Hunt unit · Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge
West Marsh Hunt Unit Map & Access
The West Marsh unit is one of 4 mapped hunt units on Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge in Currituck County, NC. It covers approximately 1,117 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.
West Marsh map
Rules & permits for this unit
Status: Open – special regulations apply
Hunting is allowed, but refuge-specific rules apply in addition to North Carolina 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: Signed Brochure or Similar. Obtain via: Mail, Online FWS, Visitor Center.
Hunting only
Game at Mackay Island 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 West Marsh unit
Navigate
Destination: center of the West Marsh unit
- Decimal
36.53825, -75.98298- DMS
36°32′17.7″N 75°58′58.7″W
Nearest towns
- Virginia Beach, VA22 mi S of town
- Elizabeth City, NC23 mi NE of town
- Norfolk, VA27 mi SE 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 West Marsh
*½ hour before sunrise — the standard federal shooting-hour start for migratory game birds. Times in New York local time.
Full season calculator →2026–2027 season sun table
| Date | Shooting light | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Sep 1, 2026 | 6:04 AM | 6:34 AM | 7:34 PM | 12h 60m |
| Tue, Sep 15, 2026 | 6:15 AM | 6:45 AM | 7:13 PM | 12h 28m |
| Thu, Oct 1, 2026 | 6:27 AM | 6:57 AM | 6:49 PM | 11h 51m |
| Thu, Oct 15, 2026 | 6:39 AM | 7:09 AM | 6:29 PM | 11h 19m |
| Sun, Nov 1, 2026 | 5:56 AM | 6:26 AM | 5:08 PM | 10h 42m |
| Sun, Nov 15, 2026 | 6:11 AM | 6:41 AM | 4:56 PM | 10h 15m |
| Tue, Dec 1, 2026 | 6:27 AM | 6:57 AM | 4:49 PM | 9h 52m |
| Tue, Dec 15, 2026 | 6:38 AM | 7:08 AM | 4:49 PM | 9h 41m |
| Fri, Jan 1, 2027 | 6:45 AM | 7:15 AM | 4:58 PM | 9h 42m |
| Fri, Jan 15, 2027 | 6:44 AM | 7:14 AM | 5:10 PM | 9h 55m |
| Mon, Feb 1, 2027 | 6:36 AM | 7:06 AM | 5:28 PM | 10h 22m |
Computed for 36.538, -75.983 (EDT / 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.