Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we encourage you to:

  • Check local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information
  • Follow current CDC safe practices by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick


Around the Refuge

2020 Hunting Regulations

Black Lab

Hunting regulations for the 2020-2021 Seasons will be posted as they become available. Follow the link below to the Visitor Activities Page to find hunting regulations.

Visitor Activities: Hunting

Final Hunting & Fishing Plan Released

Hunting Lg

Hunting and fishing are two of the six public uses encouraged and facilitated on national wildlife refuges. In August, 2020, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released a final hunting and fishing plan for the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. If you have trouble reading this PDF file, you have two options: 1) You can follow the instructions that pop up to get a free upgrade to Adobe Reader X; or 2) Right-click the link, and download a copy of the plan to your computer; you can also right click and choose Save As to save the file to your computer. You can then read the file using the existing Adobe software already on your computer.

Montezuma NWR FINAL Hunting & Fishing Plan 2020
What's Happening

Hours & Trail Openings/Closings

Fishing on the refuge - USFWS.

The Wildlife Drive is closed for the season, December 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021 (opening to vehicles April 1, weather-permitting). Visitor Center and Public Restrooms are closed for the season. Walking and bicycling on the Drive is only permitted from Memorial Day weekend (May 28, 2021) through August 15, 2021. Walking on the Seneca Trail (including the viewing tower and platform) is open until December 14 (closed 12/14 - 12/22). All other walking areas are currently closed. Walking trails will re-open on December 23, 2021. Open viewing areas are: North Spring Pool Tschache Pool Viewing Tower May's Point Viewing Platform Knox-Marsellus Overlook Sandhill Crane Unit from Van Dyne Spoor Road Hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. Please do your part to keep your refuge clean and safe for the wildlife and for other visitors. Follow Leave No Trace and Carry in/Carry out practices as best as you can! Check out our Visitor Activities Page for more information!

Visitor Activities

About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

NWRS Logo

The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
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