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Contact Us | Site Map | Southwest Region 2 Refuges | National Wildlife Refuge System | USFWS National Site  
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hunt feral hogs on the Refuge?
Where and what can I hunt?
Why can't I hunt with lead shot?
Where can I buy a hunting/fishing license?
Where are the good fishing spots?
Where can I launch my boat?
Can I rent a boat from the Refuge?
Where can I launch my canoe or kayak?
What is the minimum age for operating a personal watercraft (PWC)?
Where can I use my off-road vehicle?
Where are the birding hotspots?
Where can I camp?
Where can I hike?

Can I hunt feral hogs on the Refuge?
No. At this time, there are no public hunting opportunities for feral hogs available on the Refuge.

Where and what can I hunt?
The Refuge offers waterfowl, upland game bird, migratory bird, cottontail, and bullfrog hunting. Check our hunting page for detailed information.

Why can't I hunt with lead shot?
Waterfowl and other birds can get lead poisoning from lead shot. Diving ducks such as redheads, canvasbacks, scaup, and ring-necked ducks are the most susceptible to lead poisoning because they dig into the bottom of wetlands to forage for tubers and other food. Because much of Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is maintained as seasonal wetlands, it is possible that a portion of the Refuge which is dry during a certain hunting season will be managed as a wetland later in that season. Possession and/or hunting with lead shot on the Refuge is prohibited.

Where can I buy a hunting/fishing license?
Hunting and fishing licenses can be purchased from the state agency of the respective state you are hunting in or from local merchants. Arizona Game and Fish offers license sales on-line. California Department of Fish and Game's web site lists license prices. Topock Marsh shorelines are considered part of the Colorado River special use permit areas. Arizona license holders do not need this stamp while fishing on the Marsh; however, California fishermen must purchase a Colorado River special use stamp with their California fishing license for fishing Marsh waters and shorelines.

Where are the good fishing spots?
There are several spots on Havasu National Wildlife Refuge that are popular with local fishermen. Check our fishing page for recommended fishing sites or the Yellow Pages to talk with a local fishing guide.

Where can I launch my boat?
There are free boat launches that access Topock Marsh at North Dike, Fivemile Landing (on County Route 1) and Catfish Paradise (on Oatman Highway/Route 66).

Local boat launches that allow access to the Colorado River include the Topock Gorge Marina, Arizona (exit 1, I-40), Park Moabi (located 11 miles south of Needles, CA on I-40), Havasu State Park at Windsor Beach (on London Bridge Road in Lake Havasu City). There are many other private and public boat launches along the Colorado River.

There is no boat access between Topock Marsh and the Colorado River.

Can I rent a boat from the Refuge?
The Refuge does not rent boats. The Fivemile Landing concession does rent small jon boats. Several local agencies offer guided boat tours and also rent watercraft.

Where can I launch my canoe/kayak?
Canoe/kayak launches are available at any of the above mentioned boat launches. Keep in mind that the Colorado River is very popular in the summer season with motorized boaters.

What is the minimum age for operating a personal watercraft (PWC)?
The minimum age for operating a personal watercraft is respective of your residency. Arizona's minimum age for operation is 12 years and California's is 16 years.

Where can I use my off-road vehicle?
Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is closed to off-road vehicle use. All vehicles must stay on existing roads and be registered for use on public roads. Operator's must be licensed and be able to show proof of insurance. Vehicles not registered for public road use are prohibited on all areas of the Refuge.

Where are the birding hotspots?
Birding hotspots on the Refuge change throughout the season due to migration. Call the Refuge headquarters to find out about recent sightings.

Where can I camp?
Camping (RV and primitive) is available at the Fivemile Landing concessionaire off of County Route 1. All other areas of the Refuge are closed to camping.

Where can I hike?
There are no established hiking trails on the Refuge. However any open portion of the Refuge is open to hiking. Certain portions of the Refuge are closed October 1st to January 31st. Closed areas are marked by regulatory signs.