Hunt unit · Stewart B. Mckinney National Wildlife Refuge
Sheffield Island Hunt Unit Map & Access
The Sheffield Island unit is one of 13 mapped hunt units on Stewart B. Mckinney National Wildlife Refuge in Western Connecticut Planning Region, CT. It covers approximately 75 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.
Sheffield Island map
Rules & permits for this unit
Status: Open – special regulations apply
Hunting is allowed, but refuge-specific rules apply in addition to Connecticut 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: Online FWS, Visitor Center.
Signed brochures required for all hunting
Game at Stewart B. Mckinney 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 Sheffield Island unit
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Destination: center of the Sheffield Island unit
- Decimal
41.05179, -73.41573- DMS
41°03′06.4″N 73°24′56.6″W
Nearest towns
- New Haven, CT31 mi SW of town
- New York City, NY39 mi NE of town
- Riverhead, NY40 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 Sheffield Island
*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 | 5:49 AM | 6:19 AM | 7:28 PM | 13h 09m |
| Tue, Sep 15, 2026 | 6:02 AM | 6:32 AM | 7:05 PM | 12h 32m |
| Thu, Oct 1, 2026 | 6:18 AM | 6:48 AM | 6:37 PM | 11h 49m |
| Thu, Oct 15, 2026 | 6:33 AM | 7:03 AM | 6:14 PM | 11h 11m |
| Sun, Nov 1, 2026 | 5:53 AM | 6:23 AM | 4:51 PM | 10h 28m |
| Sun, Nov 15, 2026 | 6:10 AM | 6:40 AM | 4:36 PM | 9h 56m |
| Tue, Dec 1, 2026 | 6:28 AM | 6:58 AM | 4:26 PM | 9h 28m |
| Tue, Dec 15, 2026 | 6:41 AM | 7:11 AM | 4:26 PM | 9h 15m |
| Fri, Jan 1, 2027 | 6:48 AM | 7:18 AM | 4:34 PM | 9h 16m |
| Fri, Jan 15, 2027 | 6:46 AM | 7:16 AM | 4:48 PM | 9h 31m |
| Mon, Feb 1, 2027 | 6:35 AM | 7:05 AM | 5:08 PM | 10h 03m |
Computed for 41.052, -73.416 (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 Stewart B. Mckinney NWR
| Unit | Status | Acres | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calf Island | !Special regs | 32 | Required |
| Chimon Island | !Special regs | 81 | Required |
| Great Meadows Open | !Special regs | 174 | Required |
| Salt Meadow Open | !Special regs | 134 | Required |
| Falkner Island | ✕Closed | 5.9 | Required |
| Goose Island | ✕Closed | 16 | Required |
| Great Meadows Closed | ✕Closed | 260 | Required |
| Menunketesuck Island | ✕Closed | 2.9 | Required |
| Milford Point | ✕Closed | 9.6 | Required |
| Outer Island | ✕Closed | 5.1 | Required |
| Peach Island | ✕Closed | 1.7 | Required |
| Salt Meadow Closed | ✕Closed | 233 | Required |