Hunting and Fishing Regulations
Hunting and fishing regulations are designed to provide safe recreational opportunities through wise use of renewable wildlife resources. Hunting and fishing are permitted in accordance with Federal regulations governing public use on National Wildlife Refuges as set forth in Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Hunting and fishing will be in accordance with applicable State of Michigan regulations subject to the conditions stated below. Brochures may be obtained by mail, at the refuge headquarters, or from the refuge website.
Access
Hunters may only access the refuge one hour before legal sunrise until one hour after legal
sunset.
Tree Stands and Blinds
You must remove boats, blinds, blind materials, stands, decoys, and other hunting equipment for migratory game bird hunting from the refuge at the end of each day.
Deer hunters may place one portable stand or blind on the refuge for use while deer hunting, but only during the open deer season. The stand must be clearly labeled with the hunter’s Michigan license/sportsmen’s ID number. The blind must be removed by the end of the season.
Hunting with Dogs
We allow the use of dogs while hunting game birds in accordance with Michigan state regulations, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times.
Hunting other species with dogs is prohibited.
Non-toxic Ammunition
For hunting, you may possess only approved non-toxic shot shells while in the field, including shot shells used for hunting wild turkey.
We encourage hunters to use non-toxic ammunition for all hunting including big game hunting to help protect wildlife.
Non-toxic Tackle
We encourage anglers to use non-toxic tackle to help protect wildlife. Ingesting lead can be deadly to wildlife.
To Report Violations
Turn In a Poacher (TIP) Line: 1-844-FWS-TIPS (1-844-397-8477).
Prohibited Activities
- By law, recreational activities on national wildlife refuges are prohibited unless expressly permitted.
- Use or possession of alcoholic beverages
- Camping and Fires
- Horses
- Searching for or removal of any natural items such as antlers, skulls, plants, historic and archaeological features, is prohibited by Federal law.
- Use of electronic or photographic trail monitoring devices.
- Marking or flagging any tree or other refuge feature with reflectors, paint, or other substance.
- We prohibit the taking of any mussels (clams), crayfish, leech, frog, toad, salamander, snake, lizard, turtle and other non-fish species by any method on the refuge.
