Hunting

Lake Zahl National Wildlife Refuge contains dense cattail stands, tall wetland vegetation, and areas of thick prairie cover that provide important habitat for upland game birds and deer. These habitats can be challenging to navigate, but they offer quality hunting opportunities for pheasant, gray partridge, and sharp‑tailed grouse. Game bird hunters often find that working with a trained dog or coordinating with other hunters can improve success in the thick vegetation.

Portions of the Refuge are open to hunting deer and upland game birds in accordance with State and Refuge‑specific regulations. Hunting waterfowl or any other species is prohibited. 

Because Lake Zahl has a special late‑season for upland game bird hunting, it is important for hunters to confirm when the Refuge opens and closes to upland hunting. This regulation is often misunderstood, so please double‑check the dates and review the Refuge‑specific rules before heading out.

To help protect wildlife and habitats — and to ensure your safety — please familiarize yourself with the following information.

In addition to state hunting regulations, please review the following Refuge regulations to help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit:

Refuge Hunting Regulations

• Hunting on the Refuge is open only for deer and upland game birds (late‑season and youth pheasant).
• Waterfowl hunting and hunting of any other species is not permitted.
• The Refuge is open daily from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm. Hunting hours follow those set in the State hunting regulations.
• Hunters may enter the Refuge on foot. Use of vehicles on the Refuge is prohibited.
• See the hunting brochure map for areas closed to hunting.

Prohibited Activities

• Use of vehicles.
• Use of horses to hunt or retrieve game.
• Use or possession of lead shot while hunting.
• Use of permanent tree stands or any tree stand that uses nails, wires, screws, bolts, or screw-in steps.
• Baiting.
• Use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting.
• Fishing.
• Littering.
• Camping and open fires.

Deer Hunting

• Hunting is in accordance with State bow, gun, muzzleloader, and youth seasons. 
• Entry to the Refuge before 12 p.m. (noon) on the first day of archery, gun, or muzzleloader deer season is prohibited.
• Hunters may use portable tree stands that meet State regulations. Permanent tree stands are not allowed.
• Tree stands, trail cameras, portable hunting blinds, and all other personal property must be removed from the Refuge daily.

Upland Game Bird Hunting

• Hunting ring-necked pheasant, gray partridge, and sharp‑tailed grouse is permitted on the Refuge in accordance with State hunting regulations.
• Special late‑season upland game bird hunting opens the day following the close of regular deer gun season and remains open through the end of the State upland game bird season. Check State hunting regulations for exact dates.
• Youth pheasant hunting follows the State season.
• Hunters may possess and use only non-toxic shot.
• Use of dogs is encouraged while hunting.
• Falconry is allowed only during the upland game bird season; all State and Federal regulations apply.
• A Federal Duck Stamp is not required for upland game bird hunting.

Additional Information

For additional updates, details, or clarifications, contact the Crosby Wetland Management District office: (701) 965-6488.
Please review the Lake Zahl National Wildlife Refuge hunting brochure for more information and a map.