Hunting at Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge

Woman dressed warmly in camouflage and standing in marsh reeds aims a shotgun into the air

Illinois and Missouri deer hunters know of the quality hunting available on Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge. Established after the 1993 flood breached various levees, the refuge provides public hunting opportunities along the river. Because refuge lands offer walk-in access only, pressure is light. A hunter willing to walk will find good populations of deer, especially in the thick cover. Turkeys also thrive throughout refuge lands, particularly on the Missouri side. Duck numbers are not very high, but wood ducks and other waterfowl numbers are increasing along riverside channels as the habitat improves. In the future, waterfowl hunting may be as rewarding as deer and turkey hunting.

for more information on refuge and hunting rules and policies

Activity	Season Dates	Harvest	Hunt Areas	Regulation
Migratory Bird Hunting	Open in accordance with state seasons and regulations. Boats, blinds, blind materials, decoys, & other hunting equipment must be removed from the refuge at the end of each day.	State bag limit	All Divisions Except Ste. Genevieve	In accordance with state regulation (see Blinds section)
Upland Game and Furbearer Hunting	Open in accordance with state seasons and regulations. Hunting of furbearers allowed ONLY from 30 minutes before legal sunrise to 30 minutes after legal sunset	State bag limit	All Divisions Except Ste. Genevieve	When using a shotgun, hunters must only possess and use nontoxic shot.
Deer Hunting	Open in accordance with state seasons and regulations. Feral Hogs may be taken while deer hunting only in Illinois.	State bag limit	All Divisions Except Ste. Genevieve	(see Tree Stands section)
Turkey Hunting	Open in accordance with state seasons and regulations	State bag limit	All Divisions Except Ste. Genevieve	Possession and use of approved nontoxic shot shells only.
Trapping	Open in accordance with state seasons and regulations	Muskrat, beaver, and raccoon trapping permitted on all refuge lands.	All Divisions Except Ste. Genevieve	Special regulations apply and requires a Refuge Special Use Permit.