Facility Activities

War Horse National Wildlife Refuge is an unstaffed satellite refuge and is part of the Charles M. Russell Complex. The refuge consists of three separate land units: Wild Horse, War Horse and Yellow Water and is open to hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation. A boat launching site for small craft is available on the Yellow Water Unit but no other recreation facilities are available. In addition to compliance with all applicable state hunting regulations, non-toxic shot must be used to harvest waterfowl and upland game birds.

Hunting

Waterfowl hunting can be excellent on the wetlands within War Horse National Wildlife Refuge. Hunters should check carefully before planning a trip here. During drought the wetlands dry up in the fall, and the waterfowl hunting is nonexistent. These areas do offer public hunting for all species...

Fishing

Most satellite refuge wetlands are either within closed basins, are too intermittent in nature, or are too far away from perennial lakes, rivers, or streams to support fisheries. The exception is Yellow Water Reservoir on the Yellow Water Unit of War Horse NWR where Montana Fish, Wildlife and...

Hiking

Hiking is allowed anywhere on the satellite refuges except Grass Lake NWR and the north half of the Lake Mason Unit of Lake Mason NWR. These units are closed to all public access to reduce disturbance to migrating waterfowl.

Wildlife watching

Many species of mammals and birds have been observed on the satellite refuges. Bird watching provides opportunities to see many northern prairie grassland species such as western meadowlarks, mountain plovers, chestnut-collared longspurs, and prairie falcons. Black-tailed prairie dogs are...