2008 Federal Duck Stamp Contest Phone: 660-856-3323 |
Regulations
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The refuge is open during daylight hours only.
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Visitor Center hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and the public is encouraged to view wildlife videos and exhibits on display.
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Camping is not permitted on the refuge, but excellent facilities are available at
Pershing State Park on State Highway 130, seven miles north of the refuge. -
Hunting is prohibited except for special primitive weapons deer hunts and goose hunting administered by the Fish and Wildlife Service. Check the Waterfowl Hunting and Deer Hunting pages for more information.
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Because of the large concentration of wintering geese and the waterfowl hunting program, public access to the interior of the refuge is limited to March 1 through October 15. The interior of the refuge is closed from October 16 through the last day of February.
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Fishing is permitted under state regulations from March 1 through October 15.
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Even when the interior is closed, the Nature Trail remains open and large numbers of geese and other wildlife can be viewed from the trail or main entrance road. And old silo standing east of the visitor center has been converted to an observation tower. You are welcome to climb the tower year-round. It provides an excellent panoramic view of Swan Lake, wetlands, and fields.
October 16 through February 28/29
Any activity not listed below is prohibited. The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset.
- Driving
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The main entrance road to the nature trail and Visitor Center is open for wildlife observation year-round. All other roads are closed unless posted otherwise.
- Visitor Center
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Open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Nature Trail
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Open Daily
- Hunting
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Limited goose and deer hunting available by permit. Contact Refuge staff for details.
- Open House
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Scheduled periodically during the fall migration. Contact Refuge staff for dates.
March 1 through October 15
Any activity not listed below is prohibited. The refuge is open during daylight hours only.
- Driving
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On gravel roads unless posted with NO VEHICLES BEYOND THIS POINT signs or FOOT TRAVEL ONLY signs.
- Parking
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Along all roads open to travel. Please leave room for farm equipment and other vehicles.
- Wildlife Observation
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Entire refuge open. We recommend the Nature Trail.
- Gathering
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Nuts, berries, mushrooms, and American lotus (yanquapins) may be gathered for personal use only.
- Boating
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On all waters. Motors of 10 horsepower or less may be used on Silver Lake only. State water regulations apply.
- Fishing
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In all waters. State regulations in effect.
- Walking
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Entire refuge open.
- Visitor Center
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Open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Nature Trail
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Open Daily
