Laws and Regulations

Refuge rules and regulations are necessary for the protection of visitors, wildlife and their habitats. Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge is subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Refuge is patrolled by Federal Law Enforcement Officers, State Game Wardens, and County Deputies. All violations of refuge regulations are subject to a fine, arrest, or both. 
Please check with refuge management before participating in an activity that could harm the environment or yourself. Be safe and enjoy your National Wildlife Refuge.

Prohibited activities:

  • Driving off-road and driving off-road utility vehicles (ORUV’s)
  • Collecting plants, animals (including antlers), or historical artifacts
  • Discharge of any firearm for any reason other than the legal taking of game animals
  • Use of rifles and handguns
  • Use or possession of air guns, spears, gigs, or other weapons
  • Fireworks or explosives
  • Overnight camping and fires
  • Non-wildlife related activities
  • Air thrust boats
  • Commercial use, including guiding and fishing tournaments
  • Free-roaming pets (pets must be on a leash except when hunting)
  • Littering
  • Possession or consumption of alcohol and controlled substances while hunting
  • Firearms: 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.)

Hunting and Fishing Regulations

  • 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 are allowed on the Refuge in accordance with State regulations and the Refuge-specific regulations in the hunting and fishing brochure.
  • Hunting is allowed September 1 through April 30.
  • Hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.
  • Shotguns and archery equipment may be used in accordance with State regulations.
  • Game may not be retrieved in an area closed to hunting for that species.

Game Regulations

  • The Refuge is open to hunting in designated areas as shown on the map. Method of take is restricted to shotgun and archery equipment.
  • See the Hunting Regulations Table in the Hunting and Fishing Brochure for a list of species that can be hunted on the Refuge, as well as Refuge-specific regulations.

Fishing Regulations

  • All Refuge waters are open to sport fishing in accordance with State fishing regulations.
  • A fish cleaning station is located next to the water tower in the town of Kirwin. Disposing of fish cleanings on the Refuge is considered littering and is subject to fines.

Boating

  • Boating is allowed on all waters unless otherwise designated by signs or buoys. Float tubes may be used in areas open to boating.
  • Boats must follow U.S. Coast Guard standards. They must be equipped and operated in accordance with Kansas Boat and Water Safety Laws and Federal regulations.
  • Boating between October 1 and April 1 is prohibited if the lake elevation is 1,722 feet or less, with the exception of the area south of Scout Cove. Boats may be launched at the Bow Creek ramp at Scout Cove even during this time.
  • A no wake zone is in effect within 100 yards of all shorelines and islands, as well as the entire Bow Creek Arm.
Hunting Regulations Table
ActivitySeason DatesMethod of TakeOther Regulations
Big Game – Mule deer, white-tailed deer State regulations applyArchery only
  • Hunters must obtain and carry a free access permit (by special drawing). Contact the Refuge staff for details.
  • Construction or use of any permanent stand or blind is not allowed.
  • Use of bait and trail cameras is not allowed.
Migratory Game Birds – Coot, crow, duck, goose, merganser, mourning dove, rail, snipe, woodcockDuring State seasons that occur between September 1 – April 30Archery and shotgun
  • Use of dogs while hunting is encouraged.
  • Use of non-toxic shot only.
  • Use of trail cameras is not allowed.
Upland Game – Bobwhite quail, pheasant, prairie chickenState regulations applyArchery and shotgun
  • Use of dogs while hunting is encouraged.
  • Use of non-toxic shot only.
  • Use of bait and trail cameras is not allowed.
Small Game – Cottontail rabbit, fox squirrel, gray squirrel, jackrabbitSeptember 1 – April 30Archery and shotgun
  • Use of non-toxic shot only.
  • Use of bait and trail cameras is not allowed.
TurkeyState regulations applyArchery and shotgun
  • The use of dogs is not allowed.
  • Use of non-toxic shot only.
  • Use of bait and trail cameras is not allowed.
CoyoteSeptember 1 – April 30Archery and shotgun
  • Use of vehicles, radios, and dogs is not allowed.
  • Use of non-toxic shot only.
  • Use of bait and trail cameras is not allowed. 
Furbearer – Badger, bobcat, grey fox, mink, muskrat, opossum, red fox, swift fox, raccoon, striped skunk, weaselSeptember 1 – April 30Archery and shotgun
  • The use of dogs is not allowed.
  • Use of non-toxic shot only.
  • Use of bait and trail cameras is not allowed.
Migratory Bird Conservation Act

The Migratory Bird Conservation Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to conduct investigations and publish documents related to North American birds, and establishes a Migratory Bird Conservation Commission (MBCC) to approve areas recommended by the Secretary for acquisition. The MBCC...

Laws, Agreements & Treaties
Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act

The Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act, commonly referred to as the Duck Stamp Act, requires waterfowl hunters, 16 years of age or older, to purchase and possess a valid Federal waterfowl hunting stamp prior to taking migratory waterfowl. Receipts from the sale of the stamp are...

Laws, Agreements & Treaties
Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (16 U.S.C. 703-712) implements four international conservation treaties that the U.S. entered into with Canada in 1916, Mexico in 1936, Japan in 1972, and Russia in 1976. It is intended to ensure the sustainability of populations of all protected migratory...

Laws, Agreements & Treaties
An aerial view of pelican island.
National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act

The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act provides authority, guidelines and directives for the Service to improve the National Wildlife Refuge System; administers a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and restoration of fish, wildlife and plant...

Laws, Agreements & Treaties
National Wildlife Refuge Volunteer Improvement Act

The National Wildlife Refuge Volunteer Improvement Act authorizes cooperative agreements with nonprofit partner organizations, academic institutions, or State and local governments to construct, operate, maintain, or improve refuge facilities and services, and to promote volunteer, outreach, and...

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Refuge Recreation Act

The Refuge Recreation Act of 1962, with subsequent amendments, authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to administer refuges, hatcheries and other conservation areas for recreational use, when such uses do not interfere with the primary purpose for which these areas were established.

Laws, Agreements & Treaties
Firearms on National Wildlife Refuges

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. 

Laws, Agreements & Treaties
Refuge Entrance Rules and Permits

Most national wildlife refuges are open to the public. Even at a refuge open to the public, however, some parts of the refuge may be off limits seasonally or year-round to avoid disturbance to wildlife or habitat. Visitors must follow refuge entrance rules regarding fees, permits and areas open/...

Laws, Agreements & Treaties
On Refuge Roads

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Laws, Agreements & Treaties