Hunting

Waterfowl Production Areas are open to all state hunting seasons in accordance with Federal and State regulations. 

Hunting is popular here, with thousands of ducks and geese using the wetlands each fall. Blue-winged teal, mallard, gadwall, green-winged teal, and northern pintail can be found in large numbers, as can diving ducks like redhead and lesser scaup. Grasslands, which provide spring nesting cover for ducks, also provide habitat for upland birds, white-tailed deer and turkey. 

For more information:

• See the South Dakota WPA Public Use Regulations for District-specific regulations 
• Visit South Dakota Game, Fish, & Parks for state licenses and regulations

Hunting Regulations

• Hunting activities and equipment are allowed in designated areas of the district in accordance to state regulations on Game Production Areas (GPAs). Any unit-specific rules or regulations will be clearly signed.
• Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuge System lands must comply with all provisions of State and local law. Person may only use (discharge) firearms in accordance with refuge regulations (50 CFR 27.42 and specific regulations in 50 CFR Part 32).
• Firearms may only be fired on the WPA in conjunction with a legal hunt for which the hunter is licensed.
• Small game hunters using shotguns are required to use and possess only non-toxic shot.
• The use of dogs is encouraged for hunting upland game birds and waterfowl. Dogs are allowed for other activities only if the dog is confined to a vehicle, boat, fish house, or is on a leash controlled by the handler.
• The distribution of bait and hunting over bait is prohibited. 
• Vehicles are allowed only on designated roads and parking areas.
• Motorized boats are allowed. Boats that must be launched from a trailer are limited to waters that are accessible from a right-of-way or designated road.