Experience Hunting on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Lands
Home / Articles / Experience Hunting on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service LandsHunters have long been U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service partners. They have played a major role in the conservation of the nation’s wildlife resources since the late 19th century. Today’s sportsmen and sportswomen can be assured of quality hunts on National Wildlife Refuges. These hunts are carefully managed in accordance with the National Wildlife Refuge System’s mission.
At more than 400 locations from coast to coast, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands offer some of the best hunting in the country.
National Wildlife Refuges exist primarily to safeguard wildlife populations through habitat preservation. As practiced on refuges, hunting does not pose a threat to the wildlife populations – and in some instances it is necessary for sound wildlife management. Hunts at wildlife refuges, wetland management districts and fish hatcheries usually are organized around state hunting seasons and in accordance with state bagging limits.
Some locations are now offering a variety of permits and passes on Recreation.gov – plan ahead and prepare by searching for your destination and checking for hunting permits, passes, and other activities that may require an advanced reservation.
Wrangell-St Elias Wilderness (US Fish and Wildlife Service)
Creating a memorable hunting experience on public lands starts with a few tips and guidelines.
Whether you are looking to hunt waterfowl on a National Wildlife Refuge in the Southeast, elk in the West, Dall sheep in Alaska, or deer in the Midwest or Northeast, go to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s map. There you can search for refuge hunts by state, zip code, or species. The map shows visitor centers, parking lots, check-in stations, nearby camping areas and other amenities. A state license is required for all hunting on all U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands. Read more about where to purchase your state hunting license.
Federal Duck Stamps are required for hunting waterfowl everywhere in the country, and proceeds from Duck Stamp sales are used to purchase and preserve wetland habitat.