Ouray

Ouray NWR https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ouray/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ouray_National_Wildlife_Refuge Ouray National Wildlife Refuge is located in central Uintah County, Utah in the northeastern part of the state. The refuge was created for the use of both local and migratory birds, and with funds provided by the sale of Federal Duck Stamps. The site of the refuge also holds the Ouray National Fish Hatchery, which was established in 1996 to help hatch razorback suckers, humpback chubs, Colorado pikeminnows and Bonytail chubs.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service This goose, designed by J.N. “Ding” Darling, has become the symbol of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Welcome Ouray National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established in 1960 on land purchased by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with revenue from the sale of Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamps (Federal Duck Stamps). General Information ■■The Refuge headquarters is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, except on Federal holidays. ■■Overnight camping or parking and open fires are not allowed on Refuge lands. ■■Disturbing, injuring, or removing plants, animals, natural objects (including shed antlers), or artifacts is prohibited. These items should be left for the enjoyment of all. ■■Please pack out any trash including shell casings, ammunition boxes, and fishing line. ■■Persons possessing, transporting, or carrying firearms on National Wildlife Refuges 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). ■■All vehicles, including ATV’s, must stay on established roads. ■■Pets must be confined or leashed (except hunting dogs when participating in a legal hunt). Refuge Hunting Regulations Hunting is permitted for ducks, geese, coots, pheasants, deer, elk, and turkeys ONLY in designated areas in accordance with State and Federal regulations. Duck, goose, coot, pheasant, and deer hunting is open for all State seasons. There are seasons and weapons restrictions on Refuge elk and turkey hunts as follows: ■ The Refuge is open to youth elk hunts, the general archery and Uintah Basin extended archery elk hunts and limited late-season antlerless elk hunts (starting December 1st). The Refuge is also open to State- managed depredation and disabled/other elk hunts. The Refuge is closed for Ouray National Wildlife Refuge Hunting and Fishing Regulations the general any-legal weapon (rifle) and muzzle loader bull elk hunts. The Refuge is open to turkey hunting for youth hunters only. ■ HUNTING ANY OTHER WILDLIFE SPECIES IS PROHIBITED. There are areas within the Refuge that are closed to hunting (see map). ■ Hours During hunting season, the Refuge is open from 1½ hours before sunrise to 1½ hours after sunset. Public entry and use on the Refuge is prohibited during closed hours. Hunting Areas Portions of the Refuge are leased Tribal land (see map). However, a special hunting permit issued by the Ute Tribe is required. ■ The river, sandbars, and islands within the Refuge boundary are closed to hunting. ■ The northern one-third of Wyasket Bottom is open to pheasant, deer, elk and turkey hunting. ■ Leota Bottom is the only area on the Refuge that is open to duck, goose and coot hunting, but waterfowl hunting within 100 yards of the Green River in Leota Bottom is prohibited. ■■Leota Bottom is also open for pheasant, deer, elk, and turkey hunting. Access into this area is limited to foot, bicycle, horseback, canoes and small boats with electric motors only. ■■Sheppard Bottom is closed to all hunting. Johnson Bottom is open to pheasant, deer, elk, and turkey hunting. ■■Portions of Brennan Bottom that are on the Refuge are open to pheasant, deer, elk and turkey hunting. Special Shot Restrictions Only approved non-toxic shot may be possessed in the field while hunting waterfowl, pheasant, and turkey. Possession of lead shot while in the field on the Refuge is prohibited. ■ The hunting of waterfowl with a shotgun capable of holding more than three shells is prohibited. Blinds and Other Uses ■■Hunters may use portable blinds or blinds constructed of natural dead vegetation, temporary tree stands, or climbing devices that do not require drilling or nailing into a tree. Hunters must remove all blinds/stands no later than the last day for which you have a permit. ■■The accessible hunting blind in Leota Bottom is not in service (until further notice) due to flood damage. ■■The Refuge prohibits use of bait or hunting over bait. ■■The Refuge prohibits the use of trail or game cameras. Refuge Fishing Regulations Fishing is allowed on Refuge lands that border the Green River, but fishing within the Refuge impoundments is not allowed. All State of Utah and Tribal fishing regulations apply. Fishing with the aid of trot lines, bows and arrows, spears, spear guns, cross bows, and firearms is prohibited. ■ A fishing platform provides an accessible river fishing opportunity along the auto tour route in Sheppard Bottom (see map). ■ Please be aware that the razorback sucker, Colorado pikeminnow, humpback chub, and bonytail are endangered fish species found in the river and must be returned to the river unharmed if accidentally caught. ■ 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 abi