Laws & Regulations

Public Use Regulations are designed to protect the sportsman and wildlife populations. The Public Use Regulations provided for Big lake NWR supplement the general regulations which govern all public uses on National Wildlife Refuges as set forth in Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations. Hunting and fishing regulations are in accordance with applicable State regulations.

Refuge Access Permits are required for all refuge users who are hunting and fishing. When signed and in your possession, the cover section of the Public Use Regulations brochure serves as your Refuge Access permit for all refuge hunts (except all Quota Hunts) and fishing activities and acknowledges your understanding of the regulations contained within. You may pick up a Public Use Regulations brochure at the refuge headquarters, from brochure boxes, or you can download one from our website.

A Special Use permit is required for all commercial activities on the refuge, including (but not limited to) commercial fishing, fishing , trapping, commercial filming or photography, and research. Permits may be obtained by contacting our refuge headquarters with a formal request. All Special Use permit applications are subject to a two-week turnaround time.

For information about state regulations, boat registration, or hunting and fishing licenses, contact a regional Arkansas Game and Fish Commission office or visit  “Regulations” on the official Arkansas Game and Fish Commission website.

For Public Use, hunting, and fishing specific regulations for Cache River NWR, please refer to our Big Lake NWR Public Use Rules and Regulations Brochure.