Kootenai

Kootenai NWR https://www.fws.gov/refuge/kootenai https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kootenai_National_Wildlife_Refuge The Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge is located in northern Idaho. It is bordered by the Selkirk Mountains to the west, the Kootenai River to the east, and state lands to the south. The refuge provides diverse habitat types, especially wetlands and hardwood and coniferous forest. It was established to preserve migration habitat for waterfowl, and more than 300 species of vertebrates inhabit the area, including coyote, Grizzly bear, elk, bald eagle, Great horned owl, cinnamon bear, moose, beaver, kestrel, river otter, red-tailed hawk, white-tailed deer, thirteen species of bats, northern harrier, and black bear.



Myrtle Creek and Deep Creek only. A Refuge Special Use Permit is required in addition to a State of Idaho issued disabled hunter license and deer tag. Short-range weapons as defined by State regulations, only. Only archery equipment or a crossbow is allowed during the archery hunt season. The use of non-toxic ammunition is required for all firearm hunting. Deer Blind is located in the northwest corner of the Refuge where the Myrtle Creek and Kootenai River dikes merge. (See map reverse side) In accordance with Idaho State regulations. The use of dogs to hunt mountain lions is prohibited. Limited to the 173-acre unit west of Lion’s Den Road. All hunting for the special lottery deer hunt will be conducted from a blind located in the northwest corner of the Refuge where the Myrtle Creek and Kootenai River dikes merge. (See map on reverse side) Big Game Hunting In accordance with Idaho State regulations. Forest Grouse (Ruffed, Spruce & Dusky Grouse) and Wild Turkey Limited to the 173-acre forested upland portion of the Refuge which lies west of Lion’s Den Road. (see map reverse side) Daily bag and possession limit coincide with limits established by the State. In accordance with Idaho State regulations and seasons. Upland Bird Hunting Within Designated waterfowl The use of dogs is allowed for hunt units. (See map on migratory bird hunting. reverse side) Daily bag and possession limit coincide with limits established by the State. Hunt days are 4 days per week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday) during the State duck and goose seasons. Ducks, Geese, Coots, and Snipe Migratory Bird Hunting Hunt Type In accordance with Idaho State regulations and seasons. Season Dates Harvest Hunt Areas The use of hunting dogs is allowed during the forest grouse and Fall turkey seasons. Non-toxic shot shells are required. Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge Hunting and Fishing Regulations 2020–2021 Other Regulations State hunting and fishing regulations, seasons, methods of take, bag limits, and license requirements apply to all hunting on the Refuge with the following exceptions. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Safety Hunting and Fishing Regulations The Refuge has designated hunting areas separated spatially from hiking trails and the Auto Tour Route, except for the Ole Humpback Trail which is located inside the Turkey, Grouse and Big Game hunting Unit. A non-shooting retrieval zone has been established along the west side of the Auto Tour Route (ATR) and the Deep Creek Trail to provide for safety. All hunting firearms must be unloaded when in the posted retrieval zone for purposes of retrieving downed birds or when traveling to and from the hunting area. Hunters with disabilities should have a helper if necessary, to assist with retrieving downed game. Hypothermia can happen quickly in cold, wet weather and in minutes if you fall in cold water. Wear clothes suitable for these outdoor activities. Beware of deep water in ditches usually adjacent to dikes. Hunting and fishing regulations are designed to provide safe recreational opportunities through wise use of renewable wildlife resources. Hunting and fishing are 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. Licensed motor vehicles and bicycles are allowed only on County roads and the Auto Tour Route. White-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, moose, black bear, and mountain lion Boats are prohibited from entering the mouth of Myrtle Creek. Boats may not land on the banks of Deep Creek. Waterfowl hunters can use non-motorized boats launched from the Center Ditch at the Center Parking Lot to access the waterfowl hunt areas. Vehicles Special Access- In accordance with Idaho State Accessible regulations and Deer Blind seasons. Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1964 as a migratory waterfowl refuge. This 2,774-acre Refuge is nestled within a glacial valley in northern Idaho. The majestic Selkirk Mountains flank the refuge’s western border. Rivers and streams provide habitat for more than 20 species of fish. The Kootenai River runs along the northern and eastern boundaries, and Deep Creek lies to the east. Wetlands, meadows, and cultivated agricultural fields are interspersed in the valley providing prime habitat for many species of migratory waterfowl. Riparian and coniferous forests provide home for numerous songbird species, big game and other wildlife. 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.) In accordance with Idaho State regulations and seasons. Boats Firearms Sport Fishing Fishing from boats, float tubes, or other personal flotation devices is prohibited on Myrt