Hunting

The rugged country of Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge was once a hideout for horse thieves and cattle rustlers. Outlaws like Butch Cassidy knew they could evade sheriffs in the remote canyons. Situated in a remote area of northwestern Colorado bordering Dinosaur National Monument, the refuge has a diversity of habitats – including sagebrush, riparian cottonwood forest and wetlands – that draw such diverse wildlife as sage grouse, bald eagle, elk and otter. When Flaming Gorge Dam was built on Green River, it eliminated many wetland areas along the river by preventing flooding. The refuge pumps water from the river to restore wetlands that annually attract thousands of Canada geese, mallard, canvasback and other waterfowl. Hunters can pursue these waterfowl on the Butch Cassidy and Hog Lake wetlands and along the Green River. There are also opportunities for deer, elk, moose, pronghorn antelope and small-game hunting. Hunters should be prepared for the same rugged conditions that daunted cowboys a century ago.

Please become familiar with federal, state and refuge-specific hunting regulations. No commercial guiding and/or outfitting allowed on the Refuge. 

Hunting and Fishing Brochures are available at the Refuge Headquarters, campground kiosks, and along the Wildlife Drive. It's advised to also download this brochure to your phone in case you need to reference Refuge regulations while hunting and don't have a brochure on hand. Due to the lack of cell signal in this area, it's recommended to do this before arriving at Browns Park.