Laws and Regulations

Visiting Hours: The refuge is open daily from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset, unless you are participating in a hunt, then 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset are allowed.

Access and Parking: Motor vehicles are not permitted on the refuge. Overnight RV parking is prohibited. 

ATVs/UTVs/ORVs/motorcycles and Snowmobiles: ATVs and snowmobiles are not allowed on the refuge.

Hunting and Fishing: Only hunting is allowed on the refuge per state seasons and regulations for elk, mule deer, pronghorn, white-tailed deer, chukar partridge, gray partridge, pheasant, rabbit, sharp-tailed grouse, and turkey. Non-toxic shot is required for all hunting with a shotgun, except turkey. Hunting access is walk-in only. Fishing is not allowed.

Hiking: Hiking and walking are only allowed if participating in a hunt for one of the species listed above.

Boating: Not permitted on the refuge.

Bicycling: Bicycling is not permitted on the refuge.

Camping: Camping is prohibited, all visitors must leave the refuge at the end of each day. Overnight parking on the refuge is also prohibited.

Horseback Riding: Horseback riding is prohibited on the refuge, except when employed by participants of the grazing management program to accomplish their work.

Fires: No fires of any type are permitted within the refuge.

Littering: Littering is not allowed. Please carry out all trash from the refuge.

Picnicking: There are no public picnic facilities located on the refuge.

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). Discharge of a firearm for any reason other than the legal taking of game animals is prohibited.

Pets: All pets must be leashed, with the exception of hunting dogs used during the appropriate hunting seasons.

Disturbance of Animal or Plant Life: Molesting, injuring, disturbing, or destroying any animal or plant, except properly taken fish or game in season, is prohibited.

Disturbance of Artifacts and Historic Items: Artifacts and historic items are protected on refuge lands by Federal law. It is unlawful to search for or remove these objects from refuge lands.

Shed Antler Hunting: Shed antler hunting is not permitted on any portion of the refuge.

Personal Conduct: Disorderly conduct is forbidden at all times. Anyone who is obviously intoxicated will not be allowed to remain on the refuge. 

If you have any questions about rules and regulations or law enforcement, please feel free to stop by headquarters, call staff at 970-723-8202 or email: arapaho@fws.gov.