Hunt unit · Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge
Solomon River Hunt Unit Map & Access
The Solomon River unit is one of 5 mapped hunt units on Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge in Phillips County, KS. It covers approximately 2,096 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. A refuge permit is required.
Solomon River map
Rules & permits for this unit
Status: Open – special regulations apply
Hunting is allowed, but refuge-specific rules apply in addition to Kansas 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.
Refuge permit required. Type: Other OMB-Approved Permit. Obtain via: Mail, Online FWS, Visitor Center.
Archery deer
Game at Kirwin 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 Solomon River unit
Navigate
Destination: center of the Solomon River unit
- Decimal
39.67109, -99.23482- DMS
39°40′15.9″N 99°14′05.4″W
Nearest towns
- Holdrege, NE54 mi S of town
- Hays, KS55 mi N of town
- Kearney, NE72 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 Solomon River
*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 | 6:34 AM | 7:04 AM | 8:10 PM | 13h 06m |
| Tue, Sep 15, 2026 | 6:46 AM | 7:16 AM | 7:47 PM | 12h 31m |
| Thu, Oct 1, 2026 | 7:01 AM | 7:31 AM | 7:21 PM | 11h 50m |
| Thu, Oct 15, 2026 | 7:15 AM | 7:45 AM | 6:59 PM | 11h 14m |
| Sun, Nov 1, 2026 | 6:34 AM | 7:04 AM | 5:36 PM | 10h 32m |
| Sun, Nov 15, 2026 | 6:50 AM | 7:20 AM | 5:22 PM | 10h 02m |
| Tue, Dec 1, 2026 | 7:08 AM | 7:38 AM | 5:14 PM | 9h 36m |
| Tue, Dec 15, 2026 | 7:20 AM | 7:50 AM | 5:13 PM | 9h 23m |
| Fri, Jan 1, 2027 | 7:27 AM | 7:57 AM | 5:22 PM | 9h 25m |
| Fri, Jan 15, 2027 | 7:26 AM | 7:56 AM | 5:35 PM | 9h 39m |
| Mon, Feb 1, 2027 | 7:15 AM | 7:45 AM | 5:54 PM | 10h 09m |
Computed for 39.671, -99.235 (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.