Laws and Regulations
Atlantic Striped Bass Conservation Act
The Atlantic Striped Bass Conservation Act supports and encourages development, implementation, and enforcement of effective interstate action regarding the conservation and management of Atlantic striped bass. The Act recognizes the commercial and recreational importance of Atlantic striped bass…
Uncrewed Aircraft Systems
Launching, landing or disturbing wildlife by Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (drones) on national wildlife refuges is prohibited. UAS operators should not rely solely on applications such as AirMap, DJI Go or B4UFly to determine if a location is legal for UAS use. Such applications do not always capture…
Public Land Corps Act
The Public Land Corps Act creates a program that provides young people age 16 to 30 the opportunity to work on conservation projects on public lands. Participants must successfully complete 640 hours that include at least 120 hours on federal lands through the Public Lands Corp. PLC participants…
Refuge Entrance Rules and Permits
Most national wildlife refuges are open to the public. Even at a refuge open to the public, however, some parts of the refuge may be off limits seasonally or year-round to avoid disturbance to wildlife or habitat. Visitors must follow refuge entrance rules regarding fees, permits and areas open/…
Pets and Other Animals
Unconfined domestic animals — including dogs, hogs, cats, horses, sheep and cattle — are not permitted to enter or roam at large at any national wildlife refuge, except as specifically authorized. Some refuges do not permit pets on leashes. Check refuge rules before you visit.
Look, but Don't Touch
The adage "look, but don't touch" applies to many aspects of visiting a national wildlife refuge. Visitors may not take any animal or plants, except as authorized. Visitors may not disturb, injure, spear, poison, destroy, collect or attempt to disturb, injure, spear, poison, destroy or collect any …
Basic Conduct
Any act of indecency or disorderly conduct as defined by state or local laws is prohibited on any national wildlife refuge. Disturbing, molesting or interfering with any employee of the United States or of any local or state government engaged in official business, or with any private person…
Obey the Signs
All visitors must comply with national wildlife refuge rules, regulations, posted signs and special regulations or be subject to penalty.
Natural Light Only
No unauthorized person shall use or direct the rays of a spotlight or other artificial light, or automotive headlights, for the purpose of spotting, locating or taking any animal within a national wildlife refuge or along rights-of-way for public or private roads within a national wildlife refuge.
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Being on a national wildlife refuge when under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, to a degree that may endanger oneself or other persons or property or unreasonably annoy persons, is prohibited. Delivery of a controlled substance is prohibited, except when being delivered by a…
Oil, Gas and Other Mineral Extraction
Laws, regulations and policy for managing the extraction of minerals beneath national wildlife refuges are outlined in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Manual Chapter 612 FW1, "Minerals Management Policy."