Welcome to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1963 as an overlay of NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center. Consisting of 140,000 acres, the Refuge provides a wide variety of habitats: coastal dunes, saltwater estuaries and marshes, freshwater impoundments, scrub, pine flatwoods, and hardwood hammocks provide habitat for more than 1,500 species of plants and animals.
Many recreational opportunities are offered at the Refuge. Bird and wildlife observation, a wildlife drive, manatee observation deck, fishing and hunting opportunities, and boating and paddling are examples of available activities. The Visitor Information Center located 4 miles east of Titusville, Florida, is a great place to start your visit.
The Staff at Merritt Island NWR also manages Lake Woodruff NWR and St. Johns NWR.
Bairs Cove Boat Ramp Closed
September 17-21
The repairs to Bairs Cove swale will begin on Monday September 17th. Bair's Cove Boat Ramp and Parking Area will be closed September 17-21. Access will be available on September 22 for the start of early teal season.
Visitor Center Hours Change
Beginning June 4, the Visitor Information Center will be closed on Mondays. The Visitor Center summer hours will be Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am until 4:30 pm. All other refuge areas will remain open during daylight hours.
Hunting Season
Road Status
Shiloh Marsh from US 1 to the Shiloh 5 boat ramp is open. Shiloh 3 and Weather Tower roads from SR 3 to the boat ramps is also open for scouting. Shiloh 1 will not be accessible by vehicle due to renovations on Patillo Creek Road. Max Hoeck (Biolab Spur) will not be open for Early Teal season or regular waterfowl season unless it can be repaired. You can access the canal at the intersection of Beach Road and Biolab Road and motor east to access the big water. You may walk or bike the roads to scout for Early Teal.
Impoundment Conditions
Water levels are good. Much better than they have been in the last couple years. Salinity is a little high.
Waterfowl Quota Permit Applications
New Deadlines for Merritt Island NWR
New schedule for the 2012-2013 Merritt Island Quota Permit Applications:
Phase I – Random Drawing Applications
10 AM (Eastern Time) on 8/7/12 to 8/20/12 (11:59 PM Eastern Time).
There is a cost of $5.00 (non-refundable for applying). You are limited to one application and one permit during this phase. The worksheet and application must be submitted by the 8/20/12 deadline.
2012-2013 Hunting Regulations
Award Pickups (Selected Permits)
Award Pickup will be from 10 AM (Eastern Time) on 8/27/12 to 9/11/12 (11:59 PM East Time).
The results of the random drawing will be posted by 10:00 AM (Eastern Time) on August 27 at www.MyFWC.com/hunting. Click on “Limited Entry/Quota Hunts” and choose “Drawing Results. Each permit cost is $16.00 and must be purchased by 11:59 PM (Eastern Time) on September 11.
Phase II – First –come First-served – Leftover Permits
10 AM (Eastern Time) 9/13/12 to 9/28/12 (11:59 PM).
During Phase II, you may receive 1 permit per transaction and are limited to 3 permits for the season (2 if you were successful for the Phase 1 drawing). Each permit cost is $16.00.
How to Apply
To apply for a quota permit go to www.MyFWC.com/hunting, click on “Limited Entry/Quota Hunts”, choose “Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge” and then “Merritt Island Permit Application Worksheet”. Complete the worksheet and present it to a license agent, tax collector office, or apply online at “License.MyFWC.com” and choose “Limited Entry/Quota Permits Applications”.
Payment Information
For the Phase I selection period, you may pay for your permit starting on August 27 at 10 AM (Eastern Time). You must pay for your permit ($16) at a license agent, tax collector office or online at “License.MyFWC.com” by 9/11/12 (11:59 PM Eastern Time).
For the Phase II period, permits will be issued on a first come first serve basis at a cost of $16.00 per permit from 9/13/12 to 9/28/12. You must pay for the permit at a license agent, tax collector office or online at “License.MyFWC.com.
2012/2013 Hunt Brochure
Waterfowl hunting is permitted in four designated “hunt areas” three days per week during the state waterfowl season. A refuge Hunt Permit is required in all areas and is attached to the hunting regulations.
New Entrance Fee at Black Point Wildlife Drive and Boat Ramps
Beginning September 1, 2011, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is integrating a new Entrance Fee for Black Point Wildlife Drive and for Boat Launching at three improved Boat Ramps within the Refuge (Bairs Cove, Beacon 42, and Bio Lab). Visitors will have the option to purchase a $5.00 Daily Pass or a $15 Annual Pass. The passes are interchangeable and may be used at either the wildlife drive or boat ramps.
Fee Summary
Law Enforcement
To report a refuge law enforcement violation please call (321) 861-2807. Please provide as much information as possible, i.e. license plate number, color and/or make model of the vehicle, description of individuals, etc. Your voicemail will be checked by the Law Enforcement Officers on duty. In case of an emergency dial (321) 867-7911.
Free Fishing Fishing Permit Required
Beginning February 1, 2009 any person fishing on Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge without a signed FREE refuge fishing permit will be cited. The fine for violating the permit requirement is $125.00. The permit is required for ALL fishermen - those fishing from land and those fishing from a vessel in refuge waters.
You can pick up a permit at two information kiosks located at either entrance to the refuge or you can download it here. Once you have your fishing permit, read it, sign the business card sized permit and keep it in your wallet.
2012 Fishing Permit & Regulations |
