2009-2010 Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations

General Information
Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1990, is located along the Wallkill River in Sussex County, New Jersey and Orange County, New York. Public hunting is permitted on approximately 3,500 acres in New Jersey during specific times of the year. The hunting program is administered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in cooperation with the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife.

To ensure your safety and enjoyment while visiting Wallkill River, please take time to become familiar with the following regulations.

Hunting Regulations
The regulations below supplement the general regulations which govern hunting on National Wildlife Refuges as set forth in Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations. Hunting is permitted in accordance with all applicable State and Federal regulations and is subject to special regulations. Hunters should consult the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Digest and the NJ Migratory Bird Regulation Supplement. The migratory bird seasons are concurrent with the seasons administered by NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife.
* Youth Waterfowl Day
* September Canada Goose
* Regular Waterfowl
* Special Winter Canada Goose
* Rails, Gallinule, Snipe
* Woodcock

Permits: The following licenses, permits and stamps must be signed and carried on your person, while hunting migratory birds on the Wallkill River NWR. Permits are not transferable.
1. Wallkill River NWR Migratory Bird Hunting Permit
2. New Jersey Hunting License
3. Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp
4. New Jersey Waterfowl Stamp
5. Harvest Information Program (HIP) Number (call 1-800-WETLAND)

Companion Permit: All refuge migratory bird permit holders receive one Companion Permit (located to the right of your refuge permit). This permit allows a non-hunting person to accompany the hunter. This is an opportunity for others to learn about migratory bird hunting. The Companion and Hunter must be set-up together in the same location.

Scouting: Scouting is permitted August 29, 2009 - March 10, 2010. Hunters must carry a signed Wallkill River NWR Migratory Bird Hunt Permit when scouting on the refuge. Firearms and dogs are NOT permitted while scouting.

Shot Requirements: Nontoxic shot is required for ALL migratory bird hunting on the National Wildlife Refuge. Hunters may not have any type of toxic shells in their possession at any time. Nontoxic shot includes steel, bismuth-tin, tungsten-iron, tungsten-polymer, tungsten-matrix, and tungsten-nickel-iron shot types. Shot size may not exceed size T (.200 inch).

Hunters may NOT use or possess more than 25 non-toxic shot shells daily, when hunting waterfowl.
Clothing Woodcock hunters must wear, in a conspicuous manner, a minimum of 400 square inches of SOLID FLOURESCENT ORANGE clothing on their head, chest and back.

Equipment: All hunting blind material, boats and decoys must be removed from the refuge each day. Permanent and pit blinds are not permitted. Use of waders, boat or dog to aid in game retrieval is encouraged.

Trail markers: All marking tape, reflective pins, or other materials used to mark trails must be removed at the end of the hunt day. The use of paint is prohibited.

Hours: Hunters may enter the refuge no earlier than two hours before shooting time and leave no later than two hours after shooting hours. See the NJ Fish & Wildlife Digest for legal hunting hours.

Parking: Hunters must park in designated refuge hunt parking areas only. Blocking gates, roads and buildings will result in a fine!

Closed Areas: No Hunting Areas are located within the refuge. Hunting in this area is prohibited. See refuge hunt map for detailed location.

Nature Trails: Other outdoor enthusiasts may be using the Wood Duck Nature Trail and the Dagmar Dale Nature Trail during the hunting season. Extreme caution should be taken when hunting near the trails.

Disabled Hunters: A Special Hunting Restrictions Area ("Access for Disabled Hunters Only") exists at 119 Owens Station Road. Hunters must carry a special refuge access permit before entering this property. Only hunters possessing a state-issued "Permit for Physically Challenged Hunters" are eligible to receive a special refuge access permit. Contact the refuge office for details.

Law enforcement: Individuals utilizing the refuge are subject to inspections of permits, licenses, hunting equipment, bag limits, boats, vehicles, and their contents by refuge or state law enforcement officers.

Refuge hunting areas may change each year. Hunters are encouraged to read the hunt maps provided. Please respect adjacent landowners, DO NOT TRESPASS!

Prohibited Activities
* Littering
* Baiting or hunting over bait.
* Trimming, cutting or removing vegetation.
* Use or possession of alcoholic beverages.
* Use of ATV's and/or dirt bikes.
* Target practice
* Camping and campfires
* Overnight parking
* Searching for or removing any object of antiquity including arrowheads, pottery or other artifacts.
* Blocking gates or roadways with vehicles.

An Important Message
Our wildlife is a valuable resource. Laws and regulations are intended to protect them, while allowing for some consumptive use. Hunters are encouraged to report any violations they may encounter to a State or Federal employee.

The future of hunting on the refuge requires responsible hunter behavior and compliance with regulations.

Thank you. Have a safe and enjoyable hunting experience.