November 1, 2018
September 10, 2018, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge announced 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).
Managing for the invasive plant, Phragmites, continues to be the highest priority for habitat management projects for 2018-19. Habitat management actions completed for 2018 include drying, grazing, and conducting a prescribed burn on Unit 2D, at the center of the Auto Tour Route. The water control structure in Unit 2D was also re-constructed for improved water delivery. Following the completion of 2018 habitat management projects, most of the Hunt Units were refilled.
In preparation for grazing and burning in 2019, some of the units on the Refuge will be dried, including 5C and 2C. Managing for Phragmites will continue to be a priority. Management tools will continue to include cattle grazing to stress the root systems and open up the dense stands and prescribed burning to decrease the dead Phragmites. Water levels in these hunt units may be altered from previous years.
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Hunting Brochure and Map (748KB PDF)
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.
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