Hunting changes announced for the 2020-2021 Season on Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) has announced online permits for the youth waterfowl hunt and COVID-19 waterfowl blind draw procedures. Additionally, the Refuge announces the 2020 Final Hunting Plan for Iroquois NWR has been approved and awaits publication in the Federal Register.

The Iroquois NWR Youth Waterfowl Hunt remains the same except permitting will now be done online at https://IroquoisNWR.RecAccess.com . Permits are available first come, first serve from August 15 until September 15. The permit is free, but space is limited to 15 participants this year. You will receive your permit letter and Parental Consent Form upon checking out on RecAccess. 

The pre-season waterfowl lottery draws will once again be on RecAccess. However, morning blind draws for the entire regular season will now be held at the Refuge Shop at 1101 Casey Road, Basom, NY 14013 to ensure the safety of staff and the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Details of how we will safely proceed will be disseminated through our website, Facebook, and RecAccess as opening day approaches. 

The 2020 Final Hunting Plan has been approved and posted on our website at https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Iroquois/visit/2020_Hunt_Plan.html . This plan includes changes to the 2020-2021 hunt seasons on Iroquois NWR, including other migratory birds, small game, fall turkey, and the second session of the waterfowl season. Once these changes are published in the Federal Register, we will be able to implement them. This will be reflected on our website and fact sheets as appropriate. Please continue to check their website periodically for updates. 

For further information please see our website https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Iroquois/ or contact Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge at Iroquois@fws.gov or Visitor Services Specialist Eric Schaertl at 585-948-5445 x7036. Iroquois NWR is located midway between Buffalo and Rochester, NY and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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 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.