The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has issued an emergency closure of the northern migratory bird hunt unit, known as Area C, at Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge. This closure is in effect during Minnesota’s experimental early teal season, which begins on September 1, 2024. The closure is intended to protect the vital wild rice resources in the area.
The affected area is located north of Becker County Highway 143 and will be marked with closure signs at parking lots and gates before the hunting season begins. However, the southern hunt unit, Area D, will remain open for teal hunting from September 1 through 5, per Minnesota state hunting regulations. Area C will reopen for the regular waterfowl hunting season starting on September 21, 2024.
This decision aligns with the White Earth Nation’s closure of the early teal season on rice-bearing waters during the wild rice gathering season. Members of the White Earth Nation have the right to gather wild rice on refuge waters, and the closure supports the shared management of natural resources on these lands.
For more information, please contact Refuge Manager Kent Sundseth at kent_sundseth@fws.gov or 218-308-7589.