Rules and Regulations

Las VegasNational Wildlife Refuge | New Mexico

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There are a lot of fun, interesting, and educational things you can do on the refuge. Keep in mind, if an activity is not wildlife related and doesn't help in the protection or understanding of wildlife or their habitat, there are probably refuge rules governing this activity. Please check with the refuge management before participating in an activity that could harm the environment or yourself. There are plenty of activities at Las Vegas National Refuge for you to enjoy. Be safe and have fun!

Pets must be on a leash.
Pits or permanent blinds are prohibited.
Use caution when walking on roads. Yield to approaching vehicles.
Observe wildlife from a safe distance. Young animals should be left alone.
Help protect resources. All plants, wildlife, and cultural features on the refuge are protected and it is illegal to remove them.
Open fires are prohibited.
Hunting in designated areas only.
Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuges must comply with all provisions of state and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations.

Page Photo Credits — Large elk herd / Rob Larranaga, USFWS

Last Updated: Sep 26, 2013

What We Do

Long-billed dowitcher / Cyndi Souza, FWS

Sewing-machine Feeding

One way to distinguish the long-billed dowitcher (Limnodromus scolopaceus) from other shorebirds is by how they feed – like a sewing machine! The shorebird quickly probes into the refuge’s mud flats with its long bill, sometimes to the point of sticking their head in the mud. Like many other migratory birds, they are dependent on the habitat at Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge during their long migration that extends as far north as Alaska and as far south as the Yucatan Peninsula.

Las VegasNational Wildlife Refuge | New Mexico