Hunt unit · Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge

Refuge Hunt Unit Map & Access

Special regsPermit required

The Refuge is one of 2 mapped hunt units on Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge in Holt County, MO. It covers approximately 7,442 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.

Navigate to unit Refuge overview Official hunt info ↗
7,442acres
Special regsstatus 2026–27
Yesrefuge permit
Holt Countycounty

Refuge map

Loading interactive map…
OpenSpecial regulationsClosedFWS-owned landWPA (public)Refuge boundaryEasement (private) Tip: switch to Satellite or USGS Topo in the layer menu · click the map for GPS coordinates
Downloads (whole refuge):KMLGPX

Rules & permits for this unit

Status: Open – special regulations apply

Hunting is allowed, but refuge-specific rules apply in addition to Missouri 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, Special Use Permit. Obtain via: Mail, Other, Visitor Center.

Disabled hunt through the state for 8 muzzleloader only. Require permit and check in and out with refuge. Must call refuge to apply

Game at Loess Bluffs 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 Refuge

Navigate

Destination: center of the Refuge

Google Maps Apple Maps Waze
Decimal
40.08523, -95.25191
DMS
40°05′06.8″N 95°15′06.9″W

Nearest towns

  • St. Joseph, MO30 mi NW of town
  • Topeka, KS75 mi N of town
  • Kansas City, MO77 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 Refuge

Legal light*–
Sunrise–
Sunset–

*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

DateShooting lightSunriseSunsetDaylight
Tue, Sep 1, 20266:17 AM6:47 AM7:54 PM13h 07m
Tue, Sep 15, 20266:30 AM7:00 AM7:32 PM12h 31m
Thu, Oct 1, 20266:45 AM7:15 AM7:05 PM11h 49m
Thu, Oct 15, 20267:00 AM7:30 AM6:43 PM11h 13m
Sun, Nov 1, 20266:19 AM6:49 AM5:20 PM10h 31m
Sun, Nov 15, 20266:35 AM7:05 AM5:05 PM10h 00m
Tue, Dec 1, 20266:53 AM7:23 AM4:57 PM9h 33m
Tue, Dec 15, 20267:05 AM7:35 AM4:56 PM9h 21m
Fri, Jan 1, 20277:12 AM7:42 AM5:04 PM9h 22m
Fri, Jan 15, 20277:11 AM7:41 AM5:18 PM9h 37m
Mon, Feb 1, 20277:00 AM7:30 AM5:37 PM10h 08m

Computed for 40.085, -95.252 (CDT / DST-aware). Check state rules — big game hours vary.

Weather forecast

Loading National Weather Service forecast…

Forecast from the National Weather Service. Wind direction matters — plan your approach downwind of where game beds.

Other units at Loess Bluffs NWR

UnitStatusAcresPermit
Closed to HuntingClosed536Required

Back to Loess Bluffs NWR →