Rules and Policies

General Refuge Regulations

• By law, recreational activities on national wildlife refuges are prohibited unless expressly permitted.
• Information and detailed regulations for permitted recreational activities are available on our website’s Activity pages and in our printed brochures.
• Motor vehicles and bicycles are restricted to public roads and recreation area parking lots. Parked vehicles should not block gates.
• All-terrain vehicles (ATVs), snowmobiles, and other off-road vehicles are allowed only on Lake Darling for ice fishing. Off‑road vehicles must use standard vehicle access points and must comply with State registration and insurance laws.
• Dogs must remain leashed, except when used for hunting.
• Plants, animals, artifacts, and other natural materials are protected and may not be disturbed.
• The Refuge is open daily from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm.
   

Prohibited Activities

• Climbing, entering or otherwise tampering with water control structures.
• Searching for or removal of any natural items such as antlers, skulls, plants, and/or historic and archaeological features protected by Federal law.
• Horseback riding.
• Camping.
• Open fires and fireworks.
• Recreational water sports, with the exception of canoeing or kayaking on designated trails.
• Launching, landing, or flying drones or other unmanned aircraft systems on or over refuge lands.
• Use of electronic or photographic trail monitoring devices (i.e. game cameras).
• Use or possession of alcoholic beverages.
• Littering.