Hunting

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge has the unprecedented task to reconstruct the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, which includes native wildlife, grasses and wildflowers. Deer are common in the area and offer the archery, muzzleloader or shotgun hunter an exciting experience. Pheasant also thrive here and provide excellent hunting, particularly for hunters with dogs. Bison and elk are part of the prairie reconstruction. They have been reintroduced in an 800-acre section. Hunting is not permitted in the elk/bison area, but hunters can drive through this section to experience a small glimpse of what the prairie must have looked like in pre-settlement times.

For more information on refuge rules and policies

Safety

Please respect our neighbors. State law prohibits shooting within 200 yards of buildings inhabited by people or livestock. Contact the refuge before hunting for information about upcoming prescribed burns. For emergencies, dial 911.

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). Except for authorized hunting activities, discharge of firearms on refuge land is prohibited.

Vehicles

Parking is allowed at designated areas which are marked with a “P” for parking. Do not park in any field entrance. (Access must be maintained for emergency, fire and patrol vehicles.) Do not drive into fields or grassland areas. Overnight parking is prohibited.

Hunting Dogs

The use of hunting dogs is allowed per DNR regulations for allowed species, during the state approved season, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times.

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 Equal Opportunity, https://www.doi.gov/ pmb/eeo/public-civil-rights

Hunting and Fishing Regulations

Hunting regulations are designed to provide safe recreational opportunities through wise use of renewable wildlife resources. Hunting is 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 will be in accordance with applicable State of Iowa regulations subject to the conditions stated in this publication. Brochures may be obtained by mail, at the refuge visitor center, or from the refuge website.

Refuge lands are open to fishing, year round, 1 hour before legal sunrise to 1 hour after legal sunset, except in bison/elk enclosure. Night fishing, access from private property and entry into closed areas are prohibited. We prohibit the taking of any turtle, frog, snake, lizard, leech, minnow, crayfish, mussel (clam), and any other non-fish species by any method on the refuge.

Access

We allow entry into the refuge 1 hour before legal sunrise and require hunters to leave the refuge

no later than 1 hour after legal sunset. All hunting access hours follow Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) state regulations. No night hunting allowed.

Tree Stands

Portable stands may be used, stands may be placed 7 days prior to the season and removed 7 days after the season. Steps, ladders, and stands will

be erected in such a way that the trees are not damaged. Spikes, nails and all other items that penetrate the bark of a tree are prohibited.

To Report Violations

• Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Refuge Staff phone number currently unavailable. Email: nealsmith@fws.gov
• After Hours and Weekends: IA DNR Conservation Officer: 641/521-2003 or Federal Wildlife Officer: 815-273-2732
• 1-844-FWS-TIPS (397-8477)

Signs and Boundaries

Please respect the following signs:

• No hunting zone: Hunting prohibited
• Unauthorized entry prohibited: Refuge boundary
• Area beyond this sign closed: No entry
• End of public use area: Private property boundary
• No vehicles: All traffic prohibited
• Parking area: Designated areas to park while hunting

Prohibited Activities

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

• Trapping of fur-bearing animals anywhere on the refuge, including road ditches
• Possession of alcoholic beverages
• Camping and fires
• Searching for or removal of any natural items such as antlers, bison skulls, plants, and historic/ archaeological features
• Boats, canoes, kayaks, etc.
• Use of electronic or photographic trail monitoring devices
• Marking or flagging any tree or other refuge feature with reflectors, paint, or other substance
• ATVs or any other mechanized device used for retrieving game or transportation
• Access to the refuge from private property
• Shooting on, from, or over any refuge road within 50 feet of the center line
• The training of dogs on the refuge
• Use of spotlights or other artificial lights to spot, locate, or take any wildlife within the boundaries of any Refuge or along the right-of-way on public or private roads
• Drones (UAVs) taking off, landing and/or flying on or over refuge lands. 
• Hunting and fishing in the bison/elk enclosure