Alligator River

General Information Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge contains approximately 160,000 acres, most of which are open to hunting. There are more than 150 miles of old logging This blue goose, roads that provide hunting designed by J.N. access, some for vehicles and “Ding” Darling, has some on foot. Visitors should become a symbol of use caution, especially when the National Wildlife venturing into the more Refuge System. remote areas of the refuge with only a two-wheel drive vehicle. In the center of the refuge is the Dare County Range, a 46,000-acre military practice area owned by the U.S. Air Force and used by both the Air Force and the U.S. Navy. The Range is a part of the North Carolina Gamelands Program and governed by Gamelands rules and regulations (http://www.ncwildlife.org). Especially in the areas on or adjacent to the Dare Range, road conditions may be unpredictable. When taking any game animal or bird with a shotgun, federally approved, non-toxic shot must be used (except buckshot or slugs for white-tailed deer). Possessing lead shot in the field is prohibited, except when engaged in deer hunting. For newcomers to the Refuge, the impenetrable vegetation and remoteness often catch them unaware. First time users should consult with a Refuge staff member or another hunter before venturing off the beaten path. Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit on Refuge roads is 35 mph. White-tailed deer is the primary species hunted. The use of chase dogs is permitted. About half the refuge is open to this type of hunting. Hunting small game and waterfowl is also permitted; however, the majority of waterfowl hunting occurs on the sounds and rivers surrounding the Refuge. Regulations All general refuge regulations apply, unless specifically addressed in this leaflet. Restrictions and designations on the map in this leaflet also apply. Public hunting is permitted in accordance with all state laws, county codes, Title 50 - Code of Federal Regulations, and the following Refuge regulations: The use or possession of alcoholic beverages while hunting is prohibited. The taking or possession of bear, turkey, bobcat, any furbearer, or any part thereof, is prohibited, except when transporting same along an NC State road or US highway. Game legally taken on the Dare Range must be transported to US Highway 264 or 64 by the most direct route possible. Hyde County portions of the Refuge are closed to whitetailed deer hunting during open seasons on black bear on adjacent lands. Taking or collecting any plant or animal (including reptiles and amphibians) is prohibited, except as specifically authorized by the Refuge Manager. The use of artificial lights (including car headlights) to locate, observe, or take animals is prohibited, except as specifically authorized by the Refuge Manager. Hunters should be aware that some areas may be temporarily closed to hunting. These areas will be clearly marked with appropriate signs. Farming Area Farming area is closed to waterfowl hunting. Laurel Bay Unit The farming area west of Buffalo City Road is open to deer and small game hunting in accordance with State and Refuge regulations. Hunting in impoundments and vehicular access are allowed only during September, October, and February. Twiford and Upper Creef Units The farming areas east of Buffalo City Road and north of Link Road are open to hunting and vehicles only during September and October and closed to all entry from November 1 to February 28. Lower Creef Unit The farming area between Link and Grouse Roads is open to deer and small game hunting during September and October and only to small game hunting starting in November in accordance with State and Refuge regulations. Baiting or feeding wildlife and hunting with the aid of bait are prohibited. Use of Dogs The use of dogs is restricted to designated areas (see map). All dogs must be confined or leashed and under owner control when not engaged in hunting. Vehicular access is restricted to designated roads (see map). ATVs/UTVs (3 and 4 wheelers, dirt bikes, etc.) are prohibited. Hunters may walk on closed roads in the farming area or on the roads in the “no dog hunting” area to retrieve their stray hunting dogs only until 11 pm. Camping, fires, littering, target practice, and commercial guiding are prohibited. In the farming area west of Buffalo City Road (Laurel Bay Unit), the use of dogs is restricted to small game hunting, except during the month of October. The use of electronic calls to attract wildlife is prohibited. Permits are required for all hunts. Your permit is on the front of this brochure. The construction or use of permanent blinds, platforms, and/or ladders is prohibited. Hunting from a tree into which a metal object has been inserted is prohibited. The Refuge is open daylight hours only. Hunter access is allowed from one hour before until one hour after legal hunting hours. The use of horses for any hunting activity is prohibited. Possession of firearms is permitted in accordance with State law. Disturbing, molesting or interfering with any person engaged in the pursuit of an authorized activity on the Refuge is prohibited. Hunters using the Refuge are subject to inspections of permits, licenses, hunting equipment, bag limits, vehicles, and their contents by Refuge or State law enforcement officers. All farming units are open to deer hunting with chase dogs during October in accordance with state regulations and unless posted as closed. The training of chase dogs is permitted only during modern gun deer season. Wildlife Drive Hunters are reminded that the Refuge Wildlife Drive (see map) is adjacent to several hunting areas and is a popular U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service attraction to many. Please be aware of the Wildlife Drive and be cautious and courteous when hunting in areas shared with other refuge visitors. Alligator River Youth Hunting Refuge youth hunting regulations have been changed to match the State. Remember both State and Federal regulations apply to all refuge hunts. Be sure to check State Regulations at http://www.ncwildlife.org National Wildlife Refuge Hunting Regulations & Permit 2020-2021 Game Animals Only the following species may be hunted: ducks, geese, tundra swan, coot, quail, mourning dove, snipe, woodcock, rabbits, squirrel, opossum*, raccoon*, and white-tailed deer in accordance to Federal, State, and local regulations. *Legal hunting hours for raccoons and opossums are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, unless authorized by Refuge Special Use Permit. If you have questions as to the advisability or legality of any activity, consult the Refuge Manager before participating in that activity. Permits When the permit on the front cover of this leaflet is signed, dated and on your person, it serves as a permit for all 2020 - 2021 hunts on Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Effective dates of this permit are September 1, 2020- June 30, 2021. For additional information, write or call Alligator River NWR P. O. Box 1969 Manteo, NC 27954 252/473 1131 To report wildlife violations, call 1/800/662 7137 Refuge Hunting Permit Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge Name_____________________________________ (please print) I have read and understand the refuge hunting regulations contained in this leaflet. Signed:____________________________________ Date:______________________________________ July 2020 Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities Hunting and fishing opportunities for individuals with disabilities are available on Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Persons with disabilities may contact the Refuge office prior to their arrival if special arrangements are needed. Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge P.O. Box 1969 Manteo, NC 27954 252/473 1131 email: alligatorriver@fws.gov http://www.fws.gov/refuge/alligator_river U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 1 800/344 WILD Fishing Sport fishing is allowed on any open area of the Refuge in accordance with State and Federal regulations. Only the use of pole and line, rod and reel, or cast net is permitted. This permit must be signed, dated and carried on your person and is only valid from September 1, 2020June 30, 2021. Haulover Point Alligator River N D LAN S NT I A DUR National Wildlife Refuge M as ho es Rd .- East Lake 13 64 264 Manns Harbor bo d. Bay R Deep er Rd . Hic kor yR d. Riv Bea ver Pu mp Rd. Rd. Sawyer Lake d. lR tai M ill Center For ting o e NC missio hun tact ths Com Conource -7291. Res19/733 at 9 Perimeter Rd. Rd. Center Rd. Perimeter East Target Rd. Rd. West Target Rd. . Rd ter mo n Rd d . Ca ne Rd . . Beechland Rd. S) SR 1 100 D LAN g Rd Will o Rd. w Dia Ot d. SR ge Rid . Dry Rd. Rd H&B Road . Navy Shell Rd P Ralph Jumper Rd. s Rd. . Rd Eagle Rd. er et im er win hol Little Field Blue Nic Point Peter Rd. Storm Rd. Rd. 264 Long Curve Rd. . k Rd. ME n S . GorAmatioAnMoELlAdNlifDe C . (N inf n G Wi n Lake Worth Rd. Stumpy Point Bay Lake Worth Stomper Rd. Strafe Rd. Air Forc e Shell Rd . Ch ip Rd. DARE COUNTY HYDE COUNTY Rd . . Rd d. Rd . Rd DARE COUNTY ar R ve ur Be gC d. d. gR yR rin err eh eb n Lo Blu on Rd. d. . g sbac loth R Ash Rd. rin . Pollock Rd Navy t Pi w ro d. r Bo R eh Canva son Waterfield Rd. Gr Ko Rd. . Fairc Creek Rd on Rd Jack Air Force Lead Rd. Waters . Swan Creek Lake Ave . We st ell Gum Rd. Murry Rd. Holly Rd. Cre ek Sh Pine Rd. E ANG TY R Whipping dge 3500 Foot Rd. Deer Rd. Rd Fifth AT LW d. Rd. Sycamore Rd. AY W R E Lost Lake Swan Creek Ce Wi ge John Earle Rd. Rebel Rd. OUN . d rR Taylor Rd. Rd. Poplar TYRRELL COUNTY k Rd e C id vy . d. es ypr da Na EC DAR Whipping 264 oR an er Gum Swamp Unit-Hunting allowed; dogs prohibited. Hunting with dogs allowed. lha nge 0 Farming Area Closed year round to waterfowl hunting. See text for specific openings. 17 0 State Roads or U.S. highways Refuge Roads open to motorized vehicles. Refuge Roads open seasonally to motorized vehicles. Refuge Roads closed to motorized vehicles. Public or private roads, as indicated by signs. (Landowner permission is required to drive on private roads.) Wildlife Drive Visitor Center 158 5 Miles No Hunting-Safety/Resource Management Zone. Non-Refuge or private lands Elizabeth City To E Hunting allowed; the use of dogs is restricted to bird hunting with retrieving dogs. rd Roads leading into this section are private and closed to the general public. Public access is by water only. (Also part of Gum Swamp Unit) Kilometers 5 NOTICE: Red wolves roam free on Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge Please Report Sightings: 252-473-1131, ext. 243 The maximum penalty for harassing, harming, taking, possessing, or attempting to harass, harm, or take a red wolf is 1 year in jail, $100,000 fine, or both. ma Albe 37 Manteo Frying Pan Landing Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge AL AST ACO AY 94 R T IN ERW WAT SCALE 0 ATLANTIC OCEAN N Columbia 64 12 und rle So 64 Alligator River Legend ml ic . Rd ) La ke Road Ri v hoal Long S 6th A (Southve East Boun dary Pa rth A ve. W est d. Fou Sw TR ee s ou sR . Rd Sassafras Rd. Gum Neck Landing Gibbs Rd. Whipping Creek Lake l Rd .W W Rd. Lead d Rd. Maple Ko rth Reuben Rd. d. Wolf R Hooper Rd. ltai Panther Rd . r Rd ato Allig Navy Mil . Richmon Gator 4 um yR No Poplar Ridge Rd. ss Ba Po Alligator Rd. Sandy Ridge Rd. Milltail Creek Dry Ridge tch Rd. Grassy Pa d. IN Cr . Smith R AC r’s . Rd Rd. Cub k Lin The Frying Pan TA Bobcat Rd. rey Osp ce Creef Cut Rd. Sprigtail Rd. Twiford Rd. Sawyer Lake Rd. Creef Rd. Rd. Peterson . Milltail Rd Rd. d. ay R el B Laur Hook Rd. en 64 Butler Rd. Alligator River n Frying Pan S OA 64 264 . Gadwall Rd l Bay Sp Rd. Buffalo City Laure . e Rd Wyn Milltail Creek Grapevine Landing Croatan Sound igh Rd . La Rd ke N . e Laurel Bay Lake Visit the National Wildlife Refuges Visitor Center on Roanoke Island. ROANOKE ISLAND Business rh oo d Brier Hall 11 e o u t h L ak 64 SR Mashoes Public Boat Ramp Access Rd. S Rd. To Columbia . er Rd awy Ed S 64 264 Croatan 264 Sound Stumpy Point 12 Engelhard Lake Mattamuskeet 10 ound lico S P am 20 30 MILES