September 10, 2018
Today Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge announces the final decision on the expansion of the migratory and upland game hunting program, as part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services’ 2018-2019 Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations process. The expanded Hunt offers greater opportunities for waterfowl and upland game enthusiasts to enjoy this world class destination. The expansion adds approximately 13,000 acres to the open hunt areas. This brings the total open hunting area to approximately 30,100 acres (approximately 39% of the refuge).
Visitors are reporting good opportunities for viewing water birds in Unit 2C and Unit 1A along the auto tour route. However, Unit 2D, at the center of Auto Tour Route, will remain dry to complete habitat management projects, including completion of a water control structure, grazing management and a planned prescribed burn to treat an invasive plant, phragmites. These projects are expected to be completed by early to mid-October. Once these management actions have been completed the refuge will begin to fill Unit 2D.
The refuge will begin to fill other hunt areas as water becomes available over the next 30 days. Unit 10 and a portion of Unit 9 currently have some water. We anticipate hunt areas in the northern (Duckville) area of Unit 3 will have water for the Waterfowl Opener, October 6.
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Hunting Brochure and Map (748KB PDF)
Water Conditions Map reflects water levels as of October 16, 2018.
Hunting
The Wildlife Education Center is open Tues – Fri, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and second and fourth Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., except Federal holidays.
The Auto Tour Route is open daily, sunrise to sunset.
Plan Your Visit