Features
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Join us on Facebook and stay up to date on what is happening on the refuge.
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Support the Friends Group!
The non-profit group helps the refuge put on special events, promotes awareness, and so much more!
Merritt Island Wildlife Association
Manatee Viewing
The Manatee Observation Deck is a handicap accessible opportunity to view manatees in the wild.
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Adopt a Trail Program
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is proud to announce this new program to help reduce and control litter. Become a proud participant.
Duck Stamps are pictorial stamps produced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They are not valid for postage. Created in 1934 as federal licenses required for hunting migratory waterfowl, Federal Duck Stamps have a much larger purpose today.
Duck Stamp ProgramAbout the Complex
The Merritt Island Complex manages St. Johns, Merritt Island and Lake Woodruff NWR's.
Merritt Island is managed as part of the Merritt Island Complex.
Learn more about the complex About the NWRS
The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America’s fish, wildlife, and plants.
Learn more about the NWRS
Latest News
Waterfowl hunting is permitted only on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years day during the season. The 2015-2016 season is November 21-29 and December 12-January 31. Hunting occurs in most areas of the refuge from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 12 pm.
Hunting is prohibited on Black Point Wildlife Drive. For more hunting information visit www.myfwc.com/hunting
Impoundment Conditions
The Refuge's first annual Big Game Archery Hunt was October 16-18, 2015. Thirty quota-hunt permits were available for the hunt. Over 900 applicants applied for the available permits. A total of 11 white-tailed deer (5 buck; 6 antlerless) and 4 hogs were harvested during the hunt.
Deer/Hog Hunt Summary
Get outside and enjoy some of the country’s most magical places – America’s national wildlife refuges will offer free admission on these days in 2015.
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Have you found a baby bird in your yard? See an injured bird on the road? Racoons in your attic?
Find Out What To Do.
Merritt Island NWR has one of three strong hold populations of the threatened Florida scrub-jay.
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Page Photo Credits — FL Scrub-jay - Mitch McConnell, Pine Warbler - Danny Bales, , by NRCA, Butterfly - Andrea Westmoreland, Green anole - Vicki's Nature, River Otter - Chris Paul Photography,
Last Updated: Nov 10, 2015