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Hailstone National Wildlife Refuge is an unstaffed satellite refuge and is part of the Charles M. Russell Complex. The refuge is open to hunting, hiking, and wildlife observation. In addition to compliance with all applicable state hunting regulations, non-toxic shot must be used to harvest waterfowl and upland game birds.
Wildlife commonly observed on the Refuge include those most tolerant of alkali soils, such as many species of waterfowl, shorebirds, upland game birds, songbirds, and small and big game. Wildlife species include waterfowl, pronghorn, and prairie dogs. Many other small mammals exist along with horned lizards (often referred to as horned toads), and rattlesnakes.
Activities
Hailstone National Wildlife Refuge is an unstaffed satellite refuge and is part of the Charles M. Russell Complex. The refuge is open to hunting, hiking, and wildlife observation. In addition to compliance with all applicable state hunting regulations, non-toxic shot must be used to harvest waterfowl and upland game birds.
Related Documents
A map showing the Charles M. Russell Wetland Management District, Waterfowl Production Areas and satellite refuges is available below.
Other Facilities in the Complex
This refuge is managed as part of the Charles M. Russell 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 structure
Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.
Learn more about 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 manager, biological, fire, visitor services, and maintenance professionals, are centrally located and support all refuges within the complex.
Rules and Policies
The regulations below apply to War Horse NWR, Hailstone NWR and Lake Mason NWR. Grass Lake NWR and the north half of the Lake Mason Unit of Lake Mason NWR are closed to any public uses.
Locations
To access Hailstone National Wildlife Refuge, drive 4 miles east of Rapelje, MT to the Hailstone Basin Road. Turn north on this road and continue 1.5 miles to the refuge entrance. A two-track trail crosses the Refuge from southeast to northwest. Visitors are required to park immediately adjacent to the road.