The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service would like to remind everyone about Closed Areas and No Hunting Zones on the Upper Mississippi River Refuge in Pools 12, 13 & 14. These areas cover a small percentage of the Refuge and are subject to special regulations relating to access and waterfowl hunting. The following areas are included:
Pool 13: Pleasant Creek near Bellevue IA – closed to all migratory bird hunting year-round and Voluntary Avoidance for all public access from October 15 to the end of the IA duck hunting season (December 15).
Lost Mound Unit (formerly Savanna Army Depot) near Savanna IL – the main channel of Crooked Slough is closed to all hunting. All land and water east of Crooked Slough is closed to all public access.
Lost Mound Unit – Upland areas around office and along west side of River Road Wildlife Drive up to the Observation Deck is closed to all hunting and trapping.
Spring Lake Sanctuary near Savanna IL – closed to all migratory bird hunting year-round and closed to all public access from October 1 to the end of the IL duck hunting season (December 27). The public is allowed to walk or bicycle to the observation deck during this time. In addition, the Refuge would like to emphasize that no migratory bird hunting is allowed in the Spring Lake Sanctuary at any time of the year. The Ingersoll Wetlands Learning Center area lies within the Spring Lake Sanctuary and is closed to all hunting and trapping year round.
Frog Pond Recreation Area near Savanna, IL – closed to all hunting year round.
Elk River Sanctuary near Sabula IA – closed to all migratory bird hunting year-round and closed to all public access from October 1 to the end of the IA duck hunting season (December 15).
Potters Marsh Waterfowl Hunt Area near Thomson, IL – during the regular waterfowl hunting season, migratory bird hunting is only allowed at 49 designated hunt sites. These sites have special permits but if no one is present ½ hour before shooting time, the site is open for hunting.
Potters Marsh Buffer Zone near Thomson IL – extends 400 yards to the west and north of the Potters Marsh Blind Management Zone at river miles 522.5 – 525.0 and is closed to all waterfowl hunting during the regular waterfowl hunting season.
Great River Bike Trail near Thomson IL – a 50 yard No Hunting Zone is established along the bike trail to provide a safe passage for walkers and cyclists. Hunters and cyclists/walkers are encouraged to use caution and be considerate of each other during the fall months.
Great River Bike Trail near Mesquaki Lake at Savanna IL – No Hunting within 150 yards of the bike trail from the Plum River south to Seven Eagles Resort.
Mesquaki Lake south of Plum River – Closed to hunting April 1 – September 30.
Pool 14 – Beaver Island – Lower Beaver Lake and Upper Beaver Lake are closed to all migratory bird hunting year-round, closed to all other hunting and trapping, except spring wild turkey, from March 16 until the day after the state duck hunting season; no motors allowed from October 15 to the end of the IA duck hunting season (December 15), and there is Voluntary Avoidance for all public access from October 15 to December 15 within these Lakes.
For additional information and maps, you can contact the Upper Miss Refuge office at 815-273-2732.
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is the most visited refuge in the United States. The Refuge extends 261 miles along the Upper Mississippi River from Wabasha, MN. to Princeton, IA., protecting and preserving habitat for migratory birds, fish, and a variety of other wildlife. This 240,000 acre refuge was established in 1924.
Availability of Trapping Permits for the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge Trap tag sales will begin on October 6, 2026 at the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Please note that a State trapping license and cash or check for $30 is required to obtain trap tags. Wisconsin residents must provide printed proof of trapping privileges as refuge employees do not have access to the WIDNR electronic system.
Trap Tags can be purchased during regular Visitor Center Hours at the La Crosse District Office Visitor Center Hours: October: Tues-Sat 9am – 3pm and November – April: Tues – Fri 9am – 3pm
La Crosse District Visitor Center Phone # (608) 799-2399
N5727 County Rd Z
Onalaska, WI 54650
The following offices are by appointment only Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm:
Winona District Office Phone # (507) 454-7351
102 Walnut Street – Suite 205
Winona, MN 55987
McGregor District Office Phone # (608) 326-0515
481 Luster Heights Rd
Harpers Ferry, IA 52146
Savanna District Office Phone # (815) 273-2732
7071 Riverview Rd
Thomson, IL 61285
