The 1.1-million-acre Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge in Montana, where hunters spend more than 100,000 visitor days in fall months, is known as a “sportsmen’s paradise” for its big game opportunities, yet it is currently closed due to the shutdown. Archery season on all national wildlife refuges in Arkansas was supposed to open on October 1. Among the closures is the White River National Wildlife Refuge, which in 2012-2013 was the most productive public land in the state for deer hunting, with more than 1,100 deer harvested. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that “Capable Partners, which helps get disabled hunters hunting and fishing, won’t be able to archery or waterfowl hunt in the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, as it has been doing in recent days.” Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge in Nevada and Oregon has been labeled one of America’s “hidden gems” for hunting opportunities is closed, and holders of bighorn sheep permits that are considered “once in a lifetime” are being turned away. In Texas, the lottery for the big game hunt on the Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge – a popular event that serves youth hunters as well – was scheduled for today, but is canceled.
Posted on: Sun, 06 Oct 2013 03:31:04 +0000