Facility Rules and Policies

The following regulations are necessary for the protection of wildlife and wildlife habitat, and for the safety of visitors. Observance of these rules will help make the refuge a better place for visitors and the wildlife they come to enjoy. The Refuge Manager reserves the right to close all or part of the refuge to hunting and/or public access at any time. Specific regulations will be posted. The refuge is also subject to Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.

Portions of the Refuge are open to deer hunting; a late-season hunt for grouse, partridge, and pheasant; and fishing in accordance with State and Refuge-specific regulations. Hunting waterfowl or any other species is prohibited.

Vehicle and Boat Regulations
  • Vehicle travel is restricted to public roads.
  • All vehicles, including snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, may not be used on the ice.
  • Anglers may park at the public fishing areas or along the A Dike or B Dike road. Vehicles must not obstruct traffic.
  • Bicycling is restricted to established roads. Bicycles are prohibited on all other areas of the Refuge.
Prohibited Activities
  • Overnight parking, camping, and fires
  • Littering, including leaving spent shotgun shells or the remains of hunted animal
  • Disturbing or removing natural objects and artifacts
  • Accessing ice with a vehicle, snowmobile, or all-terrain vehicle
  • Fishing from bridges
  • Using or carrying lead shot while hunting
  • Target or promiscuous shooting
  • Use and possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting is prohibited
  • Plants and animals cannot be introduced, liberated, or disposed of on refuge property
  • Cutting, mowing, sawing, digging, collecting, or removing vegetation is prohibited
  • Placement of feed or bait, or hunting over bait is prohibited
Fishing Regulations

With the exception that fishing is allowed only within the hours from sunrise to sunset on the refuge, fishing is in accordance with State regulations.

  • Fishing is allowed only on Long Lake Creek and Unit 1 (see map).
  • A fishing pier is provided on Long Lake Creek (see map).
  • Shoreline access is provided along the banks of Long Lake Creek and on Unit 1 (south side of A dike and west side of B dike - see map).
  • Anglers must access the ice on foot (no vehicles).
  • Ice houses may be used in accordance with State regulations.
Hunting Regulations

Hunting and fishing are allowed in accordance with Federal regulations governing public use on national wildlife refuges as set forth in Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations, State regulations, and the Refuge-specific regulations.

Portions of the Refuge are open to deer hunting; a late-season hunt for grouse, partridge, and pheasant; and fishing in accordance with State and Refuge-specific regulations. Hunting waterfowl or any other species is prohibited.

Deer – youth, bow, gun, muzzleloader

  • Bow hunters may hunt the entire Refuge, with one exception. During the gun season, bow hunters may NOT hunt the area that is designated as open only to bow hunting for deer (see map).
  • Gun and muzzleloader hunters may not hunt or retrieve game in the area that is designated as open only to bow hunting for deer (see map).
  • Hunters may use portable tree stands that meet State regulations. No permanent tree stands are allowed.
  • Tree stands, trail cameras, portable hunting blinds, and all other personal property must be removed from the Refuge daily.

Grouse, partridge, and pheasant

  • Opens the first Monday after the deer gun season closes and remains open through the end of the State season.
  • Open for a late-season hunting only. Hunters may possess and use only non-toxic shot. Use of dogs is encouraged while hunting.
  • Hunters may not retrieve game in the area that is open only to bow hunting for deer (see map)
Trapping

Unless otherwise noted, trapping is allowed in accordance with State regulations.