Press release: Wildlife refuge closures in Land Between the Lakes

GOLDEN POND, Ky. – As of Nov. 1, nine wildlife refuges have closed across Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area to human entry and all activities including hunting, fishing and boating. These areas will remain closed until March 16, 2025. Closed areas are marked with buoys or signs. 

The closed wildlife refuges include:

• Bards, Duncan, Energy, Hematite, and Honker Lakes
• Duncan, Rushing, and Smith Bays on Kentucky Lake
• Fulton and Honker Bays on Lake Barkley
• Long Creek Refuge

These annual refuge closures provide undisturbed resting and feeding areas for waterfowl, shorebirds, and bald eagles. Staff at Land Between the Lakes asks for public cooperation with refuge regulations designed to provide needed sanctuary.

Hunters should be aware that hunting is not permitted within 150 yards of any Land Between the Lakes facility. Waterfowl hunting is not permitted within 200 yards of a refuge boundary. State regulations should be followed while on the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. 

Maps with locations of the wildlife refuges are available on the official Land Between the Lakes website.