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Hunting

At Big Stone Wetland Management District

Big Stone WMD provides important waterfowl nesting habitat in a part of the state where most wetlands have been drained. With 27 Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs) in Lyon and Lincoln counties, Big Stone also offers over 4,000 acres of public hunting. Good numbers of ducks can be found on the WMD early in the season, but hunting pressure often moves them out of the area fairly quickly. The district's grasslands offer good hunting opportunities, particularly for pheasant. In a good year, hunters should be able to find birds in the thick cover, especially with a good dog. While most WPAs are not large, deer can be found hiding in the cover. By working slowly through the grasslands, hunters have good chances of taking one.

Hunting and Fishing Brochure

Find Your Hunt Unit Map

Safety

Please dress appropriately for the season and wear layers. Check the weather forecast before your outing, as daily weather conditions can bring dramatic change.

Firearms

Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuge System lands must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in 50 CFR Part 32.)

Vehicles

Licensed motor vehicles are permitted only on designed roads and within parking areas. ATVs and UTVs are prohibited.

Boats

Non-motorized watercraft are permitted for hunting and fishing.

Hunting and Fishing Regulations

Hunting and fishing are permitted in accordance with Federal regulations governing public use on National Wildlife Refuges as set forth in Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Waterfowl Production Areas in Minnesota are open to hunting and fishing in accordance with state hunting and fishing regulations unless otherwise noted.
Hunting is prohibited within the Headquarters WPA in Becker County, Hitterdal WPA in Clay County, McIntosh WPA in Polk County, Townsend WPA in Otter Tail County, Mavis WPA in Otter Tail County, Gilmore WPA in Otter Tail County, portions of Knollwood WPA in Otter Tail County, Larson WPA in Douglas County, those portions of Phare Lake WPA in Renville County that lies within the Phare Lake State Game Refuge, portions of the Edward-Long Lake WPA in Stevens County, Worthington WPA in Nobles County and on portions of the Wolf Lake WPA in Cottonwood County. Soberg WPA in Dakata County is CLOSED to firearms hunting Please contact the refuge manager with specific questions.
During the small game and migratory bird seasons, we allow the use of dogs while hunting, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times.
Nontoxic shot is required for all migratory and upland game hunting, including but not limited to wild turkey.
Unprotected wild animals may be taken from September 1 through the last day of February, or by any person legally hunting a protected species.

Access

Waterfowl Production Areas are open to wildlife dependent recreational activities including hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife observation, photography, and environmental education unless otherwise posted closed.

Trapping

Trapping is allowed in accordance with Federal and State Regulations

Prohibited Activities

Target shooting.
Training pets and allowing pets off leash.
All types of motorized vehicles on all refuge land (to include on frozen bodies of water) except on designated parking areas, access roads and public roads.
Motorized watercraft use is prohibited.
Camping, open fires and overnight parking is prohibited.
Abandoning, discarding or otherwise leaving any personal property. All property brought onto a refuge must be removed at the end of each day. This includes all common items like vehicles, boats, decoys, trail cameras, blinds, photography equipment, portable stands, climbing sticks, and trash.
Destructing, defacing, disturbing or unauthorized removal of any natural object, artifact, cultural resource or government property.
Introducing, liberating, or placing plants or animals or their parts taken elsewhere on refuge lands or waters.
Disposing of animal carcasses, trash, refuse, rocks, wood or other debris.
Cutting, mowing, sawing, digging, collecting, injuring or removing vegetation.
Launching, landing or disturbing of wildlife by aircraft (drones) on the refuge. This includes for recreational or commercial purposes.
Commercial enterprise without a special use permit.
Use or possession of any illegal drug and use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting.
Baiting or hunting over bait.
Spotlight or artificial light use to locate animals on the refuge.

Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs) are part of the National Wildlife Refuge System - a network of lands set aside specifically for wildlife. These lands were purchased with funds from the sale of Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps, commonly known as the “Duck Stamp.”