Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge

Laws and Regulations

Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge is a No Wake Zone.
Personal watercraft (PWC), such as Jet Ski, Waverunner, Sea Doo, Air boats, etc. are not permitted on refuge waters.
Motorized Boats can be launched from Take Off Point, a mile below the Visitor Center on Parker Dam Road.
Canoes, kayaks, and non-motorized boats may be launched at the Visitor Center.

Hunting is permitted on Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge for mourning and white-winged dove, Gambel's quail, and cottontail rabbit with shotguns only. Desert bighorn sheep hunting is also allowed on the refuge under a state draw permit.
The public hunting area is generally described as south of the Bill Williams River Road (a.k.a. Planet Ranch Road) and east of Arizona State Rt. 95 plus the south half of Section 35 T 11N-R 17W as posted.
Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (50 C.F.R. 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in 50 C.F.R. Part 32).
You may possess only non-toxic shot while hunting.
Target practice and "plinking" are not permitted.

Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge offers three accessible fishing structures on the peninsula adjacent to our visitor center. 
Fishing for striped and largemouth bass, catfish, bluegill, and others, is allowed on the refuge (all Arizona fishing regulations apply).
Razorback suckers and bonytail chub are protected species and must be released immediately. If caught, report catch to refuge staff!
Persons fishing from land, a boat or other floating object must obtain, possess, and carry a valid Arizona or California fishing license

All vehicles (including gas or electric vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles) must remain on developed roads and in designated parking areas.
Maximum speed limit is 25 MPH, unless otherwise posted.
All vehicles and operators must be licensed and insured for highway travel, for example: OHV's and ATV's must be "street legal" per the registrations of the state in which they are registered.

All aircraft operators must have a special use permit to enter the refuge.
All flights within the refuge boundary must not drop below 1,000 ft above sea level.
Helicopter operators must follow all FAA regulations, specifications, and requirements, and have obtained the 135 Certificate.
The FAA Part 135 certificate is required for companies that want to operate as non-scheduled air charter carriers, including helicopters.
No planned takeoffs or landings on FWS-owned/managed lands and waters will be permitted.
All flights will require a 24-hour notice via email to the refuge manager prior to the activity on the refuge. A list of occupants and purpose of activity (commercial photography, site-seeing, etc) will need to be included in the notification email.
Only day AFR flights will be permitted on the refuge.

Camping is not allowed on the refuge, but visit nearby Bureau of Land Management areas or State parks for excellent camping opportunities.
Fires are not permitted on Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge.
Pets must be leashed and under immediate control. Maximum leash length is six feet. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals.
Disturbance and collection of all plants, animals, minerals, and historic objects, is prohibited except by special use permit. 
Fireworks are strictly prohibited on the refuge.
Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuges must comply with all provisions of state and local law.
Glass containers are prohibited on the refuge.

To report crimes against resources, please call the Phoenix Interagency Dispatch at 1-800-637-9152. 
Report Vandalism, Dumping, or Suspicious Activity.