Hunters may use shotguns, muzzleloading shotguns/rifles, pistols and archery equipment. Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge holds several hunts during the fall, each lasting three days. Hunters must sign and possess the annual refuge hunting brochure. The brochure can be downloaded from the hunting section on the refuge’s website. The 8,700-acre refuge is mainly wetland, but the upland areas scattered throughout hold good deer populations. Access to the best hunting areas is often limited due to the marshy habitat. When the deer are pressured early in the season, they move deeper into the refuge, so hunts later in the season typically attract fewer hunters. Hunters may use a boat to access hunting areas, but plenty of good hunting spots are accessible by foot.
