Arapaho

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge Hunting and Fishing A Home for Wildlife This goose, designed by J.N. “Ding” Darling, is the symbol of the National Wildlife Refuge System. be found in the general information leaflet and other leaflets displayed at the Refuge headquarters and kiosks. Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established in 1967 as a place for waterfowl and other migratory birds to nest and rear their young. It was created in part to compensate for habitat that has been lost to development in the prairie pothole region of the Midwest. Most of Arapaho NWR was purchased with money derived from the sale of Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps (“Duck Stamps”). The intent of this hunting and fishing brochure is to prevent violations, so please familiarize yourself with the Refuge regulations. Respect other hunters and anglers who may be in close proximity to you. Handle firearms safely. 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). Discharge of a firearm for any reason other than the legal taking of game animals is prohibited. The Refuge is one of more than 550 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System - a network of lands set aside specifically for wildlife. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Refuge System is a living heritage, preserving wildlife and habitat for people today and for generations to come. Hunting and fishing, in accordance with Service policies and Refuge regulations, promotes quality outdoor recreation opportunities as well as assisting with land management. Harvest of fish and wildlife helps keep population numbers in balance with available habitat to promote healthy ecosystems and wildlife populations. Fishing Regulations The Refuge provides prime habitat for a variety of wildlife. The irrigated meadows are ideal for nesting waterfowl and other birds. Riparian areas offer excellent habitat for moose, elk, and deer. The sagebrush flats and knolls are used by upland game birds and pronghorn. Fishing is allowed on the Illinois River south of County Road 32 during daylight hours only. Fishing maybe closed seasonally during low river flows. If so, signs will be posted at the Moose-Goose Trail, headquarters bridge, and at the headquarters. The Refuge ponds are closed to fishing since they do not support catchable fish due to winter ice and shallow waters. Ice fishing is not allowed on the Refuge. Live bait and lead sinkers are not allowed to reduce invasive fish species and lead poisoning in wildlife. Due to the shallow water, narrow stream channel, and heavy willow growth, boats are not allowed on the river. Fall migration reaches its height in late September or early October when up to 8,000 waterfowl may be on the Refuge. Most mammals can be observed year-round. More information about Arapaho NWR’s wildlife, habitats, management, and recreational opportunities can All fishing is closed from June 1 July 31 to protect nesting birds. Fishing is closed during pronghorn rifle seasons and elk seasons 1-4 in Units 17 and 171. Hunting seasons will be posted at the information area by the entrance to the Refuge headquarters. Hunting Regulations Hunting is permitted according to Federal and State regulations, and the following special regulations. Hunters must possess all applicable Federal and State licenses. The Refuge is open only to the hunting activities specifically stated in the table below. All hunting closes on the Refuge on December 31 annually. If in doubt as to any regulation, contact a Refuge Officer at 970 / 723 8202. Hours The Refuge is open from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Hunting Areas Hunting is permitted only in the designated hunting areas posted and shown on the map. Hunting is prohibited within 100 feet of roads and parking areas. Firearms Only legal shotguns, muzzleloaders, rifles, and hand-held bows meeting State regulations are permitted. Non-toxic shot must be used for all shotgun hunting on the Refuge. It is illegal to use or possess lead shot while in the field. Hunting Seasons Small Game Sage Grouse Cottontail, Jackrabbit Access Vehicle travel is limited to improved gravel roads. Vehicles must be parked in parking areas so that access by other Refuge vistors is not hindered. Camping Overnight camping and open fires are prohibited. Retrieving Retrieving game from areas closed to hunting is prohibited. Regulate your shooting so that game does not fall into “Closed to Hunting” zones of the Refuge. Blinds and Boats Using a portable blind or natural vegetation as a blind is permitted. However, cutting or manipulating natural vegetation for a blind is prohibited. Blinds and decoy setups must be removed daily and are not permitted prior to the opening of the waterfowl season. Littering Littering is prohibited. Pack your trash (including shotgun shell casings and fishing line) out with you so that the area will remain clean, natural, and enjoyable. Unit A and D Closed Closed Unit B State Season State Season 1 Unit C State Season State Season 1 Migratory Birds Duck, Coot, Merganser Canada Goose Snipe, Rail Dove Closed State Season 1 Closed State Season 1 Closed State Season 1 Closed State Season 1 Closed Closed Closed Closed Big Game Pronghorn Deer, Moose Elk Closed Closed Closed State Season Closed Limited Draw 1 State Season Closed Limited Draw A  ll hunting is in accordance with State seasons and regulations established for this area except that the Refuge is closed to rabbit hunting following the closing of the State-wide waterfowl season in January. Accessibility Information Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs and activities of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is available to all individuals regardless of physical or mental ability. Dial 711 for a free connection to the State relay service for TTY and voice calls to and from the speech and hearing impaired. For information or to address accessibility needs, please contact the Refuge staff at 970 / 723 8202, or the U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Equal Opportunity, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20240. Walden Reservoir Walden 14 Brocker Overlook Closed to hunting 125 Arapaho Unit B National Wildlife Refuge Refuge boundary 14 State highway 34 County road Unit A Auto tour N Refuge road Private land Unit A - closed to hunting Unit B - consult regulations 31 0 miles 0 Unit D 2 kilometers 2 Unit C - consult regulations Headquarters Entrance Road Unit D - closed to hunting 32 Open to fishing- consult regulations Refuge headquarters Unit C Information Restroom Linked symbols designate accessible features Overlook 34 Fishing access Nature trail Parking Refuge access point 125 14 Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge 953 JCR 32 Walden, CO 80480 970 / 723 8202 970 / 723 8528 fax arapaho@fws.gov http://arapaho.fws.gov U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service http://www.fws.gov For Refuge Information 1 800 / 344 WILD For State relay service TTY / Voice: 711 July 2012