New blinds at KNWR

September 26, 2016

In an effort to better serve our waterfowl hunters, Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge has been replacing the old waterfowl hunt blinds with a newly designed blind. Three blinds were replaced in 2015 and five blinds were replaced this summer. The new blinds are rectangular in shape and are equipped with a freestanding bench. The outside of the blinds have been covered with soil and slash so as to resemble beaver lodges. In addition, 4 x 4 posts with reflective tape and blind numbers have been placed on either side of center ditch to mark the mowed paths to the majority of the blinds located north of Riverside Road. One hunt blind, which was installed last year, resembles a tree stump and is available to those waterfowl hunters that need easier accessibility. It is located in Snipe Pond, near the center parking lot. For those waterfowl hunters that need easier access, there are now three blinds available for reservation. If the blinds are not reserved in advance andno “Reserved” signs are posted, they may be utilized by any waterfowl hunter. To download an aerial photograph of the blind locations along with GPS Coordinates and distances from the marked posts, please visit our website at: www.fws.gov/refuge/kootenai or you may contact the Refuge office at (208) 267-3888 for more information. As a reminder the Refuge is open to waterfowl hunting on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Access to the waterfowl hunting area is only allowed on waterfowl hunt days from 3 a.m. until one hour after sunset.