Hunting
Migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and big game hunting were expanded in 2015. Swan Lake NWR was created to protect habitat for migratory birds. Geese were rare visitors until 1941 when 800 Canada geese wintered at the refuge. Over the years, the refuge gradually attracted more and more geese. Today, from 10,000 to 80,000 Canada geese can be found on the refuge annually. A goose-only hunt is held with specified blinds or blind sites assigned to hunters via a morning drawing. Up to four hunters may hunt in one group. Check with refuge office for the latest regulations. A controlled muzzleloader deer hunt is also held on the refuge. Deer hunts are held for youth and disabled hunters.
Special regulations and hunting rules and policies
Trapping
The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service carefully regulates trapping on national wildlife refuges to ensure that safe, effective practices are used to sustainably manage wildlife populations, eradicate and control invasive and pest species, and protect refuge infrastructure. Often, trapping is the most effective way to research wildlife or manage invasive species. Trapping is highly regulated at the county, state, and federal level, and is included as part of an integrated pest management strategy. On some national wildlife refuges, trapping may be available as a public activity and can be connected to management actions as a cost savings method, depending on the target species. All trapping must be done in accordance with state laws, regulations, and licensing requirements.
The use of trapping at the refuge determined on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the refuge’s conservation purpose and related legal authorities. The refuge allows trapping as public recreation and requires trappers to obtain a refuge special use permit. Special use permit rules ensure that trapping activities are compatible with refuge purposes.
