Have you ever felt the chill of the morning mist blow in your face, heard the whistle of wings cupping in overhead and watched the stillness of marsh come alive with the morning as you peer out of a duck blind? Or, have you experienced the thrill of a spring gobbler lighting off from a roost tree while you scramble to get the rest of your gear together and move quickly to set up in that idealized strut zone, or, had your breath freeze to your face mask as you move silently step by step toward that magnificent bull elk that is tearing saplings out of the ground and tossing them above his head, close enough to "feel" each bugle move the ground yet just too far away to confidently place an arrow behind his shoulder. Well, these are just a few types of hunting opportunities that are available on National Wildlife Refuge System Lands.

Since the late 19th century, hunters concerned about the future of wildlife and the outdoor tradition have made countless contributions to the conservation of the nation's wildlife resources. Today, millions of deepen their appreciation and understanding of the land and its wildlife through hunting. Hunting organizations contribute millions of dollars and countless hours of labor to various conservation causes each year.

The Service considers hunting to be an important tool for wildlife management. Hunting gives resource managers a valuable tool to control populations of some species that might otherwise exceed the carrying capacity of their habitat and threaten the well-being of other wildlife species, and in some instances, that of human health and safety.

In addition, hunting is a traditional form of wildlife-dependent recreation. Hunting, along with fishing, wildlife observation, photography, environmental education and interpretation, when compatible with the purposes of the refuge and refuge system, are appropriate general public uses of the system.

The guiding principles that the refuge system uses to managing quality hunting on refuges includes: 1) to manage wildlife populations consistent with approved management plans; 2) to promote visitor understanding of and increase visitor appreciation for America's natural resources; 3) to provide opportunities for quality recreational and educational experiences; and, 4) to minimize conflicts with visitors participating in other compatible wildlife-dependent recreational activities.

The refuge system offers hunters a diversity of hunting experiences across 317 of the 545 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System (which includes 37 wetland management districts, all of them open to hunting). Habitats available to hunt vary from southwest deserts to the snow capped glacial peaks with montane and alluvial wetland valleys, bottomland hardwood forest, retired and active agricultural lands and shrub-steppe sage habitat in between. A brochure titled "Guide to Hunting on National Wildlife Refuges" is currently being developed that will further assist in planning your next hunting outing on National Wildlife Refuges.

Where can I go hunting? and other FWS hunting-related links

Hunting for the disabled

Why are hunting, fishing and trapping allowed on National Wildlife Refuges?

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Federal Aid Program funds a variety of surveys to assess the status and trends of wildlife recreation in the United States. You can visit the Federal Aid Web pages to obtain further information on their programs.