Hunting opportunities are abundant within the Windom 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. District hunting seasons generally follow state regulations. Portable, self-supporting blinds are allowed, and non-toxic shot is required.

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

Fishing is allowed on waterfowl production areas. However, fishing opportunities are limited as the majority of our wetlands are shallow and are not intended to support large fish. However, when a waterfowl production area abuts a public water body or if there are fish in a stream, river or wetland within the unit, you may be allowed walk-in access to fish. Boat access is only allowed in locations where there is a public boat launch. Fishing is closed on the Touch the Sky unit of the Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge north of Luvern, Minnesota and located within the district. Call the district office at 507-831-2220 or email if you have questions about specific locations.
 

The combination of freshwater prairie wetlands and associated northern tallgrass prairie provides for an impressive array of bird species. Access is by walk-in only.  A few locations, including our headquarters office in Windom, have observation platforms and photo blinds. Portable blinds may be used, but must be removed daily.
 

Many of the waterfowl production areas in the Windom Wetland Management District have interpretive signs to help visitors learn more about the wildlife and habitat in that area. Some sites, such as Slaughter Slough Waterfowl Production Area near Lake Shetek in Murray County, are historically significant, as described on the interpretive signs there.  Our visitor center in Windom has many interpretive displays indoors as well as along the nature trail.
 

Waterfowl production areas across the Windom Wetland Management District are open for educational opportunities. Refuge staff can design a program appropriate for you group and conduct a program at our visitor center, a waterfowl production area, or a school classroom. Programs include learning about prairie habitat and wildlife, hunter safety, conservation and much more. We also have a shooting simulator available for hunter education programs. Our staff also operate educational booths at fairs and other outdoors shows. To contact the visitor services staff about a program, call the visitor center at 507-831-2220 or email. Groups may also conduct self-guided programs at our visitor center or on a waterfowl production area.
 

We have many great photography opportunities on the Windom Wetland Management District for those who enjoy prairie wildlife and landscapes. Waterfowl production areas are managed to provide breeding and nesting areas for ducks and geese, so spring is a great time to photograph them. Ducks and geese also pass through in large numbers on their way south in fall. These areas are also managed for native grassland, so you are also likely to be able to photograph wildflowers and grassland birds. At our district office on Wolf Lake Waterfowl Production Area in Windom, look for one of our local breeding pairs of trumpeter swans. All access is walk-in only and we allow portable, self-supporting blinds.