Facility Activities

Hunting and fishing opportunities abound on Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge. Boating is popular on the Missouri River and Fort Peck Reservoir. Several state parks and recreational areas have been developed within the refuge and excellent wildlife viewing and photography opportunities are found throughout the refuge. Each fall, hundreds of elk congregate in the Slippery Ann Wildlife Viewing Area, creating a spectacle not to be missed. Camping, hiking and horseback riding are permitted.

Hunting

Hunting on the refuge is subject to federal and state regulations and a Montana hunting license is required. See our Rules and Policies page for our general regulations and visit Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks for state licenses and regulations.

Big...

Fishing

Boating and fishing is permitted on the Missouri River and Fort Peck Reservoir. Numerous boat ramps and several marinas are located around the Refuge. Fishing for walleye, sauger, paddlefish, and northern pike, among other species, is very popular. A Montana state license is required,...

Auto tour

A self-guided auto tour route, which may be accessed from two points along Highway 191 on the west side of the refuge, provides visitors the chance to see the refuge close-up and gain a better understanding of Refuge resources. The tour route follows an all-weather gravel road that...

Camping

Developed campgrounds are available and backcountry camping is allowed on the Refuge. Most of the Recreation Areas, campgrounds and boat ramps located on Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge are operated and maintained by other agencies. The list below is organized by agency and the...

Photography

From spring wildflowers to the fall elk rut and the timeless landscapes in between, the Refuge offers an abundance of photography opportunities year round. Travel along the Auto Tour route to capture scenes of the Missouri River and ponderosa pine forests or visit the east side of the Refuge for...

Wildlife watching

Slippery Ann Elk Viewing Area

Elk breeding usually occurs in September and October and it is during the breeding season, or rut, that large numbers of elk congregate at the Slippery Ann Elk Viewing Area. Peak numbers of bull elk can be viewed in this area around the...