FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


Need more information?  See the answers to some of the most common questions below.


What do I do if I have lost my username and/or password?

DO NOT CREATE A NEW ACCOUNT!!  On the login page, there are options to recover both your username and password.  If you forgot your password and did NOT provide an email address when you registered, you must call the Refuge office at (318) 574-2664 x0.

 

I did not enter an email address when I registered for an account.  Do I need one?

YES.  You can add an email address even after registering by logging in and choosing "Manage Account" under the "My Account" tab/dropdown menu.  We highly recommend providing an email address since this will enable you to receive notifications from the refuge and your account.  If you do not have an email address, you may enter someone else's email who can keep you updated of your status.

 

How do I apply for a lottery hunt as a group?

Applying as a group is a little different with this new system.  All group members must have an individual account (with an email address!!).  When the first group member applies, they will need to select "Create a group entry" on the first dropdown menu ("How are you entering?)".  With that selected, they will be provided with a group number to go along with their application.  THE GROUP LEADER MUST PROVIDE THIS NUMBER TO ALL OTHER MEMBERS OF HIS/HER GROUP.  When other group members apply, they will  select "Join an existing group entry" at the first dropdown menu

 

Can I get my Annual Public Use Permit anywhere other than online?

 

No.  You may no longer purchase permits in person at the Visitor Center.  Cash or money orders are not accepted at the Headquarters Office to purchase the Annual Use Permit. Annual Public Use Permits must be purchased through iSportsman. 

 

What do I need to carry with me when hunting or fishing on the Refuge?

Your iSportsman Permit (which will contain your Annual Public Use Permit AND your lottery hunt permit if you are participating), your orange Daily Visitor Use Card, and all required state license(s) and tags.  Your Annual Public Use Permit is now separate from the Regulations brochure, but by purchasing the permit you acknowledge that you have read and understand the rules and regulations contained in the brochure and agree to abide by them.  We still STRONGLY encourage you to carry a brochure with you in the field to answer any questions you may have or to provide access to the map. 

 

I am a squirrel hunter, bow hunter, or fisherman who has never had to purchase a permit.  Do I need to purchase an Annual Public Use Permit?

YES.  Everyone who participates in ANY hunting or fishing season on the Refuge MUST now purchase an Annual Public Use Permit for $20.  However, you no longer have to purchase an ATV permit.  Additionally, if you apply for and get drawn for a lottery deer hunt, you will not need to pay any additional money for your lottery permit beyond the Annual Public Use Permit.  As long as you have your Annual Public Use Permit, you may use any legal ATV according to regulations found in the brochure without having an additional sticker.

 

I want to use an ATV on the Refuge.  Do I still need an ATV sticker permit?

NO.  All that you need to use an ATV on designated trails is an Annual Public Use Permit.  You no longer have to purchase an ATV permit and place a sticker on your ATV.  As long as you have your Annual Public Use Permit in your possession, you may use any legal ATV on designated trails in compliance with all regulations found in the brochure.

USFWS - Notices 

 

The following forms are utilized for hunt permitting and are authorized under OMB Control. No. 1018-0140,  Expiration Date 07/31/2021:   FWS Form 3- 2354

 

 NOTICES 

All information you provide will be considered in reviewing this application. False, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations made in the application may be grounds for revocation of the permit and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment (18 U.S.C. 1001). 

PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT 

Authority: The information requested is authorized by the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act (16 U.S.C. 668dd-ee) as amended and the Refuge Recreation Act (16 U.S.C. 460k – 460k-4). Purpose: The collection of contact information is to verify that the individual has an eligible permit to hunt on one of the National Wildlife Refuges that is designated for deer hunting. Routine Uses: The individual’s contact information may be used to verify permit status, provide permittees with permit-related information, and monitor waterfowl hunt activities conducted under a permit. More information about routine uses can be found in the System of Records Notice, Permits System, FWS-21. Disclosure: Providing the information is required as a condition of maintaining a Federal permit under the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act. Failure to disclose the requested information may be sufficient cause for revocation of the permit. If the information indicates a violation of a statute, regulation, rule, order or license, whether civil, criminal, or regulatory in nature, the information may be transferred to the appropriate Federal, State, local or foreign agency charged with investigating or prosecuting such violations.

PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENT 

We are collecting this information subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501) to provide the refuge managers the information needed to decide whether or not to allow the requested use, and to respond to requests made under the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act of 1974. The information that you provide is voluntary; however, submission of the requested information is required to evaluate the qualifications, determine eligibility, and document permit applicants. Failure to provide all required information is sufficient cause for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to deny a permit. We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. OMB has approved this collection of information and assigned OMB Control No. 1018-0140. 

ESTIMATED BURDEN STATEMENT 

Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to average 30 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Service Information Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: BPHC, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803, or via email at Info_Coll@fws.gov. Please do not send your completed application to this address.


Do you still have questions?  If so, give us a call at the office!  Call (318) 574-2664 and dial 107 to speak with an available staff member.  Our office hours are Tuesday-Thursday, 8:00 am to 3:30 pm, with the exception of Federal Holidays.  We will be happy to assist you!