Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge

To preserve and protect fish and wildlife populations including waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, and neotropical migratory songbirds. Wintering and migrating waterfowl make extensive use of the refuge's wetlands.

Species of Concern: Migrating birds, American black duck, King rail, Snow goose, Bald eagle, Glossy ibis, Great egret, Greater yellowlegs, Snowy egret, Spotted sandpiper

Restrictions

1. Fishing is not allowed from October 16 until March 14, except for the Marsh Causeway as described in the 'Allowed' section.
2. Boating is not allowed on refuge waters from October 15 to March 14.
3. Fishing is subject to state and local regulations, seasons, and bag limits.

The following restrictions apply in all wildlife refuges:
1. No person shall take any animal or plant, except as authorized under the regulations.
2. Disturbing, injuring, spearing, poisoning, destroying, collecting or attempting to disturb, injure, spear, poison, destroy or collect any plant or animal on any national wildlife refuge is prohibited. 50 CFR 27.21.
3. The use of boats is prohibited except where specifically authorized under federal regulations and subject to state and federal law, including but not limited to the following requirements:
(a) No person shall operate a boat on refuge waters that has a marine head (toilet) unless it conforms to Environmental Protection Agency regulations regarding sewage discharge.
(b) Every sailboat when underway from sunset to sunrise shall carry and exhibit a bright white light visible all around the horizon for a distance of two miles.
(c) Leaving any boat unattended, outside of designated mooring or beaching areas, for a period in excess of 72 hours without written permission of the refuge manager is prohibited.
(d) Government-owned docks, piers, and floats are not to be used for loading and unloading of boats, except in emergencies or unless specifically authorized by the refuge manager. 50 CFR 27.21.
4. Water skiing is prohibited except where specifically authorized under federal regulations. 50 CFR 27.33.
5. The unauthorized landing or take-off of aircraft is prohibited. 50 CFR 27.34.

Allowed

Sport fishing is allowed on designated areas of the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to the following conditions:
1. Fishing is only allowed from legal sunrise to legal sunset from March 15 through October 15 with the exception that fishing is allowed along the Marsh Causeway year-round. The 0.3 Mile Loop Trail and the terminus of the canal immediately adjacent to the Visitor Center are open year-round, except during Refuge Permit Deer Hunts.
2. All fishing lines must be attended.
3. Bank fishing and crabbing is permitted year-round in the following areas: the Marsh Causeway (SR 615), the bridge over Corey's Ditch, the Great Marsh Trail, and along Mackay Island Road from SR 615 to the dike gate. A small boat ramp, providing access into the Great Marsh is located near the dike gate on Mackay Island Road.
4. Crabbing on the refuge is permitted in areas of the refuge open to the public, following state regulations. All lines must be attended.