Since the 19th century, hunters concerned about the future of wildlife have made countless contributions to conserving the nation's wildlife resources. Waterfowl hunters have helped buy land for the National Wildlife Refuge System for decades through their purchase of 
Duck Stamps. Since 1934, more than half a billion dollars collected from Duck Stamp sales has been deposited in the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund and used to purchase wetland habitat.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has long recognized wildlife hunting as a legitimate and traditional recreational activity. In some locations it is also an effective wildlife population management tool. Port Louisa NWR offers opportunities for deer, migratory bird, and upland game hunting.
Geese erupting from a wetland at sunset. Photo courtesy of Jim Rathert, Missouri Department of Conservation.
Deer Hunting
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Portable stands may be used where hunting is allowed, but they may not be left on the Refuge overnight. No nails, screws, or other hardware may be used to climb or secure stands to the trees.
Long Island Division - White-tailed deer hunting is allowed in accordance with Illinois state seasons and regulations.
Delair Division - Muzzleloader deer hunting is allowed and requires a refuge permit. Hunters must check in and out of the refuge each day. All harvested deer must be recorded with refuge staff before check out. Shooting hours end at 3:00 p.m. each day.
Fox Island Division -Antlerless deer hunting is allowed only during the antlerless-only portion of the Missouri state firearms deer season. All state regulations apply to this hunt.
Clarence Cannon NWR - White-tailed deer hunting is allowed on designated areas of the refuge only during the Managed Deer Hunt. Hunters are required to check in and out of the refuge each day. Shooting of deer is prohibited on any portion of the main perimeter levee. The area south of Bryant's Creek is closed to deer hunting.
Migratory Bird Hunting
Long Island Division - Migratory bird hunting is allowed in accordance with state seasons and regulations. Waterfowl and coot hunting is allowed ONLY from blinds constructed on sites posted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Clarence Cannon NWR, Delair Division and Fox Island Division - Closed to migratory bird hunting.
Upland Game Hunting
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Includes small game, furbearers, turkey and game birds (except migratory birds).
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The refuge is closed to all nighttime hunting of furbearers.
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Hunters must possess and use only non-toxic shot while hunting all allowed birds, except wild turkeys.
Long Island Division - Upland game hunting is allowed in accordance with state seasons and regulations. Long Island Division is open for upland game hunting only from one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.
Fox Island Division - Turkey hunting is allowed during the State spring seasons, including youth season; no fall season. Fox Island Division is open for upland game hunting only from one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset. State seasons and regulations apply for other upland game except that the division is closed to all public entry from October 16 through December 31.
Delair Division and Clarence Cannon NWR - Closed to upland game hunting.
For information on state hunting license and state regulations in Missouri, please contact the Missouri Department of Conservation.
For information on state hunting licenses and state regulations in Illinois, please contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
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