Related Documents
The georeferenced satellite imagery map of Grass Lake National Wildlife Refuge shows the Refuge boundaries, adjacent lands, area of the Refuge open to the public, parking area, and area closed to hunting and all public entry that is designated as permanent refugia for all wildlife.
Other Facilities in the Complex
Residing within the boundaries of the Charles M. Russell Wetland Management District, this Refuge is managed as part of the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge Complex. A National Wildlife Refuge Complex is an administrative grouping of two or more Refuges, wildlife management areas, or other Refuge conservation areas that are primarily managed from a central office location. Refuges are grouped into a complex structure because they occur in a similar ecological region, such as a watershed or specific habitat type, and have a related purpose and management needs. Typically, a project leader or complex manager oversees the general management of all Refuges within the complex and Refuge managers are responsible for operations at specific Refuges. Supporting staff, composed of administrative, law enforcement, Refuge management, biological, fire, visitor services, and maintenance professionals, are centrally located and support all Refuges within the complex.
The District Manager for the Charles M. Russell Wetland Management District serves as the manager for Grass Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
Rules and Policies
The regulations below apply to Grass Lake National Wildlife Refuge
General, Hunting, and Firearm Regulations
Access
• Please park in the designated parking area.
• Access into the Refuge is by foot only.
• Access into Halfbreed Lake is by foot or non-motorized boat only. Boats must be hand-carried to the lake.
• The north half of the Refuge is open to hunting, wildlife observation, and photography. The southern half of the Refuge beyond the old railroad right-of-way is set aside as permanent refugia for wildlife and thus closed to hunting and all public access.
Hours
• Hunting hours follow State regulations.
Authorized Public Uses
• With the exception of the southern half of the Refuge beyond the old railroad right-of-way, which is designated as permanent refugia for wildlife and thus closed to all public entry, the Refuge is open to hunting, wildlife observation, and photography.
Hunting Regulations
• Hunting for waterfowl, upland game birds, pronghorn, deer, and elk in compliance with all applicable State hunting regulations is permitted on this Refuge.
• Steel or other non-toxic shot must be used to harvest waterfowl and upland game birds. Possession of lead shot in the field is prohibited.
• Non-motorized boats are allowed on Halfbreed Lake for hunting, but they must be hand-carried to the lake.
• Decoys may not be placed or set earlier than three hours before legal shooting time on the day of the hunt and must be removed no later than three hours after legal shooting time.
• Portable blinds, tree stands, and other personal property, such as decoys, must be removed each day.
Prohibited Activities
• Shooting prairie dogs.
• Predator hunting.
• Trapping.
• The use of trail or game cameras.
• Offroad and shoreline mechanized travel.
• Drone use.
• Baiting.
• 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 Refuge 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.
Locations
The Refuge is located approximately 7.1 miles east of Rapelje, Montana. From Rapelje, drive the Molt Rapelje road east for 7.1 miles. Then turn south on an unimproved two-track road for .7 miles until reaching the Refuge parking area.