Hunting
While many come to Roswell looking for UFOs, hunters will be more likely to notice other flying objects in the area, namely, thousands of snow geese, sandhill cranes and other waterfowl species. These birds are flying to Bitter Lake NWR, one of the most important waterfowl habitats in the Southwest. As many as 40,000 sandhill cranes can be found at the refuge in the fall, creating a truly impressive wildlife spectacle. Hunters can experience this waterfowl hotspot at two hunting areas on the refuge: one that is open during state authorized seasons, and one in which hunting is allowed during limited days and times each week. Hunters should consult refuge headquarters for the latest regulations. Portable blinds are permitted, and hunters can expect to see thousands of snow geese, up to 20 duck species and large numbers of sandhill cranes, which may be hunted provided a hunter has the necessary federal crane permit.
Public hunting on Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge is allowed in those areas designated as open to hunting by field signs and as indicated on the accompanying map. The following terms and conditions supplement the regulations which govern hunting on National Wildlife Refuges, as set forth in Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, part 32 and in current Federal Migratory Bird and State Hunting Regulations.
HUNTERS MUST COMPLY WITH ALL FEDERAL AND STATE HUNTING REGULATIONS. Click Here for the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge Hunters Brochure. For more information contact the refuge at (575) 244-6256.
