Facility Rules and Policies

  • Hewitt Lake National Wildlife Refuge is open from dawn till dusk.
  • Public access off of the gravel public road is via foot travel only.
  • Parking is allowed off of the road and at entrances, as long as access gates are not blocked.
  • No camping or overnight parking is allowed on the Refuge.
  • Hiking is allowed in all areas open to the public.
  • Wildlife observation and photography are encouraged.
  • Bicycling and horseback riding are allowed only on the public highway, and not on any lands within the boundaries.
  • Boating is allowed only during the waterfowl hunting season in the fall, with boats being transported via foot from parking areas to the wetland.
  • Portions of Hewitt Lake National Wildlife Refuge are under easements of private lands. Persons wishing to access these private lands must gain permission from the private landowner.
  • Fishing is not allowed on the Refuge.
  • Only non-motorized boats are permitted during the fall waterfowl season.
  • All boats and other personal property must be removed at the end of the day.
  • Hunting is permitted on the Refuge in accordance with all state and federal regulations.
  • Firearms and other weapons are subject to state laws. At all times, 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), i.e., only during the lawful pursuit of game during legal seasons.
  • Dogs must be kept on a leash from April 15 - August 15.
  • Other prohibitions on the Refuge are off-road vehicles; and collecting of plants, animals, minerals, antlers and artifacts.