Rapids Lake Education and Visitor Center 2008 Federal Duck Stamp Contest Phone: 952-854-5900 |
Many people enjoy hunting on the Refuge. The information below is from the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge Regulations. A copy of this brochure is available at the Visitor Center. Call 952.854.5900 or stop by to obtain a copy, or download the brochure in .pdf format.
GENERAL INFORMATION
All Minnesota State regulations pertaining to hunting, fishing, and trapping will be enforced. You may only hunt, fish, or trap in the areas and during the times specified in this brochure. Each activity is subject to the special Refuge regulations listed with that activity.
Make sure to observe posted Refuge boundary signs closely since some Refuge areas are adjacent to private property.
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The possession of alcohol while hunting is prohibited. Gas or electric boat motors are prohibited on the Refuge.
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Check with Minnesota DNR for further explanation of State Regulations.
SHOTGUN AND MUZZLELOADER DEER HUNTING
The Rapids Lake Unit is open to shotgun and muzzleloader deer hunting consistent with state regulations.
BOW AND ARROW DEER HUNTING
Hunting is permitted in the Rapids Lake, Wilkie, and Louisville Swamp Units during the regular Minnesota State archery season only.
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It is unlawful to drive a metal object into a tree or to hunt from a tree in which a metal object has been driven. Screw-in steps are prohibited. All stands must be removed from the Refuge at the end of each day. It is unlawful to hunt from a permanent stand. The distribution of bait and hunting over bait, including salt licks and mineral blocks, is prohibited on National Wildlife Refuge units.
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Motorized vehicles are not allowed within the hunting units except at designated parking areas.
SMALL GAME HUNTING
The Minnesota State season applies on the Rapids Lake Unit.
Louisville Swamp south of the Middle Road is open to small game hunting except for furbearers and crows consistent with state regulations.
No hunting on or across roads and trails.
Only non-toxic shot may be used or possessed. Single projectiles are prohibited in Louisville Swamp and restricted to .22 caliber rimfire only in Rapids Lake Unit.
MIGRATORY WATERFOWL HUNTING
Three areas on the Refuge are open to public waterfowl hunting according to State and Federal regulations: the Louisville Swamp Unit south of the Middle Road, the Rapids Lake Unit, and Rice Lake on the Wilkie Unit east of Old Hwy. 18 and west of Eagle Creek. Other areas of the Refuge may be hunted with a special Refuge permit by people with disabilities or participants of the Young Waterfowlers Hunting Program. For more information on special Refuge permits contact the Refuge.
No hunting on or across roads and trails.
TURKEY HUNTING
The entire Rapids Lake Unit and Louisville Swamp south of the Middle Road are open to spring and fall turkey hunting.
Only shotguns with non-toxic shot or bow and arrows may be used. Only non-toxic shot may be possessed.
No hunting on or across roads and trails.
TRAPPING
Various Refuge units are open to qualified trappers with a Refuge trapping permit.
Trapping on the Refuge is limited to beaver, muskrat, raccoon, and mink.
Only water sets may be used and they must be checked every 24 hours.
All trappers must attend a mandatory orientation session to receive a permit. Access points are defined at the orientation.
SPECIAL NOTE
The use or possession of centerfire rifles or pistols is prohibited on the Refuge.
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