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, skateboards, bicycles, and Segway scooters are not allowed on refuge trails. Wheelchairs, electric carts, and strollers are permitted.

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 allowed 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.

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

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

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

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.

Shed antler collection is not permitted.

HUNTING REGULATIONS 2009 - 2010 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.

Non-toxic shot is required for the hunting of all game species, including big game, small game, and upland game birds. This includes shotgun slugs, muzzle-loading shotgun and rifle bullets, and small-game rimfire or centerfire rifle cartridges. Copper slugs, muzzleloading bullets or other non-toxic projectiles satisfy this requirement. (Please read the Bulletin regarding the non-toxic shot/projectile regulations.)

Upland Game birds

Small Game Animals

Whitetail Deer
Bow -                  Oct 1 - Dec 4 and Dec 21 - Jan 10
Muzzle Loader -   Oct 17 - Oct 25 and Dec 21 - Jan 10
Shotgun -              Dec 5 - Dec 9 and Dec 12 - Dec 20

Antlerless Deer -  Jan 11 - Jan 31

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, 2009.

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).

For deer hunting,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 such way that trees are not damaged.

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.

While hunting, 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.

Hunting Map of the refuge

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.

Report all accidents and injuries to refuge headquarters. Phone: (515)994-3400 Refuge Officer Cell: (515)422-4020