Late season upland bird hunt opens Nov. 25
By Jackie Jacobson
Visitor Services Manager
The late season upland bird hunt on Audubon National Wildlife Refuge, Coleharbor, ND will open on Monday, November 25. This is the traditional ‘opening day’ – the first Monday after the deer rifle season closes - and is a long-standing tradition for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts to seek out pheasants, grouse, and partridge on the refuge.
Both habitat and weather are important factors that affect all wildlife, and the highly sought-after pheasant is particularly affected when spring snow storms, heavy rains, and ice storms hit the prairies. According to the ND Game and Fish Department, total pheasants in the state are down from last year – 30-40 percent in some areas, with isolated pockets supporting more birds.
Hunters can access special refuge regulations at the Visitor Center information kiosk or on-line at http://www.fws.gov/audubon. General reminders: there are three no hunting zones, non-toxic shot is required, hunters must park at the Refuge boundary or in a designated visitor parking area and walk to access areas open to hunting, refuge islands are closed to hunting, and the use of dogs is encouraged. The upland bird hunt will close on January 5, 2014.
The Audubon Refuge Partners Volunteer Group will be serving snacks and lunch in the visitor center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on opening day. Hunters are invited to stop in and support the group, browse in the exhibit hall, and visit with other hunters. All proceeds will be used for educational programs for youth and adults that visit the refuge.
Audubon National Wildlife Refuge Office and Visitor Center is located three miles north of Coleharbor, ND on U.S. Highway 83 and one mile east.
