Rules and Policies
Laws and Regulations
All public use recreational activities on Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge are regulated to protect wildlife; this differs from regulations on other public lands. While managed to protect wildlife and maintain the rugged, remote, and undeveloped character of the Refuge, a wide variety of opportunities are available for visitors to experience and explore. As a visitor, it is your responsibility to understand and follow the rules and regulations to protect wildlife and to ensure your own safety. Be safe. Be prepared. Be responsible!
Emergency services, roadside assistance, cell phone coverage and extra supplies are not readily available. Refuge staff cannot provide or sell gas, phone access, towing, or auto repair services.
Wildlife Observation and Photography
Wildlife Observation & Photography are the most popular recreation activities on the Refuge. To protect Greater Sage-grouse during the breeding season (March 1-June 1), visitors must maintain a 100-yard distance from birds, ensuring no wildlife harassment or disturbance. Staff will not disclose specific lek locations.
Hunting
Hunting for some big game, waterfowl, and upland bird species is permitted in accordance with state and federal regulations. All hunting is strictly prohibited within 3 miles of the Refuge Headquarters and .25 miles from campgrounds. Hunting within the Refuge may be more restrictive than state regulations. Consult all current federal regulations and Oregon state regulations prior to hunting on the Refuge.
Artificial ground blinds are allowed to be erected one week prior to the start of the hunt season and must come down withing 24 hours of harvest or at the end of the season. (see § 27.93 of this chapter)
All other wildlife is protected.
Fishing
Fishing is allowed only in Rock Creek, Guano Creek, and Warner Pond. Check current Oregon state regulations for seasons, limits and other requirements.
Vehicles
Vehicles (both motorized and nonmotorized) are allowed ONLY on Open Routes. Roads are open as indicated by road signs, refuge maps, or other information subject to weather and road conditions and for resource/habitat protection.
Vehicle use off-road is prohibited. You may pull off the road one vehicle length, subject to seasonal fire danger restrictions.
Speed on the Refuge is 25 miles per hour (mph) unless otherwise posted for the safety of you and the wildlife.
Camping
Camping is permitted year-round for up to 14 days within a 30-day period in designated campgrounds, check website for seasonal closures. Camping is not allowed on roads or pull-off areas.
The Refuge has three campgrounds: Camp Hart Mountain, Hot Springs Campground, and Post Meadows. Hot Springs Campground has a trailer size limit of 24-feet maximum. Leave the hot springs natural and do not alter them; no soap is allowed.
Camping is free and is on a first come, first serve basis.
Backcountry (Backpacking) Camping
If you would rather enjoy more remote areas of the Refuge, camping is also permitted with a backcountry permit. Backcountry camping requires campers to be at least .5 miles from any road, .5 miles from their vehicle, and 200 feet from a water source. Pack out all trash. No fires are allowed when backcountry camping.
Campfires
Campfires are permitted only in designated fire rings where provided. The use of campfires may be further restricted during periods of increased fire danger – check for campfire restrictions posted at the Refuge Headquarters, the campground, and the website's alerts and current conditions. Bring your own firewood because collecting firewood within the Refuge is prohibited.
Gas pits and stoves are allowed year-round.
Garbage
There are no garbage collection trash cans, and septic dumping facilities are not provided on the Ruge. Discarding trash or leaving items on the Refuge is prohibited - pack out what you pack in!
Pets
Pets must be leashed or confined, except dogs used for bird hunting. Hunting dogs must be kept under the immediate control of their handlers at all times.
Stock
Post Meadows Campground is the only road accessible site for overnight stock use on the Refuge. To avoid introducing weeds, only pelletized feed or certified weed free hay is allowed.
Firearms
Firearms and their possession within the Refuge is allowed in accordance with Oregon state law. The discharge of any firearm and the possession or use of weapons other than firearms, except as allowed for purposes of legal hunting, is prohibited.
Cultural and Natural Resources
Searching for, collecting, removing, disturbing, digging, or cutting resources such as artifacts, arrowheads, petroglyphs, any vegetation (including trees) and any other cultural objects is strictly prohibited. Shed and bone collection is prohibited. Observe and enjoy the Refuge resources in place.
Rock Collecting
Surface collection of up to seven (7) pounds of rock per person per day is allowed. Disturbing the ground or using tools or equipment as well as the collecting of arrowheads, stone tools, or any other type of artifact is strictly prohibited.
Drones
Launching, landing, or disturbing of wildlife by drones on the Refuge is prohibited.
Permits
On National Wildlife Refuges, wildlife comes first. Refuges are not managed for multiple uses like other public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management.
Some commercial, recreational and research activities are allowed on National Wildlife Refuges only with a special use permit and are subject to specific conditions and fees. This permit requirement is meant to ensure that all activities are compatible with the refuge’s Congressionally mandated wildlife conservation goals.
A Special Use Permit is required for any commercial use and for any use or activity other than public hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, environmental education, and interpretation which are the priority wildlife dependent uses compatible with the purposes for Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge. Contact the Refuge to find out more about Special Use Permits or visit the USFWS site: Special Use Permits
Wildlife Photography Permits
A special use permit is required for any commercial photography, filming, or audio/visual production. Applicants must fill out a Commercial Special Use Permit application and submit it to the Refuge Complex.
To protect Greater Sage-grouse during the breeding season from March 1 until June 1, visitors must maintain a 100-yard distance from birds, ensuring no wildlife harassment or disturbance. Staff will not disclose specific lek locations.
Outfitter and Guide Permits
We allow a limited number of outfitters and guides to operate within the refuge and facilitate big-game hunting opportunities for people who lack the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities for a truly safe, enjoyable and productive hunting experience. If you are interested in providing these commercial services within Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge fill out the Commercial Special Use Permit and submit it to the Refuge Complex. Applications for a commercial special use permit have no deadline yet require up to a 30-day processing time before a permit is issued.
Research, Scientific Collection, and Other Permits
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requires research and monitoring special use permit for anyone conducting scientific research, studies, collection of plants or animals or other activities within the refuge. Other permits are required under various wildlife law and treaties at a number of offices throughout the country. Service permit programs ensure that such activities are carried out in a manner that safeguards wildlife. Additionally, some permits promote conservation efforts by authorizing scientific research, generating data, or allowing wildlife management and rehabilitation activates to go forward.
Other permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are handled by permitting programs in International Affairs (Management Authority), Endangered Species, Law Enforcement, and Migratory Birds.
Learn more about Special Use Permits.
Backcountry (Backpacking) Camping Permits
You can camp in the backcountry outside of designated sites with a Refuge Backcountry Use Permit. These permits enable us to make sure you have the information you need for a safe enjoyable backpacking trip.
Getting a permit is free and easy! Just fill out the permit and send it to the Refuge Complex. Review the Backcountry activity webpage for more details or contact the Refuge Complex for more information.