Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge is managed for mixed stands of coniferous and deciduous trees in various classes. These mixed-age stands offer various habitat conditions favorable for ruffed grouse. Upland bird hunters know Minnesota is one of the finest destinations in the country for this challenging game bird, and this 43,000-acre refuge is a great place to experience quality hunting. More than 50 miles of mowed trails and 50 miles of primitive spur trails are available for walking access. Parking can occur along the roadsides and near the gates, but can not block gate. In addition to upland game hunting, the entire refuge (except near buildings) is open to hunting for deer, squirrel, rabbit, red fox, raccoon and striped skunk. Portions of the refuge are open to migratory bird hunting. See the hunting brochure for roads that are open to water access. Accesses are primitive dirt ramp with no docks. The refuge’s extensive wild rice stands and shallow lakes attract a large number of migratory ducks each fall.
Refuge Hunting Rules and Policies
Hunters are required to comply with Minnesota hunter orange requirements.
Pet owners should use caution as trapping and snaring are allowed by tribal permit and may occur throughout the refuge except in the Closed to Hunting Zone
Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuge System lands must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Persons may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42 and specific refuge regulations in 50 CFR Part 32).
Licensed motor vehicles are allowed on main roads and service roads beyond open gates as shown on the map. The following service road gates are open seasonally in the fall: Egg
Lake Trail to the inner gate, Dry Lake Trail, Pine Lake Trail (boat access), West Rice Lake Trail, Herfendahl Landing, Herfendahl Cut-Across.
Non-motorized watercraft for hunting are allowed on all waterbodies within the migratory bird hunting areas.
Motorized watercraft for hunting are allowed on: Two Island, Carmen, Lower Egg, Big Egg, Waboose, Dry, North Tamarac, South Tamarac, Pine, Rice, Height of Land, Cotton, and Johnson lakes.
Hunting regulations are designed to provide safe recreational opportunities through wise use of renewable wildlife resources. Hunting is permitted in accordance with federal regulations governing public use on National Wildlife Refuges as set forth in Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations, applicable State of Minnesota and White Earth Nation regulations and seasons.
White Earth Nation firearms deer season runs from October through December. Tribal trapping and snaring is allowed by permit and may occur throughout the refuge except the No Hunting Zone.
Hunters using shotguns may only use or possess non-toxic shot while hunting migratory birds and upland game, including turkey.
Brochures may be obtained by mail, at the refuge headquarters, or from the refuge website.
Refuge is open from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. Accessing refuge lands outside of these hours is prohibited.
Parking, blocking, or in any manner restricting access to roads and gates is prohibited.
The Wildlife Sanctuary Area (all refuge land north of County Highway 26) is open to public entry from September 1 - March 1.
Horses are not permitted on refuge trails or wildlife drive, but may follow county and township roads.
Tree stands, steps, elevated platforms, and ground blinds must be temporary and removed from the refuge daily. Use of nails, screws, bolts, or wires to attach a stand to a tree for hunting from a tree is prohibited.
Fires and overnight camping or parking are prohibited.
- Refuge Law Enforcement Officer: 218-844-3423
- Turn In Poachers (TIP): 1-800-652-9093
- Dial #TIP (#847) from your cell phone
By law, recreational activities on National Wildlife Refuges are prohibited unless expressly permitted.
- Possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting.
- Snowmobiles, ATVs, and UTVs on the refuge.
- Searching for or removal of any natural items such as antlers, bones, plants, historic, and archaeological features.
- Use of dogs to hunt furbearers or hunting furbearers outside of daylight hours.
- Use of nails, screws, bolts, or wires to attach a stand to a tree for hunting from a tree, into which a metal object has been driven to support a hunter.
- Target, skeet, trap, indiscriminate shooting and training pets.
- Hunting within 200 yards of any public use facility
