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Seeking public review and comment

Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge is seeking public review and comment on an updated Draft Compatibility Determination for big game hunting. The refuge proposes expanding big game hunting on the Refuge to include fall archery hunting for turkey where these activities do not compromise the mission and operations of the national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service� for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

Learn more about national wildlife refuge . The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will accept comments received or postmarked on or before August 11, 2025. �

The Service prepares Compatibility Determinations to ensure that public and economic uses of national wildlife refuges do not interfere with or detract from the purposes for which each refuge was established. Compatibility Determinations also describe how these uses would contribute towards achieving refuge purposes and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System.�

Comments or requests for additional information may be made by emailing the refuge manager at [email protected]

Draft Compatibility Determination for Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge | FWS.gov

Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge is a northern treasure in the National Wildlife Refuge System. It consists of nearly 30,000 acres of federally protected lands in northeastern coastal Maine. The refuge's landscape is varied, with rolling hills, large ledge outcroppings, streams, lakes, bogs, and marshes. The diversity of forests and wetlands provides habitat for over 225 species of birds, endangered species, resident wildlife and rare plants. A northern hardwood forest of aspen, maple, birch, spruce and fir dominates the upland. Scattered stands of majestic white pine are common. The Edmunds Division boasts several miles of rocky shoreline where tidal fluctuations of up to 24 feet occur twice a day.

Visit Us

A welcome sign sits in front of a stand of trees and gravel road.
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Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge provides nesting, feeding and breeding habitats for many different species, from tiny golden crowned kinglets to black bears and bobcats. Visitors can enjoy the refuge by car, foot, bike or horseback. A large portion of the refuge is a designated wilderness area wilderness area
Wilderness areas are places untamed by humans. The Wilderness Act of 1964 allows Congress to designate wilderness areas for protection to ensure that America's pristine wild lands will not disappear. Wilderness areas can be part of national wildlife refuges, national parks, national forests or public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

Learn more about wilderness area , and provides an escape from the chaos of modern life. Hiking trails provide access to remote areas of the refuge.

Hiking and Trail Information

Can't visit us in person? Check out this  by Biological Technician Jordan Darley and Refuge Manager Keith Ramos (video edited by Jordan Darley).

For More Information on Hunting and Fishing in the Refuge 

Hunting At moosehorn NWR     Fishing at moosehorn NWR 

Hunters walking up a mowed service road wearing blaze orange.
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Location and Contact Information

      Our Organization

      A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak
      The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 570 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.
      Program
      Washington,DC

      Our Species

      American woodcock
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      American Woodcock

      American woodcock (Scolopax minor) are studied and managed intensively at Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge. Timberdoodle, mud-sucker, and mud bat are all local names for the woodcock. Unlike their relatives, these reclusive shorebirds have evolved to live in the forests of eastern North America. 

      Get Involved

      There are a variety of ways to get involved at Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge. Volunteers, summer interns and the friends group all greatly contribute to the refuge. Visit our Get Involved page to learn ways in which you can help.

      Projects and Research

      The staff at Moosehorn manages the refuge for a variety of habitats to support diverse wildlife. Learn more about grassland, wetland, wilderness and fire management by clicking the link below.