The following refuge units have been opened for hunting and/or fishing, and are listed in alphabetical order with applicable refuge-specific regulations.
Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, swan, and coot in designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions (consult refuge manager prior to hunting to learn of changes or updates):
1. We prohibit access to refuge hunting areas from other than authorized refuge parking areas. We prohibit hunting on or within 25 yards (22.5 m) of dikes or roads except the marked portion of the dike between Marsh Units 5 and 6. Hunters must have a means of bird retrieval, using a boat, boots, or a trained dog, while hunting on this dike (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
2. We allow hunting with the opening of waterfowl season and close November 30.
3. We allow hunting during youth waterfowl hunts in accordance with State regulations.
4. Hunters with a documented mobility disability may reserve an accessible blind in advance by contacting a refuge officer or calling the refuge office.
5. We only allow nonmotorized boats on refuge waters.
6. We allow hunting from temporary portable blinds or blinds made from natural vegetation.
7. We prohibit the retrieval of downed game from areas closed to hunting.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, and gray partridge in designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions (consult refuge manager prior to hunting to learn of changes or updates):
1. Conditions A2 and A7 apply.
2. We prohibit access to refuge hunting areas from other than authorized refuge parking areas.
3. We prohibit hunting on or within 25 yards (22.5 m) of dikes or roads except the marked portion of the dike between Marsh Units 5 and 6.
4. We allow hunting during youth pheasant hunts in accordance with State regulations.
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may sport fish on designated areas of the refuge as posted by signs.
Benton Lake Wetland Management District
A. Migratory Game Bird Management. We allow migratory game bird hunting on Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA) throughout the District, excluding Sands WPA in Hill County and H2-0 WPA in Powell County, in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit the use of motorboats.
2. You must remove boats, decoys, portable blinds, other personal property, and any materials brought onto the area for blind construction at the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow the hunting of coyotes, skunks, red fox, raccoons, hares, rabbits, and tree squirrels on Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs) throughout the District, excluding Sands WPA in Hill County and H2-0 WPA in Powell County, in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
2. We prohibit the use of horses for any purposes.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on WPAs throughout the District, excluding Sands WPA in Hill County and H2-0 WPA in Powell County, in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following condition: Condition B2 applies.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on WPAs throughout the District in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Condition A1 applies.
2. You must remove boats, fishing equipment, and other personal property at the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
Black Coulee National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, swan, sandhill crane, and mourning dove on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We only allow nonmotorized boats on refuge waters.
2. You must remove all boats, decoys, portable blinds, other personal property, and any materials brought onto the refuge for blind construction by legal sunset (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
3. A portion of the land within the refuge boundary is private land (inholding); persons wishing to hunt the private land must gain permission from the landowner.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, sage grouse, gray partridge, fox, and coyote on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
2. Fox and coyote hunters may only use centerfire rifles, rimfire rifles, or shotguns with approved nontoxic shot.
3. Condition A3 applies.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on designated portions of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow hunters to leave portable tree stands, portable blinds, and freestanding elevated platforms on the refuge from August 15 to December 15.
2. You must visibly mark portable tree stands, portable blinds, and freestanding elevated platforms with your automated licensing system (ALS) number.
3. You must remove any other personal property brought onto the area at the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
4. Condition A3 applies.
D. Sport Fishing [Reserved]
Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, swan, sandhill crane, and mourning dove on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. You must check-in and check out of the refuge daily. Before hunting, each hunter must record the date, their name, and the time checking into the refuge on a register inside the Hunter Registration Kiosk at refuge headquarters. After hunting, each hunter must record hunting data (hours hunted waterfowl and/or upland game and the number of birds harvested) before departing the refuge.
2. We prohibit air-thrust boats or boats with motors greater than 25 hp.
3. You must remove all boats, decoys, portable blinds, other personal property, and any materials brought onto the refuge for blind construction by legal sunset (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, sage grouse, gray partridge, fox, and coyote on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Condition A1 applies.
2. You must possess and carry a refuge Special Use Permit to hunt fox and coyotes.
3. You may only possess approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
4. Fox and coyote hunters may only use centerfire rifles, rimfire rifles, or shotguns with approved nontoxic shot.
5. We require game bird hunters to wear at least one article of blaze-orange clothing visible above the waist.
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Bowdoin Wetland Management District
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow migratory game bird hunting on all Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA) (except Holm WPA) throughout the District in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit use of motorboats.
2. You must remove boats, decoys, portable blinds, other personal property, and any materials brought onto the area for blind construction at the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting on all WPAs (except Holm WPA) throughout the District in accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition: Hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on all WPAs (except Holm WPA) throughout the District in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow portable tree stands, portable blinds, and freestanding elevated platforms to be left on WPAs from August 15 to December 15.
2. You must label portable tree stands, portable blinds, and freestanding elevated platforms with your automated licensing system (ALS) number. The label must be legible from the ground.
3. You must remove any other personal property brought onto the area at the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
4. We allow the use of only archery, muzzleloader (as defined by State regulations), or shotgun on the McNeil Slough WPA.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on WPAs throughout the District in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit use of motorboats.
2. You must remove boats, fishing equipment, and other personal property at the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. Refuge open to hunting of migratory game birds in accordance with State law.
B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunting of upland game birds, turkey and coyote is permitted on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition:
1. Coyote hunting allowed from the first day of antelope rifle season through March 1 annually.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of big game on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow the use of portable blinds and stands. You may install stands and blinds no sooner than August 1, and you must remove them by December 15 of each year. We limit each hunter to three stands or blinds. The hunter must have their name, address, phone number, and automated licensing system number (ALS) visibly marked on the stand.
2. We allow hunting of elk on designated areas of the refuge. You must possess and carry a refuge permit to hunt elk on the refuge.
D. Sport fishing. Refuge open to sport fishing in accordance with State law, and as specifically designated in refuge publications.
Charles M. Russell Wetland Management District
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow migratory game bird hunting on all Waterfowl Production Areas (WPA) in accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition: You must remove all watercraft and personal equipment following each day of hunting (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow only upland game bird hunting on all WPAs in accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition: Hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on all WPAs in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. All tree stands must be visibly marked and identified with the hunter's name, address, phone number, and ALS number. Hunters must remove all tree stands no later than December 15 of each year.
2. We prohibit permanent stands, ladders, steps, screw-in spikes, nails, screws, and wire (see Sec. 32.2(i)).
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on all WPAs in accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition: Anglers must remove all motor boats and other personal equipment at the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
Creedman Coulee National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, swan, sandhill crane, and mourning dove on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition:
1. Most of the land within the refuge boundary is private land (inholding); persons wishing to access the private land must gain permission from the landowner.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, sage grouse, gray partridge, fox, and coyote on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition: Condition A1 applies.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition: Condition A1 applies.
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Hailstone National Wildlife Refugee
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. The refuge unit is open to the hunting of migratory game birds, but has no refuge-specific regulations as it follows guidelines set out in State law.
B. Upland Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt upland game birds on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:
1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Halfbreed Lake National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Hewitt Lake National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, swan, sandhill crane, and mourning dove on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit air-thrust boats and boats with motors greater than 25 hp.
2. You must remove all boats, decoys, portable blinds, other personal property, and any materials brought onto the refuge for blind construction by legal sunset (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
3. A portion of the land within the refuge boundary is private land (inholding); persons wishing to hunt the private land must gain permission from the landowner.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, sage grouse, gray partridge, fox, and coyote on designated portions of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. You may possess only approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
2. Fox and coyote hunters may use only centerfire rifles, rim-fire rifles, or shotguns with approved nontoxic shot.
3. We prohibit the shooting or taking of prairie dogs.
4. Condition A3 applies.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on designated portions of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow hunters to leave portable tree stands, portable blinds, and freestanding elevated platforms on the refuge from August 15 to December 15.
2. You must visibly mark portable tree stands, portable blinds, and freestanding elevated platforms with your automated licensing system (ALS) number.
3. You must remove any other personal property brought onto the area at the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
4. Condition A3 applies.
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Lake Mason National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. Hunting of migratory game birds is permitted on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: The use of motorized boats is not permitted.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
C. Big Game Hunting. Refuge open to big game hunting in accordance with State law.
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Lake Thibadeau National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, coot, swan, sandhill crane, and mourning dove in designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition:
1. Most of the land within the refuge boundary is private land (inholding); persons wishing to hunt the private land must gain permission from the landowner.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, sage grouse, gray partridge, fox, and coyote on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition: Condition A1 applies.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following condition: Condition A1 applies.
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Lamesteer National Wildlife Refugee
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. The refuge unit is open to the hunting of migratory game birds but has no refuge-specific regulations as it follows guidelines set out in State law.
B. Upland Game Hunting. The refuge unit is open to the hunting of upland game but has no refuge-specific regulations as it follows guidelines set out in State law.
C. Big Game Hunting. The refuge unit is open to big game hunting but has no refuge-specific regulations as it follows guidelines set out in State law.
D. Sport Fishing. Anglers may sport fish in accordance with state law.
Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, and coot from established blinds in designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions (consult refuge manager prior to hunting to learn of changes or updates):
1. Hunting Access: Hunters must enter and exit the Waterfowl Hunt Area (see map in refuge Hunting and Fishing brochure) through the Waterfowl Hunt Area parking lot. All hunters, except those with a Montana disability license, must park in the Waterfowl Hunt Area parking lot to access the Waterfowl Hunt Area. For those hunters with Montana disability licenses, contact the Refuge Manager by phone or email for disability guidelines. Hunters must walk to the blind selected along mowed trails designated in the refuge Hunting and Fishing brochure. Legal entry time into the hunting area is no earlier than 2 hours before legal shooting hours. Wildlife observation, scouting, and loitering during waterfowl hunting season are prohibited at the Waterfowl Hunting Area parking lot and on the refuge road leading to the Waterfowl Hunt Area parking lot.
2. Hunting Hours: We will close the Waterfowl Hunting Area to waterfowl hunting on Mondays and Thursdays. We open the hunting area, defined by the refuge boundary fence, 2 hours before and require departure 2 hours after legal waterfowl hunting hours, as defined by the State.
3. Registration (Kiosk Sign-In/Sign-Out box): Each hunter must complete the Migratory Bird Hunt Report (FWS Form 3-2361), must set the appropriate blind selector (metal flip tag) before and after hunting, and must record hunting data (hours hunted and birds harvested) on FWS Form 3-2361 before departing the hunting area.
4. Blind selection is on a first-come, first-served basis with the exception of the opening weekend of waterfowl season. We will distribute blind permits for the opening weekend by a public drawing. We will announce the drawing time and place in local newspapers.
5. We prohibit attempting to ``reserve'' a blind for use later in the day by depositing a vehicle or other equipment on the refuge. A hunter must be physically present in the hunting area in order to use a blind. The exceptions are blinds 2 and 7, which may be reserved for hunters with disabilities.
6. We prohibit blocking access to refuge gates (see Sec. 27.31(h) of this chapter).
7. Hunters with a documented mobility disability (you must have a current year Resident with a Disability Conservation License issued by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks) may reserve an accessible blind in advance by contacting a refuge law enforcement officer.
8. No more than four hunters or individuals may use a blind at one time.
9. You may only possess approved nontoxic shotshells (see Sec. 32.2(k)) in quantities of 25 or less.
10. You must conduct all hunting from within the hunting blind.
11. All hunters must have a visible means of retrieving waterfowl such as a float tube, waders, or a dog capable of retrieving.
12. We prohibit falconry hunting.
13. We prohibit boats, fishing, and fires (see Sec. 27.95 of this chapter).
14. We require dogs be on a leash at the hunter access point and when walking to and from the hunt area/blind (see Sec. 26.21(b) of this chapter).
15. We require hunters to unload shotguns (see Sec. 27.42(b) of this chapter) at the hunter access point and when walking to and from the hunt area/blind.
16. Hunting Blind 8 has a minimum requirement of six decoys.
17. Hunting blinds require the use of a minimum of six decoys with the exception of blinds 1, 2, 7, 14, and 15.
18. We will allow the use of a removable personal blind within the immediate mowed area around field blind 13.
19. Any mechanical decoy powered by battery or solar usage is prohibited.
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow archery hunting of white-tailed deer on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions (consult refuge manager prior to hunting to learn of changes or updates):
1. Hunting Access: Hunters must enter and exit the hunt areas (see map in refuge Hunting and Fishing brochure) through the designated Hunter Access Parking sites. We open access points to hunters intending to immediately hunt on the refuge. We prohibit wildlife observation, scouting, and loitering at access points and parking areas. Hunters may only enter the hunt area 2 hours prior to legal hunting hours and must exit no later than 2 hours after legal hunting hours.
2. We will allow archery hunting in the Waterfowl Hunt Area in September except during the youth waterfowl hunt weekend. We will allow archery hunting on Mondays and Thursdays in the Waterfowl Hunting Area during waterfowl hunting season.
3. Registration (Sign-In/Sign-Out box): Each hunter must complete the Big Game Harvest Report (FWS Form 3-2359) before departing the hunting area.
4. Tree Stands and Ground Blinds: We allow each hunter the use of portable tree stands or ground blinds. All tree stands and ground blinds must be identified with a tag that has the owner's name and Montana archery license (ALS) number on it. We prohibit hunters leaving each stand/blind unattended for more than 72 hours.
5. We prohibit preseason entry or scouting.
6. Hunters may not enter or retrieve deer from closed areas of the refuge without the consent of a refuge officer.
7. We prohibit boats, fishing gear, fires (see Sec. 27.95 of this chapter), and firearms.
8. Hunters with a documented mobility disability may access designated locations in the hunting area to hunt from ground blinds. To access these areas, hunters must contact the refuge manager in advance to obtain a Special Use Permit.
9. We prohibit the use of any mechanized vehicle to enter or exit the hunt area; this includes bicycles.
10. Rallying game to another hunter and/or deer drives is prohibited.
11. We prohibit the installation or use of remote cameras on the refuge.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas (Wildlife Viewing Area) of the refuge in accordance with State regulations in effect on the Bitterroot River from Tucker Crossing to Florence Bridge.
Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of turkey and mountain grouse in designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. We do not allow hunting in areas posted as ``Closed to Hunting'' and identified in the public use leaflet.
2. We prohibit guiding and outfitting.
3. We allow use of riding or pack stock on designated access routes through the refuge to access off-refuge lands as identified in the public use leaflet.
4. You may not use dogs for hunting of any species.
5. Hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
6. We prohibit overnight camping and open fires (see Sec. 27.95(a) of this chapter).
7. We prohibit retrieval of game in areas closed to hunting without a refuge retrieval permit.
8. We allow only portable or temporary blinds and tree stands.
9. We allow parking in designated areas only as identified in the public use leaflet.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of elk, white-tailed deer, and mule deer within designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations and subject to the following conditions:
1. Conditions B1 through B9 apply.
2. The first week of the archery elk and deer hunting season and the first week of general elk and deer hunting season are open to youth-only (ages 12-15 only) hunting. A non-hunting adult at least 18 years of age must accompany the youth hunter in the field.
3. Persons assisting disabled hunters must not be afield with a hunting firearm, bow, or other hunting device.
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Medicine Lake National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of duck, goose, snipe, and dove on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of pheasant, partridge, and sharp-tailed grouse on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer and antelope on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to posted refuge restrictions.
National Bison Range
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State laws and regulations and per Joint State and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow public access by walk-in only. All anglers must remain within 100 feet (30 m) of the creek except they may use the canal road to access the creek.
2. We prohibit the use of lead or lead-based lures or sinkers.
3. We prohibit leaving or dumping any dead animal, fish or fish entrails, garbage, or litter on the refuge (see Sec. 27.94 of this chapter).
Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State laws and regulations and per joint State and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit the use of lead or lead-based tackle.
2. We prohibit the use of boats, float tubes, and other flotation devices.
3. You must remove ice fishing shelters and other personal property at the end of each day (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
4. We prohibit leaving or dumping any dead animal, fish or fish entrails, garbage, or litter on the refuge (see Sec. 27.94 of this chapter).
Northeast Montana Wetland Management District
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow migratory game bird hunting on Waterfowl Production Areas throughout the District in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit the use of motorboats.
2. You must remove boats, decoys, portable blinds, other personal property, and any materials brought onto the area for blind construction at the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting on Waterfowl Production Areas throughout the District in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
2. We prohibit the use of horses for any purpose.
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on Waterfowl Production Areas throughout the District in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow hunters to leave portable tree stands and freestanding elevated platforms on Waterfowl Production Areas from August 25 through February 15.
2. You must label portable tree stands and freestanding elevated platforms with your name and address such that it is legible from the ground.
3. Condition B2 applies.
4. You must remove portable ground blinds and any other personal property at the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
D. Sport Fishing. [Reserved]
Northwest Montana Wetland Management District
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow migratory game bird hunting on Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs) throughout the wetland district in accordance with State law (Flathead County WPAs) and per Joint State and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal regulations (Lake Count WPAs) subject to the following conditions:
1. Hunters must remove all boats, decoys, portable blinds (including those made of native materials), boat blinds, and all other personal property at the end of each day (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter).
2. We prohibit motorboats except on the Flathead and Smith Lake Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs) in Flathead County. Motorboats must be operated at no wake speeds.
3. We prohibit the construction or use of permanent blinds, stands, or scaffolds.
4. We allow the use of hunting dogs, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times during the State-approved hunting season. Commercial dog trials are not allowed. Pets must be on a leash at all other times.
5. Shotgun hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
6. We prohibit the use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
7. We prohibit overnight camping and open fires (see Sec. 27.95(a) of this chapter).
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow upland game hunting on Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs) throughout the wetland district in accordance with State law (Flathead County WPAs) and per Joint State and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal regulations (Lake County WPAs) subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit hunting with a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells.
2. Conditions A1 through A7 apply.
3. We prohibit the use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting (see Sec. 32.2(j)).
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow big game hunting on Lake County Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs) per Joint State and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal regulations. We allow big game hunting on Flathead County WPAs in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow portable tree stands and/or portable ground blinds; however, hunters must remove them and all other personal property at the end of each day (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter). We prohibit construction and/or use of tree stands or portable ground blinds from dimensional lumber. We prohibit the 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 (see Sec. 32.2(i)).
2. Conditions A2, A3, A6, A7, and B1 apply.
3. Flathead, Blasdel, and Batavia WPAs are restricted to hunting with archery equipment, shotgun, traditional handgun, muzzleloader, or crossbow only.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on all Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs) throughout the wetland district in accordance with State law (Flathead County WPAs) and per Joint State and confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal regulations (Lake County WPAs) and subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit leaving or dumping any dead animal, fish or fish entrails, garbage, or litter on the refuge (see Sec. 27.94 of this chapter).
2. We prohibit all public access on WPAs from March 1 to July 15 (Flathead County WPAs) each year to protect nesting birds.
3. Conditions A2 and A7 apply.
Pablo National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. [Reserved]
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State laws and per Joint State and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We prohibit the use of lead or lead-based lures or sinkers.
2. We prohibit the use of boats, float tubes, and other flotation devices.
3. You must remove ice fishing shelters and other personal property at the end of each day (see Sec. 27.93 of this chapter).
4. We prohibit leaving or dumping any dead animal, fish or fish entrails, garbage, or litter on the refuge (see Sec. 27.94 of this chapter).
Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of goose, duck, and coot on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State hunting regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow only goose, duck, and coot hunting in the area surrounding Lower Red Rock Lake. The north boundary is the east-west running fence line 1 mile (1.6 km) north of the River Marsh. The west boundary is the west boundary of the refuge. The south boundary is the South Valley Road and Sparrow Pond Trail. The east boundary is 50 yards (45 m) east of Odell Creek northward from Sparrow Pond Trail Bridge to Lower Red Rock Lake then continuing due north from the mouth of Odell Creek to the north boundary. (Consult the refuge manager prior to hunting to learn the specific boundary of the hunting area.)
2. Hunters must remove all blinds, decoys, shell casings, and other personal equipment (see Sec. Sec. 27.93 and 27.94 of this chapter) from the refuge each day.
3. We only allow nonmotorized boats in the hunt area east of the Lower Red Rock Lake dam. We allow boats with motors 10 hp or less west of Lower Red Rock Lake dam.
4. We prohibit the use of motorized decoys.
5. We prohibit camping along roadsides. We allow camping only in two established campgrounds. We restrict camping to 16 consecutive days within any 30-day period. We prohibit horses in the campgrounds. From March 1 to December 1, all bear attractants including, but not limited to, food, garbage, and carcasses or parts thereof, must be acceptably stored at night (unless in immediate use) and during the day if unattended. Acceptably stored means any of the following:
i. Suspended at least 10 feet high and 4 feet from any vertical support 100 yards from any camp or hiking trail;
ii. Secured in a certified bear safe container; or
iii. Secured in a hard-sided vehicle, including an enclosed camper or horse trailer.
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. We allow hunting of deer, elk, moose, and pronghorn antelope on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State hunting regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Moose hunting on the refuge portion of Montana moose hunt zone 334 opens October 15 and runs through the end of the State moose season.
2. We restrict moose hunting to the willow fen area south of Elk Springs Creek, east of Upper Red Rock Lake and north and west of the South Valley Road, at the southeast corner of the refuge. We prohibit moose hunting in all other areas of the refuge.
3. We allow big game hunting (elk, white-tailed deer, mule deer, and pronghorn antelope) on the refuge except we prohibit big game hunting in the moose hunting area (willow fen area), in Alaska Basin (far east end of the refuge), on those areas of the refuge east of Elk Lake Road (Culver Pond/Widgeon Pond Area), and east of the willow fen.
4. We prohibit hunting near the Lakeview town site, near refuge headquarters, and on portions of Odell Creek Trail. We close those areas for protection of nearby residences. (Consult the refuge manager prior to hunting to learn the specific boundary of the closed areas.)
5. We limit the number of hunters per day during the ``general'' big game season for the area north of South Valley Road, south of Red Rock River Mash, west of Upper Red Rock Lake to the west refuge boundary. We close this area to hunting by other big game hunters during the general big game season. We select the hunters per day by annual lottery. (Consult the refuge manager to participate in the lottery.)
6. You may hire outfitters or ranchers for the retrieval of big game only. We prohibit outfitted or guided hunting on the refuge.
7. We prohibit retrieval of game from closed areas of the refuge without consent of a refuge employee.
8. We prohibit use of wheeled game carts or other mechanical transportation devices for game retrieval on portions of the refuge designated as Wilderness Area.
9. We prohibit horses north of South Valley Road except for the retrieval of big game. We only allow horses for back-country access to the Centennial Mountains south of South Valley Road. We require the use of certified weed-free hay or pellets in refuge parking lots and on refuge roads or trails.
10. We prohibit hunting and/or shooting from or onto refuge lands from within 50 yards (45 meters) of the centerline of any public road open to motorized vehicles.
11. Condition A5 applies.
D. Sport Fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State fishing regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. We allow fishing on all refuge streams in accordance with State River and Stream regulations, unless closure is necessary to protect nesting trumpeter swans or Arctic grayling restoration efforts.
2. We allow fishing on Widgeon Pond and Culver Pond. These are open under State River and Stream regulations to fishing from the bank, except for necessary closures to protect nesting trumpeter swans or Arctic grayling restoration efforts.
3. We prohibit fishing on all other refuge waters.
4. We prohibit all means of fishing except the use of pole and line or rod and reel while fishing on the refuge.
5. We prohibit the use of felt-soled wading boots on all refuge waters.
6. We prohibit bait fishing and allow only artificial lures or flies when fishing refuge waters.
7. We prohibit the use or possession of lead sinkers or any lead fishing product while fishing.
8. We prohibit tubes and other flotation devices while fishing on Widgeon and Culver Ponds.
9. Condition A5 applies.
Swan River National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. We allow hunting of geese, ducks, and coots on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: Hunters may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field (see Sec. 32.2(k)).
B. Upland Game Hunting. [Reserved]
C. Big Game Hunting. [Reserved]
D. Sport Fishing. Refuge open to sport fishing in accordance with State law, and as specifically designated in refuge publications.
UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. The refuge unit is open to the hunting of migratory game birds but has no refuge-specific regulations as it follows guidelines set out in State law.
B. Upland Game Hunting. Refuge is open to upland game hunting in accordance with State laws, regulations and subject to the following condition:
1. Coyote hunting allowed from the first day of antelope rifle season through March 1 annually.
C. Big Game Hunting. Hunters may hunt big game subject to refuge-specific regulations as designated in refuge publications.
D. Sport Fishing. The refuge unit is open to sport fishing but has no refuge-specific regulations as it follows guidelines set out in State law.
War Horse National Wildlife Refuge
A. Migratory Game Bird Hunting. The refuge unit is open to the hunting of migratory game birds but has no refuge-specific regulations as it follows guidelines set out in State law.
B. Upland Game Hunting. We allow hunting of upland game birds on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: You may possess only approved nontoxic shot while in the field.
C. Big Game Hunting. The refuge unit is open to big game hunting but has no refuge-specific regulations as it follows guidelines set out in State law.
D. Sport Fishing. Refuge open to sport fishing in accordance with State law, and as specifically designated in refuge publications. [58 FR 5064, Jan. 19, 1993, as amended at 58 FR 29075, May 18, 1993; 59 FR 6694, Feb. 11, 1994; 60 FR 62044, Dec. 4, 1995; 62 FR 47379, Sept. 9, 1997; 63 FR 46918, Sept. 3, 1998; 65 FR 30786, May 12, 2000; 67 FR 58946, Sept. 18, 2002; 69 FR 54362, 54427, Sept. 8, 2004; 70 FR 54182, Sept. 13, 2005; 73 FR 33189, June 11, 2008; 74 FR 45693, Sept. 3, 2009; 77 FR 56051, Sept. 11, 2012;79 FR 14832, Mar. 17, 2014]