Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge is open to goose and deer hunting only. Goose hunting is permitted during the late portion of Missouri’s state goose season and the Snow Goose Conservation Order season only. We have one accessible hunting blind; to make reservations, please contact the refuge headquarters during normal business hours at 660-856-3323 or by email at SwanLake@fws.gov.

The refuge conducts managed deer hunts each year in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation. Hunters may apply for managed deer hunts through the Missouri Department of Conservation draw system conducted each summer, usually July 1 through August 15 of each year. The refuge also conducts a special hunt for hunters with disabilities. To apply, contact the refuge at 660-856-3323 or SwanLake@fws.gov.
 

The refuge is open to fishing in accordance with Missouri fishing regulations from the 1st Saturday of March through the last Sunday of October during daylight hours only. Motorized boats are only allowed on Silver Lake, which has a “no wake” rule. Non-motorized boats may be used on other waters on the refuge. The most common fish species are channel catfish, flathead, bullhead, carp, buffalo, and crappie. We have fishing platforms located along the shores of Silver Lake for those anglers that want easy access.
 

Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a great place for seeing a variety of birds. The most commonly seen birds are waterfowl and shorebirds. The best viewing for waterfowl is during the spring migration, where nearly every waterfowl species in the Central Flyway can be seen using the refuge’s wetlands. April and May are good times to look for shorebirds. Evenings are the best time to view deer. Many visitors make their way through the refuge just before dark to try and get a glimpse of a large buck.
 

Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge is home to many interpretive programs. The most popular is “First Fridays at the Refuge”, which is held on the first Friday of each month from April through August. First Fridays are a fun, family-oriented, outdoor-themed event which lasts through the evening hours and includes activities for children and adults. The refuge, in partnership with Ducks Unlimited, also hosts a Greenwing Day in the fall. Each spring, on the first Saturday of March when the refuge again opens the interior to the public, a “Swing the Gates Open” celebration takes place.
 

Swan Lake hosts three major environmental education programs for school groups. Each May, the refuge hosts our Annual 8th Grade Outdoors Day for area students. In September, the refuge puts on grassland and wetland tours for area 5th–7th grade students. While participating in these hands on tours, students learn about key refuge habitats and how they are managed to benefit migratory birds and other wildlife. Our most popular environmental education program is “Nocturnal Creatures”, conducted each October for area 1st–4th grade students. Children get to learn about how nocturnal animals survive and all about the creatures of the night who call Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge “home.”
 

The refuge provides wonderful opportunities for photographers interested in wildlife and the outdoors. From ducks to deer, there are photos just waiting to be taken. From time to time, the refuge will host a photo contest for pictures taken on site. We also encourage visitors to share their more interesting photos with us so we can share them with other visitors. Some photographers take advantage of the accessible goose hunting blind on Silver Lake, which makes a great place from which to take photos. From March through October the entire refuge is open and available for photography.