Hunting opportunities are abundant within the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District. The area includes a diversity of habitats from wetlands to upland grasslands. These areas support waterfowl, pheasant, turkey, deer and other game species. Fergus Falls Wetland Management District hunting seasons generally follow state regulations

Return often, and bring a friend, to enjoy the outdoor wonders district lands offer to everyone.

If you or someone you know has a disability and/or is mobility impaired, the district maintains waterfowl hunting blinds that can be reserved for use. Contact the Fergus Falls Wetland Management District for more information. 

The Fergus Falls Wetland Management District is in an area where freshwater prairie wetlands and the associated northern tallgrass prairie join to form a zone of transition with the northern hardwood forest. This blend of habitats provides for an impressive diversity of bird species.

Visiting birders are encouraged to stop in at our office in Fergus Falls to share their sightings with District staff and to learn more about specific birding locations.

A bird species list that contains 293 bird species is available at either the district office or at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center. Brochures are available after hours at the center parking lot kiosk. 

We are always changing programs and opportunities for our visitors to learn about the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Prairie Pothole Region. New programs and events are advertised through our Facebook page on a regular basis. We encourage you to “like” us on Facebook and gain access to all our scheduled events and daily happenings on the district and at the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center. 

In addition to the new opportunities, there are always a few reoccurring opportunities that the Prairie Wetlands Learning Center offers In June, the center offers an “Explorers Biology Camp” for youth and a “Teaching in the Outdoor Classroom” workshop for educators. The second week of August we host the Minnesota Waterfowl Association’s “Woodie Camp” for youth ages 13-15. In September, volunteersassist in habitat restoration projects and as part of National Public Lands Day. And in October, we celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week with opportunities to learn about photography and wildlife observation. 

The Prairie Wetlands Learning Center offers environmental education programs for learners of all ages. The programs feature hands-on and minds-on activities that are conducted on 330 acres of native and restored prairie and wetlands by professional educators, college interns and highly trained volunteers.

The Prairie Wetlands Learning Center offers both day-use and residential environmental education experiences. Please call (218) 998-4480 for the latest program and date availability. New and revised programs are continuously being added to our environmental education curriculum. 

Perhaps the fastest growing activity on national wildlife refuges over the past ten years has been wildlife photography. That’s not surprising – the digital camera population explosion and cell phones with ever-improving picture-taking abilities are increasing the number of nature photographers at a rapid rate. You don’t need to purchase expensive equipment or have any experience to get started. A small camera or basic cell phone will do just fine for most visitors. 

Nearly 12 million people visit outdoor areas each year to photograph wildlife, and national wildlife refuges naturally are at the top of the list. Refuges provide enhanced opportunities to photograph wildlife in natural habitats by providing platforms, brochures, interpreters, viewing areas and tour routes. Wildlife photography is a high-priority activity in the Refuge System. We welcome beginning and expert photographers alike to record their outdoor adventures.