Facility Rules and Policies
The Howard Creek, Fern Ridge, Pine Creek, Finch Memorial and Cow Branch units are open to hunting in accordance with state regulations with some additional refuge specific season dates and regulations. If you enjoy wildlife observation or photography Howard Creek, Fern Ridge, Pine Creek units are also open to those uses. The Fern Ridge and Pine Creek units are the only units that are open to fishing.
Howard Creek Unit Map
- Wildlife Observation and Photography are allowed on this unit.
- Hunting is allowed in accordance with Iowa Department of Natural Resources with the following additional regulations:
- Hunting is closed March 16 through October 31 to protect threatened and endangered species and reduce impacts to algific slopes.
- Certain areas are posted closed to entry, please see maps. Entry into or retrieval of game from areas posted as Closed Areas is prohibited.
- Hunters must use non-toxic shot for small game, turkey and migratory bird hunting.
- During the small game and migratory bird seasons, hunting dogs must be under the immediate control of the hunter.
- The use of people, dogs, or other animals to intentionally drive, chase, or rally wildlife is prohibited.
- Motorized Watercraft use is prohibited.
- We prohibit all types of motorized vehicles on frozen water bodies.
- Fishing is prohibited on this unit.
- All other public uses are prohibited including but not limited to: collecting, camping, horses, mushroom picking, alcohol, fires, trapping, bicycles, and removing vegetation.
- Construction of permanent blinds or stands is prohibited. All stands must be removed at the end of each day’s hunt.
Fern Ridge Unit Map
Pine Creek Unit Map
- Wildlife Observation and Photography are allowed on this unit.
- Fishing is allowed on these units.
- Hunting is allowed in accordance with Iowa Department of Natural Resources with the following additional regulations:
- Hunting is closed March 16 through October 31 to protect threatened and endangered species and reduce impacts to algific slopes.
- Certain areas are posted closed to entry, please see maps. Entry into or retrieval of game from areas posted as Closed Areas is prohibited.
- Hunters must use non-toxic shot for small game, turkey and migratory bird hunting.
- During the small game and migratory bird seasons, hunting dogs must be under the immediate control of the hunter.
- The use of people, dogs, or other animals to intentionally drive, chase, or rally wildlife is prohibited.
- Motorized Watercraft use is prohibited.
- We prohibit all types of motorized vehicles on frozen water bodies.
- All other public uses are prohibited including but not limited to: collecting, camping, horses, mushroom picking, alcohol, fires, trapping, bicycles, and removing vegetation.
- Construction of permanent blinds or stands is prohibited. All stands must be removed at the end of each day’s hunt.
Finch Memorial Unit Map
Cow Branch Unit Map
- Hunting is allowed in accordance with Iowa Department of Natural Resources with the following additional regulations:
- Hunting is closed March 16 through October 31 to protect threatened and endangered species and reduce impacts to algific slopes.
- Certain areas are posted closed to entry, please see maps. Entry into or retrieval of game from areas posted as Closed Areas is prohibited.
- Hunters must use non-toxic shot for small game, turkey and migratory bird hunting.
- During the small game and migratory bird seasons, hunting dogs must be under the immediate control of the hunter.
- The use of people, dogs, or other animals to intentionally drive, chase, or rally wildlife is prohibited.
- Motorized Watercraft use is prohibited.
- We prohibit all types of motorized vehicles on frozen water bodies.
- Fishing is prohibited on these units.
- All other public uses are prohibited including but not limited to: wildlife observation, photography, collecting, camping, horses, mushroom picking, alcohol, fires, trapping, bicycles, and removing vegetation.
- Construction of permanent blinds or stands is prohibited. All stands must be removed at the end of each day’s hunt.
