Laws and Regulations
Refuge Regulations
The refuge grounds are open sunrise to sunset. except when participating in scheduled, refuge authorized activities.
From March 1-October 1 please stay on designated trails, overlooks, Feeder Road, Oak Orchard Creek and designated fishing areas. All other areas are closed to public access (except by Special Use Permit) to minimize disturbance to nesting and resting wildlife.
Vehicles must stay on established roads marked open for vehicular travel. Vehicles must be parked off the lane of travel and not blocking gates or other access points.
Canoes and other boats without motors may only be used on Oak Orchard Creek, from Knowlesville Road to Route 63. You may launch boats from Route 63, Sour Springs Road and Knowlesville Road.
Pets must be kept under your physical control and on a leash no longer than 10 feet. As a courtesy to other visitors, please clean up after your pet.
All state hunting and fishing laws are in effect in addition to refuge specific hunting regulations. Please refer to the following Fact Sheets: Upland-Small Game Hunting, Big Game Hunting, Sport Fishing for more specific information.
Refuge-specific permits are required for Waterfowl and Turkey Hunting. Please refer to Waterfowl and Turkey hunting Fact Sheets.
Refuge Special Use Permits are required for all trapping. Please refer to the Trapping Fact Sheet.
The refuge is "carry in-carry out" area. Please take all trash with you and dispose of it properly.
Prohibited activities
Camping, overnight parking, open fires
Use of ATV's and snowmobiles
Wading or use of float devices such as inner tubes or inflatable rafts
Collecting or releasing live bait
Collecting, removing or damaging vegetation
Geo-caching
Use of drones.
