Neal Smith NWR
⚠ Boundary shown is the legal land outline. Hunting access varies within the boundary — closed units, permit zones, water-only sections, seasonal closures. Check station regulations before hunting: fws.gov/refuge/neal-smith
Changes for 2026-2027
Categories reflect the federal classification system. Which specific species are huntable depends on state regulations and the individual refuge plan. Check the official FWS regulations before hunting.
The changes at Neal Smith NWR are now final
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published the final rule on September 1, 2026 (91 FR 56290), and it took effect August 31, 2026. All 111 stations in the proposal were adopted. FWS received 19,679 public comments before the comment period closed on June 26, 2026.
Changed from the proposal: The final rule clarified that the bison/elk enclosure is closed to sport fishing and removed a provision prohibiting deer drives.
Read the final rule on federalregister.gov ↗A final rule sets what a refuge may allow. Seasons, bag limits, and permits still come from state regulations and each refuge's own hunt plan — check both before you go. A technical correction published September 25, 2026 renumbered hatchery paragraphs; it changed no hunting opportunity.
We'll email you when FWS proposes the 2027-2028 openings
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