Rules and Policies
Lake Zahl National Wildlife Refuge offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and seasonal hunting, but certain activities are restricted to protect the refuge’s natural resources and ensure a safe experience for all visitors. Before your visit, please review the permitted and prohibited activities, as well as any requirements for special use permits, to help safeguard this unique prairie and wetland habitat.
Permitted Activities
Prohibited Activities
- By law, recreational activities on national wildlife refuges are prohibited unless expressly permitted.
- Use of vehicles inside the refuge boundaries. Only foot travel is allowed on the refuge.
- Riding or using horses for any purpose.
- Target and recreational shooting.
- Removing or disturbing property, including artifacts.
- Removing natural objects or destroying plants.
- Baiting.
- Fishing.
- Littering, including leaving trash, spent shotgun shells, or debris.
- Camping and open fires.
- Launching, landing, or flying drones or other unmanned aircraft systems on or over refuge lands.
- Use or possession of alcoholic beverages.
- Commercial activities, unless authorized by a special use permit issued by the district manager.
Special Use Permits
Some commercial, recreational and research activities are allowed on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands only with a special use permit (SUP) issued by the local office, and are subject to specific conditions and fees. This permit requirement is meant to ensure that all activities at the federal site are compatible with the Service’s Congressionally mandated wildlife conservation goals.
Special use permits may limit the scope, timing and location of the activity, as determined by the property where the activity would take place.
Activities that require a permit include but are not limited to:
- Agricultural activities (haying and grazing)
- Special events, group visits and other one-time events
- Guiding for hunting, wildlife education, and interpretation
- Research, inventory and monitoring, and other noncommercial activities
Please visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Special Use Permit website for more information on what activities require a permit and how to apply. You can also contact the Crosby Wetland Management District for information about the permit process for activities on the refuge.