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2003 Refuge Narrative

2003 WMD Narrative

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           Recreational Opportunities

OCTOBER 20, 2009:  ALL REFUGE ROADS, INCLUDING THE AUTO TOUR ROUTE, ARE CLOSED FOR THE SEASON.  

Sand Lake Refuge offers a wide variety of seasonal and year round accessible recreational opportunities that are wildlife compatible.  Wildlife observation, bird watching, education, photography, hunting and fishing are all popular activities here at Sand Lake. 

Hours:  The Refuge is open daylight hours only.  The Office & Visitor Center are open year round Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm and are closed all federal holidays.  Interior Refuge lands, gates and roads, including Wildlife Drive auto tour route, close to public access at sundown on Friday, October 16, 2008, for the winter season.  Walk-In Only public access is allowed after February 1 and roads and gates re-open April 1, weather dependant. Roads may close periodically after April 1 due to weather conditions and spring run-off.  Please call to confirm October closing date and for updated road conditions.  The Visitor Center may be open some weekends during the spring migration through the support of Volunteers.  Please call ahead to confirm weekend hours. 
                                                                                                 Observation Deck

Bird Watching/ Wildlife Observation
Sand Lake is home to over 266 species of birds, 40 mammal species and a variety of fish, reptiles and amphibians. It is a designated "Wetlands of International Importance" and "a Globally Important Bird Area".  The Refuge has also been named one of the Top 15 Birding Sites in North America by WildBird magazine. It has hosted the largest nesting colony of Franklin's Gulls in the world!  Spring and fall concentrations of migratory birds number in the millions. Spring, summer, and fall wildlife viewing opportunities can be spectacular!  Wildlife Drive, a seasonal auto tour route, gets you up close and personal with the wildlife.  Waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, songbirds, and just about anything in between can be seen at Sand Lake!  Check the Migration page for updates.   

 

Photography
Wildlife photographers from all over the country migrate to Sand Lake to photograph its landscapes and intense concentrations of wildlife.  Deep blue water, auburn skies, and an endless landscape make the Refuge a paradise for those who capture it by lens. Although the Refuge has no permanent blinds you may set up temporary daily blinds.

 

Hunting
Sand Lake offers something for the big game hunter, upland game hunters, and waterfowl hunters.  Refuge white-tailed deer hunts include archery, muzzle-loader, and rifle seasons.  Upland game hunters can try their hand at pheasants, sharp-tailed grouse, and partridge.  Perimeter hunting blinds are available to waterfowl hunters on a first come first serve basis.  All deer and upland game hunting on Sand Lake Refuge is Walk-In Only. Hunters may park in designated parking areas and walk in from there. Several parking areas are available around the Refuge.  Waterfowl hunting is allowed in road right-of-ways surrounding the Refuge.  Hunters are allowed unarmed retrieval of waterfowl up to 100 yards inside the Refuge. All spaced  blinds have been removed.  All Federal and South Dakota State Game Rules and Regulations apply and there are Special Refuge Regulations.  For more information see the Hunter Info page or contact Sand Lake at 605/885-6320 and visit the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks on the web.  

 

Fishing
Sport fishing is allowed year round at five (5) locations on the Refuge.  Walleye, northern pike, and other rough fish are popular sport.  All South Dakota State Fishing Regulations apply as well as Special Refuge Regulations.  Please consult the South Dakota Fishing Handbook for further information or contact the Refuge for a Refuge Sport Fishing brochure. Boating is not allowed and ice shacks must be removed daily.

 

Other Opportunities
Visitor Center:  The Visitor Center offers outstanding wildlife displays, exhibits, wildlife-oriented videos, books and other resources that make it a perfect first stop on your visit.  A small non-profit bookstore sells Sand Lake t-shirts and hats along with a variety of books and other items. Located at Refuge Headquarters, the Visitor Center is open year round Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm. and is closed on federal holidays.  During the spring migration the Center may be open some weekends through the support of volunteers, please call ahead to confirm weekend hours. 

"Wildlife Drive" Auto Tour Route:   "Wildlife Drive" is a 15 mile auto tour route that travels through the heart of tRefuge Tour Route Information Kioskhe Refuge offering excellent wildlife and habitat viewing.  A specialized brochure will guide you through 12 stops along the route to help you better understand refuge management and the habitat and wildlife you are seeing.  Wildlife Drive is open from April 1 through mid October and may be periodically closed during this time due to weather conditions.

Observation Tower:  This 108 foot tower at Refuge Headquarters will give you a birds eye view of the area.  From the top you can see distinctive habitats, the James River Valley, and Refuge management areas.  Interpretive panels below offer pictures of the "view from the top" for those who chose not the make the climb. 

Columbia Day Use Area:  One mile south of Refuge Headquarters on Brown County 16, the Columbia Day Use Area has a 3/4 mile hiking trail, interpretive kiosks, accessible restrooms, tables, sun shelter, and an excellent view of Sand Lake.  It is a great spot to take a hike or do some bird watching. 

Hecla Day Use Area:  Located on the northern end of the Refuge, roughly 5 west miles of Hecla on Brown County 5, the Hecla Day Use Area is undeveloped but is a favorite spot among anglers and also offers good birding opportunities.

Refuge Regulations: To minimize disturbance to wildlife and for visitor safety the following activities are prohibited on the Refuge: Camping, Swimming, Boating, Littering, Fires, Harassing of Wildlife, and Collecting of Plants, Animals, Minerals, Antlers, and Items of Antiquity.  In addition, weapons in possession outside of established hunting seasons must be dismantled or cased.  Please contact the Refuge Manager for more information.

 

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