Hunting
At Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
Hunters can enjoy small game, migratory birds, turkey and white-tailed deer hunting at Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. Consult the refuge hunting brochure for regulations and a map.
Hours
The refuge is open 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. Licensed hunters may access the refuge two hours before legal shooting time until two hours after legal shooting time. You must call and/or leave a message with the Federal Wildlife Officer to remain after closing hours to retrieve or track wounded game.
Know Before You Go
- All hunters must possess a refuge hunting permit which can be attained by signing the Hunting Brochure. This brochure, when signed, and in your possession, serves as a permit for all refuge hunts.
- In addition to the state regulations, reference the refuge-specific regulations on the Rules and Policies page or in the Hunting Brochure and Map.
- The refuge will be closed to all public access October (hunt dates vary annually) for the accessible deer hunt for people with disabilities. Options Inc. conducts the selection process for the hunt. Information can be obtained by calling Complex Headquarters at (763) 389-3323.
Activity |
Huntable Species |
Seasons/Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Small Game | Ruffed Grouse, Ring-necked pheasant, Cottontail and Jack Rabbits, Snowshoe hare, Squirrels (gray, fox and red) | Open in accordance with state regulations |
| Migratory Birds | Ducks, Geese, merganser, American coot, Common moorhen, American Woodcock, Sora, Virginia Rail, Mourning Dove, Common Snipe, Crow | Open in accordance with state regulations |
| Turkey (Permit Area 508) | Wild Turkey | Open in accordance with state regulations |
| Furbearer Hunting | Red and gray fox, Raccoon, Badger, Opossum, Long and short-tailed weasels, Bobcat, Coyote, Striped Skunk | Open in accordance with state seasons. Shooting hours 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset, except 9 am to sunset opening day |
| Furbearer Trapping | Closed | Closed |
| Big Game (Permit Area 221) | White-tailed deer (Archery, November firearm, Muzzleloader) | Open in accordance with state regulations |
| Bear | Closed | Closed |
| Accessible Deer Hunt for People with Disabilities | White-tailed deer | Application-based hunt. Typically the Tuesday and Wednesday following Columbus Day. Refuge is closed to all other public access. |
| State regulations apply for bag limits. | ||
