Law Enforcement

While on the refuge for all emergencies please call 911.  

To report refuge violations, call Refuge Law Enforcement at 931-264-1069. You can also email fws_tips@fws.gov or call 1-844-397-8477 and leave a message. Make sure to include the name of the refuge where the violation occurred and your contact information. Tips may be reported anonymously.

Refuge property is marked on the outside boundary with yellow paint hash marks and blue goose boundary signs. The Refuge boundary signs delineate refuge property BEHIND the sign. Trespassing on posted or unmarked private property is a violation of Tennessee state law.

• Firearms are permitted in accordance with state law.
• Searching for and removal of objects of antiquity is prohibited.
• Disturbing or feeding wildlife, and collecting plants is strictly prohibited.
• Pets on a leash are permitted. Dogs under verbal control are allowed during refuge hunts.
• Camping and open fires are prohibited.
• ATVs are not allowed
• Bicycling and horseback riding is permitted on established roads during normal public use hours.
• The use of artificial lights (including vehicle lights) to observe wildlife is prohibited.
• Boats must be removed from the refuge after each day’s use.

To limit disturbance on waterfowl, portions of the refuge are closed seasonally: 

Open Year-round 

Big Sandy Unit

     V.L. Childs Observation Deck

     Big Sandy Peninsula

     Bennett's Creek Observation Deck

     Chickasaw National Recreation Trail

     Mt. Zion Church

     Pace Point

Duck River Unit

    Pintail Point Observation Blind

    Duck River Bottoms Overlook

    Refuge Lane through Duck River Bottoms

Closed November 15 - March 15 

Big Sandy Unit

    Swamp Creek

    Sulphur Well Bay

    Bennett's Creek Bay

Duck River Unit

    Tie Yards

    All interior impoundments