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| National Park Overview: |
 | Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge is located in Idaho's Panhandle approximately 20 miles south of the Canadian border and 5 miles west of Bonners Ferry, Idaho (map). This 2,774 acre refuge was established in 1965, primarily to provide important habitat and a resting area for migrating waterfowl. The Refuge is comprised of a wide variety of habitat types. Wetlands, meadows, riparian forests and cultivated agricultural fields (for producing valuable wildlife food crops) are interspersed in the valley bottom adjacent to the west banks of the Kootenai River. Wetlands include open-water ponds, seasonal cattail-bulrush marshes, tree-lined ponds and rushing creeks. The western portion of the refuge ascends the foothills of the scenic Selkirk Mountains which consists of dense stands of coniferous trees and tranquil riparian forests.
Over 300 different species of wildlife can be found on Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, indicating the richness and diversity this area holds. The refuge not only serves as valuable habitat for resident andmigratory wildlife, but provides a nice stopping point for visitors to get out and enjoy some of the vast natural beauty Boundary County has to offer. The refuge receives approximately 20,000 visitors annually; bringing together people from all nationalities and different backgrounds for the enjoyment of our Nation's natural wildlife resources.
For further information on a specific topic you would like to learn more about, please click on the topic bar located on the left of your screen.
A hard copy of the refuge brochure and hunting & fishing regulations can be obtained by contacting our Office or stopping by one of our information kiosks, located at the East Parking Lot and at Refuge Headquarters. |
| Nature of the Area: |
| Spring
The northward waterfowl migration coincides with the thawing of refuge ponds in late February. Tundra swans, Canada geese, and ducks stop on the refuge to rest and feed while other birds begin their courtship displays. Among the most spectacular displays are snipe "winnowing" and ruffed grouse "drumming." By late spring, waterfowl, bald eagles, osprey, and songbirds are nesting. Occasionally a visitor may be fortunate enough to see a black bear, a moose or an elk.
Summer
By early summer, geese and ducks have hatched. Their broods can be seen on ponds along with American coots and red-necked and pied-billed grebes. An active bald eagle nest can be observed from the Auto Tour Road. Northern harriers, red-tailed hawks, and American kestrels are commonly seen hunting over refuge fields. Osprey hunt for fish from the air while great blue herons wade in shallow water searching for fish and frogs on refuge ponds. Dippers flit among the rocks in Myrtle Creek.
Fall
In the mornings and evenings, beavers, coyotes, mule, and white-tailed deer might be seen. Osprey and shorebirds depart early in the season, while duck migration peaks in early November. Bald eagles arrive at the same time in search of sick or injured ducks that make an easy meal.
Winter
Ponds freeze over by late November and remaining waterfowl move to the ice-free Kootenai River. They continue to feed in refuge grain fields. Bald eagles concentrate around the flocks of ducks. Rough-legged hawks hunt for mice on the uplands. |
| Reviews By Park Visitors: |
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excellent
nice spot
(name not given)
27-Apr-2008
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| Fishing and Hunting: |
| Fishing Information
Areas Open and Seasons - Only Myrtle Creek is open to fishing where primarily trout are caught. Boats, float tubes, or other flotation devices are not permitted in Myrtle Creek. Open dates and bag limits are concurrent with the State General Season for rivers and streams in Area 1.
License - All anglers 14 years of age and older must have a valid Idaho State Fishing License.
Boats, Float Tubes, or other Personal Flotation Devices - The use of boats, float tubes or other flotation devices are prohibited on the refuge except as noted under "Special Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations".Hunting Information
Species - Wildlife that may be hunted include :(For designated hunting areas, see "Hunting Areas" below and "Refuge Hunting Area Overview" map).
Migratory Birds: geese, ducks, mergansers and coots.
Upland Game : blue, spruce and ruffed grouse.
Big Game: deer, elk, moose, black bear and mountain lion.
Hunting Areas - Hunting is permitted only in two areas designated as open to hunting on the map in this leaflet.
Migratory bird hunting area in the southern part of the refuge east of Westside Road.
Upland game and big game hunting area west of Westside Road.
Seasons - Dates, hunting hours and bag limits for the species listed above correspond to the State regulations. For restricted days of waterfowl hunting see Special Regulations.
License - All hunters must have a valid Idaho State Hunting license and waterfowl hunters must also have a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) at age 16 and an Idaho Waterfowl Stamp at age 17. |
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| | Note to Park related businesses:
List your vacation cabin, weekend getaway, log cabin rental, romantic cottage, vacation home, resort, hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, country inn, campground, RV park, horseback riding stable, canoe livery, river rafting, outfitting, sporting goods store, guide service, RV rental or any other park related activity, park related attraction or park related service on Google or StateParks.com. (more).... |
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| Related Links: |
| Index with tables - 2003 Myrtle Creek Fire Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge Area Maps Visitor Activities Opportunities to View Wildlife ... WELCOME to the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge Home Page! A little ... | | Kootenai NWR Information - Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge general information. ... Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge is located in Idaho's Panhandle only 20 miles from Canada. The ... | | Lots of attractions near Bonners Ferry - Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge Elk Mountain Farms Scenic Attractions Waterfalls Boulder City Ghost Town Moyie Picnic Area Mirror Lake Golf Course Scenic Roads Kootenai Tribal Sturgeon Hatchery ... | | Bird Checklists of the United States - Bird Checklists of the United States Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge Bonners Ferry, Idaho Map of Refuge Kootenai NWR ... Fishes The Refuge Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge is located in ... | | Bird Checklists of the United States - ... ID (Printed 3/95) Idaho Falls District Bird Guide -- Idaho Falls, ID Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge -- Bonners Ferry, ID (Printed 2/92) Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge -- Rupert, ID (Printed ... | | Grizzly Transportation Services, Spokane Airport Shuttle, North Idaho charters ground tran - Sandpoint transportation services and charter services serving Sandpoint, Spokane airport shuttle ... 3133 WILDLIFE REFUGE (Free) Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, 30 miles north of Sandpoint ... |
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