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.
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 t
he 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.
