Features
Like Us on Facebook
Join us on Facebook and stay up to date on what is happening on the refuge.
Like Us on Facebook
Support the Friends Group!
The non-profit group helps the refuge put on special events, promotes awareness, and so much more!
Merritt Island Wildlife Association
Manatee Viewing
The Manatee Observation Deck is a handicap accessible opportunity to view manatees in the wild.
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Adopt a Trail Program
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is proud to announce this new program to help reduce and control litter. Become a proud participant.
Duck Stamps are pictorial stamps produced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They are not valid for postage. Created in 1934 as federal licenses required for hunting migratory waterfowl, Federal Duck Stamps have a much larger purpose today.
Duck Stamp ProgramAbout the Complex
The Merritt Island Complex manages St. Johns, Merritt Island and Lake Woodruff NWR's.
Merritt Island is managed as part of the Merritt Island Complex.
Learn more about the complex About the NWRS
The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America’s fish, wildlife, and plants.
Learn more about the NWRS
Latest News
Waterfowl hunting is permitted only on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years day during the season. The 2016-2017 season is November 19-27 and December 10-January 29. Hunting occurs in most areas of the refuge from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 12 pm.
Hunting is prohibited on Black Point Wildlife Drive. For information about quota permits visit www.myfwc.com/hunting
2016/2017 Refuge Hunt Permit/Brochure
Have you found a baby bird in your yard? See an injured bird on the road? Racoons in your attic?
Find Out What To Do.
There are several changes to both the Big Game and Waterfowl hunts this year.
Most notably a permit fee increase to $25.
Hunt Modifications for 2016
Get outside and enjoy some of the country’s most magical places – America’s national wildlife refuges will offer free admission on these days in 2016.
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Merritt Island NWR has one of three strong hold populations of the threatened Florida scrub-jay.
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Page Photo Credits — FL Scrub-jay - Mitch McConnell, Pine Warbler - Danny Bales, , by NRCA, Butterfly - Andrea Westmoreland, Green anole - Vicki's Nature, River Otter - Chris Paul Photography,
Last Updated: Sep 28, 2016
Events
Monthly Butterfly Survey
June 04, 2016 - July 02, 2016Volunteers Needed - No experience necessary.
Participate in a butterfly survey and learn to identify butterflies.
View the scheduleNature Watch Tour
June 03, 2016 - August 06, 2016Enjoy a narrated driving tour in the refuge shuttle bus and learn about refuge wildlife.
Nature Watch Tour