Hunt unit · Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge
Open River Hunt Unit Map & Access
The Open River unit is one of 6 mapped hunt units on Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge in Ravalli County, MT. It covers approximately 174 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.
Open River map
Rules & permits for this unit
Status: Open – special regulations apply
Hunting is allowed, but refuge-specific rules apply in addition to Montana 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 Lee Metcalf 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 Open River unit
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Destination: center of the Open River unit
- Decimal
46.58418, -114.06712- DMS
46°35′03.0″N 114°04′01.6″W
Nearest towns
- Stevensville, MT5.2 mi N of town
- Missoula, MT20 mi S of town
- Butte, MT84 mi NW 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 Open River
*½ hour before sunrise — the standard federal shooting-hour start for migratory game birds. Times in Denver local time.
Full season calculator →2026–2027 season sun table
| Date | Shooting light | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Sep 1, 2026 | 6:25 AM | 6:55 AM | 8:18 PM | 13h 23m |
| Tue, Sep 15, 2026 | 6:42 AM | 7:12 AM | 7:50 PM | 12h 38m |
| Thu, Oct 1, 2026 | 7:03 AM | 7:33 AM | 7:18 PM | 11h 45m |
| Thu, Oct 15, 2026 | 7:22 AM | 7:52 AM | 6:51 PM | 10h 60m |
| Sun, Nov 1, 2026 | 6:46 AM | 7:16 AM | 5:23 PM | 10h 06m |
| Sun, Nov 15, 2026 | 7:07 AM | 7:37 AM | 5:04 PM | 9h 27m |
| Tue, Dec 1, 2026 | 7:29 AM | 7:59 AM | 4:51 PM | 8h 53m |
| Tue, Dec 15, 2026 | 7:43 AM | 8:13 AM | 4:49 PM | 8h 36m |
| Fri, Jan 1, 2027 | 7:50 AM | 8:20 AM | 4:58 PM | 8h 38m |
| Fri, Jan 15, 2027 | 7:46 AM | 8:16 AM | 5:13 PM | 8h 57m |
| Mon, Feb 1, 2027 | 7:31 AM | 8:01 AM | 5:37 PM | 9h 37m |
Computed for 46.584, -114.067 (MDT / 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 Lee Metcalf NWR
| Unit | Status | Acres | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | ✓Open | 1,493 | — |
| River West | ✓Open | 38 | — |
| Waterfowl | !Special regs | 598 | — |
| Safety Zone | ✕Closed | 390 | — |
| Wildlife Viewing | ✕Closed | 125 | — |