Due to the current water level (1711.7 ft), a seasonal boat closure is in effect from 10/1/2025 to 4/1/2026 to minimize disturbance to resting waterfowl. At this time, boats may be launched only from the boat ramp at Scout Cove, and boat fishing is restricted to the area south of the buoy line in the Bow Creek Hunting Unit. The rest of the reservoir is closed to boat fishing, but shore fishing may continue across Kirwin Reservoir. Please refer to the CFR to see the specific regulation (Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge, Sport fishing).
Visit Us
Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to see prairie wildlife and wildflowers. Early morning or just before sunset are the best times to observe wildlife. Enjoy walking, hiking, fishing, hunting, bicycling, and/or driving the Refuge.
Location and Contact Information
About Us
Along the seam, where the tall and short grasses of the rolling prairie embrace and dance in the Kansas wind, two valleys join and beckon abundant wildlife and visitors alike. Visitors to the refuge will find themselves charmed by the melody of the meadowlark, captivated by the expansive vistas from limestone outcrops, and delighted by the bountiful resources of its land and waters. Wildlife-dependent recreation amid the solitude of the Refuge, provide present and future generations with an experience to remember for a lifetime.
What We Do
The purpose of the Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge is the conservation, maintenance, and management of wildlife resources and habitat with an emphasis on migratory birds.
Our Species
The Refuge provides food, shelter, and nesting areas for migratory grassland and tree-dwelling birds, waterfowl, shorebirds, and cranes. These include sandhill and the endangered whooping cranes, Canada geese, northern pintail, American wigeon, mallards, greater prairie chickens, western meadowlarks, great blue herons, and many more. Many mammals like the black-tailed prairie dog and white-tailed deer can also be seen on Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge.
