National Wildlife Refuge · Vermont · FWS Region 5

Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge Hunting & Fishing Guide 2026–27

Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge is located in Franklin County, Vermont, with about 7,342 acres of land owned in fee by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For the 2026–2027 season the refuge has 13 mapped hunt units: 12 open with special regulations and 1 closed, covering about 4,131 huntable acres.

12 with special regs1 closedPermit requiredYouth hunts
View hunt map Directions Official hunting page ↗
13hunt units
4.1Khuntable acres
7.3KFWS-owned acres
6game categories

Missisquoi NWR hunt unit map

Hunt units are colored by 2026–2027 status. Toggle layers for FWS-owned land, the approved refuge boundary and private easements. Use satellite imagery to scout marshes, timber edges and access points.

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
Take it into the field: KML (Google Earth / onX) GPX waypoints GeoJSON

Hunting at Missisquoi NWR

Hunting opportunities include big game, waterfowl, wild turkey, upland birds, migratory birds, and small game, subject to state seasons and refuge-specific rules. Fishing is available — freshwater fishing. A refuge permit is required for at least some activities, in addition to your state license. Special youth hunting opportunities are offered.

Migratory bird hunting, upland game hunting and big-game hunting were expanded in 2021.

Youth hunting

The refuge is open during State-designated youth-only waterfowl and deer hunt weekends. Eleven blind sites are available exclusively to waterfowl hunters ages 12-15 as part of the Junior Waterfowl Hunter Training Program on the first four Saturdays and S.

All refuges with youth hunts →
Big GameWhite-tailed and mule deer, elk, pronghorn, moose, bear and other large mammalsWaterfowlDucks, geese, brant, swans (where legal) and cootsWild TurkeySpring and fall wild turkeyUpland BirdsPheasant, quail, grouse, prairie chicken and partridgeMigratory BirdsMourning dove, woodcock, snipe, rails, gallinules and sandhill craneSmall GameSquirrel, rabbit, hare, raccoon, opossum and other small mammals

Categories are those listed by USFWS for this station; exact species, seasons and bag limits follow Vermont regulations plus refuge-specific rules.

Hunt units (13)

Acreage by status
Special regulations: 4,131 (56%)Closed: 3,211 (44%)4.1Khuntable acres
  • Special regulations4,131 ac 56%
  • Closed3,211 ac 44%
Units by size (acres)
No Hunting
3,211 ac
Tabor Road and Maquam Swamp and Bog
2,053 ac
Long Marsh and Metcalfe Island
674 ac
Eagle Point
458 ac
Delta Lakeshore Area East
303 ac
Junior Waterfowl Area
166 ac
Maquam Swamp Area
138 ac
Saxes Pothole Creek and Shad Island Area
132 ac
Long Marsh Bay Junior Waterfowl Area
61 ac
Delta Lakeshore Area West
60 ac
Long Marsh Channel
42 ac
Metcalfe Pothole
25 ac
Maquam Shore Area
19 ac
UnitStatusAcresPermitDetails
Delta Lakeshore Area East Special regs 303 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Waterfowl, upland game and big game.
🧒 The refuge is open during State-designated youth-only waterfowl and deer hunt weekends. Eleven…
Delta Lakeshore Area West Special regs 60 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Waterfowl, upland game and big game.
🧒 The refuge is open during State-designated youth-only waterfowl and deer hunt weekends. Eleven…
Eagle Point Special regs 458 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Waterfowl, upland game and big game.
🧒 The refuge is open during State-designated youth-only waterfowl and deer hunt weekends. Eleven…
Junior Waterfowl Area Special regs 166 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Waterfowl, upland game and big game.
🧒 The refuge is open during State-designated youth-only waterfowl and deer hunt weekends. Eleven…
Long Marsh and Metcalfe Island Special regs 674 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Waterfowl, upland game and big game.
🧒 The refuge is open during State-designated youth-only waterfowl and deer hunt weekends. Eleven…
Long Marsh Bay Junior Waterfowl Area Special regs 61 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Waterfowl, upland game and big game.
🧒 The refuge is open during State-designated youth-only waterfowl and deer hunt weekends. Eleven…
Long Marsh Channel Special regs 42 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Waterfowl, upland game and big game.
🧒 The refuge is open during State-designated youth-only waterfowl and deer hunt weekends. Eleven…
Maquam Shore Area Special regs 19 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Waterfowl, upland game and big game.
🧒 The refuge is open during State-designated youth-only waterfowl and deer hunt weekends. Eleven…
Maquam Swamp Area Special regs 138 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Waterfowl, upland game and big game.
🧒 The refuge is open during State-designated youth-only waterfowl and deer hunt weekends. Eleven…
Metcalfe Pothole Special regs 25 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Waterfowl, upland game and big game.
🧒 The refuge is open during State-designated youth-only waterfowl and deer hunt weekends. Eleven…
Saxes Pothole Creek and Shad Island Area Special regs 132 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Waterfowl, upland game and big game.
🧒 The refuge is open during State-designated youth-only waterfowl and deer hunt weekends. Eleven…
Tabor Road and Maquam Swamp and Bog Special regs 2,053 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Waterfowl, upland game and big game.
🧒 The refuge is open during State-designated youth-only waterfowl and deer hunt weekends. Eleven…
No Hunting Closed 3,211 Required
Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar		 Waterfowl, upland game and big game.
🧒 The refuge is open during State-designated youth-only waterfowl and deer hunt weekends. Eleven…

Permits & licenses

Refuge permit

Required

Waterfowl, upland game and big game.

Type: Other OMB-Approved Permit, Signed Brochure or Similar

How to get it:

  • ✉️ By mail
  • 🏛️ Refuge visitor center / office

You'll also need

  • A valid Vermont hunting license and any required tags or stamps — Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department
  • Federal Duck Stamp (waterfowl hunters 16+) and HIP certification for migratory birds
  • Non-toxic shot for waterfowl (federal requirement)
  • Hunter education certification where your state requires it
  • The current refuge hunt brochure / regulations (often must be signed and carried)

Fishing at Missisquoi NWR

  • 🐟 Freshwater fishing

Fishing is permitted year-round on most of the refuge. However, some areas are closed all year or seasonally to prevent impact to wildlife. A variety of fish abound in the waters within and surrounding the refuge.

State fishing licenses and regulations apply. Some waters close seasonally to protect wildlife.

How to get to Missisquoi NWR

Navigate

Destination: Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge (FWS reference point)

Google Maps Apple Maps Waze
Decimal
44.95251, -73.17932
DMS
44°57′09.0″N 73°10′45.6″W

Download for GPS / onX / Google Earth:KMLGPX

Nearest towns

  • St. Albans, VT11 mi NW of town
  • Plattsburgh, NY22 mi NE of town
  • Burlington, VT33 mi N of town
  • Montpelier, VT56 mi NW of town

Closest airports

  • BTV Burlington Intl33 mi
  • ALB Albany Intl155 mi

Straight-line distances. Driving routes are longer; many refuge roads are gravel and may close seasonally.

The navigation point is the station reference location published by USFWS — often the headquarters or main entrance. For a specific hunt unit, open its page or click it on the map for coordinates and parking planning.

Sunrise, sunset & shooting hours

Today at Missisquoi NWR

Legal light*–
Sunrise–
Sunset–

*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

DateShooting lightSunriseSunsetDaylight
Tue, Sep 1, 20265:43 AM6:13 AM7:32 PM13h 19m
Tue, Sep 15, 20265:59 AM6:29 AM7:06 PM12h 36m
Thu, Oct 1, 20266:18 AM6:48 AM6:35 PM11h 47m
Thu, Oct 15, 20266:36 AM7:06 AM6:09 PM11h 03m
Sun, Nov 1, 20265:59 AM6:29 AM4:42 PM10h 13m
Sun, Nov 15, 20266:19 AM6:49 AM4:25 PM9h 36m
Tue, Dec 1, 20266:40 AM7:10 AM4:13 PM9h 04m
Tue, Dec 15, 20266:53 AM7:23 AM4:11 PM8h 48m
Fri, Jan 1, 20277:00 AM7:30 AM4:20 PM8h 50m
Fri, Jan 15, 20276:57 AM7:27 AM4:35 PM9h 08m
Mon, Feb 1, 20276:43 AM7:13 AM4:58 PM9h 45m

Computed for 44.953, -73.179 (EDT / DST-aware). Check state rules — big game hours vary.

7-day hunting weather

Loading National Weather Service forecast…

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

Missisquoi NWR FAQ

Is hunting allowed at Missisquoi NWR?

Yes. Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge offers hunting in 12 units (4,131 acres) during 2026–2027 for big game, waterfowl, wild turkey, upland birds, migratory birds, and small game. Seasons follow state regulations plus refuge-specific rules in 50 CFR Part 32.

Do I need a permit to hunt Missisquoi NWR?

Yes — Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge requires a refuge permit for some or all hunting. Permit type: Other OMB-Approved Permit and Signed Brochure or Similar. Permits can be obtained mail or visitor center. You also need the appropriate state hunting license and, for waterfowl, a Federal Duck Stamp.

Can you fish at Missisquoi NWR?

Yes. Fishing is permitted (freshwater fishing). State fishing licenses and regulations apply along with refuge rules.

Where is Missisquoi NWR located?

Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge is in Franklin County, Vermont, about 11 miles NW of St. Albans, VT (straight-line). GPS: 44.95251, -73.17932.

What are legal shooting hours at Missisquoi NWR?

Migratory game bird shooting hours are generally one-half hour before sunrise to sunset; big game and other seasons follow state rules. See the sunrise/sunset table on this page and confirm in the refuge hunt brochure.

Nearby refuges & public land

White River NFH

Windsor County, VT · 83 mi S

1 closed
No hunting listed

Dwight D. Eisenhower NFH

Rutland County, VT · 84 mi S

1 closed
🎣

Umbagog NWR

Coos County, NH · 103 mi E

2 special
🦌🦆🦃🐦🕊️🐇🎣

36.1K huntable acres

John Hay NWR

Merrimack County, NH · 124 mi SE

1 closed
No hunting listed

Wapack NWR

Hillsborough County, NH · 157 mi SE

1 closed
No hunting listed

Merrimack River Atlantic Salmon Smolt Release Site

Hillsborough County, NH · 170 mi SE

1 closed
No hunting listed

All refuges in Vermont →

Data: USFWS National Hunt Units 2026–2027, Hunting & Fishing Opportunities, Realty Boundaries & Tracts. Page updated September 29, 2026.