The refuge is open for hunting during daylight hours only with the exception of hunting furbearers. The refuge is open for night hunting of furbearers including coyote, raccoon, fox, opossum and skunk. Fishing is permitted 24 hours, except at the Columbia Mine Unit where fishing is permitted from half-hour before legal sunrise to half-hour after legal sunset.
 

State regulations apply for bag limits.

Hunting and fishing regulations are designed to provide safe recreational opportunities through wise use of renewable wildlife resources. Hunting and fishing are 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.

Individuals accessing the refuge are subject to inspections of permits, licenses, hunting equipment, harvest limits, boats, vehicles and their contents by federal and state officers. Indiana state regulations and refuge specific regulations will be enforced. Refuge specific regulations supersede state regulations. Only the species listed in the hunting and fishing brochure may be harvested.

Hunting and fishing will be in accordance with applicable State of Indiana regulations subject to the conditions stated in the hunting and fishing brochure. Brochures may be obtained by mail, at the refuge office or online.

The Columbia Mine Preserve is only open to deer hunting during the first week of the state defined archery, gun and muzzleloader seasons and for the spring turkey hunting season. It is closed to hunting of all other game species. Additional regulations are in place on the Columbia Mine Preserve, please contact the office for further information.

The Cane Ridge Wildlife Management Area is closed to hunting and fishing. The area is open for wildlife viewing at the observation deck and from county roads only.

Discharge of firearms within 150 yards of any dwelling or building on or adjacent to the refuge is prohibited. Hunters are cautioned to identify their targets before shooting. In addition to other hunters, non-hunting visitors are present on the refuge throughout the year and may be on the property at any time. Hunting is prohibited within 50 yards of the following designated trails: Buck's Marsh Boardwalk Trail, South Fork Trail and Otter Run Trail. Report any injuries or accidents to refuge headquarters at 510 ½ W Morton St., Oakland City, Indiana or phone at 812-749- 3199.

Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuge System lands must comply with all provisions of state and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in 50 CFR Part 32.)

You may only use or possess approved nontoxic shot for waterfowl and dove. Use of shot for other species must comply with state regulations for public lands. Pick up and take out spent casings.

All motor vehicles must remain on maintained roads and parked so as not to interfere with other traffic. Off-road vehicles are not permitted on refuge lands.

Dogs are allowed for hunting according to state regulations during designated seasons only. Otherwise, dogs must be leashed. Dog training or running in the off-season is prohibited.

Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs and activities of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is available to all individuals regardless of physical or mental ability. For more information please contact the U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Equal Opportunity.

Pits or permanent blinds may not be constructed or used on the refuge. Only portable blinds or structures constructed of native plant materials are permitted for waterfowl hunting. Blinds must be removed or dismantled at the end of each day’s hunt. Decoys must be removed at the end of each day’s hunt.

Permanent tree stands or blinds may not be constructed or used on the refuge. Hunting from a tree into which a metal object has been driven is prohibited. Portable tree stands may be used for deer or turkey hunting and may be left overnight only during the periods specified for public lands in Indiana. Tree stands must be legibly marked with owner’s name, address and phone number at eye level or lower.

State regulations apply as to license, seasons, sizes, limits, methods of take and species of fish to be taken with the following exceptions:

• Fishing is only allowed with rod and reel, pole and line, bow and arrow or crossbow
• Limb lines, jug lines, trot lines and snares are prohibited as the method of catching fish in refuge waters other than the Patoka River channel
• Fishing is permitted 24 hours, except at Columbia Mine Unit where fishing is permitted from half-hour before legal sunrise to half-hour after legal sunset
• Minimum size limit for largemouth bass on Snakey Point Marsh and on the Columbia Mine Preserve is 14 inches
• Minnows, crayfish, leeches, mussels (clams), frogs and turtles and all other reptiles and amphibians are protected and may not be collected or harvested

• On refuge property, motorboats are only permitted on Snakey Point Marsh east of the South Fork, when water levels can accommodate this use, and on the Patoka River
• Special boating regulations apply for the Miller Bridge Wetland Area and are posted on-site and available at the Refuge Headquarters.
• To minimize disturbance to wildlife, motorboats are not permitted on other refuge waters. Trolling motors are allowed.
• Air boats are prohibited on all refuge waters
• Boats may not be left on refuge property overnight