Woman dressed warmly in camouflage and standing in marsh reeds aims a shotgun into the air

The refuge provides opportunities for small game, migratory birds, turkey and white-tailed deer in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws, and subject to special refuge regulations. 

A fall white-tailed deer hunt is offered to persons with disabilities. Dates of the hunt will vary from year to year, but it is typically held during the first few weeks of October. Options Inc. conducts the selection process for the hunt. Information can be obtained by calling Complex Headquarters at (763) 389-3323.

The refuge encourages deer hunters to consider using lead free ammunition while hunting. Research has found that lead pieces left behind in the gut piles of deer are dangerous and even deadly to the eagles and other wildlife that eat them. Learn more at https://fws.gov/midwest/refuges/leadfree.html.

In addition to state regulations, reference refuge-specific regulations:

Rules & Policies

Activity

HuntableSpecies

Seasons/ Hours

Small Game

Ruffed Grouse, Ring- necked pheasant, Cottontail and Jack Rabbits, Snowshoe hare, Squirrels (gray, fox and red)

Open in accordance with state regulations

Migratory Birds

Ducks, Geese, merganser, American coot, Common moorhen, American Woodcock, Sora, Virigina Rail, Mourning Dove, Common Snipe, Crow

Open in accordance with state regulations

Turkey (Permit Area508)

Wild Turkey

Open in accordance with state regulations

Furbearer Hunting

Red and gray fox, Raccoon, Badger, Opossum, Long and short-tailed weasels, Bobcat, Coyote, Striped Skunk

Open in accordance with state seasons. Shooting hours 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset, except 9 am to sunset opening day

Furbearer Trapping

Closed

Closed

Big Game (Permit Area 221)

White-tailed deer (Archery, November Firearm, Muzzleloader)

Open in accordance with state regulations

Bear

Closed

Closed