Hunt unit · Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge

Refuge Hunt Unit Map & Access

Special regsPermit required

The Refuge is one of 2 mapped hunt units on Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge in Jasper County, IA. It covers approximately 4,645 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 ↗
4,645acres
Special regsstatus 2026–27
Yesrefuge permit
Jasper Countycounty

Refuge 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 Iowa 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: Kiosk, Mail, Visitor Center.

All

Game at Neal Smith 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

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Destination: center of the Refuge

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Decimal
41.56136, -93.25996
DMS
41°33′40.9″N 93°15′35.9″W

Nearest towns

  • Des Moines, IA19 mi E of town
  • Ames, IA37 mi SE of town
  • Cedar Rapids, IA87 mi W 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, 20266:08 AM6:38 AM7:48 PM13h 11m
Tue, Sep 15, 20266:22 AM6:52 AM7:24 PM12h 33m
Thu, Oct 1, 20266:38 AM7:08 AM6:56 PM11h 49m
Thu, Oct 15, 20266:53 AM7:23 AM6:33 PM11h 10m
Sun, Nov 1, 20266:13 AM6:43 AM5:09 PM10h 26m
Sun, Nov 15, 20266:31 AM7:01 AM4:54 PM9h 53m
Tue, Dec 1, 20266:49 AM7:19 AM4:44 PM9h 25m
Tue, Dec 15, 20267:02 AM7:32 AM4:43 PM9h 12m
Fri, Jan 1, 20277:09 AM7:39 AM4:52 PM9h 13m
Fri, Jan 15, 20277:07 AM7:37 AM5:05 PM9h 29m
Mon, Feb 1, 20276:55 AM7:25 AM5:26 PM10h 01m

Computed for 41.561, -93.260 (CDT / 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 Neal Smith NWR

UnitStatusAcresPermit
ClosedClosed1,533Required

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