Rules and Policies

Wildlife-dependent recreational activities are allowed on waterfowl production areas, including hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife observation, photography, environmental education, and interpretation. Please observe the following regulations to protect natural resources and to help ensure that your visit will be safe and enjoyable.

General Regulations

• WPAs are open year-round from sunrise to sunset.
• Vehicles are permitted only on designated roads, parking areas, and on the ice for ice fishing. 
• Vehicle access to the ice is limited to ice accessible from a right-of-way or designated road.
• Motorized vehicles must be licensed in accordance with State laws and regulations.
• Motorized boats are allowed for wildlife-dependent activities. Boats that must be launched from a trailer are limited to those waters that are accessible from a right-of-way or designated road.
• Collection of mature wild fruits, berries, above-ground portion of asparagus, and mushrooms for personal daily non-commercial use is allowed.
• Commercial activities are not allowed unless authorized by a special use permit issued by the wetland management district manager.

Prohibited Activities

• Overnight camping
• Fires
• Target and recreational shooting
• Riding or using horses for any purpose
• Dog training (personal or professional)
• Removing or disturbing property, including artifacts
• Removing natural objects or destroying plants, excluding the gathering of dead plant materials for on-site blind construction
• Littering, including leaving trash, spent shotgun shells, or debris
• Discarding of animal carcasses 
• Drones may not be launched, landed, or flown over WPAs
   

Please visit our Activity pages for additional regulations and guidance.