Wildlife refuge will be closed to general public during regulated deer hunt

The Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge in Suffolk County, New York, will hold a limited entry, controlled white-tailed deer hunt. To ensure public safety, the Refuge buildings and trails will be closed during the following periods: November 3 - 4, November 30 - December 2, December 15 - 16, 2017; and January 8 - 9, and January 18 - 19, 2018. Only hunters with valid Refuge hunt permits will be allowed on the Refuge lands and access roads during these periods. Additionally, a 500-foot no-hunt zone has been posted inside the Refuge boundary and along public roadways. Hunters are prohibited from hunting in or shooting into this zone. Increased law enforcement patrols will be scheduled during the hunt periods to ensure public safety and compliance with State and Refuge regulations.

Additionally, a 500-foot no-hunt zone has been posted inside the Refuge boundary and along public roadways. Hunters are prohibited from hunting in or shooting into this zone. Increased law enforcement patrols will be scheduled during the hunt periods to ensure public safety and compliance with State and Refuge regulations.

For additional information, please view the website or contact the Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex Office at 631-286-0485.

Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1947, is located along the Carman’s River in Suffolk County, New York. The Refuge protects one of the last undeveloped estuaries on Long Island. The founding purpose of the Refuge was to preserve habitat for migratory birds. Since that time, management programs have been expanded to other objectives, such as the protection of federally listed endangered and threatened species, the conservation of native flora and fauna, and the provision of wildlife-dependent public uses.