Hunt unit · Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge

Metcalfe Pothole Hunt Unit Map & Access

Special regsPermit requiredYouth opportunity

The Metcalfe Pothole unit is one of 13 mapped hunt units on Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge in Franklin County, VT. It covers approximately 25 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.

25acres
Special regsstatus 2026–27
Yesrefuge permit
Franklin Countycounty

Metcalfe Pothole map

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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 Vermont 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, Signed Brochure or Similar. Obtain via: Mail, Visitor Center.

Waterfowl, upland game and big game.

🧒 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

Game at Missisquoi 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 Metcalfe Pothole unit

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Destination: center of the Metcalfe Pothole unit

Decimal
45.00427, -73.14966
DMS
45°00′15.4″N 73°08′58.8″W

Nearest towns

  • St. Albans, VT14 mi N of town
  • Plattsburgh, NY26 mi NE of town
  • Burlington, VT36 mi N 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 Metcalfe Pothole

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 46m
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 03m
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 45.004, -73.150 (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.

Other units at Missisquoi NWR

UnitStatusAcresPermit
Delta Lakeshore Area EastSpecial regs303Required
Delta Lakeshore Area WestSpecial regs60Required
Eagle PointSpecial regs458Required
Junior Waterfowl AreaSpecial regs166Required
Long Marsh and Metcalfe IslandSpecial regs674Required
Long Marsh Bay Junior Waterfowl AreaSpecial regs61Required
Long Marsh ChannelSpecial regs42Required
Maquam Shore AreaSpecial regs19Required
Maquam Swamp AreaSpecial regs138Required
Saxes Pothole Creek and Shad Island AreaSpecial regs132Required
Tabor Road and Maquam Swamp and BogSpecial regs2,053Required
No HuntingClosed3,211Required

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