Hunting

Hunting is available at almost 400 national wildlife refuges, more than 35 wetland management districts and almost 20 national fish hatcheries. Hunting is a priority public use at national wildlife refuges. Wildlife hunting is subject to sustainable limits and sometimes used as a management tool to keep wildlife populations in check. Hunters' purchase of Duck Stamps helps buy conservation lands. Hunters must have an appropriate state license.

Safety

To ensure both your safety, the safety of others, and the safety and protection of wildlife and habitat, please be aware of the following regulations. At any time, hunters may encounter other recreational users. Hunters must wear an article of blaze orange/pink consistent with state regulations.

To Report Violations

• To report a wildlife violation call 1-844-397-8477 (FWS-TIPS)
• Illinois Tip Line: 1-877-236-7529 (2DNRLAW)
• Wisconsin Violation Hotline: 1-800-847-9367

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

Motorized vehicles are not allowed within the refuge unless authorized through a Special Use Permit (SUP) issued by refuge management for specific cases, such as disabled individuals who may need assistance. Contact the refuge manager for additional information. Foot travel is allowed on all portions of the refuge.

Accessibility Information

Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs and activities of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is available to all individuals regardless of physical or mental ability. For more information please contact the U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Civil Rights, https://www.doi.gov/pmb/eeo/public-civil-rights.

Hunting and Fishing Regulations

Hunting and fishing regulations are designed to provide safe recreational opportunities through wise use of renewable wildlife resources. 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.

Hunting and fishing will be in accordance with applicable State of Illinois and Wisconsin regulations and subject to the conditions stated below. It is the responsibility of the hunters to know the respective state regulations, including hunting methods, license, tagging and reporting requirements. Brochures may be obtained by mail, at the refuge headquarters, or from the refuge website.

Dogs

The use of dogs while hunting migratory game birds and upland game (with exceptions, Turkey in IL) is allowed, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times.

Hunting with dogs for deer, black bear, raccoon, red fox, gray fox, opossum, bobcat, coyote, and striped skunk is prohibited.

Access

Hunters may only access the refuge one hour before legal sunrise until one hour after legal sunset. Portions of the land within or surrounding the boundaries of the refuge are private. Refuge lands are posted with boundary signs. Persons wishing to access private land must gain permission from the landowner.

Blackmon is CLOSED to hunting. Blackmon is located within the Richmond, Illinois city limits at the intersection of Hwy 12 and Hunter Drive.

Species

All refuge wildlife are protected, except those species for which hunting is specifically authorized. The refuge is open to hunting for the following species: Waterfowl (ducks, teal geese); Migratory birds other than waterfowl (mourning dove, coot, rail, common moorhen (only WI), crow, snipe, woodcock); Big game (white-tailed deer, bear (only WI)); Upland game (pheasant, partridge, grouse (only WI), quail); Wild turkey; Small game & furbearer (gray and fox squirrel, cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, fox (red and gray (only WI)), coyote, raccoon, bobcat (only WI), opossum, skunk, woodchucks), feral hogs (only in IL-only as incidental take during the white-tailed deer season), porcupine (only WI), weasel (only WI), unprotected doves (only IL). No trapping is permitted on the refuge. Species not listed are closed to hunting.

Fishing

Fishing is an approved activity subject to all respective state regulations, including seasons, species, and methods of take. Nighttime fishing and collection of frogs, minnows, salamanders, turtles and other non-fish species is prohibited.

Ammunition

Hunters may only possess and use approved non-toxic shot while on the refuge. All other state specific regulations for Firearm and Archery Equipment Regulations apply.

Artificial Lights

You may not use a spotlight, headlight or other artificial light to spot, locate or take any wild animal in the refuge.

Blinds/Tree Stands

We prohibit the building or use of permanent stands or blinds on the refuge. No nails,

screw-in steps, wire, screws, bolts, or other items that penetrate the outer bark may be used. Portable tree stands and ground blinds must be set up and removed each day and used in accordance with state regulations.

Prohibited Activities

By law, recreational activities on national wildlife refuges are prohibited unless expressly permitted.

• Blackmon parcel is CLOSED to hunting.
• Trapping
• Camping, overnight parking, and open fires.
• Use of motorized vehicles, horses or other domestic livestock for big game retrieval or recreational trail riding or any other purpose.
• Leaving property overnight. All property brought onto the refuge must be removed at the end of each day. This includes items like decoys, blinds, trail cameras, portable stands, climbing sticks and trash.
• Marking or flagging any tree or other refuge feature with reflectors, paint, or other substance.
• Organized deer drives. We define a “deer drive” as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer.
• The use or possession of alcoholic beverages and controlled substances, including marijuana, is prohibited.
• Distribution of feed or bait, or hunting over bait; including, but not limited to salts and minerals.
• Hounding, night fishing, or night hunting.
• Target or indiscriminate shooting.
• Training of dogs and allowing dogs off leash from April 15th to August 15th. Pets must be under the owner’s control when not on a leash.
• Abandoning, discarding or otherwise leaving of personal property, animal carcasses, trash, refuse, rocks, wood or other debris.
• Destructing, defacing, disturbing or unauthorized removal of any natural object, artifact, cultural resource or government property.
• Cutting, mowing, sawing, digging, collecting, injuring or removing vegetation.
• Collecting or gathering of edible plants, seeds, mushrooms and deer sheds.
• Introducing, liberating, or placing plants or animals or their parts on refuge lands or waters.
• Launching, landing or disturbing of wildlife by aircraft (drones) on the refuge, includes for recreational or commercial purposes.
• Commercial enterprise without a special use permit.