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The William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge black-tailed deer hunt will take place in the same designated Refuge areas as in previous years, referred to and marked as Zones 1 and 2. The general refuge archery season for both zones runs from Aug. 25 through Sept. 23.
With a valid state 615 tag, archery hunting in Zone 1 is allowed from Sept. 1 to Oct. 31. Depending on your hunt tag (General Firearm, 615 or 100M), hunting Zone 1 with a shotgun using slugs only, buckshot is no longer allowed, and/or muzzleloader is open from Oct. 1 to Oct. 31.
Zone 2 is limited to archery hunting only. The hunt period will be open from Aug. 25 to Oct. 31. Zone 2 includes Woodpecker Loop, Intertie Trail and the Mill Hill Trail. Hunters must possess valid state 615 or general archery tags.
Self-service hunt kiosks will be located off Finley Refuge Road at the Display Pond parking area and the Turtle Flats restrooms, as well as off Bruce Road near the east end of McFadden Marsh bridge. Maps and regulations are posted at the hunt kiosks, as well as on the Refuge website: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/William_L_Finley/.
Hunters are permitted on the Refuge one hour before and one hour after the legal hunting time. Only shotguns (using slugs) and muzzleloaders for the restricted firearms deer hunt may be used during the designated dates. Black-tailed deer of either sex may be harvested with appropriate state-issued tag. Overnight camping and after-hours parking is prohibited on the Refuge.
All hunters must complete the two-part Big Game Harvest Report, available at the self-service hunt kiosks, before and after each hunt day. Hunters may use portable or climbing deer stands but must remove them from the Refuge daily. Hunters must have a current state hunting license and valid state-issued deer tag. Hunters under 18 must have their hunter safety card on their person.
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.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and a trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service.
For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
