The Fish and Wildlife Service reminds everyone about Closed Areas and No Hunting Zones on the Upper Mississippi River Refuge in Pools 12, 13, and 14. These areas cover a small percentage of the Refuge and are subject to special regulations, relating to access and waterfowl hunting. 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.
For additional information and maps, you can contact the Upper Miss Refuge office at 815-273-2732. The following areas are included.
Pool 12: Kehough Slough near Galena, IL – closed to all migratory bird hunting year round; no motors are allowed from October 15 to the end of the Illinois duck hunting season (December 17); voluntary avoidance for all public access from October 15 to December 17.
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 Iowa duck hunting season (December 3.)
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 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 17.) The public is allowed to walk or bicycle to the observation deck during this time. 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 near Savanna, IL – closed to all hunting year round.
Elk River near Sabula, IA – closed to all migratory bird hunting year round and voluntary avoidance for all public access from October 15 to the end of the Iowa duck hunting season (December 3.)
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 to 525.0, and is closed to all waterfowl hunting during the regular waterfowl hunting season.
Duck Foot Marsh near Thomson, IL – is closed to hunting and fishing.
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 Zone extends 150 yards paralleling the bike trail from the Plum River south to Seven Eagles Resort.
Mesquaki Lake south of Plum River – Closed to hunting March 16 to September 30.
Pool 14: Beaver Island – closed to all migratory bird hunting year round; no motors are allowed from October 15 to the end of the Iowa duck hunting season (December 10); voluntary avoidance for all public access from October 15 to December 10.