The following refuge units are open for hunting and/or fishing as governed by applicable Federal and State regulations, and are listed in alphabetical order with additional refuge-specific regulations.
(a)Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge.(4)Sport fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We allow fishing only from legal sunrise to legal sunset.(b)Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge.(2)Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, rabbit, opossum, raccoon, coyote, and bobcat on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We require hunters to hunt as governed by Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' William R. Ireland, Sr.-Cahaba River Wildlife Management Area hunting permit conditions.(ii) We require hunters to possess and carry a current and signed Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' William R. Ireland, Sr.-Cahaba River Wildlife Management Area hunting permit when hunting on the refuge.(iii) Hunters may hunt with shotguns using only #4 shot or smaller, rifles and handguns using rim-fire ammunition only, or archery equipment that complies with State and Federal regulations.(iv) We allow the use of dogs when hunting upland game.(v) Hunters may only hunt during designated days and times.(vi) Hunters must remove tree stands, blinds, or other personal property from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).(3)Big game hunting. We allow the hunting of white-tailed deer, feral hog, and wild turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (b)(2)(i), (ii), (v), and (vi) of this section apply.(ii) We prohibit the use of firearms for hunting deer on the refuge. However, you may archery hunt in the portions of the refuge that are open for deer hunting during the archery, shotgun, and muzzleloader seasons established by the State.(iii) We prohibit organized deer drives. We define a "deer drive" as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause deer to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the deer. We also prohibit drives for feral hogs.(4)Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing on designated areas of the refuge.(c)Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge -(1)Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of duck, light and dark geese, coot, and merganser on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:(i) We only allow migratory game bird hunting during the Special Youth, Veteran, and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days determined by the State. Regular waterfowl season shooting hours, bag limits, and legal arms and ammunition apply to the special days.(ii) You must remove all decoys, blind materials, and harvested game from the refuge (see § 27.93 of this chapter) by 1 p.m. each day.(iii) Hunters may enter the refuge at 4 a.m. and must stop hunting at 12 p.m. (noon) each day.(iv) We allow the use of dogs for retrieval of migratory birds.(v) We allow the incidental take of coyote, beaver, opossum, nutria, raccoon, and feral hog during any refuge hunt with the weapons legal for that hunt, as governed by the State of Alabama.(2)Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel and rabbit, and incidental take of coyote, beaver, raccoon, opossum, and nutria, on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We prohibit leaving unattended personal property, including, but not limited to, boats or vehicles of any type, geocaches, lumber, and cameras, overnight on the refuge (see § 27.93 of this chapter).(ii) All persons age 15 or younger, while hunting on the refuge, must be in the presence and under direct supervision of a licensed or exempt hunter age 21 or older. A licensed hunter supervising a youth must hold a valid State license for the species being hunted. One adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.(iii) We allow the use of dogs when hunting squirrel and rabbit.(iv) Hunters may only hunt during designated days and times.(v) The condition set forth at paragraph (c)(1)(v) of this section applies.(3)Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and incidental take of feral hog subject to the following conditions:(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (c)(1)(v), and (c)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section apply.(ii) Deer hunters may place one portable stand or blind on the refuge for use while deer hunting, but only during the open deer season. The stand must be clearly labeled with the hunter's State hunting license number. You may leave the stand or blind on the refuge overnight during the deer season.(iii) While climbing a tree, installing a tree stand that uses climbing aids, or hunting from a tree stand on the refuge, hunters must use a fall-arrest system (full body harness) that is manufactured to the Tree Stand Manufacturers Association's standards.(iv) Deer hunts are archery only except during the State Special Opportunity Areas (SOA) hunt.(v) The State SOA hunt will occur 4 days per year on the refuge as specified by State SOA regulations.(vi) Hunters must be selected for and possess a State limited quota permit in order to participate in the State SOA hunt on the refuge.(vii) We allow the use of muzzleloaders only during the State SOA hunt.(4)Sport fishing. We allow fishing in designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We allow fishing year-round, except in the waterfowl sanctuary area as depicted within the refuge brochure. The waterfowl sanctuary is closed to fishing from November 15 through March 1.(ii) We allow a rod and reel and pole and line. We prohibit all other methods of fishing, including bow fishing.(iii) We prohibit the taking of frogs, turtles, and crawfish (see § 27.21 of this chapter).(iv) We prohibit fishing tournaments on all refuge waters.(d)Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge -(1)Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of mourning dove and Eurasian-collared dove, duck, and goose on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:(i) You must possess and carry a signed refuge hunt permit (signed brochure) when hunting.(ii) All youth hunters (ages 10 through 15) must remain within sight and normal voice contact of a properly licensed hunting adult age 21 or older. Youth hunters must possess and carry verification of passing a State-approved hunter education course. One adult may supervise no more than two youth hunters.(iii) All waterfowl hunting opportunities are spaced-blind and assigned by lottery. Hunters wishing to participate in our waterfowl hunt must submit a Waterfowl Lottery Application (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt Application-National Wildlife Refuge System).(iv) Hunters must remove all stands/blinds and other personal property at the end of each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).(v) We allow access to the refuge for hunting from 11/2 hours before legal sunrise to 11/2 hours after legal sunset.(vi) We prohibit organized drives. We define a "drive" as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause game to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the game.(vii) We prohibit hunting or observing from an elevated stand without use of a full body harness.(2)Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of squirrel and rabbit on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:(i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (d)(1)(i) and (ii) and (v) through (vii) of this section apply.(ii) We allow only shotguns as the means of take for upland game hunting.(3)Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (d)(1)(i) and (v) through (vii) of this section apply.(ii) We allow youth gun hunting opportunities that are spaced-blind and assigned by lottery. Hunters wishing to participate in our youth gun hunt must submit a Big/Upland Game Hunt Application (FWS Form 3-2439, Hunt Application-National Wildlife Refuge System).(iii) All youth hunters must remain within sight and normal voice contact of a properly hunting-licensed adult age 21 or older. Youth hunters must possess and carry verification of passing a State-approved hunter education course. One adult may supervise no more than one youth hunter.(iv) All big game hunting opportunities, except for youth gun, are archery-only.(v) We close those portions of the refuge between Bustahatchee and Rood Creeks to archery hunting until November 1.(4)Sport fishing. We allow sport fishing, including bowfishing, in designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We allow shoreline access for fishing from 1 hour before legal sunrise to 1 hour after legal sunset.(ii) We prohibit taking frog or turtle on all refuge lands and waters (see § 27.21 of this chapter).(iii) We adopt reciprocal license agreements between Alabama and Georgia for fishing in Lake Eufaula. Anglers fishing in waters not directly connected to Lake Eufaula must be properly licensed for the State in which they are fishing.(e)Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Refer to § 32.43(d) for regulations.(f)Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge -(1)Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of mourning and white-winged dove, crow, woodcock, and snipe on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions:(i) We require hunters to possess and carry a current and signed Key Cave National Wildlife Refuge permit, which is included with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Seven Mile Island Wildlife Management Area hunting permit, when hunting on the refuge.(ii) We allow hunting on Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday.(iii) We allow the use of dogs when hunting migratory game birds and upland game.(2)Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of quail, Eurasian-collared dove, squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, starling, coyote, bobcat, and fox on designated portions of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (f)(1)(i) and (iii) of this section apply.(ii) We allow hunting on designated areas from legal sunrise to legal sunset on Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, except that you may hunt opossum and raccoon after legal sunset.(iii) Hunters may hunt with shotguns using only #4 shot or smaller, rifles and handguns using rim-fire ammunition only, or archery equipment that complies with State regulations.(3)Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hog on designated portions of the refuge as governed by State regulations subject to the following conditions: (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (f)(1)(i) and (iii) of this section apply.(ii) We allow hunting on designated areas from legal sunrise to legal sunset on Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday.(iii) We prohibit the use of firearms for hunting deer on the refuge.(iv) We allow hunters to hunt from portable tree stands. While climbing a tree, installing a tree stand that uses climbing aids, or hunting from a tree stand on the refuge, hunters must use a fall-arrest system (full body harness) that is manufactured to the Tree Stand Manufacturers Association's standards.(v) We prohibit organized drives. We define a "drive" as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause game to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the game.(vi) Hunters may hunt big game species other than deer with shotguns using only approved nontoxic #4 shot or smaller (see § 32.2(k) ), rifles and handguns using rim-fire ammunition only, or archery equipment that complies with State regulations.(g)Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge -(1)Migratory game bird hunting. We allow hunting of woodcock on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We require hunters to hunt as governed by Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Choccolocco Wildlife Management Area hunting permit conditions.(ii) We require hunters to possess and carry a current and signed Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Choccolocco Wildlife Management Area hunting permit when hunting on the refuge.(iii) Hunters may only hunt during designated days and times.(iv) Hunters must remove tree stands, blinds, or other personal property from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).(2)Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, rabbit, groundhog, raccoon, opossum, beaver, and fox on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (iv) of this section apply.(ii) We prohibit hunting after legal sunset.(iii) Hunters must use a body safety harness at all times while hunting from a tree.(iv) We allow the use of dogs when hunting quail, squirrel, and rabbit only.(3)Big game hunting. We allow hunting of white-tailed deer, bobcat, coyote, feral hog, and turkey on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: The conditions set forth at paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (iv) and (g)(2)(iii) of this section apply.(h)Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge.(2)Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, and opossum on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We require hunters to hunt as governed by Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' North Sauty refuge hunting permit.(ii) We require hunters to possess and carry a current and signed Sauta Cave National Wildlife Refuge permit, which is found on the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Jackson County Waterfowl, Management Areas, refuges and Coon Gulf Tract hunting permit, when hunting.(iii) Hunters may only hunt during designated days and times.(iv) Hunters may hunt with shotguns using only #4 shot or smaller, rifles and handguns using rim-fire ammunition only, or archery equipment that complies with State regulations.(v) We allow the use of dogs when hunting upland game.(i)Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge.(2)Upland game hunting. We allow hunting of quail, squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, and opossum on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) We require hunters to possess and carry a current and signed hunting permit, found on the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge hunting brochure, when hunting on the refuge.(ii) Hunters may hunt with shotguns using only #4 shot or smaller, rifles and handguns using rim-fire ammunition only, or archery equipment that complies with State regulations.(iii) We allow hunting on designated areas Monday through Saturday. We prohibit hunting on Sunday.(iv) We allow the use of dogs when hunting upland game.(v) Hunters must use a body safety harness at all times while hunting from a tree.(vi) Hunters must remove tree stands, blinds, or other personal property from the refuge at the end of each day's hunt (see § 27.93 of this chapter).(vii) Hunters may only hunt during designated days and times.(3)Big game hunting. We allow the hunting of white-tailed deer and feral hog on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following conditions: (i) The conditions set forth at paragraphs (i)(2)(i) and (iii) and (v) through (vii) of this section apply.(ii) We prohibit organized drives. We define a "drive" as an organized or planned effort to pursue, drive, chase, or otherwise frighten or cause game to move in the direction of any person(s) who is part of the organized or planned hunt and known to be waiting for the game.(iii) Hunters may only hunt with archery equipment that complies with State regulations and flintlocks .40 caliber or larger.(iv) You may only hunt feral hog during the refuge archery and flintlock deer season.(4)Sport fishing. We allow fishing on designated areas of the refuge subject to the following condition: We open all refuge waters to fishing year-round unless otherwise posted.58 FR 5064, Jan. 19, 1993, as amended at 86 FR 48849 , Aug. 31, 2021 81 FR 68887, 10/4/2016; 84 FR 47675, 9/10/2019; as amended at 86 FR 48849, 8/31/2021