, Fox Squirrel, Pheasant, Ruffed Grouse, and Hungarian Partridge.

Hunting is permitted in the Rapids Lake and Louisville Swamp Units. Louisville Swamp Unit is only open south of the Middle Road.

MIGRATORY WATERFOWL HUNTING

Migratory waterfowl include ducks, geese, and coots.

Three areas on the Refuge are open to waterfowl hunting according to State and Federal regulations: the Louisville Swamp Unit south of the Middle Road, the Rapids Lake Unit, and Rice Lake on the Wilkie Unit.

TURKEY HUNTING

Hunting is permitted in the Rapids Lake, Louisville Swamp, Wilkie, St. Lawrence, and Jessenland Units according to state fall and spring turkey seasons. Louisville Swamp Unit is only open south of Middle Road.

TRAPPING

Various Refuge units are open to qualified trappers with a Refuge trapping permit. All trappers must attend a mandatory orientation session to receive a permit. Access points are defined at the orientation.

Trapping on the Refuge is limited to beaver, muskrat, raccoon, and mink.

SPECIAL NOTE

Other areas of the refuge may be hunted with a special refuge permit by people with disabilities or participants of the Young Waterfowlers Program. For more information on special Refuge permits contact the Refuge, 952-854-5900.

CONTACTS

Emergencies
To report violations
 State Conservation Officer
 Refuge Law Enforcement Officer
 Carver Rapids Unit (MN DNR)

 911
 
 952-466-2296
 952-361-4508
 952-492-6400

 

Last updated: January 5, 2012