PUBLIC USE REGULATIONS

The Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge is open to public use during daylight hours only except for deer hunting where hunters are allowed on the refuge 1 hour before sunrise and must be off by 1 hour after sunset.

Please stay on designated trails and roads.

Pets are not allowed on trails or in fields except when used for the purpose of hunting where hunting is allowed.

Berries and morels may be gathered on the refuge for personal consumption only.

Fires are prohibited on the refuge

Camping is prohibited on the refuge

Except for authorized hunting on the refuge, firearms and other weapons are only permitted when being transported on refuge roads and must be unloaded and either dismantled or cased.

Fireworks are prohibited on National Wildlife Refuges.

Target or practice shooting is not permitted.

Parking is prohibited on the entrance road except at designated areas which are marked with a "P" for parking. Do not park in any field entrance. (Access must be maintained for emergency, fire and patrol vehicles.) Do not drive into fields or grassland areas.

Overnight parking is not permitted.

Skateboards, bicycles, and Segway scooters are not allowed on refuge trails. Wheelchairs and strollers are permitted.

Use of spotlights or other artificial lights to spot, locate, or take any wildlife within the boundaries of any refuge or along the right-of-way on public or private roads on any refuge is prohibited.

The destruction and collection of plants, animals, minerals, and artifacts are prohibited on the refuge.

Shed antler collection is not permitted.

Wood gathering is permitted in designated areas with a special use permit. See the manager to obtain a permit.

HUNTING REGULATIONS 2008 - 2009 Season

Hunting of a species not listed here is prohibited on the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. Hunting of listed species is permitted only within the dates listed.

Upland Game birds

Small Game Animals

Whitetail Deer
Bow -                  Oct 1 - Dec 5 and Dec 22 - Jan 10
Muzzle Loader -   Oct 11 - Oct 19 and Dec 22 - Jan 10
Shotgun -              Dec 6 - Dec 10 and Dec 13 - Dec 21

Special youth and disabled hunter deer seasons are currently not open on Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge.

No deer hunting is allowed until the state archery season opens on October 1, 2007.

Please refer to the State of Iowa Hunting Regulations for clothing requirements, definition of approved weapons, bag limits, license requirements and other important information. Contact the Iowa Department of Natural Resources at (515) 281-5918 or check their web page at Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Below are regulations specific to hunting on the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge.

Non-toxic shot is required for the hunting of small game and upland game birds.

Hunting hours of all upland and small game start at 0800 (8 am) and ends at 1630 (4:30 pm).

Refuge access is from one hour before official sunrise to one hour after official sunset.

Trapping of fur-bearing animals is prohibited anywhere on the refuge, including road ditches.

Construction or use of permanent stands or ladders is not permitted. Portable stands may be used but must be removed at the end of each day. Steps, ladders, and stands will be erected in a manner that does not damage trees.

Shooting on, from, or over any refuge road within 50 feet of the center line is prohibited.

The use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting is prohibited on all National Wildlife Refuges.

The use of hunting dogs is allowed during the state approved season, provided the dog is under the immediate control of the hunter at all times.

The training of dogs on the refuge is prohibited.

Falconry is not permitted on the refuge at any time.

Please respect our neighbors. Poles marking 200 yards from the boundary are located throughout the refuge. The poles are marked with the color orange.

Report all accidents and injuries to refuge headquarters. Phone: (515)994-3400 Refuge Officer Cell: (515)975-9694