Trapping on the Wetland Management District WPAs is subject to Federal and State regulations. A Montana trapping license is required. Please consult the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Hunting Regulations for seasons, licenses, permits, take limits, and take methods.
*Trapping on National Wildlife Refuges residing within the District is prohibited.
Access
• Access into WPAs is by foot only.
• Any boat use must be non-motorized and hand-carried to the water.
• Please park in designated parking areas or along access roads.
Hours
• Trapping hours follow State regulations.
Authorized Public Uses
• WPAs are open to hunting, trapping, wildlife observation and wildlife photography.
Prohibited Activities
• Shooting prairie dogs.
• Hunting, trapping, or killing any wildlife species, predatory or otherwise, not requiring either State regulations for taking, a license, and/or classified by the State under MCA 87-6-101 as "non-game species". Such species include, but are not limited to: coyotes, rabbits, hares, snakes, red fox, badgers, skunks, weasels, porcupines, etc.
• The use of trail or game cameras.
• Offroad mechanized travel.
• Drone use.
• Camping, to include vehicle or tent, and fires.
• Bird dog training using game birds - wild and/or captive-reared.
• Geocaching.
• Collecting or removal of any wildlife, parts thereof, nests, natural and cultural items.
• Fireworks and/or their possession.
• Target shooting - archery or firearm.
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).
Firearms may only be fired in conjunction with a legal hunt for which the hunter is licensed.
We ask that you please help make a difference and help protect District lands and your wildlife resources. Please report wildlife violations and suspicious activity any time you see them to an officer. Every set of eyes and tips are helpful to officers. To report a violation, please email NWR_TIPs@fws.gov 24 hours a day or call:
NWR Violation Reporting Hotline: 1-844-FWS-TIPS (397-8477)
State hunting and fishing violations: 1-800-TIP-MONT (847-6668)
In non-emergency events or for general law enforcement questions, contact the CMR Headquarters (406)-538-8706 and ask to be directed to the officer who works in the area where you have questions. Please be advised that our officers are usually in the field, so leaving messages in their direct voicemail is often the best way to get in touch with one.