The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of woodcock on designated portions of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow woodcock hunting within the portions of the refuge located north of Hudson Road, except those areas north of Hudson Road that are designated as ``archery only'' hunting on the current refuge hunting map. These archery only hunting areas north of Hudson Road are those portions of the refuge that are external to Patrol Road from its southerly intersection with White Pond Road, northwesterly and then easterly, to its intersection with Old Marlborough Road.
2. We require a Migratory Bird Hunt Application (FWS Form 3-2357). We limit the number of migratory game bird hunters allowed to hunt on the refuge. If the number of applications received is greater than the number of permits available, we will issue permits by random selection.
3. You must possess and carry all applicable hunting licenses, permits, stamps, and a photographic identification while hunting on the refuge.
4. We prohibit use of motorized vehicles on the refuge. The refuge will provide designated parking areas for hunters. Hunters must display issued hunter parking permits (generated from the Migratory Bird Hunt Application, FWS Form 3-2357) on their dashboards when parked in designated refuge parking areas.
5. During any season when it is legal to hunt deer with a shotgun or muzzleloader, we require all hunters to wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm\2\) of solid-orange clothing or material in a conspicuous manner on their chest, back, and head. During all other times, if you are engaged in woodcock hunting on the refuge, you must wear a minimum of a solid-orange hat.
6. We prohibit the use of electronic calls during any hunting season.
7. We prohibit trimming or cutting of branches larger than the diameter of a quarter (see Sec. 27.61 of this chapter).
8. We prohibit marking any tree or other refuge feature with flagging, paint, or any other substance. Hunters may use reflective tacks, which we require hunters to remove by the end of their permitted season.
9. You may begin scouting hunting areas on Sundays only beginning 1 month prior to the opening day of your permitted season. We require possession of refuge permits (Migratory Bird Hunt Application, FWS Form 3-2357) while scouting.
10. We allow hunters to enter the refuge 1\1/2\ hours before legal hunting hours, and they must leave the refuge no later than 1\1/2\ hours after legal sunset.
11. For seasons wherein State regulations allow use of dogs, we allow no more than two dogs per hunting party. We prohibit the training of dogs on the refuge.
12. One nonhunting companion may accompany each permitted hunter. We prohibit nonhunting companions from hunting, but they may assist in other means. All companions must carry identification and stay close enough to the hunter to speak to them without raising their voice.
13. We prohibit construction or use of any permanent structure while hunting on the refuge. Hunters must remove all temporary blinds each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow shotgun hunting for ruffed grouse, cottontail rabbit, and gray squirrel within those portions of the refuge located north of Hudson Road, except those areas north of Hudson Road designated as ``archery only'' hunting on the current refuge hunting map. These archery only hunting areas north of Hudson Road are those portions of the refuge that are external to Patrol Road from its southern intersection with White Pond Road, northwest and then east, to its intersection with Old Marlborough Road.
2. We require a Big/Upland Game Hunt Application (FWS Form 3-2356). We limit the number of upland game hunters allowed to hunt on the refuge. If the number of applications received is greater than the number of permits available, we will issue permits by random selection.
3. Conditions A3, A4, A6 through A13 apply.
4. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
5. During seasons when it is legal to hunt deer with a shotgun or muzzleloader, we require all hunters, including archers and small game hunters, to wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm\2\) of solid-orange clothing or material in a conspicuous manner on their chest, back, and head. During all other times, if you are hunting ruffed grouse, squirrel, or cottontail rabbit on the refuge, you must wear a minimum of a solid-orange hat.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow shotgun and muzzleloader hunting of white-tailed deer, as well as shotgun hunting of turkey, within the portions of the refuge located north of Hudson Road, except those areas north of Hudson Road that are designated as ``archery only'' hunting on the current refuge hunting map. These archery only hunting areas north of Hudson Road are those portions of the refuge that are external to Patrol Road from its southerly intersection with White Pond Road, northwesterly and then easterly, to its intersection with Old Marlborough Road.
2. We allow archery deer and archery turkey hunting within all portions of the refuge during the hunting seasons for these species.
3. We require refuge permits. We limit the numbers of deer and turkey hunters allowed to hunt on the refuge. If the number of applications to hunt these species received is greater than the number of permits available, we will issue permits by random selection.
4. We require a Big/Upland Game Hunt Application (FWS Form 3-2356). We limit the number of big game hunters allowed to hunt on the refuge. If the number of applications received is greater than the number of permits available, we will issue permits by random selection.
5. Conditions A3, A4, A6 through A10, and A12 apply.
6. During seasons when it is legal to hunt deer with a shotgun or muzzleloader, we require all hunters, including archers, to wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm\2\) of solid-orange clothing or material in a conspicuous manner on their chest, back, and head.
7. You may use decoys to hunt turkey.
8. We prohibit driving deer by any means on the refuge.
9. We prohibit construction or use of permanent structures while hunting. We prohibit driving a nail, spike, screw, or other metal object into any tree or hunting from any tree into which a nail, spike, screw, or other object has been driven (see Sec. 32.2(i)).
10. You may use temporary tree stands and/or ground blinds while engaged in hunting deer during the applicable archery, shotgun, or muzzleloader deer seasons or while hunting turkey. We allow hunters to keep one tree stand or ground blind on each refuge during the permitted season. Hunters must mark ground blinds with the hunter's permit number. Hunters must mark tree stands with the hunter's permit number in such a fashion that all numbers are visible from the ground. Hunters must remove all temporary tree stands and ground blinds by the 15th day after the end of the hunter's permitted season.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing in Puffer Pond in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow fishing from nonmotorized canoes and car-top boats, as well as from designated locations on the banks of Puffer Pond. We prohibit the use of trailers to launch or retrieve canoes or boats on the refuge.
2. We allow catch and release fishing only.
3. We prohibit the use of live bait.
4. We prohibit lead sinkers.
5. We prohibit taking of frogs or turtles on the refuge (see Sec. 27.21 of this chapter).
6. We allow fishing on Puffer Pond from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
7. We prohibit ice fishing on the refuge.
8. We prohibit open fires anywhere on the refuge.
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of ducks and geese on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We require refuge permits (information taken from OMB-approved form). We limit the number of waterfowl hunters allowed to hunt on the refuge. If the number of applications received to hunt waterfowl is greater than the number of permits available, we will issue permits by random selection.
2. We will provide waterfowl hunters maps showing the portions of the refuge designated as open.
3. You must possess and carry all applicable hunting licenses, permits, stamps, and a photographic identification while hunting on the refuge.
4. We prohibit construction or use of any permanent structure while hunting on the refuge. You must remove all temporary blinds each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
5. We prohibit use of motorized vehicles on the refuge. The refuge will provide designated parking areas for hunters. Hunters must display parking permits (information taken from OMB-approved forms) on the dashboard when parked in designated refuge parking areas.
6. Except while hunting waterfowl from a blind or from a boat, you must wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm\2\) of solid-orange clothing or material in a conspicuous manner on your chest, back, and head during any season when it is legal to hunt deer with a shotgun or muzzleloader.
7. We prohibit the use of electronic calls during any hunting season.
8. We prohibit trimming or cutting of branches larger than the diameter of a quarter (see Sec. 27.61 of this chapter).
9. We prohibit marking any tree or other refuge feature with flagging, paint, or any other substance. Hunters may use reflective tacks which they must remove by the end of the hunter's permitted season (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
10. You may begin scouting hunting areas on Sundays only beginning 1 month prior to the opening day of your permitted season. We require possession of refuge permits (information taken from OMB-approved forms) while scouting. We prohibit the use of dogs during scouting.
11. We allow hunters to enter the refuge 1\1/2\ hours before legal hunting hours, and they must leave the refuge no later than 1\1/2\ hours after legal sunset.
12. We allow no more than two dogs per hunting party. We prohibit the training of dogs on the refuge.
13. We allow one nonhunting companion to accompany each permitted hunter. We prohibit nonhunting companions from hunting, but they can assist in other means. All companions must carry identification and stay close enough to the hunter to speak to them without raising their voice.
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow archery hunting of whitetail deer on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow archery hunting of whitetail deer within the portions of the Concord Unit of the refuge that are located north of Massachusetts Route 225. We also allow archery hunting of whitetail deer within the portions of the Sudbury Unit of the refuge that are located north of Stonebridge Road in Wayland, Massachusetts and south of Lincoln Road/Sherman's Bridge Road on the Sudbury and Wayland Town Line.
2. We prohibit the use of firearms for hunting deer on the refuge. However, you may archery hunt in the portions of the refuge that are open for deer hunting during the archery, shotgun, and muzzleloader seasons established by the State.
3. We require refuge permits (information taken from OMB-approved forms). We limit the number of deer hunters allowed to hunt on the refuge. If the number of applications received to hunt deer on the refuge is greater than the number of permits available, we will issue permits by random selection.
4. Conditions A3, A5, A7 through A11, and A13 apply.
5. During seasons when it is legal to hunt deer with a shotgun or muzzleloader, we require all hunters, including archers, to wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm\2\) of solid-orange clothing or material in a conspicuous manner on their chest, back, and head.
6. We prohibit the use of decoys to hunt deer on the refuge.
7. We prohibit driving deer by any means on the refuge.
8. We prohibit construction or use of permanent structures while hunting. We prohibit driving nails, spikes, screws, or other metal object into any tree or hunting from any tree in which a nail, spike, screw, or other object has been driven (see Sec. 32.2(i)).
9. You may use temporary tree stands and/or ground blinds while engaged in hunting deer during the applicable archery season. We allow hunters to keep one tree stand or ground blind on each refuge during the permitted season. Hunters must mark ground blinds with their permit number. Hunters must mark tree stands with their permit number in such a fashion that all numbers are visible from the ground. Hunters must remove all temporary tree stands and ground blinds by the 15th day after the end of the permitted deer season (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing in designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition: We allow fishing along the main channels of the Concord and Sudbury Rivers and from designated banks of Heard Pond. We limit access to Heard Pond to foot traffic only.
Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing in designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow fishing on the portions of the Monomoy Islands that we do not post as closed to public use from legal sunrise to legal sunset.
2. We allow surf fishing from the Morris Island shore 24 hours a day.
Nantucket National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We close the western refuge shoreline and beach area to surf fishing during the period of April 15 through July 31 annually, and you may not operate a vehicle on the west-facing beach and shoreline (see Sec. 27.31 of this chapter). We only allow surf fishing on the northeast-facing shoreline during this period of time.
2. We may close the northeast-facing shoreline and beach if piping plover nesting is occurring in this portion of the refuge.
3. We require a permit for the use of over-the-sand, surf-fishing vehicles.
4. If we do not otherwise close an area because of these conditions, we allow fishing 24 hours a day.
Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge
A. Hunting of Migratory Game Birds. We allow hunting of waterfowl, woodcock, and common snipe on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow waterfowl and common snipe hunting within the portions of the refuge located south of Massachusetts Route 2 and west of the B&M; railroad tracks.
2. We allow woodcock hunting within the portions of the refuge south of Massachusetts Route 2 and west of the B&M; railroad tracks; north of Massachusetts Route 2 and south of Hospital Road; as well as within the portions of the refuge along the westerly side of the Nashua River located north of the commuter rail tracks in Shirley, Massachusetts.
3. We require refuge permits (information taken from OMB-approved forms). We limit the number of waterfowl hunters allowed to hunt on the refuge. If the number of applications received to hunt waterfowl is greater than the number of permits available, we will issue permits by random selection.
4. You must possess and carry all applicable hunting licenses, permits, stamps, and a photographic identification while hunting on the refuge.
5. We prohibit construction or use of any permanent structure while hunting on the refuge. You must remove all temporary blinds each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
6. We prohibit use of motorized vehicles on the refuge. The refuge will provide designated parking areas for hunters. Hunters must display issued hunter parking permits (information taken from OMB-approved forms) on the dashboard when parked in designated refuge parking areas.
7. With the exception of waterfowl hunters hunting within a blind or from a boat, during any season when it is legal to hunt deer with a shotgun or muzzleloader, we require all hunters to wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm\2\) of solid-orange clothing or material in a conspicuous manner on their chest, back, and head. During all other times, if you are engaged in woodcock hunting on the refuge, you must wear a minimum of a solid-orange hat.
8. We prohibit the use of electronic calls during any hunting season.
9. We prohibit trimming or cutting of branches larger than the diameter of a quarter (see Sec. 27.51 of this chapter).
10. We prohibit marking any tree or other refuge feature with flagging, paint, or any other substance. Hunters may use reflective tacks and must remove them by the end of the hunter's permitted season (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
11. You may begin scouting hunting areas on Sundays only beginning 1 month prior to the opening day of your permitted season. We require possession of refuge permits while scouting. We prohibit the use of dogs during scouting.
12. We allow hunters to enter the refuge 1\1/2\ hours before legal hunting hours, and they must leave the refuge no later than 1\1/2\ hours after legal sunset.
13. For seasons wherein State regulations allow use of dogs, we allow no more than two dogs per hunting party. We prohibit the training of dogs on the refuge.
14. One nonhunting companion may accompany each permitted hunter. We prohibit nonhunting companions from hunting, but they can assist in other means. All companions must carry identification and stay close enough to the hunter to speak to them without raising their voice.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow shotgun hunting of ruffed grouse, cottontail rabbit, and gray squirrels within the areas of the refuge located south of Massachusetts Route 2 and west of the B&M; railroad tracks; north of Massachusetts Route 2 and south of Hospital Road; and, within the portions of the refuge along the westerly side of the Nashua River located north of the commuter rail tracks in Shirley, Massachusetts, subject to the following conditions:
2. We require a Big/Upland Game Hunt Application (FWS Form 3-2356). We limit the number of upland game hunters allowed to hunt on the refuge. If the number of applications received to hunt upland game is greater than the number of permits available, we will issue permits by random selection.
3. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
4. Conditions A4 through A6 and A8 through A14 apply.
5. With the exception of waterfowl hunters hunting within a blind or from a boat, during seasons when it is legal to hunt deer with a shotgun or muzzleloader, we require all hunters, including archers and small game hunters, to wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm\2\) of solid-orange clothing or material in a conspicuous manner on their chest, back, and head. During all other times, if you are engaged in ruffed grouse, squirrel, or cottontail rabbit hunting on the refuge, you must wear a minimum of a solid-orange hat.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and turkey on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow shotgun, archery, and muzzleloader hunting of white-tailed deer, as well as shotgun and archery hunting of turkey, within the portions of the refuge located south of Massachusetts Route 2 and west of the B&M; railroad tracks.
2. We allow archery deer and archery turkey hunting within the portions of the refuge located south of Massachusetts Route 2 and east of the B&M; railroad tracks, as well as within the portions of the refuge along the easterly side of the Nashua River located north of the commuter rail tracks in Ayer, Massachusetts.
3. We allow archery deer hunting as well as shotgun and archery turkey hunting within the portions of the refuge located north of Massachusetts Route 2 and south of Hospital Road; and, within the portions of the refuge along the westerly side of the Nashua River located north of the commuter rail tracks in Shirley, MA.
4. We require refuge permits (information taken from OMB-approved form). We limit the number of deer and turkey hunters allowed to hunt on the refuge. If the number of applications received to hunt those species is greater than the number of permits available, we will issue permits by random selection.
5. Conditions A4, A6, A8 through A12, and A14 apply.
6. With the exception of waterfowl hunters hunting within a blind or from a boat, during seasons when it is legal to hunt deer with a shotgun or muzzleloader, we require all hunters, including archers, to wear a minimum of 500 square inches (3,250 cm\2\) of solid-orange clothing or material in a conspicuous manner on their chest, back, and head.
7. Hunters may only use decoys to hunt turkey.
8. We prohibit driving deer by any means on the refuge.
9. We prohibit construction or use of permanent structures while hunting. You may not drive nails, spikes, screws or other metal object into any tree or hunt from any tree in which a nail, spike, screw or other object has been driven (see Sec. 32.2(i)).
10. You may use temporary tree stands and/or ground blinds while engaged in hunting deer during the applicable archery, shotgun, or muzzleloader deer seasons or while hunting turkey. We allow hunters to keep one tree stand or ground blind on each refuge during the permitted season. Hunters must mark ground blinds with their permit number. Hunters must mark tree stands with their permit number in such a fashion that all numbers are visible from the ground. Hunters must remove all temporary tree stands and ground blinds by the 15th day after the end of the permitted season.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing along the Nashua River in accordance with State regulations.
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. Hunting of waterfowl and coots is permitted on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunters may not use or possess more than 25 shells per day.
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the Plum Island portion of the refuge in accordance with State hunting regulations. You may hunt deer on designated day(s) during the regular State shotgun season subject to the following conditions:
1. All hunters, regardless of age, must possess and carry a refuge permit (Quota Deer Hunt Application, FWS Form 3-2354). This is a quota hunt, and we will randomly select a limited number of hunters from those that apply. You may apply by mail from September 1 until October 1.
2. If selected from the random drawing, you must attend a refuge-specific hunter orientation session prior to the hunt. We will charge a fee of participating hunters.
3. We only allow shotguns (slugs only) and shoulder-fired muzzleloaders (single projectile only) for our deer hunt.
4. We prohibit discharge of a firearm on or across the refuge road. You must unload hunting weapons when walking upon the refuge road.
5. You must check-in and out at the refuge entrance gatehouse.
6. We prohibit alcoholic beverages (See Sec. 32.2(j)).
7. We prohibit hunting from the North Pool or Stage Island Observation towers.
8. We prohibit loaded hunting firearms (see Sec. 27.42 of this chapter) on or within 150 feet (45 m) of the refuge road.
9. You must bring all deer to the refuge deer check station located at our Headquarters on the Plum Island Turnpike in Newburyport, Massachusetts.
10. We will only allow permitted refuge hunters or those individuals hunting at Sandy Point State Reservation at the southern end of Plum Island access to the refuge or Sandy Point on the day(s) of the deer hunt.
11. We prohibit vehicular travel (emergency excepted) on refuge roads from \1/2\ hour before legal sunrise until 8:30 a.m. Refuge and Sandy Point State Reservation hunters may enter or reenter the refuge until 2:30 p.m. during the refuge deer hunt.
12. Parking regulations are subject to change and will be determined based on the number of permitted hunters and available hunt areas. We will provide this information in detail to all permitted hunters attending the required hunter-orientation session.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow saltwater fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow saltwater fishing on the ocean beach and the surrounding waters of the Broad Sound with the following conditions:
i. We prohibit fishing during closures.
ii. Anglers are subject to State licensing requirements and catch limits.
iii. We allow persons using refuge fishing areas access from legal sunrise to legal sunset without a refuge permit. They are, however, subject to entrance fee requirements.
iv. Nelson Island is open to fishing from legal sunrise to legal sunset, except during waterfowl seasons, or other closures. We limit access to the trail, and fishing within 100 feet (30 m) on either side of the trail at the shoreline of Broad Sound.
v. The south-facing shoreline of Stage Island is open to fishing when accessed from the shore from Sandy Point State Reservation. We allow access from the Sandy Point State Reservation, along the shoreline below mean high tide, to a point 250 feet (73 m) beyond the terminus, or most western point, of the Stage Island peninsula known as Ipswich Bluff.
2. We require a Fishing Application (Fishing/Shrimping/Crabbing Application, FWS Form 3-2358) and application fee, as well as an entrance fee for night fishing and for the use of over-the-sand, surf-fishing vehicles (ORVs) with the following conditions:
i. We prohibit fishing in closed areas.
ii. Anglers must enter the refuge through the entrance gate and arrive prior to legal sunset.
iii. We generally allow fishing after legal sunset with a permit (vehicle sticker issued by the refuge office) sometime in mid-July until October 31 of the same year. Those persons are subject to additional listed environmental and/or emergency conditions.
iv. We will issue persons wishing access to the refuge beach with ORVs a separate Fishing/Shrimping/Crabbing Application (FWS Form 3-2358), generally valid between September 1 and October 31 of the same year. Those persons are subject to additional listed permit conditions. We may restrict ORV use due to beach, weather, tide, and other conditions.
Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved] [58 FR 5064, Jan. 19, 1993, as amended at 58 FR 29075, May 18, 1993; 59 FR 6693, Feb. 11, 1994; 59 FR 55186, Nov. 3, 1994; 60 FR 62043, Dec. 4, 1995; 61 FR 46396, Sept. 3, 1996; 63 FR 46917, Sept. 3, 1998; 65 FR 30785, May 12, 2000; 65 FR 56404, Sept. 18, 2000; 66 FR 46358, Sept. 4, 2001; 69 FR 54362, 54415, Sept. 8, 2004; 70 FR 54176, Sept. 13, 2005; 76 FR 56076, Sept. 9, 2011; 77 FR 56045, Sept. 11, 2012; 79 FR 14830, Mar. 17, 2014]