Hunt unit · Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge
Sanctuary Area Hunt Unit Map & Access
The Sanctuary Area is one of 3 mapped hunt units on Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge in Choctaw County, AL. It covers approximately 2,436 acres and is listed as “open – special regulations apply” for 2026–2027. That means hunting is permitted, but refuge-specific rules — such as limited species, dates, weapon types, access methods or quota permits — apply on top of state regulations.
Sanctuary Area map
Rules & permits for this unit
Status: Open – special regulations apply
Hunting is allowed, but refuge-specific rules apply in addition to Alabama regulations. Typical special regulations include limited species or seasons, quota/lottery permits, weapon restrictions (e.g. archery or shotgun only), shooting-hour limits, blind or stand rules and restricted access.
Game at Choctaw NWR
Species listed for the refuge as a whole — a special-regulation unit may be limited to certain species. Confirm in the hunt brochure.
Getting to the Sanctuary Area
Navigate
Destination: center of the Sanctuary Area
- Decimal
31.79880, -88.18297- DMS
31°47′55.7″N 88°10′58.7″W
Nearest towns
- Hattiesburg, MS73 mi NE of town
- Mobile, AL77 mi N of town
- Tuscaloosa, AL104 mi S of town
Straight-line distances. Driving routes are longer; many refuge roads are gravel and may close seasonally.
The navigation point is a point inside the unit polygon, not necessarily a parking area or legal access point. Use satellite view to find roads, gates and designated parking, and respect closed areas and private inholdings.
Shooting hours at this unit
Today at Sanctuary Area
*½ hour before sunrise — the standard federal shooting-hour start for migratory game birds. Times in Chicago local time.
Full season calculator →2026–2027 season sun table
| Date | Shooting light | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Sep 1, 2026 | 5:57 AM | 6:27 AM | 7:18 PM | 12h 51m |
| Tue, Sep 15, 2026 | 6:05 AM | 6:35 AM | 7:00 PM | 12h 24m |
| Thu, Oct 1, 2026 | 6:15 AM | 6:45 AM | 6:39 PM | 11h 54m |
| Thu, Oct 15, 2026 | 6:24 AM | 6:54 AM | 6:21 PM | 11h 27m |
| Sun, Nov 1, 2026 | 5:38 AM | 6:08 AM | 5:04 PM | 10h 56m |
| Sun, Nov 15, 2026 | 5:50 AM | 6:20 AM | 4:54 PM | 10h 34m |
| Tue, Dec 1, 2026 | 6:04 AM | 6:34 AM | 4:49 PM | 10h 14m |
| Tue, Dec 15, 2026 | 6:15 AM | 6:45 AM | 4:50 PM | 10h 05m |
| Fri, Jan 1, 2027 | 6:22 AM | 6:52 AM | 4:58 PM | 10h 06m |
| Fri, Jan 15, 2027 | 6:22 AM | 6:52 AM | 5:09 PM | 10h 17m |
| Mon, Feb 1, 2027 | 6:16 AM | 6:46 AM | 5:25 PM | 10h 39m |
Computed for 31.799, -88.183 (CDT / DST-aware). Check state rules — big game hours vary.
Weather forecast
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Forecast from the National Weather Service. Wind direction matters — plan your approach downwind of where game beds.
Other units at Choctaw NWR
| Unit | Status | Acres | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hunt Area | !Special regs | 1,477 | — |
| Closed Area | ✕Closed | 62 | — |