Duck Hunting
Waterfowl hunting is permitted on 36,000 acres of the refuge's 140,000 acres. The remainder of the refuge is closed to hunting to protect non-game birds and endangered species and to permit other recreational activities. Common species found on the refuge include scaup, mottled duck, blue-winged teal, and pintail. Changes for 2017/2018 Refuge Hunting Regulations Hunting Requirements Valid ID Quota Permit if hunting Area 1 or 4 Scouting You may scout any of the hunt areas at any time during normal refuge hours (sunrise to sunset daily).
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Boats must remain within the perimeter impoundment ditch and may not be in the interior while scouting. Hunt Days Hunting is allowed on Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year's Day within the framework of the State hunt season. Early Teal - September 160-24, 2017 Regular Season - November 18-26, December 9, 2017 to January 14, 2018 Youth Hunt - February 3-4, 2018 Check In/Check Out There is no check in point, but hunters cannot enter the refuge until 4 am. Check out is mandatory even if you were unsuccessful. You must check out before 1 pm. Check out stations are at both entrances to the refuge.
Duck Hunting Boats
Parking Hunter parking is allowed on dike roads within the hunt areas or on hunter access routes leading up to the hunt areas. Do not block a barricade or boat ramp or your vehicle may be towed. All vehicles and boat trailers must pull to the side to allow other vehicles to pass safely. You may not access hunt areas from Scrub Ridge Trail or Playalinda Beach Road. Shot Only steel or other approved nontoxic shot may be used. Possession of lead shot is prohibited. Hunters may only possess 25 shells while hunting, which includes any shells within vehicles.
Prohibited Glass beverage containers, alcohol, and camping are prohibited on the refuge. Quota Permits A Quota Hunt Permit is required for all impoundments in Hunt Area 1 and 4 during the regular season.
Duck Hunting Chat
You must purchase a Quota Permit which is only valid for a specific impoundment on the date(s) printed on the permit. Quota permits are issued through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission's Total Licensing System. The quota permit can be used for a single party consisting of the permit holder and up to 3 guests. The permit holder must be present. The guests may occupy separate blinds but must remain within 30 yards of the permit holder.
Waterfowl ID
All permits must be kept in the hunter's possession while hunting. Quota permits are not required outside refuge impoundments where hunting is allowed or during the Early Teal Season or in January. Quota permits are non-transferable.
How to Apply To apply for a quota permit go to, click on 'Limited Entry/Quota Hunts', choose 'Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge' and then 'Merritt Island Permit Application Worksheet'. Complete the worksheet and present it to a license agent, tax collector office, or apply online by logging into your account at and choosing 'Apply for Limited Entry/Quota Permit'. Phase I - Random Drawing September 15-25, 2017. Claim by 10/09/217. Phase II - 1st Come, 1st Served October 12, 2017 until filled.
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