GENERAL

Waterfowl hunting for geese, ducks, and American coot, is permitted only in Areas A, B, and C and in accordance with Refuge, State, and Federal regulations. Sea ducks may be taken in designated hunting areas only when their open season coincides with the open season on "ducks." Canada goose hunting is permitted in Areas A, B, and C during any State authorized "early" and/or "late" goose seasons. The Refuge will also honor any State authorized Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day(s). Contact Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (MDF&W) at (508) 792-7270 or (617) 727-3151 for more information on these programs.

PERMIT, LICENSE, & STAMPS

A Refuge Permit is not required. A Massachusetts State HIP Permit may be required. Also an additional State Permit may be required for any "early" or "late" Canada goose seasons. Contact MDF&W at either the (508) or (617) above-mentioned telephone numbers for more information. Refuge hunters must also have in their possession a valid Massachusetts hunting license, Massachusetts waterfowl stamp, and Federal Duck Stamp. The hunter's signature must be written in ink on the face of each stamp.

BLINDS

Portable blinds, nets, tarps, or similar forms of temporary concealment are permitted. Digging pits and cutting vegetation are prohibited.

SHOT & SHOTSHELLS

Approved non-toxic shot is required and hunters are limited to 25 shotshells per day. Possession of lead shot is prohibited.

DOGS & DECOYS

The use of dogs and artificial decoys are encouraged. Dogs must be leashed except when retrieving.
Decoys are required in Area B .

OTHER

Entering any portion of the Refuge other than Areas A, B, or C to retrieve downed waterfowl, with or without a firearm, is prohibited. Loaded firearms and shooting (including cripples) are prohibited on Plum Island River, Parker River, and Plum Island/Broad Sound, including all islands and sand spits therein. Sunday hunting is prohibited. The use or possession of alcoholic beverages on the Refuge is prohibited. Hunters should complete a "Daily Waterfowl Harvest Information" sheet provided at the access points.

ACCESS & HUNTING AREAS

Access to the hunting areas is by foot or boat only (see below). On-Refuge parking is limited with lots filled on a first come-first served basis. The Refuge entrance gate and parking lots open one hour before legal shooting time. AREA A - access by boat only from the Refuge boat ramp located opposite Parking Lot 1 (vehicles and trailers must be parked in Lot 1) or from off-Refuge sites.Check tide times to avoid being stranded on the marsh by a low tide. AREA B - access by either, boat from the Refuge ramp opposite Parking Lot 1 or from off-Refuge sites, or by foot from Parking Lot 8 via Newbury Neck Road and Marsh Avenue. Hunting is allowed only in the area marked by "Public Hunting Area" signs. From Lot 8 this area is located approximately 0.3 miles to the left of the trail's end. Jump shooting is prohibited.Each hunter must set out a minimum of 6 waterfowl decoys and hunt within 50 yards of these decoys. AREA C (Nelson Island) - foot access only. Access from parking Lot 9 off Stackyard Road. Hunting within 150 feet of the parking area is prohibited.

Last Update 9/2/06