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Lake Mason National Wildlife Refuge is one of four satellite national wildlife refuges in central Montana managed by Charles M. Russell NWR and consists of three separate tracts of land: Lake Mason Unit, Willow Creek Unit, and North Unit. With the exception of the north half of the Lake Mason Unit, the refuge is open to hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation. In addition to compliance with all applicable state hunting regulations, non-toxic shot must be used to harvest waterfowl and upland game birds.
Lake Mason Unit, the southernmost unit of the Refuge, contains a 1,250-acre ephemeral wetland. When full, the wetland hosts spectacular numbers of waterfowl and shorebirds. However, a notoriously dry climate generally precludes any water being present beyond July. Uplands around the lake are predominantly short grass prairie. Several fields farmed prior to acquisition have been seeded to dense nesting cover for wildlife.
The 2,240 acre Willow Creek Unit is 22 miles northwest of Roundup, MT. There are no natural wetlands on this property and only one small artificial reservoir that provides water and wetland habitat for wildlife. The unit is primarily native prairie with sagebrush sagebrush
The western United States’ sagebrush country encompasses over 175 million acres of public and private lands. The sagebrush landscape provides many benefits to our rural economies and communities, and it serves as crucial habitat for a diversity of wildlife, including the iconic greater sage-grouse and over 350 other species.
Learn more about sagebrush occurring on a ridge along the south boundary. Willow Creek Unit is managed for the benefit of mountain plovers, a species of concern within the State. Other wildlife observed here include pronghorn, burrowing owls, ferruginous hawks, long-billed curlews, black-tailed prairie dogs, and many songbirds.
The 5,323 acre North Unit is located 24-miles northwest of Roundup, MT along an intermittent stream that provides habitat and water for wildlife. There are two small artificial reservoirs and one small natural wetland that also provide water and habitat for wildlife. The unit is a sagebrush shrub land with an under story of mixed-grass prairie. While this unit is of minimal value for waterfowl, it provides excellent habitat for greater sage grouse, upland sandpipers, long-billed curlews, pronghorn, chestnut-collared longspurs, a variety of raptors, and elk (during the winter).
Activities
Lake Mason National Wildlife Refuge is one of four satellite national wildlife refuges in central Montana managed by Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge and consists of three separate tracts of land: Lake Mason Unit, Willow Creek Unit, and North Unit. With the exception of the north half of the Lake Mason Unit, the refuge is open to hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation. In addition to compliance with all applicable state hunting regulations, non-toxic shot must be used to harvest waterfowl and upland game birds.
Related Documents
A map showing the Charles M. Russell Wetland Management District, Waterfowl Production Areas and satellite refuges is available below.
Other Facilities in the Complex
This refuge is managed as part of the Charles M. Russell Complex. A National Wildlife Refuge Complex is an administrative grouping of two or more refuges, wildlife management areas or other refuge conservation areas that are primarily managed from a central office location. Refuges are grouped into a complex structure structure
Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.
Learn more about structure because they occur in a similar ecological region, such as a watershed or specific habitat type, and have a related purpose and management needs. Typically, a project leader or complex manager oversees the general management of all refuges within the complex and refuge managers are responsible for operations at specific refuges. Supporting staff, composed of administrative, law enforcement, refuge manager, biological, fire, visitor services, and maintenance professionals, are centrally located and support all refuges within the complex.
Rules and Policies
The regulations below apply to War Horse, Hailstone and Lake Mason National Wildlife Refuges. Grass Lake National Wildlife Refuge and the north half of the Lake Mason Unit of Lake Mason National Wildlife Refuge are closed to any public uses.
Locations
Lake Mason National Wildlife Refuge is one of four satellite national wildlife refuges in central Montana managed by Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge and consists of three separate tracts of land: Lake Mason Unit, Willow Creek Unit, and North Unit.
To access Lake Mason Unit, turn south from Highway 87 on 4th Street West in Roundup. Proceed 1 block and turn west on the Golf Course Road. Continue for 6.5 miles, then turn north and proceed 2 miles to the refuge boundary.
The 2,240 acre Willow Creek Unit is 22 miles northwest of Roundup, Montana. To access the Willow Creek Unit, proceed 11 miles north of Roundup on Highway 87. Turn west on Snowy Mountain Road (also Forest Service access to the Little Snowy Mountains), and drive 13.8 miles to the unit.
The 5,323 acre North Unit is located 24-miles northwest of Roundup, Montana. For access to the North Unit, drive north of Roundup 11 miles on Highway 87, and turn west on the Snowy Mountain Road (also Forest Service access to the Little Snowy Mountains). After 7 miles, turn north on the Graves Road and continue 7.3 miles, then turn west again on a small, two-track trail. The refuge lies 2.2 miles west of the Graves Road.