Located along the Upper Mississippi River, Port Louisa NWR, the northernmost refuge of the Mark Twain complex, is extensively managed to improve habitat conditions for waterfowl and many other species of wildlife. Two of the refuge's four divisions are open to deer and/or upland game hunting (excluding migratory birds). The Big Timber division is the only unit open to waterfowl hunting. Migratory bird hunting is allowed in accordance with state seasons and regulations. Large numbers of puddle and diving ducks flock to the refuge in the fall providing for excellent hunting. Detailed hunting information can be found at the refuge Web site at http://www.fws.gov/midwest/portlouisa/
Hunting and Fishing Regulations
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 asset forth in Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Hunting and fishing will be in accordance with applicable State of Iowa regulations subject to the conditions stated below. Brochures may be obtained by mail, at the refuge headquarters, or from the refuge website.
Safety
We recommend 200 yard spacing between hunt parties when engaging in hunting activities. Be aware of your surroundings and follow State regulations for hunting attire.
Firearms
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.)
Vehicles
Licensed motor vehicles are permitted only on public use roads and trails as shown on the map. ATVs and UTVs are prohibited.
Boats
Canoeing and kayaking are allowed and there is a designated water trail on the Louisa Division. On Horseshoe Bend, motor boats are allowed for fishing only during the periods when flood water enables access from the river over the levee.
Access
Hunters may only access the Refuge during daylight hours. Hunters must park in designated parking areas, as identified on the map below, to access the Refuge for hunting. Gates opened to enter the hunting area from designated access points must be closed immediately after passing through. Access to the Refuge from private property is prohibited.
Tree Stands
Portable stands may be used where hunting is allowed, but they must be removed at the end of each day’s hunt. No nails, screws, or other hardware may be used to climb or secure blinds to trees.
| Activity | Season | Division | Regulation |
| Big Game Hunting (White-tailed deer and turkey) | White-tailed deer and spring turkey hunting is allowed in accordance with state seasons and regulations. | Big Timber Division and Iowa River Corridor Horseshoe Bend Division and Keithsburg Unit closed to all public access from Sept. 15 to Nov. 30. Horseshoe Bend opens to all hunting, except migratory birds on Dec. 1 | Hunters must possess and use only nontoxic shot while hunting turkey. Feral hog may be harvested during white-tailed deer hunts (IL only). |
| Migratory Bird Hunting | Allowed in accordance with state seasons and regulations. | Big Timber Division and Iowa River Corridor Horseshoe Bend Division (open to crow and closed to migratory birds), closed to all public access from Sept. 15 to Nov. 30. Keithsburg Unit(closed to waterfowl), closed to all public access from Sept. 15 to Dec. 31. | Portable blinds are allowed on a daily basis. Hunters must possess and use only nontoxic shot. |
| Upland Game Hunting: (small game, furbearers, game birds) | Allowed in accordance with state seasons and regulations. | Big Timber Division and Iowa River Corridor Horseshoe Bend Division and Keithsburg Unit (closed to furbearers) closed to all public access from Sept. 15 to Nov. 30 for Horseshoe Bend and Sept.15 to Dec.31 for Keithsburg. | Nighttime hunting of furbearers is not allowed. Hunters must possess and use only nontoxic shot while hunting upland game. |
| Sport Fishing | Allowed all year (sunrise to sunset) in accordance with state seasons and regulations except where otherwise posted. | Big Timber Division and Iowa River Corridor Louisa Division closed Sept.15 to Jan.1 (exception of the boat ramp and fishing pier access at the inlet structure.) Horseshoe Bend Division Dec. 1 until Sept.14 Motor boats are allowed for fishing only during the periods when flood water enables access from the river over the levee. Keithsburg Division Jan. 1 until Sept.14. Spring Slough parking area is open to fishing all year. A sign is present to designate the closed area boundary beyond the gate. | Boats and all other fishing devices must be removed at the end of each day’s fishing. |
Prohibited Activities
- By law, recreational activities on national wildlife refuges are prohibited unless expressly permitted.
- Possession of alcoholic beverages
- Camping and Fires
- ATVs and UTVs
- Searching for or removal of any natural items such as antlers, bison skulls, plants, historic, and archaeological features. They are protected by Federal law.
- Taking of turtles or frogs
- Use of electronic or photographic trail monitoring devices
- Marking or flagging any tree or other Refuge feature with reflectors, paint, or other substance.
- Game Retrieval/ Transportation carts or any other mechanized device used for retrieving game or transportation.
- Permanent tree stands, nails, screw-in steps, or other items that penetrate the outer bark of a tree.
- Firearms capable of firing cartridge ammunition
- The discharge of weapons on the refuge when not engaged in authorized hunting is not allowed.
- Access to the Refuge from private property
- Hunting is prohibited within 200 yards of any public use facility
