Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge has the unprecedented task to reconstruct the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, which includes native wildlife, grasses and wildflowers. Deer are common in the area and offer the archery, muzzleloader or shotgun hunter an exciting experience. Pheasant also thrive here and provide excellent hunting, particularly for hunters with dogs. Bison and elk are part of the prairie reconstruction. They have been reintroduced in an 800-acre section. Hunting is not permitted in the elk/bison area, but hunters can drive through this section to experience a small glimpse of what the prairie must have looked like in pre-settlement times.

Hunting Regulations

Hunting regulations are designed to provide safe recreational opportunities through wise use of renewable wildlife resources. Hunting is permitted in  accordance with federal regulations governing public use on National Wildlife Refuges as set forth in Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

Hunting will be in accordance with applicable State of Iowa regulations subject to the conditions stated in this publication. Brochures may be obtained by mail, at the refuge visitor center, or from the refuge website.

• Refuge lands are open to fishing, year round, 1 hour before legal sunrise to 1 hour after legal sunset, except in bison/elk enclosure.  
• The refuge may have additional requirements in addition to state regulations based on location, timing, species, methods of take, etc.
• Where small game hunting is an approved use on the refuge, hunters using shotguns, including turkey hunters, are required to use and possess only non-toxic shot
• During the small game and migratory bird seasons, hunting dogs must be under the immediate control of the hunter
• Hunters must wear an article of blaze orange/pink consistent with state regulations

Access

Weallowentryintotherefuge1hourbeforelegal sunrise and require hunters to leave the refuge no later than 1 hour after legal sunset. All hunting access hours follow Iowa Department of Natural Resources(DNR)stateregulations.Nonighthunting allowed.

Tree Stands

• Portablestandsmaybeused,standsmaybeplaced 7 days prior to the season and removed 7 daysafter the season.
• Steps, ladders, and stands will beerectedinsuchawaythatthetreesarenot damaged.
• Spikes,nailsandallotheritemsthat penetrate the bark of a tree are prohibited.

For more information on refuge rules and policies

Prohibited Activities

Bylaw,recreationalactivitiesonnationalwildlife refuges are prohibited unless expressly permitted

• Trappingoffur-bearinganimalsanywhereonthe refuge, including road ditches
• Possessionof alcoholic beverages
• Camping and fires
• Searching for or removal of any natural items suchasantlers,bisonskulls,plants,andhistoric/ archaeological features
• Boats, canoes, kayaks, etc.
• Useofelectronicorphotographictrailmonitoring devices
• Markingorflagginganytreeorotherrefugefeature with reflectors, paint, or other substance
• Constructing or occupying permanent stands or blinds
• Use of nails, wire, screws or bolts to attach a stand to a tree or hunting from a tree, into which a metal object has been driven to support a hunter
• ATVsoranyothermechanizeddeviceusedfor retrieving game or transportation
• Access to the refuge from private property
• Shootingon,from,oroveranyrefugeroadwithin50 feet of the center line
• The training of dogs on the refuge
• Use of spotlights or other artificial lights to spot, locate,ortakeanywildlifewithintheboundariesof any Refuge or along the right-of-way on public or private roads
• Distribution of feed or bait, or hunting over bait (this includes salts and minerals)
• Drones(UAVs)takingoff,landingand/orflyingonor over refuge lands.
• Fishing in the bison/elk enclosure