Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Hallie Schulz (608)-779-2392
DATE 10/1/2024
Availability of Trapping Permits for the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge
Trap tag sales will begin on October 8, 2024 at the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (Refuge). Please note that a State trapping license and cash or check for $30 is required to obtain trap tags. Wisconsin residents must provide printed proof of trapping privileges as Refuge employees do not have access to the WIDNR electronic system.
District offices are currently open to the public at the days and times listed below but are subject to change. We suggest you contact the office you plan to purchase trap tags from in advance to confirm if the office will be open.
Office/Location, Office Hours, Contact Phone #
Winona District, 102 Walnut Street – Suite 205, Winona, MN 55987, By Appointment Only
Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., (507) 454-7351
La Crosse District, N5727 County Rd Z, Onalaska, WI 54650
October: Tues.– Sat., November: Tues.- Fri., 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., (608) 779-2399
McGregor District, 470 Cliff Haven Road, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821, By Appointment Only
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., (608) 306-0024
Savanna District, 7071 Riverview Road, Thomson, IL 61285, By Appointment Only
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., (815) 273-2732
Additional information can be found in the Refuge’s Furbearer Management Plan by contacting one of the District offices. A report summarizing 20 years (1996–2015) of furbearer harvest information submitted by trappers in their fur catch reports is also available on the web at https://ecos.fws.gov/ServCat/Reference/Profile/60898.
The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is the most visited refuge in the United States. The refuge extends 261 miles along the Upper Mississippi River from Wabasha, MN to Rock Island, IL, protecting and preserving habitat for migratory birds, fish, and a variety of other wildlife. This 240,000 acre refuge was established in 1924.
In addition to being the most visited refuge in the country, the “Upper Miss” Refuge has the added complexity of a major navigation system, including 11 locks and dams, within its boundary. It is also a world-class fish and wildlife area which harbors 306 species of birds; 119 species of fish; more than 300 active bald eagle nests; thousands of heron and egret nests; spectacular concentrations of canvasback ducks, tundra swans, and white pelicans; and several threatened or endangered species.