Hunting on the Refuge is permitted daily during the waterfowl season as established by the State of Nevada.

Only ducks (including mergansers), dark geese (including White-fronted and Canada Geese), American Coots, Common Moorhens, and snipe may be hunted. ALL OTHER SPECIES OF WILDLIFE ARE PROTECTED.

The hunting area includes the area as posted from the Brown Dike access road and Brown Dike to the White Pine County Line. No hunting is permitted on Brown Dike or from the Brown Dike access road. In White Pine County, the spring pond area between the County road and the marsh edge is open as posted. For public safety, a no hunting zone is posted in the immediate vicinity of the Main Boat Landing.

No reservations or special refuge permits are needed.

Boat access to the South Marsh hunting area is provided from the Brown Dike, Gravel Pit Pond, and Main Boat Landings (see Boating Regulations). The east side of the hunting area is accessible by boat from one of the three landings or by walking south from Brown Dike.

Walk-in access ONLY is permitted to the spring pond areas in White Pine County.

All hunters 12 years of age or older must possess a valid Nevada hunting license. Children under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult licensed to hunt. Waterfowl hunters 12 to 65 years of age must possess a signed State Duck Stamp. Waterfowl hunters 16 years of age or older must possess a signed Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp).  Licenses and state stamps are not available in Ruby Valley.  The nearest retailers are in Elko or Ely.  Licences are also available online.  Federal stamps are available at Refuge headquarters.

Waterfowl hunters are required to have a HIP (Harvest Information Program) Number. For more information call 1-775-688-1500 or check out the online brochure.

The use of approved nontoxic shot is required when hunting waterfowl, American Coots, Common Moorhens, and snipe on the refuge. Hunters may not have lead shot in their possession while hunting.

Hunters may use portable hunting blinds and temporary blinds constructed of natural vegetation. All decoys, portable blinds, and other personal property must be removed from the Refuge daily and temporary blinds must be dismantled at the close of each day.

The once endangered Trumpeter Swan is found on the Refuge. Several pairs nest each spring and 40 or more birds may winter here. To protect swans from being shot, the entire Ruby Valley is closed to the hunting of all white waterfowl.